Brooch thumbnail 1
Brooch thumbnail 2

Brooch

1934 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Much of the jewellery made in the 1920s and 1930s has abstract geometric forms. These shapes complemented the simple lines featured by dress designers. This brooch is set with lapis lazuli. The vivid blue colour is caused by the sulphur that forms an essential part of its chemistry.
Raymond Templier, who made this brooch, was one of the founding members of the Union des artistes modernes (union of modern artists). He was deeply involved in the important international design exhibitions in Paris in 1925 and 1937. He was celebrated as the ‘architect of the jewel’. His jewellery is characterised by abstract geometric volumes inspired by contemporary life. Bold colours and surface effects enhance the modernity and appeal of his creations.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
White gold, with lapis lazuli and blue glass
Brief description
White gold set with lapis lazuli and blue glass. Designed by Raymond Templier, France, 1934.
Physical description
White gold set with cabochon lapis lazuli and a horse-shoe shaped crest of blue glass. The setting of the cabochon and blue glass crest is extremely simple, consisting of bevelled slips. The back of the lapis lazuli is open, that of the crest is closed.
Dimensions
  • Height: 4.3cm
  • Width: 4.2cm
Style
Marks and inscriptions
  • RAYMOND TEMPLIER (1) Makers's mark 2) Signature)
  • 16290 (pattern number)
Summary
Much of the jewellery made in the 1920s and 1930s has abstract geometric forms. These shapes complemented the simple lines featured by dress designers. This brooch is set with lapis lazuli. The vivid blue colour is caused by the sulphur that forms an essential part of its chemistry.
Raymond Templier, who made this brooch, was one of the founding members of the Union des artistes modernes (union of modern artists). He was deeply involved in the important international design exhibitions in Paris in 1925 and 1937. He was celebrated as the ‘architect of the jewel’. His jewellery is characterised by abstract geometric volumes inspired by contemporary life. Bold colours and surface effects enhance the modernity and appeal of his creations.
Bibliographic reference
'Jewels and Jewellery' Clare Phillips, V&A Publications, 2000
Collection
Accession number
M.18-1979

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Record createdJanuary 14, 2003
Record URL
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