Renoir-Matisse jewellery (1946 – 1964)

Maple leaf brooch and earrings. White and yellow enamel on copper. Mid-1950s. Renoir-Matisse jewellery (1946 – 1964)

Renoir-Matisse jewellery
The history of Renoir-Matisse jewellery lasted for two decades, from the 1946 to 1964. Jerry Fels began his career in the company “Sceptron Jewelry” in 1944, where he worked on the creation of original costume jewelry.
He had just finished his teaching in the National Academy of Art and, without hesitation, launched a private company – Renoir of California Inc. in his hometown – Los Angeles. Originally, he specialized in the production of exquisite jewelry from copper. Why copper? This is because in 1930-1950 copper was an extremely popular metal among jewelers – fans of Arts & Crafts Style.
Each product of Renoir-Matisse jewellery shows boundless enthusiasm and imagination of the master, his impeccable choice of shapes and colors, combined with gentleness and style. All his ideas he found in the abstract, nature and geometric figures – clear and poly-lines, or floral motifs.

Brooch and earrings in the shape of maple leaves, green and dark green enamel copper. Mid-1950s. Renoir-Matisse jewellery (1946 - 1964)

Maple leaf Brooch and earrings. Copper, green and dark green enamel. Mid-1950s

The tremendous success of the enterprise inspired the wizard for new projects, and in 1952 he founded, again in Los Angeles, a new family brand – Matisse Ltd. Its decorations are different – copper covered with enamel – in the most diverse range of colors and shades. It also traced lines or abstract geometry shapes, and plant items (copper leaves, flowers, covered with colorful enamel), and fish or butterflies.
Popular Renoir-Matisse jewellery stopped production, and ceased to exist in 1964, but upscale jewelry by Jerry Fels still captivates collectors and connoisseurs.
So, Renoir name was used from 1946 to 1964, while Matisse 1952-1964, and Sauteur (sterling silver jewelry) 1958-1963.