Yard: The Life and Magnificent Jewelry of Raymond C. Yard [Hardcover]

Natasha Kuzmanovic (Author), David Rockefeller (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2008

Dazzling and celebrity-filled, this anecdote-packed account of Raymond C. Yard and his remarkable jewelry is a classic rags-to-riches tale.

In 1898, Raymond C. Yard began his career in the jewelry business as a door boy at Marcus & Co. It was during this period that the newly affluent American industrial families began to patronize American jewelers like Tiffany & Co. Yard was encouraged by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., to open his own company; Rockefeller recommended the Yard firm to his family and connections, and shortly Yard was creating jewels for the Woolworth, Flagler, DuPont, Harriman, and Vanderbilt families.

The creations of the Yard company were always characterized by the highest-quality gems, intricate settings, timeless style, and a sly sense of whimsy.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Natasha Kuzmanovic is a historian and author of John Paul Cooper: Designer and Craftsman of the Arts and Crafts Movement.

David Rockefeller, a banker and philanthropist, is the youngest and only living son of John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 204 pages
• Publisher: Vendome Press (January 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 086565185X
• ISBN-13: 978-0865651852
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 11.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #213,517 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gorgeous Book, January 7, 2009

By 

Jewelry Maven (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Yard: The Life and Magnificent Jewelry of Raymond C. Yard (Hardcover)

This book was purchased as a gift for someone in the jewelry business. I looked at it closely before
giving it to him and was torn as to whether to keep it for myself for it is a very fine book. The photographs
are stunning and the text well written. I was not familiar with Raymond Yard as a person. I only knew about
his work as a jeweler before reading about him in this book. He had a very fine character which for me
makes his designs all the more important. This book would be a fine addition to any professional jewelry
person's library as well as for ordinary people with a passion for jewelry or design.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unexpected elegance, March 30, 2008

By 

Nonna Jean (Cincinnati, OH) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Yard: The Life and Magnificent Jewelry of Raymond C. Yard (Hardcover)

I had not seen this book "in person" and am often disappointed in the quality of other art books I have purchased. Not so with "Yard: The Life and Magnificent Jewelry of Raymond C. Yard". It was meant to be a gift, but I must confess that I devoured the elegant photographs and the interesting copy before I wrapped this special book up for its new owner!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Limited History--but well photographed and worthwhile., January 20, 2008

By 

Derrick J. Shirley "Derrick James" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Yard: The Life and Magnificent Jewelry of Raymond C. Yard (Hardcover)

For a moderately priced book of a semi-obscure jeweler this book completes its goals. However, those looking for an actual in depth history of the business and its founder will not find it here. Lushly photographed and info-heavy on a few of Yard's more famous clients-it entertains and earns its price tag.