In the year 1892, Marcus & Co was established by Herman Marcus and his son William. Herman had trained in Dresden, Germany, developing skills as a jeweller and in enamelling, which was widely used in Europe, but less common in North America at the time.

After working at major jewellery houses, including Tiffany & Co, Marcus established the Marcus & Co. jewellery studio on Manhattan’s Broadway Avenue. The company quickly gained a reputation for delicate Art Nouveau designs that reflected the beauty of natural forms, and highlighted the art of enamel.

LOT 422, Dupuis Important Jewels Auction, Fall 2022

Similar to the art jewels of contemporaries, René Lalique and Louis Comfort Tiffany, Marcus & Co jewels were the height of Art Nouveau, where design was paramount, and gems were integrated into the overall design.

The Marcus & Co. ring, Circa 1900, and featured in the November 2022 Dupuis Important Jewels Auction, consigned by the family of the original owner, is an exceptional jewel. Featuring beautiful enamel work, a fine emerald, a yellow diamond, and four additional fine antique diamonds.

LOT 422, Dupuis Important Jewels Auction, Fall 2022

The ring hugs the finger, with naturalistic curves and scrolls framing the enamel and gems, and creating a marvellous statement. It is pure Art Nouveau, in the finest tradition.

Jewels by Marcus & Co. feature prominently in important collections around the world. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York has several Marcus & Co jewels in its collections.

We are proud to offer this ring in the Important Jewels Auction, and to offer the opportunity to bid on such a notable jewel, a perfect talisman of Art Nouveau beauty.