Each month, Hancocks London highlights a particularly remarkable jewel from its collection, and June is all about art deco excellence: The Jewel of the Month is a pair of statement-making 1920s dangle earrings featuring a gorgeous arrangement of jade, coral, and diamond and signed by Marzo Paris.
“Crafted during Marzo’s most desirable period, the blend of natural jadeite, coral, and diamonds exemplifies the bold and striking designs that defined the art deco period and Roaring Twenties,” said Guy Burton, managing director of Hancocks, in a statement. “Marzo jewelry remains highly sought after given its elegance and sophistication. As stylish and contemporary now as they were nearly a century ago when they were first made, they make a timeless addition to any collection.”
Lorenzo Marzo, the nephew of Spanish court jeweler Francisco Marzo, established his own jewelry business in Paris in 1901 (which he eventually expanded with boutiques in Biarritz and Madrid). Marzo’s work ranged from a delicate seed pearl and diamond Belle Epoque brooch to a striking emerald and diamond tiara, proving his ability to compete at the highest levels of the jewelry market.
His art deco creations from the 1920s and 1930s, however, are what truly cemented his legacy. Marzo expertly set large, faceted colored stones such as amethyst and aquamarine into rings, pendants, and brooches, often accentuated with pavé diamonds and black enamel, or he paired smooth black onyx cabochons with orange coral and white diamonds. The earrings Hancocks is spotlighting this month exemplify his innovative style and combining of vivid hues and diamond sparkle.
In 1927, Lorenzo Marzo was awarded France’s Legion of Honor, acknowledging his substantial contributions to jewelry design. After he died two years later, his son Rafael continued the family tradition of exceptional craftsmanship. And now’s your chance to own a piece of it.
Top: Marzo earrings with natural jadeite, coral, and 18 old-cut round diamonds, £22,500/ approximately $28,600 (photo courtesy of Hancocks)
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