![\"Lacloche](\"https:\/\/static.antiquejewellerycompany.com\/2024\/10\/lacloche-jewellery2-scaled.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe Origins: From Textiles to Jewels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Lacloche family\u2019s entry into jewellery was somewhat unexpected. Hendricks Lacloche, the family patriarch, and his wife raised six children, four boys and two girls, in a family business focused on textiles. However, by the early 1890s, two of the brothers, Jules and L\u00e9opold, had a vision that led them to Paris, where they opened the first Lacloche Fr\u00e8res shop in 1892. Meanwhile, Jacques and Fernand ventured to the New World, seeking opportunity and acclaim before eventually returning to Europe, where they launched Lacloche et Cie in Madrid. This new entity specialized in high-quality jewellery crafted in Paris, quickly earning favour among Spanish nobility.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Lacloche](\"https:\/\/static.antiquejewellerycompany.com\/2024\/10\/lacloche-shop.jpg\")
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![\"La](\"https:\/\/static.antiquejewellerycompany.com\/2021\/11\/6cc2f3af-dsc06776-400x300.jpg\")
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\tLa Cloche Freres Watch<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t£<\/span>4,100<\/span>or from £<\/span>342<\/span>\/month<\/strong> at 0% More info<\/span><\/a><\/small><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/li>- \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
![\"Art](\"https:\/\/static.antiquejewellerycompany.com\/2019\/06\/58e03bec-dsc01250-400x300.jpg\")
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\tArt Deco Ruby Line Brooch by La Cloche Freres<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t£<\/span>1,500<\/span>or from £<\/span>125<\/span>\/month<\/strong> at 0% More info<\/span><\/a><\/small><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\nAmong their illustrious clients were Queen Alexandra, King George I of Greece, Napoleon III, Empress Eug\u00e9nie, and Alfonso XII of Spain. Their distinct craftsmanship and eye for luxury established Lacloche as a name known across Europe. The brothers opened additional shops in Biarritz, San Sebastian, Aix-les-Bains, Nice, and even the glamorous Monaco, strategically following the wealthy clientele to popular seaside resorts. Bertha Lacloche, one of the sisters, married Jacob Jacques Walewyk, and together they opened Walewyk-Lacloche shops in these fashionable enclaves, further expanding the Lacloche influence in the world of luxury goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Turning Point: The Death of Jacques and the Rise of Lacloche Fr\u00e8res<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In 1900, tragedy struck when Jacques Lacloche died in a train accident. The remaining three brothers consolidated their resources, establishing Lacloche Fr\u00e8res as a unified entity in Paris, where they set up a shop at the prestigious 15 Rue de la Paix in 1901. They quickly gained renown for their commitment to only the finest pieces, working with premier designers, artisans, and suppliers. This elevated their brand to new heights, attracting a clientele that included the wealthiest and most influential figures of the time.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Lacloche](\"https:\/\/static.antiquejewellerycompany.com\/2024\/10\/lacloche-paris-rue-de-la-paix.jpg\")
The Lacloche Fr\u00e8res Shop – 15 Rue de la Paix, Paris<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n The acquisition of Edwin Streeter\u2019s London store in 1904 further cemented their stature. Streeter\u2019s stock included the historic Agra diamond, a remarkable pink gem that they decided to auction at Christie\u2019s, garnering significant attention. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Agra](\"https:\/\/static.antiquejewellerycompany.com\/2024\/10\/agra-diamond.jpg\")
The Agra Diamond eventually found its way to Christie’s in 1990. The buyer later had it recut to its current 32.34 carats, and in 1992, it appeared again at a Sotheby\u2019s auction where it sold to another private collector<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n By 1908, Lacloche Fr\u00e8res had expanded to seven locations, including a presence in London, Madrid, and various European resort towns. Their exquisite jewellery and timepieces included collaborations with Lalique, Verger, Vacheron Constantin, and the master enameler Paillet.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.antiquejewellerycompany.com\/2024\/10\/lacloche-.paillet.jpg\")
Pendant-watch of a lady in sculpted rock crystal, gold, platinum, pearls, diamonds, miniature painted on alabaster, signed Paillet, dial covered with facetted amethysts, movement by Vacheron Constantin. Made by the Atelier Verger for Lacloche Fr\u00e8res, 1908. Vacheron Constantin Heritage.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n Belle \u00c9poque Creations: The Early Days of Artistic Innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
