An Edwardian ruby and diamond brooch in the form of a safety pin, adorned with channel-set old-mine-cut diamonds, alternating with square, step-cut rubies, in 18k and Platinum. Lacloche Frères, France. #13663.

The history of Lacloche Freres is defined by a family dynasty of six siblings who established a premier jewelry house in Paris in 1892. Founded by brothers Leopold and Jules, the firm expanded internationally with branches in Madrid, London, and New York, strategically following the elite to fashionable resort towns like Biarritz and Deauville. Known as joialliers fabricants, the house became renowned for its exceptional taste and collaborations with master workshops such as Verger Freres and Alfred Langlois to create some of the most important jewels of the early 20th century.

Today, Lacloche is especially celebrated for its mastery of the Art Deco style, characterized by exquisite vanity cases, clocks, and jewelry featuring Chinoiserie, Japonisme, and Egyptian revival motifs. The house gained significant acclaim at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, where it was awarded a Grand Prix for a collection inspired by the fables of La Fontaine.

Despite its artistic success, the firm faced financial ruin following the 1929 stock market crash. The legacy continued through Jacques Lacloche, who opened a new boutique in 1938 and served a high-profile clientele, including Princess Grace of Monaco, before the firm finally closed in the 1960s.