Raymond C. Yard

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This venue is closed.

Established in 1922 with the encouragement of John D. Rockefeller, Raymond C. Yard made its name catering to New York’s carriage crowd. One of the last private jewelry salons in the city, the firm splits its business between new, custom-made, and estate jewelry. In intimate consultations for custom pieces, clients can explore an archive of historical Yard designs or work with the staff to translate their unique visions into renderings. A weathered leather registry contains many such designs and the names of the Vanderbilts and DuPonts who commissioned them. The shop’s creations range from platinum-mounted diamond rings to moonstone broaches to gold grandmother bracelets. Perennial favorites are the jewel-encrusted rabbit-waiter pieces—originally conceived during Prohibition—which bear the image of a stately, bottle-toting rabbit. Globe-trotters and animal lovers are drawn to the English crystal bracelets and broaches that can depict a cherished landmark or pet in miniature hand-painted scenes. — Alex Littlefield