Alexandre-Gabrie Lemonnier
Alexandre-Gabriel Lemonnier was born in May of 1808 and became known in Paris as one of the greatest goldsmiths of his time. He began crafting pieces sometime around 1830 and by 1851 he decided to exhibit pieces at the Worlds Fair in London. These pieces focused on not only design, but craftsmanship as well and the Queen of Spain (Isabella II) took notice of just before the Worlds Fair and asked for Lemonnier to craft two separate Parures for her. The pieces were design, and made, and exhibited at the fair and he received the Medal of Council for them (the highest award). The recognition at the Fair lead him to additional royal customers and by 1853 he was appointed court jeweler to Emperor Napoleon III. Just two years later Lemonnier exhibited two crowns for Napoleon III, one for him and one for his wife. Lemmonier continued to operate as a jeweler until he passed away sometime near 1860.
