27 March 2019

10 jewels for Egyptomaniacs

Pharaonic motifs, hieroglyphics, beetles… The influence of Egypt is a classic theme in the jewelry of contemporary creators and jewelers. This stylistic vocabulary became phenomenally popular at the very end of the 18th century, after Napoleon’s campaigns. Having first emerged during the Second Empire, Egyptomania was revived in 1922, during the Art Deco period, by the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun. Will the current exhibition of the treasures of this pharaoh revive the craze?

Diaporama

  • A scarab ring carved from the shrapnel that killed the Napoleon's horse during the battle of Dresden

  • Mellerio - Necklace in gold and faience - Second Empire ca 1870

  • Louis Comfort Tiffany - Necklace in gold, lapis lazuli, amber, turquoise - Ca 1913

  • Cartier - Brooch in turquoises, faience, diamonds, smoked quartz, enamel - 1924

  • Van Cleef & Arpels - Bracelets in platinum, diamonds, rubies,... - Ca 1920

  • Janesich - Bracelet in gold, rock crystal, diamonds, enamel - Ca 1930 - Estimated CHF22,000-25,000 sold CHF35,000 © Christie's (2017)

  • Charlotte de Syllas - Necklace in white Burmese and black Wyoming jades - 1984

  • Daniela Villegas - Necklace in gold, gemstones and real scarabs

  • Hemmerle - "Revived treasures" collection

  • Bare Jewelry - Ring in gold and diamonds inspired by the Egyptian pyramids

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