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.
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
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Carved Jade Link Chain Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This is a classic chunky link necklace that holds one carved jade at it's focal point. Trendy yet very elegant this necklace speaks David Webb. Rich 18k yellow gold solid links feel substantial on the neck. Center apple green carved jade...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold 33.5" Long Open Link Chain Necklace w/ Toggle Clasp
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 46.65 Grams Chain Type: Long Open Link Chain Length: 33.5 inches (measured next to ruler) Chain Width: 9.6mm (0.37")(at the small link) - 20....
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Amethyst And Crystal Link Chain Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This stunning vintage Bvlgari chain necklace is a timeless piece crafted from 18K yellow gold, featuring a beautiful combination of amethyst and crystal....
Amethyst, Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid 18k Yellow Gold Italian Classic 24" Figaro Link Chain Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 60.92 Grams Chain Length: 24" (measured next to ruler)- Figaro Link - Lobster Claw Chain Width: 6.9mm (0.27") (approx.) Chain Thickness: 2.1m...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Link Chain Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Step into the elegance of the 1960s with this exquisite Estate Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Link Necklace. Crafted with the timeless sophistication that Bvlgari is known for, this...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Onyx Octagon Open Link Chain Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
The combination of platinum and 18K yellow gold adds a luxurious touch to the piece, ensuring both durability and a rich aesthetic. The choice of an octagonal onyx as the focal centerpiece is not only unique but also adds a sense of boldness to the design. The use of an open-link flat rectangular chain...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18 Karat Yellow Gold Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona Design Collection, Hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold, Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for their special design and for the excellent quality of the gemstone...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold 21" Curb Link Chain Necklace w/ Spring Ring Clasp
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 5.8 Grams Type: Curb Link Chain Length: 21" measured next to ruler Width: 1.5mm (0.06") Thickness: 0.8mm Closure: Spring Ring Clasp End Cap ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb 18K Gold Azurmalachite And Diamond Chain Link Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous necklace is an 18 karat yellow gold, diamond and azurmalachite necklace designed and signed by David Webb. The necklace centers a large smooth oval tablet of high quali...
Diamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 18k Gold S-Link Chain Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 18k yellow gold chain necklace features a sleek, repeating S‑link pattern. Measuring approximately 3/16 inch wide a...
18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold 85 Carat Oval Diamond Link Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An 18k yellow gold long chain of oval textured linking, decorated with round brilliant-cut diamonds of approx. 85 carats. Diamond Quality: F-G color, VS-SI clarity. The necklace is ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise Link Chain Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise Link Chain Necklace is a vibrant and versatile piece, measuring 30 inches in length. The necklace features graduating turquoise beads inters...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Van Cleef & Arpels Georges Lenfant Gold & Diamond Necklace
By Georges L'Enfant
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 3.20 carats. Signed by Georges Lenfant for Van Cleef & Arpels Circa...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Georges Lenfant vintage necklace, yellow gold paillette model
By Georges L'Enfant
Located in PARIS, FR
Georges LENFANT Rare necklace in 18Kt (750°/°°) yellow gold, featuring alternating round rings of falling sequins and links of the same size in polished gold. French work, 1970's Ge...
Yellow Gold
Georges Lenfant Bi-Color Gold Link Long Chain
By Georges L'Enfant
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A bi-color 18 carat gold long chain with yellow gold textured flat links with white gold polished ends, master mark: Georges Lenfant, France circa 1970. weight: 79 grams length: 81 ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold Woven Necklace and Earring Set by Georges L’Enfant
By Georges L'Enfant
Located in New York, NY
A stylish braided 18k white and yellow gold necklace and matching earring set circa 1965 made by the Georges L’Enfant. The intricate braided gold is a signature trademark of the Fren...
Gold, 18k Gold
1960s Georges L'Enfant Gold Link Necklace
By Georges L'Enfant
Located in New York, NY
A woven gold necklace of tapering curblink design, in 18K. Georges L'Enfant, France.
18k Gold
Georges L'Enfant Gold Sautoir
By Georges L'Enfant
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat gold sautoir, with plain and textured links, makers mark for Georges L'Enfant, France, circa 1970. weight: 63.1 gram length: 79.5 cm.
18k Gold