Raymond Yard

Raymond Yard refers to jewellery created by the American jeweller Raymond Yard (1882–1964), one of the most important American jewellers of the early twentieth century. Yard established his own jewellery firm in New York in 1922 after beginning his career working for leading jewellers including Tiffany & Co..

Yard became particularly well known for creating sophisticated jewellery for wealthy American clients and for his close relationships with prominent families and collectors. His work is associated with exceptional craftsmanship, high-quality gemstones and distinctive designs spanning the Art Deco period and the decades that followed.

Raymond Yard jewellery can incorporate diamonds, coloured gemstones and finely worked precious metals, with designs ranging from strongly geometric Art Deco pieces to more naturalistic and sculptural jewels. His firm was also known for producing important signed jewels for private clients.

Signed Raymond Yard jewellery is particularly sought after by collectors because of the firm’s reputation, craftsmanship and association with important twentieth-century American jewellery. The presence of a Raymond Yard signature can therefore add significant historical and collecting interest to an individual piece, although the signature should always be considered alongside the construction, materials, provenance and other characteristics of the jewel.

Raymond Yard jewellery is often encountered with the R.Y. or Raymond Yard signature, sometimes accompanied by additional marks relating to the metal or manufacture. The precise form of the signature can vary according to the period and piece.

At Weldons, signed Raymond Yard jewellery is valued for its design, craftsmanship, gemstone quality, historical significance and importance within the development of American jewellery during the twentieth century.

Established: Raymond Yard jewellery firm, New York, 1922
Founder: Raymond Yard
Location: New York, United States
Period: Particularly 1920s–1960s
Characteristic features: Exceptional craftsmanship, fine gemstones, Art Deco and later twentieth-century designs, signed examples and strong collector interest