Renoir-Matisse jewellery (1946 – 1964)

Renoir-Matisse jewellery
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.

Maker's mark
Maker’s mark

Renoir-Matisse jewellery (1946 – 1964)

Black and white enamel square shaped copper earclips
Black and white enamel square shaped copper earclips
Butterfly brooch. Copper, enamel
Butterfly brooch. Copper, enamel
Comedy and tragedy theatrical masks copper brooch signed Renoir
Comedy and tragedy theatrical masks copper brooch signed Renoir
Turquoise enamel copper earclips
Turquoise enamel copper earclips
White enamel leaf copper brooch M&R
White enamel leaf copper brooch M&R
Renoir-Matisse jewellery clips Ballerina
Ballerina earclips , Art Nouveau style. Silver-plated copper
Renoir-Matisse jewellery
Copper bracelet, geometric decor
Vintage necklace Renoir, special, recognizable design of the brand is highly valued by many collectors
1946-1955s necklace, Copper with blackening
Vintage necklace Renoir, special, recognizable design of the brand is highly valued by many collectors
Necklace
Renoir-Matisse jewellery
Enameled pendant brooch and earrings
The Renoir bracelet of copper, geometric decor
Copper bracelet, geometric decor
Renoir-Matisse jewellery
‘Swiss cheese’ copper bracelet. End of the 1940s (left), bracelet of copper, the decor in the form of rings. The mid-1950s
Vintage set of copper - bracelet and cuff links, Matisse
Copper bracelet and cuff links, Matisse
Brooch in the form of two leaves of copper, 'Matisse' white and dark gray enamel. Mid-1950s. Renoir-Matisse jewellery
Double leaf copper brooch, white and dark gray enamel. Mid-1950s
Matisse Brooch in the form of a palette with brushes, copper, colored enamel. Mid-1950s
Matisse Brooch in the form of a palette with brushes, copper, enamel. Mid-1950s
Red accent artist's palette brooch and earrings, book piece
Red accent artist’s palette brooch and earrings, book piece
Maker's mark
Maker’s mark
Renoir mark
Renoir mark
Signature
Sauteur Renoir mark
1958 patents for Matisse Ltd
1958 patents for Matisse Ltd

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