Ring

René-Jules Lalique

ca. 1931 · Glass · Modern and Contemporary Art

While Lalique’s early turn-of-the-century incorporation of glass in jewelry was somewhat timid, he eventually created designs made entirely from the material. In so doing, he raised the public conception of glass from a utilitarian commodity to a luxury material. His witty colored glass rings, which were informal fashion accessories rather than real jewels for evening wear—suggest cabochon gems such as sapphires, crystals, or moonstones and indeed would have been looked upon as nearly as desirable. Each was cast in a pressure mold and hand engraved with flower and plant motifs.

Artist

René-Jules Lalique

Date

ca. 1931

Medium

Glass

Department

Modern and Contemporary Art

Credit line

Purchase, Edward C. Moore Jr. Gift, 1934