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.
Marcus & Co. Art Deco Cloisonné Enamel Desk Clock
By Marcus & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Art Deco Cloisonné Enamel Desk Clock Case: Attributed to Marcus & Co. Movement: Mathey-Tissot Circa 1930 This exceptionally rare Art Deco desk ...
Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Multi-gemstone, Platinum, Enamel
Art Deco Sterling Silver, Enamel, Marcasites Desk/Table Clock, DRGM
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful, sterling silver, and guilloche enamel, desk/table clock with marcasites, Marked Germany / DRGM.
Sterling Silver
Omega, a Wood and Enamel Art Deco Eight Day Desk Clock
By Omega
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Omega. A wood and enamel Art Deco eight day desk clock Singed Omega. Polished wooden case, two polychrome enamel panels with floral and geometric motif, gilt case back, dial signed. Very good conditions. Working conditions. It just been cleaned. Rare example of these Art Deco Enamel Clocks...
Brass, Enamel
Tiffany & Co. 18kt Yellow Gold and Enamel Small Desk Clock 1920's
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Longines for Tiffany & Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Small Desk Clock METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Yellow Gold with Kiln Fire...
Gold
Art Deco French Enameled Silver Desk Clock
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This enameled silver desk clock is unsigned, so a specific maker cannot be identified, but the case was made in France, and the movement in Switzerland in the period and style of Art Deco. The silver content of the case has not been tested, but is believed to be Continental or .800 or just under .925 sterling, The front of the clock is ornately enameled with raised bright red flowers on each corner with contrasting black and red geometric panels with green accents, which are duplicated on the sides. The hinged back opens to gain access to the winding mechanism and the high grade Swiss movement has been professionally serviced and works well. Although barely visible, the clock is stamped on the bottom with a French...
Silver, Brass
Art Deco Brass And Enamel Clock, English, c1930
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this superb Art Deco Copper And Enamel Clock, c1930. Made from solid brass with a patterned border which is filled with green black and white enamel. Full w...
Brass, Enamel
Art Deco Modernist Chrome Desk Clock, c1930
Located in Devon, England
There's no makers name but we sourced this Art Deco clock in France so we think it's likely it originates from there. It's in remarkable condition for its 90 odd years, the chrome is...
Chrome
Art Deco Table Desk Clock Kienzle
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass frame nickel plated clock face made of polished steel and fixed on pink colored glass made by Kienzl in the late, 1930s. Fitted with a mechanical movement. On request can be re...
Ceramic
$895
H 3.625 in W 3.5 in D 0.125 in
Swiss Art Deco Enamel-Border 8-Day Desk Clock, c. 1925–1935 *Luminescence*
By Cartier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined small-format Art Deco desk clock with an unmistakably Swiss 8-day movement, presented in a square gilt-bronze case with a fold-out strut back. The front is framed by a cris...
Bronze, Enamel
$1,100
H 7.75 in W 6 in D 3.75 in
Vintage Art Deco Telechron Electroalarm Skyscraper Desk Clock Bakelite
By Paul Frankl
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A beautiful Art Deco bakelite desk clock with alarm. Model 700 made ca' 1930's. In very good original condition, the clock is running and alarm works, though not tested for accuracy....
Brass
Stunning Omega Art Deco Desk Clock c.1930s
By Omega
Located in Buffalo, NY
Very rare Art Deco desk clock with Art Nouveau applied numerals.Amazing design and quality. Manual winding 8 days movement.Tested and keeping time,, Case and movement signed Omega....
Brass, Chrome, Nickel
$5,999
H 20 in W 23 in D 7 in
Seldom Seen Art Deco Neon Hexagon Clock, 'The Electric Clock Co. Cleveland
By Cleveland Clock Co.
Located in Buffalo, NY
By far. one of the best examples I have ever owned!!! Unmolested, totally original, 1930s Art Deco 2-color neon clock, manufactured by The Electric Clock Company, Clevland Ohio,Trul...
Metal, Steel
Antique Cloisonne Enamel and Gilt Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This wonderful cloisonne enamel clock set is an artful piece of design in the neoclassical style: each piece is elaborately applied with turquoi...
Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel