Collecting JAR: A Guide to Joel Arthur Rosenthal's Jewels

Few jewelers are as admired, or as hard to find, as JAR. Joel Arthur Rosenthal, a New Yorker, founded his atelier in Paris in 1978 on the Place Vendôme. He makes only a small number of pieces each year and sells them privately, not through stores.

What makes a JAR piece special

• Color: densely set pavé of sapphires, garnets, rubies and diamonds, shaded like a painting.
• Unusual materials: aluminum, titanium and darkened metals, used to make large pieces light to wear.
• Nature: flowers, butterflies, leaves and fruit, sculpted with great realism.

Why collectors look for vintage JAR

In 2013 the Metropolitan Museum of Art held a JAR exhibition, its first retrospective of a living contemporary jeweler, and interest has grown ever since.

What to check before buying

• The JAR signature and the piece's condition.
• Buy from a specialist dealer who can talk you through the piece.

JAR at Joseph Saidian & Sons

Our JAR pieces are expertly curated, and they sell quickly. To hear about new pieces first, call 212-752-2684 or email info@saidiansons.com.