Exceptional Lacloche Frères Pair of Ruby and Sapphire Bracelets with Necklace Attachment, circa 1940

The legendary Parisian jewelry house of Lacloche Frères was defined by a consistent push towards modernity and innovation, creating original work that captured the spirit of the early 1900’s. Their designs appealed to those seeking a bolder look than what was being offered by top Maisons like Cartier at that time. Noted for their disciplined discretion, the identities of their buyers remain largely unknown. Additionally, the relatively short life span of LaCloche Freres curtailed output, resulting in a limited body of work that heightens the desirability of its jewels today.

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 in Lacloche 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