About Raymard

Raymond Yard’s journey and the legacy of his jewelry firm are quintessential examples of the American dream realized through meticulous craftsmanship and an undying commitment to quality. The story begins in 1898, when a young Raymond Yard entered the world of fine jewelry as a door boy at Marcus and Co., a renowned New York City jeweler. Born on April 18, 1885, in Montclair, NJ, Yard faced significant hardships early in life, including the premature death of his father, which forced him to leave school and support his family. Through his perseverance, he quickly climbed the ranks at Marcus and Co., becoming a highly sought-after salesperson in his early 30s. Yard's exposure to the intricacies of high-end jewelry and his interactions with affluent clients laid a sturdy foundation for his illustrious career. His big break came when John D. Rockefeller Jr., impressed by Yard's talent and dedication, encouraged him to start his own venture in 1922. Rockefeller further bolstered Yard's fledgling business by recommending him to family and friends, setting the stage for Yard's remarkable success.

The Raymond Yard jewelry firm quickly became a haven for America’s elite, including the Rockefellers, Woolworths, du Ponts, Vanderbilts, and Harrimans, all of whom sought Yard's expert craftsmanship and use of the highest quality gemstones. Celebrities like Douglass Fairbanks and Joan Crawford also commissioned Yard for custom pieces, cementing his reputation in the American jewelry scene. Yard was deeply admired both personally and professionally; he was known for his fairness and kind nature, as well as his perfectionism in his craft. His business thrived despite challenges such as the wartime ban on platinum, which forced him to innovate with alternative materials like yellow and white golds and semi-precious stones. Yard had a unique ability to rejuvenate heirloom jewelry by resetting treasured gemstones, creating timeless, elegant pieces that could be passed down through generations. His work prominently featured moonstones and aquamarines, a testament to his adaptability and creativity during the 1940s.

In 1958, after over sixty years in the jewelry business, Raymond Yard retired and passed the baton to his protégé, Robert Gibson. Gibson had met Yard as a 17-year-old caddy and quickly became a trusted apprentice, ultimately inheriting Yard’s dedication to quality. Under Gibson’s leadership, the company flourished, appealing to successive generations of clients. Robert Gibson’s son, Bob Gibson, continued this legacy when he took over the firm in 1989. Bob revitalized many of Raymond Yard’s classic Art Deco designs while infusing contemporary interpretations that stayed true to the firm’s distinguished heritage. Today, the company operates out of Greenwich, Connecticut, and remains highly esteemed for its exceptional gemstones, unique artistic settings, and pristine platinum designs. Raymond Yard consistently waited for the best stones on the market, favoring Burmese rubies and Kashmir sapphires. This standard of impeccable quality continues under Bob Gibson’s guidance. Raymond Yard’s work is characterized by elegant, timeless pieces that transcend fleeting fashion trends, featuring a diverse array of diamond shapes that offer visual interest while supporting central gemstones. The firm’s remarkable ability to blend tradition with innovation endears it to collectors and connoisseurs of fine jewelry, making Raymond Yard synonymous with unparalleled craftsmanship and enduring elegance.