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Marcus & Co.

American

Throughout the early 20th century, Marcus & Co. established a reputation as one of the finest American producers of Art Nouveau jewelry. The firm’s innovative techniques included the use of plique-à-jour enameling. During the 1900s, this rare method was used by only three other jewelry companies in the United States — Tiffany & Co., Riker Bros. and Whiteside and Blank. 

Marcus & Co. was founded in 1892, in New York City, by Herman Marcus and his son William. Herman was born and raised in Germany, where he worked as a jeweler for Ellemeyer, the court jewelers of Dresden, before moving to the United States in 1850.

After arriving in New York City, Herman worked as a designer at several prestigious luxury firms, including Ball, Black & Co., Tiffany & Co. and was a partner at Starr and Marcus before he went into business with William. Later, they were joined by Herman’s other son, George.

Herman worked with his sons until his death in 1899, when William and George expanded the firm to include a silversmithing department to make serveware. However, Marcus & Co. focused mainly on jewelry design and manufacturing, offering Revival-style pieces. 

In 1900, the company exhibited a series of striking orchid motif brooches at the Exposition Universelle in Paris. The brooches attracted critical acclaim for their plique-à-jour enameling and intricate detail — characteristics that would become Marcus & Co.’s signature.

The company’s Art Nouveau jewelry took shape during the 1920s and 1930s. Cocktail rings, engagement rings, necklaces and cufflinks featured fine diamonds, natural pearls and gems rarely seen during that period, such as peridots, zircons, spinels and chrysoberyls. Marcus & Co.’s designs were comparable by critics to fine art jewelry made by René Lalique and attracted high-profile clientele like business tycoon John D. Rockefeller. 

Despite Marcus & Co.’s success, the firm closed briefly during World War II. In 1962, they merged with the company Black, Starr & Frost.

Marcus & Co. pieces are still highly coveted among jewelry collectors. The firm’s Art Nouveau plique-à-jour accessories, a technique that sees enamel powder applied to cells on a thin sheet of copper foil or mica and then etched away —  instead applying the enamel directly to metal — are particularly collectible. In 2011, a Morning Glory plique-à-jour pendant brooch and chain made in 1900 sold at a Sotheby’s auction for $302,500.

On 1stDibs, discover antique Marcus & Co. brooches, rings and decorative objects

Average Sold Price
$2,275
Styles
Related Creators
Marcus & Co. Art Deco Egyptian Revival Enamel 14 Karat Gold Antique Cufflinks
By Marcus & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as link-style cufflinks terminating with oval-shaped faces With stylized gold lotus flower, pharaoh, Eye of Horus, and a sphinx Each raised with grooved detailing - atop ena...
Category

1920s Egyptian Revival Vintage Marcus & Co.

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique Art Deco Marcus and Co Platinum Old Pear Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
By Marcus & Co.
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Marcus and Co Platinum Old Pear Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This incredible antique Marcus and Co engagement ring is cra...
Category

1920s Art Deco Vintage Marcus & Co.

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

MARCUS & CO. Art Deco 14k Essex Crystal Bracelet
By Marcus & Co.
Located in Narberth, PA
Reverse carved crystal, or Essex crystal, was a technique created by cutting pieces of rock quartz crystal into a convex form and then polishing it into a cabochon shape. An image is...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Marcus & Co.

Materials

Crystal, 14k Gold

Art Deco Marcus & Co Black Spinel and French Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum
By Marcus & Co.
Located in Boston, MA
An Art Deco period unisex ring in platinum by Marcus & Co. Centered by a rectangular step cut black spinel measuring 11mm by 9mm set in a polished platinum bezel. Framing the black...
Category

1920s Art Deco Vintage Marcus & Co.

Materials

Diamond, Spinel, Black Spinel, Platinum

Marcus & Co. Equestrian Essex Crystal Bracelet
By Marcus & Co.
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1910, 14k, by Marcus & Co., American. This antique equestrian motif bracelet is the perfect casual-chic accessory. Its focal point is an expertly crafted, hand painted Essex crystal of a beautiful red fox. To either side, riders in the hunt field are masterfully pictured, a lady clearing a hedge sidesaddle, and a gentleman galloping. Two more running fox crystals...
Category

1910s American Vintage Marcus & Co.

Materials

Crystal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Marcus & Co Lily of The Valley Enamel Gold Pearl Brooch
By Marcus & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Marcus & Co green enamel and pearl lily of the valley antique yellow gold brooch circa 1900. * ABOUT THIS ITEM: #P-DJ128J. Scroll down for detailed specifications. This exquisite...
Category

Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Antique Marcus & Co.

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Antique Signed Edwardian Marcus & Co. 14K Gold & Sapphire Stick Pin
By Marcus & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Edwardian stick pin. By Marcus & Co. In 14 karat yellow gold with a small, round faceted blue sapphire. Simply a wonderful signed antique...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Marcus & Co.

