René Lalique

René Lalique is widely considered to be the master of Art Nouveau jewellery. He began his jewellery career as an apprentice for Parisian goldsmith and jeweller Louis Aucoc, while also attending the École des Arts Décoratifs, and later Sydenham College in London. In 1880 he returned to Paris and worked as an independent designer for various important jewellers, including Cartier, Boucheron and Vever.  Eventually setting up his own workshops, he experimented with enamel and glass casting, as well as an innovative use of materials such as horn and crystal in his Art Nouveau designs.  At the 1900 Paris Exhibition he was awarded the Grand Prix and Order of the Legion of Honour. At the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs in Paris he had his own pavilion.