OMAHA, NE.- Throughout history, jewelry has served both functional and decorative purposes, reflecting not only the patron’s particular values and interests, but also the social, political, and economic circumstances of the time and place of its creation. In France, Paris has long been considered a center of innovation in fashion, the visual arts, and jewelry production. Bijoux Parisiens charts the course of jewelry design in France over four centuries, tracking the country’s evolving jewelry aesthetic as it responded to historical events and art historical movements. 

On view now at Joslyn Art Museum and continuing through September 10, the exhibition tells the story of dozens of talented artists, designers, and entrepreneurs, who created extraordinary works of art using the most precious materials on earth. Drawn from the exceptional holdings of the Petit Palais, Paris, with generous contributions from lenders, the exhibition features nearly seventy pieces of fine jewelry and objet d’art, over one hundred technical and creative design drawings, and numerous fashion prints that demonstrate the relationship between jewelry and fashion. A unique experience at Joslyn, Bijoux Parisiens offers an impressive platform for discovering the history of French taste and the enduring elegance of Paris. 

A beautifully illustrated catalogue accompanies Bijoux Parisiens. It traces the evolution of French jewelry and features enlarged color images showcasing each piece in stunning detail. 

This exhibition has been produced by the Petit Palais, City of Paris Fine Art Museum, Paris Musées, in association with the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Memphis, TN, and Joslyn Art Museum. 

Artist Unknown, Portugal, Bodice Brooch (Devant de corsage), about 1760, tourmaline, quartz, and silver. Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris © Julien Vidal/Petit Palais/Roger-Viollet.

Artist Unknown, Paris, Neoclassical Necklace, ca. 1800, gold and enamel; Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris, PPO 03786; © Petit Palais / Roger-Viollet

Artist Unknown, France, Amethyst Parure, 1820–30, amethysts and gold, Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris; © Petit Palais / Roger-Viollet.

Lucien Falize (1839–1897), Neo-Renaissance Pendant, about 1880. Gold, diamonds, tourmaline, pearl, and enamel. Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris. © Julien Vidal / Petit Palais / Roger-Viollet.

Lucien Falize (1839–1897), Gothic Bracelet, ca. 1880, gold, diamonds, turquoise, Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris, ODUT 01865; © Petit Palais / Roger-Viollet.

René Lalique (1860-1945), Nasturtium Comb, about 1897-1898, horn, silver, and enamel. Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris © Patrick Pierrain/Petit Palais/Roger-Viollet.

René Lalique (1869-1945), Wood Anemone Pendant, about 1900, gold, diamonds, pâte de verre, and plique-à-jour, and enamel. Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris © Julien Vidal/Petit Palais/Roger-Viollet

Georges Fouquet (1862-1957), design Charles Desrosiers (dates unknown), Sycamore Maple Pendant, about 1905, enamel, gold, diamonds, two peridots, and baroque pearl. Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris © Patrick Pierrain/Petit Palais/Roger-Viollet. Droits d’auteur © ADAGP.

Georges Fouquet (1862-1957), after a design by Charles Desrosiers (dates unknown), Thistle Leaf Bracelet, about 1905-1909, enamel, gold, diamonds, opals, and pearls. Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris © Patrick Pierrain/Petit Palais/Roger-Viollet. Droits d’auteur © ARS.

Georges Fouquet (1862-1957), after a design by Charles Desrosiers (dates unknown), Headband, about 1910, diamonds, aquamarines, enamels, and gold. Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris © Petit Palais/Roger-Viollet. Droits d’auteur © ARS.

Georges Lepape (1887-1971), “The New Necklace”: Paul Poiret Evening Dress, 1913; Gazette du bon ton, January 1914, no. 1, Plate 10. Color lithograph on paper. Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris © Julien Vidal/Petit Palais/Roger-Viollet.

Edward Halouze (dates unknown), Advertisement for Van Cleef & Arpels, 1920, Gazette du bon ton, color lithograph on paper, Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris, LDUT 01255; © Petit Palais / Roger-Viollet.

George Barbier (1882-1932), “Departure for the Casino” Worth Evening Coat, 1923, Gazette du bon ton, 1923, no. 3, Plate 13, color lithograph with gold highlights on paper, 5 5/8 x 5 1/4 inches, Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris © Petit Palais / Roger-Viollet.

Van Cleef & Arpels, Victory Brooch, about 1945, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, gold, and platinum. Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris © Julien Vidal/Petit Palais/Roger-Viollet. 

Frédéric Boucheron, Gas Pipe Necklace, circa 1945-50, diamonds and gold. Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris © Julien Vidal/Petit Palais/Roger-Viollet.