Raymond Templier was an important figure to the world of Art Deco jewelry design. Like many notable jewelers, he was born into the business. His grandfather, Charles Templier established the family jewelry firm in 1849 in Paris. Raymond’s father Paul continued the business.
RAYMOND TEMPLIER. AN ART DECO DIAMOND HINGED BANGLE via Jewels Du Jour
Raymond was born in 1891. He studied at the Ecole Superior des Arts Decoratives in Paris from 1909-1912. He finished his studies and followed in his father’s footsteps to join the family jewelry firm. Only this time, the designs would take on a new look. Raymond was not interested in the traditional designs that were the trademark of the Templier jewelry of that era.
Raymond’s birth, and consequently his young adulthood placed him in the time period of the Art Deco movement. He was enthralled by the shapes and lines of cubism. He spent much time sketching designs and making drawings that reflected his fascination of the art form. He would eventually incorporate these drawing into jewelry.
via Primavera Gallery
In 1911, Raymond’s jewelry was included in some important exhibits. That same year, he joined the Counseil Superior des Arts de Coratifs. Later, his jewelry was displayed at the Paris Exhibition in 1925 and again in 1937.
Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Brooch, by Raymond Templier, circa 1930 via Invaluable
Raymond’s jewelry designs reflect an interplay of volume and light. He was not interested so much in precious gemstones as he was in the sheen of white gold and silver used interchangeably with enamel in lacquer of black and a few other dark colors. He used colorless diamonds to introduce light into the designs as an architect might use windows to do so in buildings. Later, his lines softened as he began to experiment with jewelry fashioned of yellow gold.
His designs will remain timeless reminders of Art Deco, a special period in art and jewelry design history.
Raymond Templier Gold and Platinum Art Deco Bracelet
Raymond Templier Art Deco Geometric Clip Bracelet
Raymond Templier Brooch of Diamonds, Coral, Onyx and White Gold