What’s in a Name: Georg Jensen

Georg Jensen had its beginnings in Denmark during the early 1900s, and is one of the world’s most celebrated sterling silver design houses. The stylistic focus has always been synonymous with the Arts and Crafts style, which flourished in England from 1860 – 1910, and is characterized by a return to traditional craftsmanship using simple forms and a more medieval, or romantic, style of decoration.

Throughout its history, the Georg Jensen Company has always employed a group of world-renowned artists to create silverworks of their own design for the company. One of the most well known designers was Johan Rohde, a painter, sculptor, writer, architect and all-around Renaissance man. Rohde joined the team shortly after the company’s founding, and had a design style that was typically controlled and leaned towards Art Deco, in contrast to the floral patterns popular in Arts and Crafts. Although their design styles were quite different, their collaborative efforts resulted in some of Jensen’s most iconic designs, such as the acclaimed “Acorn” flatware pattern, circa 1915.

Guest Blogger: Maggie Rizer

Every jewel tells a story, and this summer wedding season CIRCA sat with Maggie Rizer, to find out all the details and jewels of her recent nuptials.

Tell us how your fiancé, Alex Mehran, proposed to you.
I have a history of bad birthdays, and Alex has always gone above and beyond to make sure they are special, quiet and drama free. Last year (Jan 2010) we went to Mendocino, California with my golden retrievers Henry and Albert for a quiet weekend. He surprised me by proposing on the cliffs - with the dogs - and a gorgeous ring! It couldn't have been any more perfect for me.

And the ring . . . ?
I love my ring! It's a beautiful Tiffany emerald cut with trillions on the sides and set in platinum.


What was the most meaningful piece of jewelry you received as a wedding gift?
I did not know what to wear on my wedding day. . . I always hate outshining the dress with too much hair, makeup, shoes, jewelry - anything! BUT - I wanted something gorgeous, simple and elegant to complement the dress. Alex's mom, Lucinda, gave me THE MOST gorgeous diamond earrings which I adore to death! They're simple, elegant, and sophisticated. I could not have dreamed of a more perfect gift, and they will always be so meaningful to me.

A Brooch by Any Other Name

The jabot brooch, also known as the sûreté brooch for the French word for safety, dates back to the 17th century. It was originally used to decorate and attach a dangling ornate neck ruffle known as a jabot, worn by both fashionable men and women of the era. These brooches consisted of a single pin with two decorative ornaments on either end, one that is detachable, allowing the pin to be slipped through fabric. When fastened together, the pin is hidden, so the two decorative ornaments appear to be free floating in the garment.

Patriotic Jewels

To commemorate Independence Day, we decided to celebrate with fireworks, or the jewelry equivalent, some colorful sparkle by Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Celebration Rings debuted in the last decade as an extension of the classic eternity bands. As the name suggests, Celebration Rings were designed to mark special occasions, and are made in a variety of styles, colors and shapes using different gemstones and precious metals to mix and match. Like necklaces, bangles and bracelets, ring bands are easily stacked into fun and vibrant combinations.