Born in 1860 in Aÿ-Champagne, René Lalique was to become one of the greatest names of his time, renowned both as a jeweller and a master glassmaker. His unique and instantly recognisable style was a major influence on the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements.

Horn, ivory, semi-precious stones, enamel and glass were among the materials that had been little used in jewellery before René Lalique began working with them. Lalique’s pendants, brooches and necklaces were to become the most representative examples of Art Nouveau jewellery, and Emile Gallé – the famous French glassmaker, ceramist and cabinetmaker - called him “the inventor of modern jewellery”.