June 11, 2012
Gem Collector of the Cognoscenti
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 2 MIN.
NEW YORK, NY - For the past six decades, gemologist Alexandre Reza has been one of Paris's-and indeed the world's-most exclusive jewelers, a master artisan and purveyor of exclusive gemstones based in Place Vend�me, the heart of fashion and luxury.
To experience his ornaments is to discover history reborn: the diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies of his collections have seen the most extravagant centuries and epochs, from French monarchies and Persian dynasties to the Italian Renaissance.
And yet Reza's precious stones are never meant to be an antiquated homage to a prestigious past; a creator by instinct, Reza takes history as inspiration rather than for reproduction. His handcrafted pieces mix ages and eras to create something special-a "harmonization of contradictory forces," according to historian, and longtime Reza collaborator, Arlette Seta.
"I have devoted my life to the study and appreciation of precious gems, revealing their true beauty," says Reza. "Perfection and artistic creation have always been my daily concerns."
This monumental edition, part of Assouline's Ultimate Collection, presents more than one hundred rare pieces of Reza's creations, and includes a history of the famed gem house in archival documents and vintage photography. Stunning, hand-bound, and nestled in a suede display case, Alexandre Reza is a limited-edition title that is worthy of the most discerning collector.
Vivienne Becker is a jewelry historian, journalist, and author of books on antique and twentieth-century jewelry design, including Art Nouveau Jewelry and Fabulous Costume Jewelry. She collaborated with former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on the best-selling book "Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat's Jewel Box" (2009).
She is a contributing editor for How to Spend It, the Financial Times' luxury magazine; writes for Saturday Telegraph magazine; and lectures regularly.
Alexandre Reza is available for purchase at ASSOULINE boutiques worldwide and through www.assouline.com
Direct link to product page: http://www.assouline.com/9782759404643.html
DETAILS:
Alexandre Reza
Text by Vivienne Becker
11 � x 15 � in - 29.5 x 39.5 cm
186 pages - 100 illustrations
Hand-bound limited edition in a suede clamshell presentation case
ISBN: 9782759404643
$1000 - �750 - �650
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Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.
