Jean A. Mayeur was a jewelry designer at Cartier in Paris, France, also at the Cartier location in London, England, and then at Cartier in New York City (born 1928-01-28 died 1997-07-05). His most notable works include design of the mount for the diamond which Cartier sold to Elizabeth Taylor, and design of a Sikorsky helicopter trophy, which is at the Smithsonian, also an elaborate chalice for the Episcopal Church of New York and a gold minaudiere with butterflies and flowers for the Duchess of Windsor . His design experience includes work for Van Cleef and Arpels, Neiman Marcus, and other fine jewelry salons.
Mayeur was educated at École Boulle, a renowned school for artists and artisans, and at 16 he began an apprenticeship at Cartier, remaining there for 23 years. While living in New York City he became a fan of the music of Dave Brubeck and personally presented him a portrait of the musician which he painted. While working at Cartier in New York he met Salvador Dalí who was at the jewellery store with his lady friend. Salvador was overheard saying that they needed a precious gem "to put in the bread". During Salvador's visit he noticed a full length mirror in the showroom, so walking up to it he admired himself and preened his mustache's ends. Then, without hesitation, walked into the mirror as if he expected to pass through it. After shaking his head from the collision, he turned around and walked away as if nothing had happened. Jean Mayeur was also employed by Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas for many years, Richard Eisman jewelry and his last employer up until his death was deBoulle in Dallas, Texas.
Jean Mayeur was also a contributor to a book on jewelry design Techniques of Jewelry Illustration and Color Rendering by Adolfo Mattiello in a chapter where he shared professional advice for aspiring jewelry designers.