About Lacloche Frères
Lacloche Frères founded in Paris in 1892 by Jacques Lacloche and his brothers.
The firm quickly gained prominence as a seller of the exquisite jewels and became one of the most esteemed jewelry houses of the Belle Époque era. For the next couple decades Lacloche Frères didn’t design their own jewelry, mostly selling selected pieces by Lalique, Vacheron Constantin and Verger.
The company started jewelry production under their name in the Art Deco era. The brothers were known for their ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with avant-garde design. They drew inspiration from diverse sources, including nature, art, and cultures from around the world. It resulted in using a great range of decorative features and unique materials. In 1925 Lacloche won a Grand Prix at Paris Exposition des Art Décoratifs for their fabulous pieces. At that time compacts and other cosmetic boxes came into the fashion. The jeweler was able to occupy that niche earning a reputation of a high-end maker. Despite sharing workshops with other premier jewelry houses, Lacloche managed to uphold a distinctive collection characterized by unconventional shapes and a vibrant palette.
Lacloche Frères’ designs encompassed a wide scope of styles, from Art Nouveau’s flowing lines to Art Deco’s geometric shapes. They were masters at incorporating precious gemstones, enhancing their beauty with intricate metalwork.
Even being affected by the crash of 1929 and filing for bankruptcy in 1931, the company soon recovered. In 1936 Jacques Lacloche returned to Paris and opening a shop at 8, Place Vendome under the name SARL Jacques Lacloche. He continued his tenure until the early 1960s, catering to a discerning clientele with bold and dazzling jewels. Among his notable clients was Prince Rainier, for whom he crafted a magnificent sapphire and diamond brooch, presented as a wedding gift to Grace Kelly.
Today, Lacloche Frères’ legacy lives on through its vintage pieces, which are highly coveted by collectors. The elegance and artistry of Lacloche’s jewelry continue to inspire contemporary designers, ensuring that the name remains synonymous with timeless style and beauty.
About French Jewelry
Vintage French jewelry is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and artistic excellence. French jewelers have a long history of mastering intricate techniques, such as filigree, enameling, and stone setting, resulting in pieces of top-notch quality and beauty.
Timeless jewelry designs created in France transcend fashion trends. The use of classic motifs and harmonious proportions ensures that vintage French jewelry remains relevant across generations.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, French jewelry was heavily influenced by the Art Nouveau movement. Between 1920s and 1930s, the Art Deco movement took over, influencing French jewelry with its geometric shapes, bold colors, and symmetrical designs.
France is home to several prestigious jewelry houses that have made significant contributions to the world of vintage jewelry. Notable names include Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Boucheron, each with its unique style and heritage.
Coco Chanel made a significant impact on the world of jewelry with her costume jewelry designs. Her use of faux pearls, glass, and other non-traditional materials revolutionized fashion jewelry.
Whether you’re interested in the elegance of Art Deco or the organic forms of Art Nouveau, there’s a wide range of vintage French jewelry styles to explore and appreciate.
