Exhibition: Avant-garde Art Deco Jewellery at the Musee de Arts Decoratifs, Paris

Jean Despres Pendant, 1932

If you find yourself in Paris, head to the wonderful Musee de Arts Decoratifs. Currently they are showing an exhibition getting great reviews of avant-garde Art Deco jewellery. Hailed as the first of it's kind, this exhibition showcases some of the best French jewellers who were leaders in this style.

The Art Deco period was marked by a post-war rebirth and a rejection of the old while embracing the modern. There were advances and innovations in technology, science, art and architecture. The jewellery in this exhibition was created in this environment and reflected this new age. Some of the pieces in the exhibition are instantly recognisable as Deco and Cubist inspired, while others look incredibly timeless and even contemporary.

These jewellers would have been radical in their day and I can imagine these pieces being purchased by the wealthy intellectual elite who would have worn them to the most amazing soirees! After all, the jewellers shown in this exhibition were using the gold and precious stones. This was jewellery for the wealthy and few. The exhibition ends July 12th, 2009.

Cartier Bracelet, 1930

Jean Fouquet Bracelet, 1931

Jean Despres Brooch, 1937

Jean Fouquet Brooch, 1925

Gerard Sandoz, 1928

Raymond Templier, Cigarette Case, 1930

Hip Hop 's Crown Jewels

Lil John's 'Crunk Ain't Dead' necklace is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the
largest diamond pendant in the world! Valued at US$200,000 - $250,000

It's interesting to see what these hip hop artists commission when it comes to jewellery. Earlier this year in March there was an auction of donated jewellery from some of hip hop's biggest stars. Originally scheduled for October 08 it was moved to March 09 to accommodate the huge interest from potential buyers. The auction was called 'Hip Hop's Crown Jewels' and the proceeds benefited three charities.

Interestingly, one of these charities is called the Diamond Empowerment Fund which seeks "to raise money to support education initiatives that develop and empower economically disadvantaged people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource". I wonder if buying such large amounts of diamonds (possibly from Africa) in the first place was such a good idea... The prices listed were the estimated value and reserve, I couldn't find the actual auction results. I think I'm liking the eye patch the best as it's such an unusual piece of jewellery!

Slick Rick's multicoloured gemstone and diamond eye patch, US$20,000 - $25,000

Missy Elliot's Turntable black and white diamond ring, US$8,000 - $12,000

Kanye West's 'Black Jesus' pendant, undisclosed reserve.

Biz Markie's diamond headphone pendant, US$8,000 - $12,000