The legendary Parisian jewelry house of Lacloche Frères flourished from the Belle Epoque to the 1960s. Their storied history was defined by a consistent push towards modernity and innovation, creating original work that captured the spirit of the times. As one of the most renowned jewelers of their day, Lacloche catered to an elite clientele of royalty, collectors, and socialites, from Queen Victoria and the Duchess of Westminster to Grace Kelly and Elsa Schiaparelli.
Lacloche’s Golden Age spanned the Art Deco and Retro periods, years of cultural and aesthetic transformation that produced audacious jewels with bold forms, sleek lines and dramatic silhouettes. This exceptional pair of ruby and sapphire bracelets typifies that extravagant style, exquisitely rendered by the firm’s master craftsmen. Each bracelet features two 18K yellow gold woven mesh tubogas-style bands accented by three-dimensional graduated swirl motifs. One is dotted with sapphires, the other with rubies and both are completed by a ring of diamonds. A similar bracelet is pictured inLacloche Joailliers by Laurence Mouillefarine and Véronique Ristelhueber, the first comprehensive study of their work. The swirl design was also used in necklaces from the same time. In keeping with the inventiveness of the era, each bracelet can be attached to the accompanying gold mesh extender, converting it to a choker necklace.
Retro jewelry is experiencing increased popularity as enthusiastic buyers and bidders vie for the finest examples, driving the market to new heights. With its statement-making presence and clever design, this striking convertible bracelet set is a rare find and one of the very best examples of this distinctive style.
- One bracelet with 12 rubies totaling approximately 2.5 carats
- Both bracelets are 7 inches in length
- One bracelet with 12 blue sapphires totaling approximately 2.5 carats
- Approximately 0.75 faceted diamonds
- One chain of approximately 6.5 inches to attach to one bracelet to make a choker-style necklace
- One bracelet weighs 67.5 grams
- One bracelet with the chain weighs 114 grams
- Signed, Lacloche
