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 thirteen 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 significant patrons, including John D. Rockefeller, Jr., who would have a lasting impact on Yard’s career.

With Rockefeller’s encouragement, Yard resigned from Marcus & Co. at the age of 37, and opened his first salon in May 1922 at 527 Fifth Avenue. That year, the firm serviced over a thousand customers. 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, including the notable American families such as the Vanderbilts, the DuPonts, and the Woolworths, greatly helped him to grow his company into the success it is regarded as today.

The present lot reflects Yard's frequent use of vibrantly colored diamonds and bright platinum to create strikingly elegant designs. Purchased in the 1920s, this brooch has remained with the same family since it was purchased from the firm.