Louis M. Gérard (French, 1923–2006), Necklace with Pendant, 1975, slate, gold, coral, diamonds

Audio Description

This necklace and pendant of slate, gold, coral, and diamonds, were made in 1975 by French jeweler Louis M. Gérard who lived from 1923–2006.

This is a long necklace of yellow gold with variously shaped links. Some are small, round, and smooth, while others are long, flat, and textured. The pendant is a perfectly round piece of slate that has some natural texture on its surface. On its face are diamond-shaped pieces of salmon colored coral set in gold that together form a line across the center of the slate. Two diamond shapes that have nine small, faceted diamonds in each are set in yellow gold above and below the coral.

Label Copy

This necklace and pendant of slate, gold, coral, and diamonds, were made in 1975 by French jeweler Louis M. Gérard who lived from 1923–2006.

Louis Gérard spent nearly twenty years working for the well-known jewelry firm Van Cleef & Arpels, but in 1968 he established his own boutique, M. Gérard, in Paris. The company was known for luxurious jewelry featuring precious gems that showcased his clientele’s personal wealth. However, creativity was also one of Gérard’s attributes, and it was no surprise when the jewelry house introduced a new line for men in 1975, like other ‘with it’ firms.

Off-beat materials such as slate and steel were introduced as the backdrop for Gérard’s new designs, offered for men, but unisex, nonetheless. Like many luxury firms, Gérard diversified the collections to attract a younger, more modern customer. The slate seen here was cut into discs, polished, and became the base for setting elements like gold, turquoise, coral, and diamonds.

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