Known as one of the finest goldsmiths of the 20th century, Georges L’Enfant was widely admired for his workmanship and innovative designs. His atelier forged collaborations with a lengthy list of illustrious jewelry houses, including Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Hermès, to name a few.
L’Enfant was born to a family of jewelers and goldsmiths. He served several apprenticeships and studied jewelry-making in Paris and abroad as a youth. He later returned to France and set up his own workshop around 1900.
At his Paris shop, at 47 Rue des Petits-Champs, L’Enfant became known for his elegant diamond rings, finely crafted gold jewelry and vivid gemstone bracelets and drop necklaces. He registered his maker’s mark in 1909, and in 1915, L’Enfant’s 11-year-old son Jacques joined the business.
In 1927, goldsmith and jewelry manufacturer Gustave-Roger Sandoz sold his company to L’Enfant, provided Sandoz’s son Gerard could retain his role as creative director. With Gerard, L’Enfant produced an extensive series of art moderne jewelry.
Following World War II, Jacques took over his father’s company and continued to use the Georges L’Enfant maker’s mark. Throughout the 1950s, the business collaborated with Vacheron Constantin on a luxury watch line. The brand enjoyed long-established partnerships with Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Hermès and René Boivin, among others.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Jacques designed a collection of 18-karat gold chain bracelets, link bracelets and link necklaces, many of which featured delicate gold braiding. From that point on, braided and link-style pieces became the L’Enfant company’s signature and remain highly collectible items among gold-jewelry connoisseurs today. In 2003, the Georges L’Enfant brand ceased production after the firm Bouder took ownership in a buyout, making its existing baubles even more covetable.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of antique and vintage Georges L’Enfant brooches, bracelets and necklaces.
| Average Sold Price |
| $11,376 |
| Styles |
| Related Creators |
Hermes Georges L'Enfant Chaine D'Ancre Gold Vintage Toggle Link Bracelet
By Georges L'Enfant
Located in Greenwich, CT
Crisp and well executed this rare large size Hermes Georges L'Enfant Paris 'chaine d'ancre' vintage toggle link bracelet is the statement piece you have been searching for. With ele...
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage George L'enfant 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet Circa 1960
By Georges L'Enfant
Located in London, GB
A vintage George L'enfant 18 karat yellow gold bracelet, circa 1960 A finely crafted 18 karat yellow gold bracelet comprised of belcher links, each pair of links interspaced with a ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rare Signed Georges Lenfant 18 Karat Rope Twist Chain & Bracelet Set
By Georges L'Enfant
Located in New York, NY
Georges Lenfant Convertible Necklace and Bracelet Set c. 1960s 18K yellow gold, rope-twist chaîne d’ancre construction, concealed clasps Extremely rare longer necklace together w...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$28,631
W 0.86 in D 0.14 in L 7.08 in
Georges L'Enfant 18K Yellow Gold Guilloché Bracelet, Paris Circa 1970
By Georges L'Enfant
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Bracelet by Georges Lenfant, Paris circa 1970 Milanese fabric bracelet in 18K (750/1000) yellow gold with guilloché pattern. The bracelet fastens with a concealed clasp and safety ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georges Lenfant 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Chrysoprase & Coral Necklace
By Georges L'Enfant
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
When it comes to French jewellery there is one name which is exceedingly hot at the moment in the estate jewellery world, Georges Lenfant. This 18 karat yellow gold, chrysoprase and ...
Chrysophrase, Coral, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
An 18k Gold French Georges Lenfant Link Chain
By Georges L'Enfant
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat gold long chain with eight shaped braided links alternated with polished eight shaped links connected with oval links with a worn master mark, most likely Georges Lenfant...
Gold, 18k Gold
Georges L’Enfant Vintage 18KT Gold Diamond Pavé Bull Pendant
By Georges L'Enfant
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage bull pendant dating to the circa 1990s, crafted in 18KT gold by Georges L’Enfant. The pendant features a sculptural bull motif set within an open rectangular gold frame. Th...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georges Lenfant 18 Karat Yellow Gold Woven Circles Bracelet
By Georges L'Enfant
Located in New York, NY
Georges Lenfant 18 Karat Yellow Gold Woven Circles Bracelet 55 grams 7.5 inches length 0.90" width Made in France c.1960s-70s Georges Lenfant's name resonates deeply within the circles of vintage dealers and discerning collectors, yet it's not uncommon for owners of Lenfant pieces to be unaware of the master behind their treasures. This anonymity is a testament to the breadth of Lenfant's collaborations, as he and his son, Jacques, lent their expertise to nearly every prestigious jewelry house imaginable, from Cartier to Van Cleef & Arpels. The hallmark of the Lenfants—a diamond-shaped stamp bearing their initials—often adorned jewelry alongside the esteemed names of these iconic houses. However, their influence extended beyond jewelry alone; it graced the gold bracelets of watches crafted by renowned brands such as Rolex, Hermès, and Vacheron Constantin. This subtle mark of distinction symbolized not just the collaboration of talents but also the commitment to excellence that defined the Lenfant legacy. Georges Lenfant's genius lay in his mastery of gold, a material he manipulated with unparalleled skill and finesse. Etching gold...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
| Sold Date | Sold Price | Category | Material | Creation Year | ||||||
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| $11,376 |
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months |
| $6,752-$16,000 |
| Sold price range of items in the past 12 months |