In the beginning was the line: Cartier, Art Deco drawings 1910-1930

Abstract

"Cartier, "the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers", as King Edward VII famously put it, enjoyed its heyday during the Art Deco period. Indeed, it was during this period that the Parisian jeweler's creations were not only among the most sumptuous, but also the most elegant. Chinese, Indian, Coptic, African and many other influences were used by the Maison on the rue de la Paix to give life to extraordinary pieces of jewelry. This book sheds light for the first time on the designers behind these jewels. Their sources of inspiration and their techniques, midway between art and craft, are at the heart of this work. Hundreds of original drawings from private collections and museums, dozens of jewels amongst the finest ever made, and a host of previously unpublished archives will lead you to discover the secrets of the greatest jewelry House of all time."-- Publisher's website.