Self-taught jeweler who creates unique masterpieces (10 photos)

Joel Arthur Rosenthal was born in the Bronx in 1943. He was the only son in the family. Studied linguistics, speaks English, Yiddish, Italian and French. Whom he just was not and became in eventually a jeweler.





Joel studied philosophy and art history at Harvard. After graduating from an educational institution in 1966, he moved to Paris. He is there worked first as a screenwriter, then as a needle-worker, opening a small shop, where he experimented with unusually dyed yarn. His clients were just a second, Valentino and the designers from Hermès. And once it asked to make a setting for a precious stone. The result of his work exceeded all the expectations of the customer, that's how Rosenthal's career went on new path.



Cannot be purchased from the Mysterious Jeweler's Store jewelry, he does not communicate with customers, does not advertise and does not communicate with journalists. He himself chooses a buyer from the crowd of those who wish, and products with marked J.A.R., when they appear at auctions, they become real sensation. But who is this mysterious Rosenthal?





Yes, secrecy is the most striking feature of the brand and is in this is some charm. Touch his decorations practically unrealistic, only on the recommendation of the most privileged members society. Moreover, the amount of money does not matter - he even with not everyone will work as a multimillionaire. Any statement or the mention of Rosenthal in the press is a huge event. That he is somewhere it may even appear and it is not worth talking about.



Jeweler's jewelry is not found at exhibitions and presentations, and even more so in advertising. Few have met Joel in person. Rumor has it that he is a terrible misanthrope and therefore does not date clients. There is even some evidence that he and his communicates rudely with high-ranking customers, saying everything that thinks about their clothes and jewelry. It may even refuse to sell if considers that his creations will not suit them.

But these are all purely rumors, there is no confirmation of Rosenthal's character.



Rosenthal with actress Lucy Liu at the opening of the exhibition "Jewels by JAR"

Joel Arthur Rosenthal, son of a teacher and postman, never trained as a jeweler in his life. Well, not counting half a year of work at Bulgari in New York.

In the 60s he met his future business partner in Paris. partner and devoted the next ten years to the creation of those three rings, who made him famous. Rosenthal was inspired by butterflies with their such fragile, shimmering beauty. Photos of the first products immediately ordered Vogue magazine and the very next day Rosenthal woke up famous and legendary jeweler.



Over the years of his career, Rosenthal made a little more than a hundred jewelry, which is very, very little for the brand, because others produce new collections several times a year.

J.A.R. creates jewelry from a blackened silver alloy and gold, which was developed by Rosenthal himself. Sometimes he uses wood and titanium. The jeweler does not like experiments with technology and prefers ancient ways of cutting diamonds. This is the charm of J.A.R. - the decorations look old.



Rosenthal's favorite theme is butterflies and flowers. Wings and the petals look alive. Moreover, he does not divide flowers into noble or weeds - knows how to find beauty and character both in lilies and in clover.



And what about the cost?

Sometimes at auctions you can find J.A.R. and for possession of them start the battle. The cost increases in tens, in hundreds once. Titanium earrings, for example, made without any precious stones, flew away from the auction for five thousand pounds.



Ruby brooch Camellia became the most expensive jewelry "the new Faberge", as Rosenthal was nicknamed in the press. She was sold to a private collection for $4.5 million.

In general, 14 J.A.R. valued at auction milliondollars. Considering how many of them are sold openly in general, this is a solid number.



Sometimes Rosenthal does make public statements where praises his young colleagues. His short remarks on contemporary jewelers are guaranteed elite orders. For example, Claire Shuang, creative director of Boucheron, still keeps a postcard sent to him Rosenthal, where "Bravo" is succinctly written.