During the Belle \u00c9poque<\/a>, Lacloche Fr\u00e8res captured the market for elegant ladies’ watches and intricate brooches. These timepieces were often adorned in delicate hues of blue, green, and mauve and framed with diamonds and coloured stones. Crafted in partnership with the Verger firm and with cases designed by artists like Paul Brandt<\/strong> and Fernand Paillet<\/strong>, these watches stood out for their artistry and detail. Notably, Paillet\u2014a portrait artist renowned for his work with the Manufacture Nationale des S\u00e8vres\u2014created intricate reverse designs that added depth and individuality to each piece.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Pieces](\"https:\/\/static.antiquejewellerycompany.com\/2024\/10\/lacloche-designers.jpg\")
Pieces designed by Paul Brandt (inset) and Fernand Paillet<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n Lacloche also embraced \u201cjewellery embroidery,\u201d a style popularized by Oscar Massin and further perfected with the advent of platinum, allowing for delicate, lifelike floral designs. With their lacy appearance and realistic motifs, these designs soon became a hallmark of the Lacloche style, setting the stage for their entrance into the Art Deco movement.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/static.antiquejewellerycompany.com\/2024\/10\/lacloche-3.jpg\")
A solid gold Pedigree Pig evening bag by Lacloche Fr\u00e8res, circa 1900 – 1905<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n The Art Deco Era: A Golden Age of Colour, Geometry, and Exotic Influences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The 1920s marked the golden age of Lacloche Fr\u00e8res, as Art Deco<\/a> style swept through Europe. Inspired by the bold colours and geometric patterns of Asian art, Lacloche embraced Japonisme and Egyptomania, incorporating symbols like pharaohs, hieroglyphs, and motifs from Japanese and Chinese art. Their innovative use of jade, lapis lazuli, coral, and onyx created captivating contrasts with diamonds and platinum, making their pieces distinctive and sophisticated. These exotic influences were showcased in their famed vanity cases and cigarette holders, small works of art adorned with enamel, gemstones, and mother-of-pearl.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Lacloche](\"https:\/\/static.antiquejewellerycompany.com\/2024\/10\/lacloche-art-deco-1.jpg\")
In the 1920s Lacloche embraced Japonisme, Egyptomania and Asian art<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n In 1925, Lacloche\u2019s exhibit at the Paris Exposition des Arts D\u00e9coratifs earned them a Grand Prix for their jewelled pendants and bracelets inspired by French fables. Their pieces stood out not only for their beauty but also for their technical sophistication, as seen in their elaborate sautoirs and layered diamond bracelets. These pieces reflected the liberated styles of the time, with sautoirs that cascaded down the back and bracelets that adorned bare arms, accentuating the era’s modern fashion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Expansion into Hollywood and the Glamour of the 1920s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As the Lacloche name grew, so did their clientele, reaching even Hollywood. Henri and Jacques, sons of Fernand, opened an office on Fifth Avenue in New York, supplying glamorous pieces to film stars and socialites. In 1923, Lacloche Fr\u00e8res opened a summer shop in Deauville and expanded to Cannes the following year, catering to the rich and famous who frequented the C\u00f4te d’Azur. Their jewellery adorned the wrists and necks of Hollywood royalty and European aristocrats alike, solidifying Lacloche\u2019s place in high society.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Lacloche](\"https:\/\/static.antiquejewellerycompany.com\/2024\/10\/lacloche-jewellery.jpg\")
Lacloche Fr\u00e8res adverts<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n Crisis and Resilience: The Impact of the Great Depression<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The stock market crash of 1929 affected luxury brands worldwide, and Lacloche Fr\u00e8res was no exception. By 1931, they had filed for bankruptcy, closing most of their stores and retaining only a Paris showroom. Fernand\u2019s sons, known for their gambling habits, had accumulated significant debts, which contributed to the company’s financial struggles. Fernand passed away soon after, and the Lacloche empire, as it once was, came to an end.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"6](\"https:\/\/static.antiquejewellerycompany.com\/2024\/10\/great-depression-france.jpg\")
6 February 1934 crisis, Paris – also known as the Veterans’ Riot<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n A New Chapter: Jacques Lacloche and the Revival of the Brand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Despite the setbacks, the Lacloche legacy continued. In 1933, Jacques Lacloche, the nephew of the original Jacques and a more financially prudent family member, established a new business under his own name. He cleverly supplied jewellery to a re-established Lacloche Fr\u00e8res store in London, restoring some of the family\u2019s former prestige. Jacques cultivated connections with the high society of Cannes, becoming the official jeweller of the Motor Yacht Club and creating trophies, medals, and cups for exclusive events.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Loeilia](\"https:\/\/static.antiquejewellerycompany.com\/2024\/10\/lacloche-tiara.jpg\")
