When did jewelers fall in love with bee motifs? It would seem that happened many, many years ago during the Art Nouveau period. Most popular during 1890 and 1914, the period transformed the world of jewelry with René Lalique underscoring the use of unconventional design, materials and techniques. Lalique, who had worked as an independent designer with Cartier, Boucheron and Jacta, designed hair combs featuring bees.
In the mid-1930s Jean Schlumberger, who soared to fame following his collaborations with Tiffany & Co. in 1956, too was inspired by the bee and crafted many splendid pieces for Tiffany, including the ‘bee ring’ (1958). History has it that Prince Napoleon commissioned the first ‘bee ring,’ inspired by the Napoleonic Coat of Arms (which was a symbol of the empire). Apparently, he was so pleased with the creation that he permitted Schlumberger to reproduce the design. How wonderful for us!
Celebrated 19th century chief Tiffany designer Paulding Farnham also made incredible jewels, including a beautiful queen bee pin. Eyes glistening with ruby and wings adorned with paved diamonds, this tiny jewel was a beauty to behold.
Over the years, Chaumet, Cartier, Dior have all turned their fascination for bees into jewels so much so that Cartier even brought out a honeybee inspired timepiece, while Chaumet dedicated its Attrape-Moi (Catch Me), Bee My Love collections to gem-encrusted bees and honeycombs. Others smitten by the bee are Theo Fennel, Annoushka Ducas, Tessa Packard, Gumuchian, Bee Goddess and Kiki McDonough.
Browse through the Photo Gallery for some bee jewelry inspirations.
Smitha Sadanandan