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold

Marcus & Co. Art Deco Diamond Moonstone Cabochon Platinum Vintage Bar Brooch
By Marcus & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an elongated sugarloaf-shaped moonstone cabochon measuring 27.0 x 9.0 mm Translucent colorless in body with white adularescence - bezel set Featuring a pierced arching sur...
Category

1930s Art Deco Vintage Marcus & Co.

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Moonstone, Platinum

Browse all Jewelry from Marcus & Co.
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Marcus & Co. jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Marcus & Co. jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using gold. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Marcus & Co. jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Marcus & Co. diamond jewelry & watches, from our inventory of 13, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 24 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. art deco and Art Nouveau are among the most popular styles of Marcus & Co. jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider jewelry & watches by Paul Flato, Corocraft, and Jomaz. Prices for Marcus & Co. jewelry & watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $950 and tops out at $175,000, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $10,600.
Questions About Marcus & Co.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The legendary American luxury house Tiffany & Co. is currently owned by Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), which completed the acquisition of the company in January, 2021. The firm started out modestly — Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young founded it in Connecticut as a “stationery and fancy goods emporium” in 1837, at a time when European imports still dominated the nascent American luxury market. Upon Charles’ death in 1902, his son Louis Comfort Tiffany took over artistic direction for the brand. On 1stDibs, find authentic Tiffany & Co. pieces from some of the world's top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, Tiffany & Co. do not sell their famous blue boxes separately. You do, however, receive a blue box with the purchase of jewelry and goods from Tiffany & Co. Shop a collection of TIffany & Co. jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, any gold jewelry used by Tiffany & Co. is real gold. Tiffany & Co. is a luxury jewelry brand and prides itself on high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Tiffany & Co. pieces are offered in gold, rose gold, platinum and sterling silver. Shop a selection of Tiffany & Co. pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Tiffany & Co. only uses sterling silver to create their silver jewelry designs. With proper care, the sterling silver of your gorgeous piece will last from generation to generation. You can shop a collection of Tiffany & Co. jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The “1837” stamp on Tiffany & Co. jewelry pieces is the year Charles Lewis Tiffany founded the brand in Brooklyn, Connecticut. Tiffany & Co. continues to be a popular luxury jewelry brand, even trademarking their signature blue as “Tiffany Blue” in 1998. In 2001 they partnered with Pantone to rename and standardized the color as “1837 Blue.” Shop a collection of Tiffany & Co. jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    A Tiffany & Co. engagement ring can cost as little as $13,000 or as much as $500,000 depending on the center stone’s carat weight, the band material and whether or not there are any side stones. The smaller the stone, the cheaper the ring will be. Find engagement rings designed by Tiffany & Co. on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Tiffany & Co. does indeed still make china. A quick glance on their website reveals chic dinnerware sets crafted in bone china in classic designs and patterns. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Tiffany & Co. pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Tiffany & Co. uses real pearls in their jewelry. Tiffany & Co. uses a variety of authentic pearl types, including Japanese Akoya, Tahitian, Chinese Freshwater and South Sea pearls. Shop a wide range of pearl jewelry from Tiffany & Co. on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes and no. Tiffany Lamps are still available, but they’re recreations of old designs and not new models. Tiffany & Co. split off from the lamps division a long time ago with Tiffany Studios taking on the lamp design and products. Tiffany Studios closed in 1930 and there are no new designs. Today you can still purchase new Tiffany Lamps based on the old designs. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Tiffany Lamp pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023
    To tell if a Tiffany & Co. bracelet is real, first check the overall quality of the piece. Tiffany is revered all over the world, and the storied American luxury house is known for its immaculate craftsmanship and use of high-quality materials. If the accessory is 18k gold, it will be stamped with the number “750.” If it’s sterling silver, it’ll have a “925” stamp, and if it’s platinum, it will feature a “950” stamp. If the bracelet is set with any gemstones, they should be of high clarity and brilliance and evenly set. Diamonds that are selected for use in authentic Tiffany jewelry uphold GIA grading standards. Experts recommend that you work with an appraiser or jewelry industry professional on matters such as determining the authenticity of a given piece. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Tiffany & Co. bracelets from some of the world’s best sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    No, Tiffany & Co. does not usually do Black Friday specials. The luxury jewelry house typically doesn't run sales. However, occasionally, it may have special offers available in its boutiques or online. Since these events do not take place on a regular basis, many people choose to shop for Tiffany & Co. pieces from other sources, such as trusted online platforms like 1stDibs. Explore a wide range of Tiffany & Co. jewelry from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    No, Tiffany & Co. jewelry does not typically go on sale. Occasionally, the acclaimed jewelry house will run in-boutique or online specials to coincide with holidays like Christmas or Valentine's Day, but these sorts of sales do not run regularly. You can find Tiffany & Co. jewelry on trusted online platforms, including 1stDibs. Shop a diverse assortment of Tiffany & Co. pieces on 1stDibs.

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