Ernest Gaillard
In 1860 Ernest Gaillard took over his father’s jewelry workshops in Paris. Prior to Ernest these workshops focused primarily on copper jewelry however Ernest changed its focus to silver. During the 1870’s and 80’s, he experimented with different kinds of patina's, enamels, niello, and Japanese-style inlay work. In 1878 he exhibited at the Paris International Exposition. In 1892 his son Lucien took control of the business as Lucien had been working with his father since 1878. At the 1889 Parisian International Exhibition he was awarded a gold medal for his engraved objects. At the Exhibition in 1900 he displayed silver vases with alluring patinas. This is when he met, and fell in love with the work of Rene Lalique. Gaillard began creating Art Nouveau jewelry of his own at this time. From 1902 to 1904 his work was displayed at many of the Parisian houses and featured Japanese style features such as stylized insects, flowers, and trees. Gaillard's Japanese influence came from his craftsman who were Japanese living in Paris at the time.