(left) Loeilia Ponsomby in The Westminster Halo Tiara, \u00a0Cecil Beaton\/Conde Nast via Getty Images
(right) Lacloche Fr\u00e8res – Box in gold, rubies, diamonds, moonstones – c.1905 \u00a9 Liang Yi Museum<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIn 1937, Jacques\u2019s designs were celebrated at the Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques, and he opened prestigious locations in Place Vend\u00f4me and Cannes. Known for mingling with the rich and famous, Jacques attended high-profile events, including the wedding of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco, where he created bespoke jewellery pieces for the occasion.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Grace](\"https:\/\/static.antiquejewellerycompany.com\/2024\/10\/grace-kelly-wedding.jpg\")
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier’s wedding (Keystone-France\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n - \n
- Grace Kelly\u2019s Engagement Ring: Get The Look<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Evolution in Style: Art Moderne and Beyond<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
During the 1930s and beyond, Lacloche Fr\u00e8res adapted to new trends. Art Moderne brought geometric boldness and less intricate designs, exemplified in their clip brooches, which could be worn in various ways. Lacloche\u2019s bracelets and brooches from this era featured interchangeable coloured stones, allowing wearers to customize pieces to match their attire. Jacques Lacloche introduced charm bracelets and whimsical figural brooches like the \u201cFour Seasons,\u201d reflecting the brand\u2019s playful yet luxurious appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The war years saw Lacloche embracing more stylized and natural themes, with gold jewellery inspired by textile patterns\u2014braided, twisted, and woven designs that continued to captivate clients well into the 1950s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Final Chapter and Lacloche\u2019s Enduring Legacy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
By the 1960s, Jacques Lacloche explored new artistic ventures, showcasing the works of other jewellers at his Place Vend\u00f4me gallery. Though he eventually left the jewellery business and closed his shop, his legacy endured. The Cannes location, renamed Lacloche Fr\u00e8res<\/a>, continued to celebrate fine craftsmanship, featuring Lacloche pieces and other artisans\u2019 work. Jacques Lacloche passed away in 1999, leaving behind a legacy that endures in the annals of jewellery history.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Jacques](\"https:\/\/static.antiquejewellerycompany.com\/2024\/10\/jacques-lacloche-1.jpg\")
Jacques Lacloche, son of one of the founding brothers, in front of his boutique in Cannes<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n Today, Lacloche pieces are celebrated for their intricate designs, innovative use of materials, and bold stylistic choices. Collectors, historians, and jewellery enthusiasts prize Lacloche creations, which often appear at auctions and exhibitions. From the Art Nouveau and Belle \u00c9poque eras through the bold geometry of Art Deco, Lacloche\u2019s designs captured the essence of each period with unmatched craftsmanship and artistry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Owning a Lacloche piece is like holding a piece of history\u2014a testament to a family\u2019s commitment to beauty, luxury, and innovation. As modern jewellers draw inspiration from Lacloche\u2019s daring use of colour, exotic influences, and pioneering techniques, the Lacloche name lives on as a symbol of elegance and artistry.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Lacloche](\"https:\/\/static.antiquejewellerycompany.com\/2024\/10\/lacloche-freres-feature-image.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- Tiffany & Co: New York Icon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cartier: A Century of Timeless Elegance and Exquisite Craftsmanship<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Jewellery of the Aristocracy: Famous Royal and Noble Collections Through History<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Looking to build your collection? Browse our collection of Art Deco and beyond online. Or better yet, book an appointment<\/a><\/strong> to see it in person. Continue the story.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
- Cartier: A Century of Timeless Elegance and Exquisite Craftsmanship<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tiffany & Co: New York Icon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
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