French artisans have been renowned for their craftsmanship and expertise for centuries. With the Rutherford family being frequent visitors to Europe, over the years we have been fortunate to carry pieces by such famous jewellery houses as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels and by many master craftsmen, Edmond-Henri Becker and Alexandre Duru, to name just two. We currently have a remarkable selection of French jewellery, predominantly from the Belle Époque, Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras.

‘La Belle Époque’ translates to ‘the beautiful era’ and corresponds to late Victorian-Edwardian times in Britain and to the Gilded Age in America. It is characterised by white jewellery - diamonds and natural pearls, set in white gold and platinum. As fashions changed, so too did jewellery. Pieces were lavish yet delicate. Flowers, stars, wings and garlands were incorporated in jewellery designs. Fabric-like jewels with ribbons, bows and lacework were popular. For daywear, hair brooches became fashionable and often featured diamond set moons and stars. 

The current day fashion for neck stacks takes inspiration from the Belle Époque when women layered multiple necklaces at once. They might start with a diamond collar, made famous by style icon of the time, Queen Alexandra of Denmark. This could be followed with a diamond riviere, precursor to today’s tennis necklace, which might be worn above a draperie necklace with floral swags, a lavaliere with two pendant or tassel drops and then multiple long strands of pearls.

Queen Alexandra of Denmark

This is a lovely example below of a Belle Époque bow necklet in white gold and diamonds. Its scalloped and millgrained edges are typical of the era.

In luxurious 18ct yellow gold, this pretty French Art Nouveau necklace is made in a repeating foliate design and has been set with a central small blue sapphire and a white pearl drop.

This exquisite Art Deco ring is one of the finest we’ve ever had. The two old pear cut diamonds are a particularly charming egg shape and the rubies have been expertly cut and set. The platinum ring has been made with a beautiful filigree backing. Like the finest French couture, the best jewellery is always as beautiful underneath as it is on the outside. 

The word filigree has both French and Italian origins. It refers to fine decorative wire work. At Rutherford Jewellery you’ll find a collection of gorgeous French chains which offers beautiful examples of the art.