Brands Jewelers

The era of Matisse Renoire

Renoir Matisse Mid Century Polished Copper Gold Black Enamel Clip On Earrings
Renoir Matisse Mid Century Polished Copper Gold Black Enamel Clip On Earrings.

The era of Matisse / Renoire or gone into history …

The history of two famous brands, Matisse and Renoire, created by the famous designer and jeweler Jerry Fels, is surprisingly short, but left its brightest mark in that era of brilliant fashion, the style of which today has its own special name – “vintage”.

The exclusivity of these two companies also lies in the fact that the origin and all of their existence harmoniously fit into the heyday of this very vintage fashion, the time frame of which is strictly indicated by a short period – from the 1930s to the 1960s.

Renoir Matisse Copper Mid Century Gold Black and White Enamel Drop Link Necklace
Renoir Matisse Copper Mid Century Gold Black and White Enamel Drop Link Necklace.

Jerry Fels began his career at Sceptron Jewelry in 1944, where he worked on the creation of original costume jewelry. In these difficult war and post-war years, young people especially appreciated beauty and dreamed of self-expression, which, in fact, was dreamed of by a talented employee of Sceptron Jewelry – Jerry Fels.

In 1946, he nevertheless decided to create in his hometown, Los Angeles, his own company – Renoir of California, which specialized in the production of delightful copper jewelry.

Renoir Matisse Mid Century Polished Copper Red and Gold Enamel Clip On Earrings
Renoir Matisse Mid Century Polished Copper Red and Gold Enamel Clip On Earrings.

Each Renoir of California product was imbued with the inspiration and boundless imagination of the Master, his impeccable choice of form and color, combined with delicacy and style. He found all his ideas in abstraction, nature and geometric patterns – clear and broken lines or floral motifs.

The unprecedented success of the enterprise inspired the master to new projects, and in 1952 he registered, again in Los Angeles, a new and now family brand – Matisse Ltd. Its jewelry is distinguished by the fact that it creates enameled copper items in the most diverse range of colors and shades.

There are also abstract lines or geometry of forms, ironic plots or floral themes (copper leaves, flowers covered with colorful enamel) and a completely different theme revealed by touching fish or an impeccable image of butterflies, as if revived. In his jewelry work, Jerry Fels did not ignore the artistic theme, as evidenced by one of the company’s most famous sets – “artist’s palettes”. This can also be attributed to his craving for the creation of jewelry in the form of musical instruments.

Matisse-Renoir Vintage Copper Double Diamond Link Bracelet - Circa 1950's
Matisse-Renoir Vintage Copper Double Diamond Link Bracelet – Circa 1950’s.

In 1958, fans of Jerry Fels were happy to learn about the launch of a new line of jewelry – Sauteur. The appearance of this line in the history of the company is explained by the desire of the master to recreate the unique jewelry of the Renoir of California brand, repeating all this already in sterling silver. Their production continued until 1963.

In a short period of time – from 1961 to 1963, Matisse Ltd created an original series of gold-plated jewelry called Golden Glow (golden glow), where each of the products is distinguished by its special beauty and brilliance, thereby fully justifying such a luxurious name for this lines. The jewels of this line are extremely rare today, however, like many other creations of the famous brand.

In 1964, both popular companies ceased production, and their existence and activities went down in History, but Jerry Fels’ high-quality vintage jewelry still fascinates its fans and collectors, as true connoisseurs of amazing costume jewelry.

Matisse Renoir markings
Matisse Renoir markings
Matisse-Renoir Vintage Copper Anodized Espana Cuff - circa 1950's
Matisse-Renoir Vintage Copper Anodized Espana Cuff – circa 1950’s.
Matisse-Renoir Vintage Copper Tulip Shaped Necklace - circa 1950's
Matisse-Renoir Vintage Copper Tulip Shaped Necklace – circa 1950’s.
Matisse-Renoir Vintage Copper Square Necklace - Circa 1950's
Matisse-Renoir Vintage Copper Square Necklace – Circa 1950’s.
Matisse Renoir Vintage Aqua Enamel & Copper Clip Earrings & Pin Set - 1950's
Matisse Renoir Vintage Aqua Enamel & Copper Clip Earrings & Pin Set – 1950’s.
1950s Matisse Renoir Copper & Enamel Butterfly Brooch, Signed
1950s Matisse Renoir Copper & Enamel Butterfly Brooch, Signed.
Matisse Renoir Vintage Copper & Yellow Enamel Maple Leaf Clip Earrings - 1950's
Matisse Renoire Vintage Copper & Yellow Enamel Maple Leaf Clip Earrings – 1950’s.