It is known that Yard’s career was fast and magical. It began as a doorman at the well-known New York firm Marcus & Co in 1898, when Yard was only 13 years old, continued as a salesman, and then as a general director. But the miracles did not stop there. Meeting John Rockefeller Jr. gave the jeweler the opportunity to open his own company in 1922, and for many years provided him with worthy clients, among whom were the legendary families of the 20th century: the Fleischmanns, the Rockefellers, the Flaglers, etc.
For almost 40 years, Yard ran the company that bears his name, which, by the way, still exists today. One of the most common plots of the House of Raymond C. Yard – brooches in the form of waiter rabbits, appeared in 1929 at the height of prohibition and very soon became a symbol of underground establishments, as well as an opportunity to express one’s disobedience to the authorities. That is why every wealthy American ardently desired to have such a decoration in his collection. A little later, in the 30s, rabbits “mastered” other professions and became fishermen, golfers. They are still desirable objects for collectors.
Another popular motif in Yard’s jewelry is houses, the possession of which was a matter of honor, especially for those who dreamed of getting a precious miniature copy of their own mansion to always wear it near their hearts: on the lapel of a jacket or on a dress.
And whether it is funny jewelry with animals, mansions or classic art deco bracelets, Raymond Yard’s jewelry has stood the test of time, has become a true embodiment of elegance and a reflection of its era.
