Jay Strongwater Art Nouveau Art Deco Design Photo Frame

Pricing & History

Sold for
Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
Sold Date
Source eBay

Gorgeous picture frame from internationally known American designer Jay Strongwater has an Art Nouveau / Art Deco design and is hand-enameled in shades of pink and beige on textured metal and adorned with beautiful pink Swarovsi crystals. Has a piece of round glass that slips into a pocket on the back. It is embossed on the back "Jay Strongwater (R)." Measures 4-5/8" diameter and the viewing area measures 2-3/8" diameter. It will come in a brown velvet pouch. Jay Strongwater's pieces are highly collectible because of design and quality and sure to be cherished for generations to come. I'm always fascinated by lovely objects and whenever I can I research information about the artist. I found the following quote from Jay Strongwater's bio. After years of working as a jeweler, Jay Strongwater has revived the bejeweled object, the crystal-studded butterfly that alights on an enameled box, the malachite-hued elephant that carries a miniature clock on its back, the picture frame that looks like it's purloined from the Tsar's nightstand. "I'm fascinated by the idea of taking everyday things and turning them into jewels for the home," Strongwater says. "Beauty shouldn't just be tucked in a dresser drawer." He thinks like a jeweler whether he's working on a candlestick, a wine stopper or a clock. He knows how to set a stone so it has the right sparkle - some of his pieces flitter with 2,000 Swarovski crystals - and he's always looking for ways to enrich the patterns of his enameling. "With jewelry, the clasp has to be as beautiful as the necklace," says Strongwater. "I feel the same way about everything from box hinges to picture frame stands. The backs of my pieces have to be as beautiful as the front, the insides as enchanting as the outsides." Strongwater began his career in 1979 while a student at the Rhode Island School of Design. After garnering raves for a necklace he'd made his mother, he took some jewelry samples to the open buyer days at New York's department stores. Soon he had a pocketful of orders. When he'd filled them - a feat accomplished between classes with the help of his fellow students - a buyer called to inquire about his next collection. Strongwater realized opportunity was knocking. He left school and in short order was designing jewels for Oscar de La Renta's runway collection and being featured in Vogue . His shift to Jewels for the Home came equally serendipitously. As the holiday season neared in 1994, Strongwater decided to make picture frames for friends and buyers. He positioned his jewel-encrusted earrings in the corners and connected them with a filigree of jewelry parts. One buyer was so thrilled, she said, "whatever you make, we'll buy." Within three years, his Jewels for the Home had totally replaced his fashion business. Strongwater's eye for elegance has spawned a devoted cadre of collectors who include Sir Elton John, Whoopi Goldberg, Cate Blanchette, Tom Hanks and Hallie Berry. Each season he offers treasures that range from breathtaking miniature boxes to elaborate mirrors entwined with crystal-studded flowers. He creates limited edition pieces - fantastical peacocks, majestic owls - as well as new, sinuous, tulip candlesticks and multidimensional floral frames that glitter side by side with the rest of the existing collection. What's most wonderful about Strongwater's pieces is living with them. They animate even the quietest corner of a room. They demand to be touched, admired, paid attention to. "They add surprise," says Strongwater, "and the sense of delight you get when you happen upon a beautiful flower in a garden." TERMS OF SALE By bidding on this item the buyer understands and agrees with all of the terms stated in our store policies page and elsew in this listing. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not bid. If you have questions, please email us before bidding. The free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your... read more

Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.

Flag item for content or copyright

If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please contact us here to flag it for review.

If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.