Editor’s picks: TEFAF 2020 jewellery highlights
From Wartski’s green glass grapes to Van Cleef & Arpels' ring in white coral, there’s a cleverly curated mix of heritage jewellers and art-influenced designers at this month’s TEFAF
Jewellery enthusiasts and collectors have long been hypnotised by TEFAF’s skillful haute joaillerie selection. Defined by exceptional design, these pieces intertwine contemporary detailing with antiqued techniques, drawing on a rich heritage of craftsmanship.
A La Vieille Russie
New York-based antiques dealer A La Vieille Russie are presenting a treasure trove of jewels at this year’s show, bringing delights such as a Van Cleef & Arpels white coral and gold ring, pictured top, and a striking René Boivin large cabochon and carved amethyst bracelet speckled with chrysoprase beads. Both dating from mid-century, they characterise the light-hearted aesthetic from the Fifties and Sixties when designers experimented with bold stones and more whimsical designs.
Wartski
A specialisation in fine jewellery and Fabergé’s works of art have long given art and antiques dealer Wartski the edge. Their impeccable jewels have lost none of their sharp modernity, and this 19th century antique jewelled and gold vine brooch by Fonseque et Olive is a case in point. Georges Fonseque and Emile Olive specialised in these naturalistic brooches which originally came in miniature wooden wine cases and we love this piece, circa 1889, where ripe green glass grapes dangle from a rose diamond set vine leaf.
Otto Jakob
Contemporary German jewellery designer Otto Jakob’s training as a painter is evident in every aspect of his jewels, which are beautifully wearable pieces of art. Frequently inspired by nature, in the past he has enfolded lilies of the valley in gold and bestowed a griffon vulture with a plume of engraved agate feathers. These earrings play on similar magical motifs, casting the wings of a Malaysian katydid – more commonly known as a grasshopper – and embellishing them in shades of delicate enamel, adding colourful studs of green tsavorites and yellow and brown diamonds.
Hemmerle
A commitment to antiquity and exceptional craftsmanship is inextricably tied up in Hemmerle’s identity, yet each of their totally unique creations reveals their modern influences. These earrings, featuring a Conch pearl and a Melo pearl in a cluster of sapphires and bronze, marry the traditional and the gently subversive in a lovely clash of designs.
Didier
Didier's idiosyncratic collection of jewellery brings together pieces by a host of artists and designers, with Man Ray, Roy Lichtenstein and Pablo Picasso some of the notable names in an assortment rich in historical references. For this yeat's TEFAF, Didier is focusing on jewels made in the Atomic and space age, when a desire to explore new territories possessed everyone from astronauts to jewellers. Salvador Dali's Timeless lantern watch, circa 1975, twists the familiar motifs of the statue of Liberty and the Presidential seal's American eagle as only he can, casting wry statements in gleaming gold
INFORMATION
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
TEFAF Maastricht, 7 – 15 March 2020
Address
MECC Maastricht
Forum 100
6229 GV Maastricht
The Netherlands
Hannah Silver is the Art, Culture, Watches & Jewellery Editor of Wallpaper*. Since joining in 2019, she has overseen offbeat art trends and conducted in-depth profiles, as well as writing and commissioning extensively across the worlds of culture and luxury. She enjoys travelling, visiting artists' studios and viewing exhibitions around the world, and has interviewed artists and designers including Maggi Hambling, William Kentridge, Jonathan Anderson, Chantal Joffe, Lubaina Himid, Tilda Swinton and Mickalene Thomas.
-
London label Wed Studio is embracing ‘oddness’ when it comes to bridal dressingThe in-the-know choice for fashion-discerning brides, Wed Studio’s latest collection explores the idea that garments can hold emotions – a reflection of designers Amy Trinh and Evan Phillips’ increasingly experimental approach
-
Arts institution Pivô breathes new life into neglected Lina Bo Bardi building in BahiaNon-profit cultural institution Pivô is reactivating a Lina Bo Bardi landmark in Salvador da Bahia in a bid to foster artistic dialogue and community engagement
-
Joy Gregory subverts beauty standards with her new exhibition at Whitechapel GalleryUnrealistic beauty standards hide ugly realities in 'Joy Gregory: Catching Flies with Honey '
-
All eyes on Greek jewellery brand Lito as it launches bold new amulets to mark its 25 yearsStriking amulets, seductive stones and secret messages characterise Lito's striking new anniversary collection, an extension of its ‘Tu es Partout’ series
-
The best layering necklaces for an elevated yet casual lookHow to mix, match and stack jewellery for the ultimate high-energy, low-effort style
-
Late summer jewels: what to wear at Golden HourLate summer signals a jewellery style-shift. These independent designers have got it covered
-
Jewellery designers share their most precious personal piecesA host of jewellers give us a peek at the jewellery which brings them joy and solace
-
Hair jewellery to covet and collectToday’s hair jewellery is both practical and pretty. We're pinning our hopes on these simple and elegant accessories
-
Andreas Kronthaler’s costume jewellery for Vivienne Westwood is fun, flirty and fabulousAndreas Kronthaler’s new jewellery draws on romantic and theatrical motifs
-
Fope’s flexible gold chains rethink a classic designElasticity meets elegance in Fope’s new jewellery collection, ‘Luna’
-
Get personal with Bea Bongiasca’s colourful initial necklaces in enamelBea Bongiasca’s ‘B Colour’ collection of initial necklaces brings a chic modernity to personalised jewellery