Muguet (Lily of the Valley) bracelet

René Lalique
Circa 1895-1900
Silver, gold, enamel, opal
17 cm wide, 88 grams
Property of Shaï Bandmann and Ronald Ooï

This Lily of the Valley bracelet is an illustration of René Lalique's use of different materials - silver for the leaves, gold and enamel for the stems. A symbol of renewal, and happiness, the lily of the valley was René Lalique's favourite flower.

Nicole Maritch-Haviland, René's granddaughter, recalled that on 1 May, all the employees at Cours Albert 1er - Lalique's home and workshop - received a bunch of lily of the valley and a box of chocolates.

By the way: This delicate little flower remains a source of inspiration for Lalique today, the most recent example being the Lily of the Valley jewellery collection in 2007.