SPECTRA

Brand Guide

JAR

Founded 1978 · Paris

From the Spectra Collection

JAR Diamond Tourmaline Museum Exhibition Cocktail Ring

JAR Diamond Tourmaline Museum Exhibition Cocktail Ring

View at Spectra →

Jar Large Geranium Autumn Ear Clips

Jar Large Geranium Autumn Ear Clips

View at Spectra →

JAR Carnavale de Venice Golden Titanium Ear Clips

JAR Carnavale de Venice Golden Titanium Ear Clips

View at Spectra →

Signature Collections

Pavé Flowers

1978–present

His absolute signature. Thousands of stones set so tightly that no metal shows, looking almost like matte paint. These floral forms are the most technically accomplished jewelry being made in the world today.

Insect Series

1980s–present

Beetles, butterflies, dragonflies. The perfection of form makes them look alive. He takes months, sometimes years, to finish a single unique piece.

Oxidized Silver

1980s–present

JAR frequently uses blackened silver to set his pavé. It's totally unconventional, but the dark metal makes the intensely colored stones look like they are glowing from the inside out.

Portrait Miniatures

Occasional

Historical portrait miniatures incorporated into his settings. These are rare and appeal to a very specific collector who appreciates both historical art and extreme contemporary jewelry.

Major Gem Settings

Ongoing

When a profoundly important gemstone hits the market, JAR will occasionally build a setting for it. These represent the absolute summit of contemporary high jewelry.

Authentication Guide

Hallmarks

  • ◆Typically signed 'JAR' or 'JAR Paris', though the markings can be subtle and deeply integrated into the piece's design.
  • ◆You may find French assay marks alongside the signature.

What to Look For

  • ✓A breathtaking, painterly approach to pavé setting using darkened metal alloys to enhance gemstone color.
  • ✓Extraordinary, lifelike sculptural forms and unconventional material choices, like aluminum or titanium.

Red Flags

  • ✗Clunky, traditional prong settings that lack JAR's famous seamless gradient pavé.
  • ✗Metals lacking the distinct blackened or custom-alloy finish typical of his work.
  • ✗Stones that appear glued or rigidly arrayed rather than organically set.

Price Ranges

Entry Level
$50,000–$200,000
Small flower brooch, simple pavé piece — JAR does not have an entry level in the traditional sense
Mid Range
$200,000–$1,000,000
Important flower series, insect pieces, significant pavé compositions
High Value
$1,000,000–$10,000,000+
Major auction pieces, documented exceptional examples from important collections

Best value era: All eras — JAR output is tiny and every period is equally collected

What Dealers Look For

1

While JAR is contemporary and accompanying documentation is more common than with vintage pieces, do not make it an absolute requirement.

2

The true signature of JAR is the physical pavé quality and color grading—it is nearly impossible to replicate perfectly.

3

Estate JAR pieces are incredibly rare; trust the physical feel, the microscopic precision of the setting, and the unique alloys.

Frequently Asked Questions

Currently Available

Browse Spectra's JAR Collection

View Collection →