OBJECTS Ornament Belt clasp, c. 1900 Bohemia Base metal, Bohemian garnets; height 8 cm Garnet jewellery combines the stylistic tendencies of the European Art Nouveau with a uniquely Czech element – the Bohemian garnet. The distinctly Art Nouveau sinuous line that runs fluidly in various widths is made up of closely-set gemstones of a unique, deep-red colour. Technically called “pyrope”, the Bohemian garnet generally comes in the form of small grains, which is why the central stones are cut from other types of garnets, mostly almandines, or are made of glass, which have a slightly different colour. A great many variations of brooches, pendants and hair ornaments were made with Bohemian garnets, covering diverse levels of artistry and affordability. Even the most common garnet ware, affordable by a wide range of customers, boasted refined forms. Art schools, primarily the Vocational School in Turnov, devoted a great deal of attention to the Bohemian garnet. The massive belt buckles (Inv. Nos. 49 624, 49 625) and brooch (Inv. No. 81 145) may be the works of the Turnov school’s students.