The Jewelry of Raymond Yard

The jewels of Raymond Yard are simply exquisite.  They can be viewed in fantastic number, color and splendor in Yard: The Life and Magnificent Jewelry of Raymond C. Yard, by Natasha Kuzmaovic, The  Vendome Press. The book is not new to the market, published in 2007, but it is new to me and I would like to tell you it is sure to delight and educate all.
Kuzmanovic tells the tale of Raymond Yard, the man and the enterprise in four sections dividing the story of Raymond Yard, his firm, his clients and his style. Mr. Yard’s personal story, which has an almost fairy tale like quality, begins after the unexpected death of his father in 1898, the very young Raymond Yard began his career in the jewelry industry at the esteemed American jeweler Marcus and Company…as the door boy.  He worked his way through the company developing a keen eye and a loyal customer following.  With the encouragement of some of his most influential clients, Raymond Yard opened his own shop in 1922.  Mr. Yard’s clients and business associates read like the who’s who of 20th century America. Kuzmanovic demonstrates in word and careful selection of accompanying photographs the attention to detail, fashion and taste of the firm and its clientele. Throughout the style changes of the 20th century: Art Deco, the war years, post war years, the 60s and onward, Raymond Yard produced exquisite jewelry. The choice of stones and workmanship was always top notch, which is even evident through the photographs in the book. The pieces are not totally without whimsy, there is a chapter of the book dedicated to figural pins: rabbits as waiters, mice and houses.
The book closes with an afterword by Robert M. Gibson, who became President of the firm in 1989. Mr. Gibson’s father worked for Mr. Yard and took over the firm along with two other employees upon his retirement.  Raymond Yard continues to produce jewelry, drawing inspiration from its magnificent jewels of the past and maintaining the firm’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. A very interesting and beautiful book.