Art Nouveau jewellery by Belgian jeweler Philippe Wolfers
Art

Art Nouveau jewellery by Philippe Wolfers

Art Nouveau jewellery by Philippe Wolfers
Exquisite pendant. Art Nouveau jewellery by Philippe Wolfers, Belgian glassware designer, jeweler and sculptor

Art Nouveau jewellery by Philippe Wolfers
Belgian jeweler, sculptor and glassware designer Philippe Wolfers (1858-1929) was the son of Louis Wolfers, head of the renowned Belgian court jewelers Wolfers Freres. He trained as a jeweler at the family business and became adept at all aspects of jewellery making. Noticed by the Royal Court, he became one of the first jewelers to use the new medium of ivory from the Congo. Also, at the request of King Leopold II he created the famous ‘Album Congolais’.

Belgian jeweler Philippe Wolfers
Belgian jeweler Philippe Wolfers

In 1889 he had a villa built in La Hulpe and moved there with his team of jewelers. His colleague at Wolfers Brothers, Isidore de Rudder, had urged him to follow his artistic instincts and branch out from the family business and pursue his passion for art nouveau.

He spent the years to 1905 using his extensive grounds to study nature and to create a beautiful series of 109 unique jewels. In addition, each jewel received a name and became the ultra modern pinnacle of art nouveau jewellery.
However, he was less prolific in his work than other masters of his period, for example Rene Lalique. Meanwhile, unique series established him as one of the truly great master craftsmen of art nouveau jewellery. Besides, many of his creation belong to the best work of the 20th century.

Art Nouveau jewellery by Philippe Wolfers

Art Nouveau jewellery by Belgian jeweler Philippe Wolfers
Bat pendant
Art Nouveau jewellery by Belgian jeweler Philippe Wolfers
Pelican pendant
Art Nouveau jewellery by Belgian jeweler Philippe Wolfers
This jewel titled ‘Huppe’ is number 134 from the Ex. Unique series. According to the catalog entry by Philippe Wolfers, Huppe made with a pearl. However, it is possible that this opal drop is the original
Art Nouveau jewellery by Belgian jeweler Philippe Wolfers
Moth pendant
Art Nouveau jewellery by Belgian jeweler Philippe Wolfers
Nature inspired pendant
Art Nouveau jewellery by Belgian jeweler Philippe Wolfers
Peacock pendant
Art Nouveau jewellery by Belgian jeweler Philippe Wolfers
Woman peacock pendant
Art Nouveau jewellery by Belgian jeweler Philippe Wolfers
Feather of a peacock pendant
Art Nouveau jewellery by Belgian jeweler Philippe Wolfers
Hair comb
Art Nouveau jewellery by Belgian jeweler Philippe Wolfers
Philippe Wolfers Art Nouveau jewellery
1898 pendant Medusa. Ivory carved face and opal eyes
1898 pendant Medusa. Ivory carved face and opal eyes
Dragonfly brooch of gold, pearls and diamonds
Dragonfly brooch of gold, pearls and diamonds
Gorgeous Leaf enameled necklace made of gold, black pearls, diamonds
Gorgeous Leaf enameled necklace made of gold, black pearls, diamonds
Heart shaped peacock brooch pendant. Enamel, peridot, diamond, and opal drop. Sold for $34,596 at Bonhams, London, in 2012
Heart shaped peacock brooch pendant. Enamel, peridot, diamond, and opal drop. Sold for $34,596 at Bonhams, London, in 2012
Stunning amber hairpin
Stunning amber hairpin
Stunning orchid brooch, gold, enamel, diamonds
Orchid brooch, gold, enamel, diamonds
Swan and snakes pendant
Swan and snakes pendant
Beautiful detail
Beautiful detail
Fabulous pendant
Fabulous pendant
Floral pattern
Floral pattern
Japanese motif pendant
Japanese motif pendant
Lamp stand sculpture
Lamp stand sculpture

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