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Lacloche Diamond Bracelet
Specimen | Catalog Number | Locality | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Lacloche Diamond Bracelet | NMNH G10603 |
This magnificent bracelet from the Art Deco Period was a bequest to the National Gem Collection in 2007 by Margaret McCormack Sokol. The all diamond and platinum bracelet was designed by the Spanish jewelry house, Lacloche Frères. The firm was founded in 1875 in Madrid by four brothers and was active until the 1950s. Aside from their store in Madrid, they established stores in Paris, Biarritz, and Sébastian, France and later London, England. During the 1920s and 30s, Lacloche was famous for their jewelry and objects of art, such as elaborate vanity and cigarette cases. Lacloche rivaled Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels at the time and was known for their bracelets, brooches, adjustable clips, and rings with Art Deco motifs, many inspired from Oriental and Chinese art. Because of limited production, the firm’s creations are highly collectible. This platinum bracelet has 3 rectangular panels set with square, baguette, marquise, and round brilliant cut diamonds, totaling approximately 14.30 carats. The Art Deco Period (1920-1935) produced dazzling jewelry that was dramatically different from the jewelry of the earlier periods, shifting from soft colors and flowing sinuous lines of the Art Nouveau and Edwardian eras to bolder, brighter colors and straight lines. New geometric cuts for gems complimented the symmetry and streamlined look of Art Deco jewelry. This diamond bracelet is an elegant example of the superb style and craftsmanship of Lacloche Frères and is a “treasure from the vault” at the National Museum of Natural History.