Be inspired by the playful world of the Wonka movie with fun fashion and jewelry ideas for a fresh look for the new year, from Jack Weir & Sons of Beverly Hills.
The story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was originally written in 1964 by the author Roald Dahl. Since then it has been reimagined numerous times across the big screen. The latest cinematic rendition of the beloved story continues the tradition of not only capturing imaginations with its fantastical narrative but also through its visually compelling style. Here at Jack Weir and Sons, we couldn’t help but see the connection between the ornate imagery of the story and our favorite thing to talk about - vintage jewelry. We wanted to take a look at some pieces that embody the magic of the story through different eras, Timothée Chalamet's Cartier partnership, candy-colored stones, and the iconic 'Golden Ticket' theme. So join us in taking a wander through the tapestry of visual delight that reminds us of everyone’s favorite chocolate factory.
A Delicious Journey Through Different Eras
As far as we can tell, the film's aesthetic might as well be an homage to the diverse periods of jewelry design.
The film's style evokes the intricacy and romantic motifs of the Victorian era, represented in the ornate detailing of the set. The delicate and detailed approach seen in the film's costumes and sets is reminiscent of Victorian jewelry, which favored filigree techniques, floral patterns, and meticulous craftsmanship.
Overlapping with the Victorian era was the influence of Art Nouveau. We can’t help but notice this influence in the film's aesthetic with its flowing lines and nature-inspired motifs. This era in jewelry, spanning from 1890 to 1910, was known for its flowing lines and nature-inspired motifs. In the film, these elements come alive in the whimsical set designs and costumes, whose sinuous curves and floral patterns echo the elegance and organic forms of Art Nouveau jewelry.
The bold geometric patterns and vibrant colors that echo the Art Deco movement, evident in the film's costume designs. This era was marked by its love for geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and streamlined forms, all of which are abundantly present in the film's sets and costumes. The striking resemblance to Art Deco can be seen in the film's preference for symmetry and extravagance, reminiscent of the iconic jewelry pieces from this era that celebrated modernity and opulence.
The lavish and bold aesthetic of the Willy Wonka film also brings to mind the Retro jewelry period, spanning from 1935 to 1950. This era was defined by large, colorful gemstones and bold designs - characteristics that are echoed in the film’s fantastical extravagance.
Chalamet’s Cartier
In the grand history of portraying Willy Wonka, one thing has always been clear - the character is not just a performance - it is a statement. A statement of energy, of excitement and of eccentricity. Timothée Chalamet's portrayal of Willy Wonka adds “elegance” to this legacy from the screen to the red carpet. It’s no wonder that he is a “Friend of the House” - the House of Cartier that is. As a partner to Cartier, he even worked to design a special piece to wear at the premiere of the movie.
In a Vogue article, Chalamet says that he was inspired by both the film and the playful, colorful era of Cartier jewelry in the 1960s and 1970s, and brought archival imagery with him when he briefed the creative director of jewelry and watchmaking at Cartier, Marie-Laure Crede. The necklace with 964 emeralds, rubellites, pink tourmalines and blue opals is quite a feat - very obviously inspired by the film but also decidedly Cartier.
Candy Colored Stones: A Whimsical Palette
Everything in this film is candy colored and takes the viewer on a whimsical adventure. Here at Jack Weir & Sons, we happen to really love candy-colored stones. From the lush greens of emeralds to the deep blues of sapphires, the bold reds of rubies and the playful pinks of morganite, there’s a colorful stone for everyone - and they all seem to have come straight from a fantastical candy garden. While we love bright white diamonds, we also love the kaleidoscope of candy colored stones that hail from all parts of the world ready to adorn you!
The Golden Ticket
The 'Golden Ticket' is not just a plot device but a symbol that resonates with the luxury and exclusivity of high-end vintage jewelry. Its representation in the film, with its shimmering gold hue and intricate designs, is reminiscent of the luxurious and rare pieces of jewelry that have been coveted through the ages. This symbolism elevates the Golden Ticket from a mere object to a representation of dreams, aspirations, and the ultimate luxury.
At Jack Weir & Sons, we’ve spent the last 40 years traveling to Europe and all over the world, curating extraordinary estate jewels. JWS is where the old world meets the new world. Celebrate life, preserve history, and discover your own priceless heirloom jewel. We are extremely grateful for our clients and the ability to help people celebrate their special moments through one-of-a-kind jewelry. To share that gratitude and our strong family values, we chose to partner with Baby2Baby. So far, we've donated $125,000. A portion of every sale goes towards children living in poverty to provide them with diapers, clothing, and all the basic necessities that every child deserves.
We offer in-person and Virtual Appointments and are happy to answer any questions about your favorite jewel.
