During the 1970s and early 1980s, M. Gérard was renowned all over the world for its elegant collections of jewelry. Boasting a wealth of jet-set clientele from across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, the firm once enjoyed great success as the largest and most prominent French exporter of luxury adornment.
M. Gérard was founded in 1968 by Louis Gérard, who was born in Paris in 1923 and came from a long line of jewelers and goldsmiths. He began his career in jewelry design while working in Paris for the prestigious jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels. Driven by a desire to create his line of “the most beautiful jewels in the world,” Gérard left Van Cleef & Arpels after nearly 20 years and opened his first boutique at 8 Avenue Montaigne in Paris.
Under the name M. Gérard, the house's founder designed exquisite suites of jewelry, including dangle earrings and clip-on earrings set with precious gems such as diamonds, rubies and emeralds; 18-karat gold interlocking link bracelets studded with sapphires and other jewels; dazzling link necklaces and other accessories.
In 1975, when minimalist jewelry was the order of the day — and a pioneering designer named Elsa Peretti was creating simple but sophisticated pieces for Tiffany & Co. — M. Gérard’s offerings were timely and modern. The firm introduced a line that targeted men, and its creative pieces occasionally saw an integration of slate or steel.
Much of M. Gérard’s designs were produced in the workshop of French jeweler Andre Vassort, whom Gérard met when he was working at Van Cleef & Arpels. Vassort — one of the 20th century’s most important manufacturers of French jewelry whose clients included the likes of Boucheron and Mauboussin — produced M. Gérard’s accessories for many years.
M. Gérard boutiques opened across Europe, including locations in London, Gstaad, Monte Carlo and Lausanne. The brand was also known to throw lavish parties for wealthy clients and host extravagant fashion shows in high-end locales like Cannes and Monte Carlo.
However, by 1985, M. Gérard’s fortunes began to fade. Due to massive over-expenditure, the firm struggled financially and Gérard was forced to sell to a group of American investors. Despite being repurchased and relaunched as Louis Gérard, Joaillier International, with a new boutique at 16 Avenue Montaigne, the company closed its doors in 1991.
Today, the name M. Gérard is still revered among collectors of 20th-century French fine jewelry.
Shop vintage M. Gérard earrings, bracelets and necklaces on 1stDibs.
Vintage 1960s Gerard 30.00 Carat Diamond Bracelet
By M. Gérard
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K yellow gold and set with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 30.00 carats. Signed by M. Gerard CIrca 1960s Size 7 inches
Diamond, 18k Gold
1.00 Carat Diamond White Gold Link Bracelet
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage pave set oval and bar link 14k white gold bracelet with 200 full cut diamonds safely set. The 7.5” bracelet has a fold over catch and safety chain. The link design exudes mod...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Modernist Sapphire Bark Bracelet 1960s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Vintage modernist sapphire bracelet. A captivating design, no doubt inspired by the great fine jewellers of the 1960s, such as Grima, this bracelet is an eternally stylish piece of...
1960s Vintage 9k Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1960s 9 karat yellow gold bracelet; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive vintage bracelet has been crafted in 9k yellow gold. The fully articulated bracelet is composed of twenty-eight rectangular links, embellished with a hand engraved floral design. The reverse of each individual link is hallmarked with the 9k gold fineness mark (9.375). The bracelet secures with a discreet integrated push fit clasp and benefits from the additional security of a fine link safety chain and catch. The push fit clasp is hallmarked to the reverse with partially worn but legible marks, including the maker's mark for T&H Crathorn Ltd (T&HC), the 9k gold fineness mark (9.375) and the Birmingham Assay Office hallmark (anchor). The catch to the safety chain is struck with the mark for 9k gold (9CT). Condition This impressive vintage yellow gold bracelet...
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Vintage Mexican Silver Large Panel Bracelet
Located in Wallkill, NY
Elaborate Mexican Silver Paneled Bracelet. Outstanding craftsmanship on this piece. Hallmarked on clasp. Measuring 1.36 inches wide with 4 panels. Early Mexican Craftsmanship. Measur...
Sterling Silver
15.00 Carat Five-Row Graduating Endless Diamond Bracelet
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet features our one of a kind endless push lock mechanism with Graduating diamonds up to .25ct each! The whole bracelet is encrusted with natural diamonds including the l...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
3.00 Carat Diamond Gold Hinged Link Bracelet
Located in Stamford, CT
Diamond star yellow gold bracelet. 170 round diamonds set in a 14k yellow gold star design hinged link bracelet. Hidden built in catch and side lo...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage 4.00ct Diamond Platinum Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This is an amazing platinum bracelet from the Art Deco era. The bracelet is set with sparkling marquise, baguette and round cut diamonds that weigh approximately 4.00ct. The color of...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Gem Set Chunky Curb Bracelet 1960s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A stunning and unusual Vintage Gem Set Curb Bracelet. Featuring a weighty textured curb link design embellished to perfection with oval sapphire crystals, emerald crystal chatons and...
3.00 Carat Diamond Rectangle Link Gold Bracelet
Located in Stamford, CT
Diamond white gold link bracelet. The bracelet consists of open rectangular links which are adorned with 244 round full cut diamonds totaling approximately 3.00cts. Connecting the l...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
1970s Platinum 30.00 Carat Diamonds Vintage Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This is a beautiful diamond bracelet from the 1970's that is made in Platinum, with 30.00cts of mixed cut diamonds. Rounds, marquise and baguette cuts encrusted this lovely solid jew...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum French Deco Old Cut Diamond 30.00cttw Vintage Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Prepare to be enchanted by the breathtaking beauty and timeless elegance of this Platinum French Deco Old Cut Diamond Bracelet. Meticulously crafted with exceptional artistry, this b...
Diamond, Platinum
Victorian 8.00 Carat Garnet Diamond Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Stamford, CT
Handmade Victorian 1850 bracelet in 18k yellow gold with a cabochon Garnet center, blue enamel and rose cut Diamond accents. There is a space for a picture under the Garnet. The cent...
Garnet, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s M. Gerard Paris Diamond Ruby Cabochon Gold Set Necklace Earrings Bracelet
By M. Gérard
Located in Geneva, CH
M. Gerard realized magnificent sets in the 60's and 70's from the Van Cleef and Arpels' same jeweler workshop Andre Vassort. He always used the best quality of Diamond. This set is i...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
M. Gerard Paris Sapphire Diamond Bracelet 1970's
By M. Gérard
Located in Geneva, CH
Designed as an articulated band set with circular-cut sapphires and diamonds, signed M. Gerard, numbered, French assay and maker's marks. Measures: Length: 18 cm (7.1 inches) Wi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold