Art Nouveau jeweler Lucien Gaillard

Art Nouveau jeweler Lucien Gaillard
Stunning Dragonflies hair comb. Diamonds, emeralds, citrine, enamel. 1904. Art Nouveau jeweler Lucien Gaillard

Art Nouveau jeweler Lucien Gaillard

One of the most distinguished jewelers of his time, Lucien Gaillard (1861 – 1942) was a jeweler in the third generation, working in Art Nouveau style. The skill of the jeweler with the use of a minimum of funds and a subtle sense of material are worthy of admiration. Besides, he became known for his work with exotic materials, such as horn, and unsurpassed art with the use of enamels. In particular, refined brooches, hairpins, combs, rings, and perfume bottles strike with their beauty and sophisticated work. His original products were laconic and modest.
Meanwhile, in the late 60-ies of the 19th century, a general fascination with Japanese art began in Paris. Thus, invited Japanese masters gave lectures on the art of the East and conducted master classes. Accordingly, on the wave of this interest in the art of jewelry began to appear “Japanese motifs.”
Designers of jewelry no longer used precious stones, but tried to pay more attention to the beauty of the product and its meaning. Instead, they used carving on the horn, enamel and mother of pearl. In fact, the idea was the following: to oppose the real art to mass production of ornaments in factories.

Lucien Gaillard brooch. Gold, enamel, diamonds
Brooch. Gold, enamel, diamonds

After 1900, already in the period of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, appeared the image of a sensual woman with long hair. However, from 1880 to the 1890s it was considered disgusting to use a woman image – to decorate another woman. Characteristic for this period: very fine processing of parts, and the use of a mixture of enamels. These enamels were very fragile, and easily damaged.

Beetle pendant
Beetle pendant

Art Nouveau jeweler Lucien Gaillard

In France, hereditary jeweler Lucien Gayar studied at his grandfather’s company (1878 to 1892). His grandfather, Amedee Alexandre Gaillard (1811-1882) founded the company in 1840. Lucien became the head of this jewelry company in 1892. His works became recognized after the Paris Salons of 1903 and 1904. Collaborating with the artist on glass J.Viard, he actively used the Japanese style in his works. A distinctive feature in the work of Lucien – the finest work with the horn. He also made perfume bottles, and vases.

Daffodils hair pin
Daffodils hair pin
Frog princess pendant - gold, pearl
Frog princess pendant – gold, pearl
Beautiful composition - Fern and spider with a spider web. Suspension
Fern and spider pendant
Art Nouveau jeweler Lucien Gaillard
Tortoiseshell comb. Early 20th century. 12 cm
Art Nouevau hair comb with floral motif
Art Nouveau hair comb with floral motif
Blue swallows pendant-necklace
Blue swallows pendant-necklace
Delicate hair decoration Daffodils
Daffodil hair decoration
Exquisite Buckle (brooch) - wings of an insect
Buckle (brooch) – wings of an insect
Fine art jewelry for hair
Fine art jewelry for hair
Flower motif hair pin
Flower motif hair pin
Gold Ring with insect
Insect motif Gold Ring
Golden ears of wheat - exquisite decoration
Golden ears of wheat
Grass motif hair pin
Grass motif hair pin
Grasshopper Ring
Grasshopper Ring
Insect pendant
Insect pendant
Delicate dragonfly Comb for hair - diamonds, emeralds, citrine, enamel. 1904
Dragonfly hair ornament. Diamonds, emeralds, citrine, enamel. 1904
Moth, 1900. Gold, enamel, citrine, carved horn
Moth, 1900. Gold, enamel, citrine, carved horn
Nature inspired hair comb
Nature inspired hair comb
Seagull - suspension
Seagull pendant
Swallows hair comb
Swallows hair comb
Swan - exquisite belt buckle
Swan – exquisite belt buckle
Thistle and bees
Thistle and bees
Thistle necklace
‘Ironweed’ necklace (about 1903, gold, enamel, opals)
Wonderful butterfly earrings-clips
Wonderful butterfly earrings-clips
Owl ring
Owl ring
Thistle necklace. 1903. Gold, opals, enamel
Thistle necklace. 1903. Gold, opals, enamel
Peacock pendant-brooch
Peacock pendant-brooch

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