Lot 114
JAR: A pair of aluminium flower earclips, 2002
Auction: 09 April 2025 from 14:00 BST
Description
Each deep purple pansy of anodised aluminium, signed JAR, clip fittings, length 3.1cm, maker's pouch
Footnote
From 2002 to early 2003 the Gilbert Collection at Somerset House, London hosted the exhibition 'The Jewels of JAR, Paris'. The exhibition consisted of 400 pieces created by the American born, French based master jeweller Joel Arthur Rosenthal. At the time of the exhibition, it was estimated that only around 250 people worldwide actually owned a work created by JAR. 145 of them lent their pieces to the exhibition. So secretive was the source of many of the jewels that photography was not permitted on at least half the exhibits.
Guests of the exhibition toured rooms in complete darkness making their way with a torch in hand. To view the displays, the viewer must literally shine their light on them, making each viewing experience unique and private. A series of four styles of aluminium and gold floral earclips were specially created for the exhibition for purchase. Retailing then at just £250 each. This pair was purchased by the vendor in November 2002, during the first week of the exhibition.