Precious vintage – Erte Art Deco jewelry

Erte Art Deco jewelry
The works of Russian-born French artist and designer Romain de Tirtoff (November 23, 1892 – April 21, 1990) were admired by George Balanchine and Andy Warhol. Erte achieved worldwide fame in the 1970s and was awarded the French Order of Arts and Literature (1976). Around this period, he fulfilled his long-held dream of creating jewelry.
“The father of art deco” launched a series of jewelry made from his drawings of 1920-30s. Traditionally, the jewelers used 14 carat gold, sterling silver, rubies, diamonds, topazes, amethysts, mother of pearl, lapis lazuli and black onyx. Jewelry of this brand is rarity sold at special auctions.
Not satisfied with modern jewelry, Erte found it tasteless and pompous. In 1974 Jack Solomon specially came to Paris to meet him and help in his new business. Soon, Jack Solomon began to search for jewelers who could implement the designer’s plan. This jeweler was Natalie Kane O’Keiff, who lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Their fruitful cooperation lasted 10 years.

The first jewelry they created, released in a limited edition, received public recognition.
Erte’s jewelry design reflected his fascination with Egyptian motifs and Persian miniatures. Inspired by Leon Bakst’s theater costume illustrations, Erte transferred eastern exoticism to his jewelry.

Noteworthy, in 1979, he “launched” a limited collection of jewelry “Art to Wear”, made from his drawings of the 20s and 30s of the last century, including the “alphabetical” and “digital” series.
1979 – the beginning of the creation of the Art to Wear Collection based on ERTE jewelry designs. Noteworthy, the manufacturer of many of Erte design was The Franklin Mint company.

Upon his death in 1990, he was hailed as the undisputed “Prince of the Music Hall,” the “Mirror for Fashion for 75 years,” and “The Father of Art Deco.”

Erte Art Deco jewelry