Glamour, Art, and Jewelry: A Tribute to Tamara de Lempicka

Throughout my journey in the world of jewelry, I have always been captivated by the who, what, why, and how of jewelry collectors. Many incredible jewels have graced the necks, wrists, and fingers of royals, celebrities, and tycoons—worn proudly, passed down to the next generation, or sold at auction.

The life and style of artist Tamara de Lempicka caught my attention after meeting and working with her great-granddaughter, Marisa, last summer in Aspen. Though I had heard of de Lempicka, I knew little about her singular artworks that captivated wealthy European patrons in the 1920s and 1930s.

Tamara de Lempicka created her path in the world of fine art with her distinct style, enterprising self-promotion, and ability to persevere through times of uncertainty. She carved a unique niche for her work, blending a love of classical techniques with the modernity of Cubism and the Art Deco movement.

Once I discovered that de Lempicka had a passion for fine jewelry, my fascination grew. After completing and selling a painting, she would reward herself with a fabulous Art Deco bracelet—each piece a celebration of her artistic achievement. In several photographs, you can see her stacked bracelets climbing up her forearm, signaling that her career was thriving. Her taste was anything but subtle—many of the portraits taken of her feature strands of pearls, chunky rings, and dazzling diamond bracelets.

Tamara’s love for jewelry reflected her bold and glamorous persona. Her pieces were not merely accessories but expressions of her success and an extension of her larger-than-life character.

In March, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFAH) in Houston unveiled an exhibit showcasing over 90 of Tamara’s works, on display until May 26th. A spark of inspiration hit when I realized that Marisa would be in town and would be the perfect person to wear some fabulous Art Deco jewels to the opening events.

For the occasion, Marisa wore my Art Deco filigree pendant that paired beautifully with the graceful neckline of her vibrant green gown. On each wrist, she wore exceptional Art Deco period bracelets, each capturing the elegance and symmetry of the movement. One set with verdant emeralds looked particularly stunning against the hue of her gown.

In addition, Victoria, Tamara’s granddaughter, wore my Art Deco-style old European-cut diamond ring with a calibre-cut emerald accent.

It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase these pieces—each available for sale—and even more special to see Marisa and Victoria paying homage to Tamara, wearing jewelry that the artist herself would have loved. The evening was a beautiful reminder of how fashion, jewelry, and art can come together to celebrate legacy and inspire future generations.

Tamara de Lempicka’s exhibition at the MFAH will be on view until May 26th.