Josephine

Josephine Baker

In our unique Atelier collection, we pay tribute to iconic style figures, including Josephine Baker. This remarkable woman not only conquered the world with her talent and charisma, but also left a lasting impression on style and fashion. This is a ring where timeless elegance and historical flair come together.

The history of Josephine

Josephine Baker was born on June 3, 1906. Raised in St. Louis, Missouri as Freda Josephine McDonald, she began her life in the shadow of poverty and hardship. From an early age, she faced the harsh realities of segregation and discrimination, but her willpower and talent would eventually propel her to the world stages.

As a teenager, Josephine left her hometown and moved to New York, where she took her first steps into the world of the entertainment industry. At some point, Josephine moved to Paris where her career really began, she took a leap of faith and as a result was a fantastic dancer, singer and actress.

In the streets of Paris, Josephine discovered her true calling and she soon became a sensation in the world of theater and dance. She had an exotic beauty about her, in addition she had an unparalleled dancing ability which actually made her an instant star. She quickly captured the hearts of Parisian audiences. But beyond her enormous talents, she also had an unparalleled sense of style and fashion. For example, she wore striking costumes and flamboyant jewellery, these emphasized her unique personality and flair.

Josephine Baker died in Paris on April 12, 1975. During a rehearsal for a new show, she suffered a brain hemorrhage where she later died. During this show she performed an emotionally charged waltz, after this performance she fainted on stage and was rushed to the hospital. Despite all the efforts of the doctors, she could not be saved, and died at the age of 68.

A complex love story

Fascinatingly, Josephine Baker's love life was as colorful as her career in the spotlight. Throughout her life she was embroiled in several romantic relationships, these were often accompanied by multiple ups and downs, intrigue and heartache. In her early years in Paris, for example, she had a series of affairs with prominent figures in the art and entertainment world. These included French artist Paul Colin and Italian opera singer Giuseppe Pepito Abatino, these relationships were characterized by passion and excitement but also turmoil and uncertainty.

One of the most notable chapters of her love life was her marriage in 1937, to French businessman Jean Lion. The couple ended up adopting as many as 12 children from different ethnic backgrounds, this reflected Josephine's devotion and diversity well. Despite this number of children, Josephine and Jean Lion also had their problems within the marriage, including difficult times financially and frequent disagreements.

After her divorce with Jean Lion in 1940, Josephine continued to search for love and fulfillment. A few years later she married French conductor Jo Bouillon, with him she had both a deep, emotional and professional bond. Indeed, their relationship was characterized by mutual respect and love. So although Josephine's life was often turbulent in terms of love and happiness her desire for fulfillment reflected both personal and professional.

Advocate for equality and civil rights

What not many people knew is that behind the scenes, Josephine was much more than a fashion icon. In fact, she was a brave advocate for equality and civil rights, and at a time of rising racial tensions and discrimination, she used her fame and influence. For example, she particularly stood up for the rights of black people, both in America and Europe.

In the field of diversity and inclusiveness, Josephine Baker broke down barriers like a true pioneer and opened several doors for future generations of artists of color. Her legacy lives on in the fight for equality and justice, and her influence on the world of art, culture and fashion will always be felt.

Josephine's personal jewellery collection

A true style icon and trendsetter, Josephine nurtured a personal jewellery collection that embodied her unique flair and sophistication. From sparkling diamonds to colorful gemstones, each piece in her collection exuded a life of fame and fortune. Her love of eye-catching jewellery allowed her own personality to shine through. So she wore almost every piece of jewellery you can think of, from bracelets, necklaces and earrings to brooches and watches. 

Our Josephine ring

The Josephine ring, from our Atelier Collection, is inspired by Josephine Baker's opulent aesthetic. The design features five sparkling gemstones, you could choose which five colors you would like to have placed in the ring. In addition, it is a detailed design making it not just an accessory, but an ode to the grandeur of a bygone era.

Every facet we do inside making it a durable pair yet beautiful ring, the reflection of Josephine's life and career is well reflected through the playful setting and sparkling gemstones. It is a tribute to a woman who not only conquered the world with her talent, but also had striking style and grace.

Why choose the Josephine ring from Vintage Jewellery?

• Timeless elegance: The Josephine ring captures the timeless elegance of the style icon and adds a touch of glamour to any occasion.
• High quality materials: The use of recycled 14 crt gold ensures that this ring is still durable despite being made new. Top quality and refinement can therefore be guaranteed. Thus, our ring is made to shine for a long time.
• Versatility: whether you're attending a formal occasion or having a casual day, this ring will match any outfit and style
• Unique design: our ring was inspired by Josephine's signature style, as well as a vintage ring we had in the store. The model is designed with attention to detail, making it a unique and distinctive accessory.

Summary

Josephine Baker, a legendary dancer, singer, actress and civil rights activist, but this was not all. But for many people, she was truly a style icon who enchanted the world with her unparalleled sense of glamour and fashion. Her personal jewellery collection featured sparkling gemstones, bold designs and personal symbolism. From diamonds to quirky accessories, each piece of jewellery bore the stamp of her unique style and sophistication. So with the Josephine ring, women and or men everywhere can embrace and cherish the feeling of glamour.

Please note that Vintage Jewellery Atelier rings are subject to a different delivery time of up to five weeks. These rings are "made to order" and are set by hand by our goldsmith. So it takes a little more time (and a lot of love), but we promise you: it's worth it.