Brooch Pendant with nymph, made in the workshop of Catalan jeweler Lluis Masriera. (Courtesy Balcli’s)

Catalan jeweler Lluis Masriera (17 January 1872 – 21 October 1958)
Born in Barcelona, Lluis Masriera i Roses was a famous goldsmith, painter, set designer, playwright and theater director. He was the most important member of the Masriera family because he continued the family tradition. Third generation painter and goldsmith, he gave an international fame to his family. The creator of Barcelona enamel of extreme fragility and beauty, he made his contribution as enameller in the technique of plique-A- jour.
His personal style was based on Art Nouveau influences of Rene Lalique. He made exhibitions in Barcelona, Zaragoza, Madrid, Paris, Buenos Aires and San Francisco, both as a goldsmith and artist.
Lluis Masriera became a benchmark figure in the cultural world of Barcelona in the first half of the twentieth century. In addition, he became internationally recognized as one of the most prominent Art Noveau artists jewelers. Today his jewels are highly appreciated, valued and internationally known. An example of this was the auction featuring works by Masriera organized by Christie’s in Geneva in 1970.
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Hat making as art. Most famous hatter Mr John

Most famous hatter Mr John
German born American fashion designer John P. John (1902-1993) became the most famous hatter in 1950s. As stated by “New York Times” in the 1940s and 1950s, Mr. John hats were no less popular than Christian Dior dresses. Associated with elegance and style, his hats appeared at Hollywood studios. Such stars as Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford wore his hats. His clients also included the Duchess of Windsor, Lauren Bacall, and Gloria Swanson.
The most famous work of John for the movie were hats for “Gone With the Wind”, “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”, and “The Painted Veil”. Ladies of high society, wives of millionaires, actresses, and opera singers – all dreamed about his hats. Noteworthy, at the peak of his career, John P. John produced annually 16,000 hats under different brand names.
The career of John (then Hans Harberger) began in 1919 with the fact that his family emigrated from his native Germany to the United States. Settling in a new place, his mother opened the hat shop in New York, where John started working as an apprentice. There he learned the basics of hatter business.
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Stone cut art. Precious umbrella handles

Precious umbrella handles
According to archaeologists, umbrellas existed in the XI century BC. Besides, some scientists believe the birthplace of umbrella is China, others – Egypt, as in both countries it was a symbol of power. In Egypt, umbrellas used only by Pharaoh, and in China – the emperors and those close to them.
In India, the umbrella was a symbol of wealth and power. The nobler was man, the more his entourage had the right to wear umbrella. Ruler had 13 umbrellas, symbolizing the sun and located around the 12 signs of the zodiac. In Tibet, white or yellow umbrellas are considered a symbol of spiritual greatness, while the secular authorities are more consistent with umbrellas of peacock feathers. Then from the East umbrellas moved to ancient Greece, then – to Rome, where they were used by women.
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Colleen Moore became famous for her luxurious jewelry dollhouse. Colleen Moore Fairy Castle

Colleen Moore Fairy Castle
Born on August 19, 1899, in Port Huron, Michigan, Colleen Moore was American silent cinema actress. The list of movies where the actress played consists of more than 60 films. However, Colleen has become famous for her luxurious jewelry dollhouse Fairy Castle.
The passion for doll houses was inspired by her father Charles Morrison. In her childhood the girl owned seven doll houses, constructed by her father. The first doll house with detailed miniature furniture was built from a cigar box, the actress wrote in her autobiography “Silent Star”, in 1968. Charles Morrison encouraged 29-year-old Colleen for creating her own jewelry doll house. And the Hollywood actress used all resources to create an amazing doll house of large proportions. Noteworthy, it took Moore 7 years, and more than 700 craftsmen – architects, designers, jewelers, artists to make her dream come true.
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