Lorenzo Marzo was a jeweler of Spanish origin who worked for his uncle’s silversmithing business in Madrid before moving to Paris. He registered his maker’s mark on July 6th 1901 and gave his address as 207, rue Saint-Honoré. After the firm moved to 22 Rue de la Paix and also opened boutiques in Biarritz and Madrid. He sold a range of jewels in keeping with contemporary fashions and style. Still existing pieces such as a delicate seed pearl and diamond Belle Époque bow brooches and a stunning emerald and diamond tiaras show us that Marzo were competing at the top end of the jewelry market.
In the 1920’s and 1930’s the company developed their very significant Art Deco designs; typical geometrical minimalist designs in striking contrasting colours. These designs still appeal to the modern taste and are very sought after.
This bold and striking Art Deco jewels epitomised the aesthetic of the 1920’s and 1930’s for which Marzo is best remembered. Large faceted stones of amethyst and aquamarine were set into rings, pendants and brooches and accented with pavé diamonds and sometimes black enamel. Smooth cabochons of black onyx were contrasted with the brilliant sparkle of white diamonds and the vivid colour of orange coral.
Marzo exhibited at the 1925 L’Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris where he won a Grand Prix for their designs. Illustrated by an elegant pair of long drop earrings set with pear shape cabochon emeralds, a stylish geometric panel bracelet and an oriental inspired trellis work brooch with floral and paisley style motifs in ruby, sapphire and emeralds within a diamond set frame. In 1927 Lorenzo was awarded the Légion d’Honneur but sadly passed away just two years later in 1929 when his son Rafael assumed control of the business.
Marzo jewelry is beautifully designed, finely crafted and hard to find today. Many pieces look as stylish and contemporary as they did almost a hundred years ago and are highly wearable today.