J. Crew Jewels
Cartier Emerald Necklace
Similarities: Both pieces are obviously beautiful. They feature deep green stones and exquisite craftsmanship. Design similarities include "diamond" or crystal edging and emeralds dangling down.
Differences: The J. Crew necklace is around $160. The Cartier necklace was last auctioned at $2.1 million. It was created for the British actress, Merle Oberon, in 1936 by Cartier.
Background info: According to Jewels du Jour's auction archives, during the late 30's and early 40's, Indian and Oriental cultures were strongly influencing the Art Deco period, when glamorous and impressive jewelry was all the range. During this time of exotic gems, Cartier was also concerned with authenticity--they used important emeralds from India in their designs for the time! This is true of Merle Oberon's necklace as well.
Questions to consider:
1. What influences do you see in both the J. Crew necklace and the Cartier necklace?
2. J. Crew has a more global influence nowadays with the ease of seeking inspiration at the click of a mouse. Do you think an exotic piece like the Cartier necklace would make as much of a splash in 2013 as in 1936?
3. Why do you think Cartier left the emerald stones uncut?
Extra: This is Merle Oberon. She was too beautiful not to include!
Age: 48
ReplyDeleteGender: Female
1. I think the pop culture and the public's insatiable appetite for feeding on the lives of others influences the outlandish and showy styles that draw excessive amounts of attention. Thus, the large stones and the multitude of them. If you've got it, flaunt it!
2. Sadly, I doubt that the Cartier necklace would draw much notice today, especially if it were an imitation. Culturally, we are over-saturated with the excessive and do not appreciate or recognize truly classic pieces. We lack much of the class and true glamour of Merle's day because we are on sensory overload with imitations.
3. I think the stones were left uncut to display their full raw beauty.
Age: 16
ReplyDeleteGender: Male
1. I'm not sure that I see any influences. It reminds me of he Aztec or Indian cultures.
2. No, there are more resources and tools to make refined jewelry.
3.. To display their authenticity.