Jean Vendôme, Necklace Veracruz, 1972. Gold, platinum, amethyst, diamonds. Fran

Jean Vendôme, Necklace Veracruz, 1972. Gold, platinum, amethyst, diamonds. France. Cincinnati Art Museum, photo Tony Walsh

Jean Vendôme was never interested in the material value but primarily in the beauty of minerals and the originality of design. He rejected the symmetrical jewelry of earlier generations to create something different, sculptural. A great source of inspiration was René Lalique. The translucent crystals of this necklace are reminiscent of the matte glass that Lalique often used in his jewelry. 

Exhibition Schmuckmuseum Pforzheim: Simply brilliant. Artist jewelers of the 1960s and 1970s. In cooperation with the Cincinnati Art Museum. March 27 - June 27, 2021