RAYMOND YARD JEWELER

Raymond Yard (1885-1964) was an American jeweler who began his career as a shop boy for Marcus & Co. in New York City in 1898. He worked his way up to become a designer and salesman before opening his own firm, Raymond C. Yard Inc., in 1922.

Yard was known for his exceptional workmanship and attention to detail, as well as his commitment to using only the finest materials in his creations. He was also highly regarded for his ability to transform large diamonds and other precious stones into beautifully crafted pieces of jewelry.

Yard's most famous works include:

1. The Marjorie Merriweather Post tiara - commissioned by Post, a wealthy American socialite, in 1929. The tiara features over 60 carats of diamonds set in platinum and was worn by Post at many of her high-profile events.

2. The Vanderbilt diamond necklace - commissioned by Consuelo Vanderbilt, the Duchess of Marlborough, in 1936. The necklace features a 60-carat diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds and is one of Yard's most iconic pieces.

3. The Maltese Cross brooch - created for the Duke and Duchess of Windsor in 1935. The brooch features a large sapphire surrounded by diamonds in the shape of a Maltese cross.

Yard's work has been highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs of fine jewelry for decades. His legacy lives on through the Raymond C. Yard brand, which continues to create exquisite pieces of jewelry to this day.