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JAR Jewelry

French

While Joel Arthur Rosenthal (b. 1943), the founder of JAR, may not be the most prolific jeweler, he is one of the most exclusive. In fact, Rosenthal has no need for prominent signage or window displays at his famed Place Vendôme boutique in Paris because he opens the door only for a select few, including Elle Macpherson, Mary Pinault and Jo Carole Lauder, among others. Rosenthal’s dazzling, sculptural earrings and other jewelry are internationally adored, but his sales tactics are rather unique — he’s notoriously reclusive, shies away from publicity and advertising, and clients are received only after he’s personally approved them. 

The New York City–born designer didn’t plan on a career in the jewelry industry. After graduating from Harvard University with a degree in art history and philosophy, a young Rosenthal moved to Paris, where he opened a needlepoint shop. It was off to a slow start, but after a short time, his unusual color pairings and imaginative stitchwork drew in designers from Hermès and Valentino. Rosenthal was tasked with designing a mount for a gemstone by one of his fashion-industry clientele, and he soon moved beyond textile arts. 

With a newfound interest in fashion and design, Rosenthal briefly returned to his native New York City, where he worked as a salesperson in BVLGARI’s Fifth Avenue store. His fascination with jewels lured him back to Paris in 1977 to open his own jewelry boutique with his partner, a Swiss psychiatrist named Pierre Jeannet.

In his jewelry shop’s early days, Rosenthal, working with largely affordable stones such as coral, set gems in pavé arrangements that recalled the meticulousness of his needlepoint projects. Although he’d become known among fashion’s elite in Paris, the name JAR was still relatively unfamiliar to his soon-to-be international clientele. An acclaimed exhibition at London’s Somerset House in 2002 changed that.

Rosenthal became a global icon following the 400-piece show, in which the lights were dimmed and guests, armed with flashlights, navigated the display cases of shimmering necklaces and rings adorned in sapphires and diamonds. His now-revered Pansy ear clips — comely floral pieces sculpted from aluminum and mounted in gold — were made available for purchase at the show, while pairs were gifted to those who loaned him their jewels for the exhibition.

Like the Pansy earrings, Rosenthal’s pieces are typically inspired by delicate shapes found in nature. One such piece is a ruby-encrusted camellia brooch, which sold in 2012 at a charity auction held at Christie’s for $4.3 million. 

Rosenthal still lives in Paris, where he designs approximately 70 pieces every year.

Browse JAR jewelry today on 1stDibs.

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Creator: JAR
Dealer: Unique Diamonds
JAR Gilt-Metal Pendant Ear Clips
By JAR
Located in New York, NY
These JAR ear clips feature gilt metal elongated pendants in a hammered finish with ear clips. 4 5/8 inch length. Signed JAR Paris. French assay and wor...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French JAR Jewelry

Materials

Gilt Metal

JAR Aluminum Leaf Earclips
By JAR
Located in New York, NY
These JAR ear clips feature gilt aluminum in a fall foliage design. Signed JAR, Paris. French assay and workshop marks. 18K gold and aluminum. Includes s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French JAR Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold

Jar Aluminum 'Tickle Me Feather' Earrings
By JAR
Located in New York, NY
Bright finish gold aluminum, 18k yellow gold (clips only, French marks), signed JAR, numbered, green JAR pouch Size/Dimensions: 6.0 x 4.0 cm (23⁄8 x 15⁄8 in)
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French JAR Jewelry

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Jar jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of JAR jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using gold. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage JAR jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that JAR chalcedony jewelry & watches, from our inventory of 1, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 24 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider jewelry & watches by Alexis Lahellec, Claire Deve, and Dominique Denaive. Prices for JAR jewelry & watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $995 and tops out at $360,000, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $14,750.
Questions About JAR Jewelry
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    In the world of fine jewelry, JAR stands for Joel Arthur Rosenthal, the founder of the acclaimed French brand known for its dazzling, sculptural earrings and other pieces. The New York City-born designer didn’t plan on a career in the jewelry industry. After graduating from Harvard University with a degree in art history and philosophy, he moved to Paris, where he opened a needlepoint shop. His unusual color pairings and imaginative stitchwork drew designers from Hermès and Valentino. Rosenthal was tasked with creating a mount for a gemstone by one of his fashion-industry clients, and he soon moved beyond textile arts and into jewelry. Find JAR earrings, watches and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
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