A RUBY AND DIAMOND BRACELET, BY RAYMOND YARD

On occasion, Christie's has a direct financial int… Read more

Known for his unique flair and keen eye for quality, Raymond Carter Yard set a high standard for American jewelry design in the 20th Century. Born the son of a railroad conductor in Montclair, New Jersey in 1885, as a boy Raymond Yard became known to William Elder Marcus, owner of Marcus & Co, an established jewelry firm in New York City. After Yard’s father died, Marcus offered the young Raymond a job, and at 13 years of age he quit school and moved to Manhattan with his mother.Under the guidance of William Elder Marcus, Yard immersed himself in the world of jewelry and steadily climbed the ranks of the firm, forming close relationships with the elite of American society along the way. Yard’s honest demeanor and knowledge of jewelry caught the eye of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and they developed a personal and professional relationship that would greatly affect Yard’s career.“Junior” urged Raymond Yard to establish his own jewelry firm. Yard resigned from Marcus & Co. at the age of 37, and opened his first salon in May 1922 at 527 Fifth Avenue. Within four years, with business booming and more space needed, Raymond C. Yard, Inc. had moved location up Fifth Avenue.Raymond Yard’s extensive client base greatly helped him to grow his company. Junior believed in Yard’s brand and introduced him to New York’s wealthiest families, including the Vanderbilts, the DuPonts and the Woolworths.The relationship between Raymond Yard and the Rockefellers continued for decades. Whether the family was buying directly from him or he was advising them on significant purchases from elsewhere, he remained a steadfast guide for them. From assisting Junior with distributing Abby Aldrich Rockefeller’s jewelry upon her death, to helping young David Rockefeller design an engagement ring for his proposal to Peggy McGrath, Yard acted as a sounding board and an expert in the field, as well as a family confidant. THE COLLECTION OF PEGGY AND DAVID ROCKEFELLER

Details

A RUBY AND DIAMOND BRACELET, BY RAYMOND YARD
Designed as three articulated circular and fancy-cut diamond panels, each centering upon an oval-cut ruby, weighing approximately 2.26, 2.09 and 2.05 carats, flanked by graduated rectangular-cut rubies, the panels each joined by circular and baguette-cut diamond and calibré-cut ruby links, 1952, 7 1/2 ins., mounted in platinum
Signed Yard
Accompanied by report no. 1086866 / 1-3 dated 11 September 2017 from the AGL American Gemological Laboratories stating that it is the opinion of the Laboratory that the origin of these rubies would be classified as Burma (Myanmar), with no heat or clarity enhancement

Special Notice

On occasion, Christie's has a direct financial interest in the outcome of the sale of certain lots consigned for sale. This will usually be where it has guaranteed to the Seller that whatever the outcome of the auction, the Seller will receive a minimum sale price for the work. This is known as a minimum price guarantee. This is such a lot.

Further Details

This bracelet was purchased from Raymond Yard in February 1952.

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

View condition report

More from Magnificent Jewels & The Collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller

View All