Two Renes embody fine jewellery-making where the Art Nouveau era is concerned: Rennie Lalique of France, and Renee Mackintosh of Scotland. While Mr. Lalique was a true jeweller, Mr. Mackintosh was an architect before he began designing and painting many related items. But it is not common knowledge that the “Rennie Mackintosh gold jewellery” sold today are actually based on his utilitarian designs. Rennie Mackintosh jewellery is in the fashion.

The appeal of Mackintosh jewellery is obvious. Those who know their design history are happy that the trinkets pay tribute to a brilliant but strangely underestimated 20th century designer. Many more, however, are simply smitten by the stylized roses and tulips, winding curves, interlocked chains, soft angles, light colours, and balance between form and function that they possess.

But how do you go about searching specifically for Mackintosh jewellery? It is still be
difficult to tell which jewellery is inspired by Mackintosh or simply Art Nouveau style. But advances in transportation and information technology have made the process less tedious.

The best way is to conduct research. Google can tell you that Mackintosh didn’t exactly follow the entire Art Nouveau movement to the letter. However, to ensure that you do learn how to evaluate the pieces through your senses, these differences won’t be discussed here.

Research also helps you decide what kind of pieces you should get. Do you like earrings, rings, necklaces or bracelets? Would anklets be available? (They are, now.) It would be best to find a piece that you will keep wearing. Of course, you can choose to make it a stepping stone to an ensemble or collection.

Now make the trip, virtual or otherwise, to a jeweller. It may be best to approach Western jewellers first because they are more familiar with Mackintosh’s work. Examine their quality and then inquire for prices. If you find a piece with beauty worth paying for, try to buy it while not breaking your budget. And finally, keep it as lovely as the designs that inspired it.