While Joel Arthur Rosenthal (b. 1943), the founder of JAR, may not be the most prolific jeweler, he is one of the most exclusive. In fact, Rosenthal has no need for prominent signage or window displays at his famed Place Vendôme boutique in Paris because he opens the door only for a select few, including Elle Macpherson, Mary Pinault and Jo Carole Lauder, among others. Rosenthal’s dazzling, sculptural earrings and other jewelry are internationally adored, but his sales tactics are rather unique — he’s notoriously reclusive, shies away from publicity and advertising, and clients are received only after he’s personally approved them.
The New York City–born designer didn’t plan on a career in the jewelry industry. After graduating from Harvard University with a degree in art history and philosophy, a young Rosenthal moved to Paris, where he opened a needlepoint shop. It was off to a slow start, but after a short time, his unusual color pairings and imaginative stitchwork drew in designers from Hermès and Valentino. Rosenthal was tasked with designing a mount for a gemstone by one of his fashion-industry clientele, and he soon moved beyond textile arts.
With a newfound interest in fashion and design, Rosenthal briefly returned to his native New York City, where he worked as a salesperson in BVLGARI’s Fifth Avenue store. His fascination with jewels lured him back to Paris in 1977 to open his own jewelry boutique with his partner, a Swiss psychiatrist named Pierre Jeannet.
In his jewelry shop’s early days, Rosenthal, working with largely affordable stones such as coral, set gems in pavé arrangements that recalled the meticulousness of his needlepoint projects. Although he’d become known among fashion’s elite in Paris, the name JAR was still relatively unfamiliar to his soon-to-be international clientele. An acclaimed exhibition at London’s Somerset House in 2002 changed that.
Rosenthal became a global icon following the 400-piece show, in which the lights were dimmed and guests, armed with flashlights, navigated the display cases of shimmering necklaces and rings adorned in sapphires and diamonds. His now-revered Pansy ear clips — comely floral pieces sculpted from aluminum and mounted in gold — were made available for purchase at the show, while pairs were gifted to those who loaned him their jewels for the exhibition.
Like the Pansy earrings, Rosenthal’s pieces are typically inspired by delicate shapes found in nature. One such piece is a ruby-encrusted camellia brooch, which sold in 2012 at a charity auction held at Christie’s for $4.3 million.
Rosenthal still lives in Paris, where he designs approximately 70 pieces every year.
Browse JAR jewelry today on 1stDibs.
Lavender Cabochon Jade with Green Jade Halo Clip on Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 13.4 Grams Gemstone: Lavender and Green Jade Lavender Jade Diameter: ~13.0 mm x 13.2 mm Earring Diameter: 20.0 mm x...
Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Earring with a heated Chalcedony Drop
Located in New York, NY
Emerald Huggies 10 round Zambian Emerald 2mm each 0.40ct total weight Light green emerald cut tourmaline ( 11X8 )hanging in a loop 4.2mm round pink tourmaline All stones set in ...
Chalcedony, Emerald, 14k Gold
Jade with Cabochon Emerald Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Jade with Cabochon Emerald 0.82 carat Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 1.7 cm Total Weight: 9.80 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situa...
Emerald, Jade, 18k Gold
Lavender Jade Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Lavender Jade 65.30 carats Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.3 cm Length: 2.5 cm Total Weight: 26.69 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the...
Jade, 18k Gold
Antique Earrings 8ct natural Jade solid 14K Gold / 4.9 gr
Located in SE
A pair of nice German dangles, hand -made ca. 1930s in solid 14K Yellow Gold decorated with natural translucent untreated Jade stones. No hallmarks on earrings ,metal parts tested ...
Jade, 14k Gold
Stunning Triple Oval Amazonite Vermeil Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These stunning pair of earrings feature sets of oval cabochon-cut amazonite adorned with round simulated diamonds, handset in 18k yellow gold vermeil over sterling silver. The amazon...
Amazonite, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Natural Myanmar Icy Vivid Green Jade with Diamond Ear Stud Earrings in 18K Gold
Located in Kowloon, HK
These earrings were handcrafted with high-quality green jadeite featuring the ancient coin which signifies great wealth and fortune. ◆ GEMSTONE: Type A Natural Myanmar Jadeite ◆ CO...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold
$3,934Sale Price|25% Off
Certified Untreated Genuine Burmese Jadeite Jade & Emerald Earrings 18K Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Introducing our exquisite Certified Untreated Genuine Burmese Jadeite Jade & Emerald Earrings 18K Two-tone Gold, a harmonious fusion of nature's beauty and artisanal craftsmanship. These captivating earrings feature two remarkable donut-shaped Burmese jadeite jades, weighing an impressive 15.74 and 16.15 carats. Mined from the mineral-rich landscapes of Myanmar, formerly Burma, Burmese jadeite jade is celebrated for its serene green hues and revered as a symbol of purity and grace. Complementing the jadeite jades are two oval-cut emeralds, reminiscent of the captivating green hues found in Colombian emeralds, adding a brilliant burst of color and sparkles totaling 0.51 carats. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these earrings showcase the beauty of contrast. Yellow gold lever backs provide a warm embrace for the jades and emeralds, while the rest of the earrings are elegantly set in white gold, creating a subtle yet striking juxtaposition. The "750" stamp ensures the authenticity of the 18K gold, with a total gold weight of 3.97 grams. Our Burmese Jadeite Jade Donut...
Emerald, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Bijoux Num Triple Oval Amazonite Stud Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These stunning pair of earrings feature sets of oval cabochon-cut amazonite adorned with round simulated diamonds, handset in 18k yellow gold vermeil over sterling silver. The amazon...
Amazonite, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold, Vermeil
18KYG Multi Color Jade Amethyst Chrysophrase Fluorite and Diamond Earring
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with these stunning 18KYG multi-semi-precious statement earrings. Featuring a bold and beautiful blend of jade, amethyst, chrysoprase, fluorite, and diamond, these...
Amethyst, Chrysophrase, Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold
Cabochon Emerald & Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Emerald & Diamond Earrings Clip on earrings with a post, each with a center cabochon emerald with a halo of round diamonds set in 14k gold ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Cabochon Emerald and Mother of Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Emerald and Mother of Pearl Earrings A pair of earrings featuring mother of pearl and a center cabochon emerald. Measurements: 1.5" long Back Type: clip on with post Gr...
Emerald, Pearl
Jade And Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Jade And Diamond Earrings A pair of earrings featuring two cabochon jades surrounded by a halo of 44 round cut diamonds. Accompanied by GIA certificate Measurements: .75" long ...
Diamond, Jade, 14k Gold
Jade & Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Jade & Diamond Earrings A pair of yellow gold earrings set with 44 round cut diamonds and 2 cabochon jades Total Approximate Diamond Weight: 2.2 carats Length: 0.88" Back Typ...
Diamond, Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Cabochon Emerald and Enamel Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Antique Cabochon Emerald and Enamel Earrings A pair of antique yellow gold earrings with enamel, each adorned with three cabochon emeralds and a ros...
Emerald, Diamond, Enamel
David Webb Jade Ruby and Diamond Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Jade Ruby and Diamond Earrings A pair of earrings featuring carved jade, ruby beads and round cut diamonds. Measurements: 2.75" long Back Type: clip on Signed Davi...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
