Raymond Yard began his career in the jewelry industry at the age of thirteen when he became a messenger boy at the well-established firm of Marcus & Co. in New York. Over the next twenty-four years, Yard firmly established himself with the company’s well-heeled clientele and received a thorough education in all aspects of the jewelry trade. He came to understand and value the highest standards of gem material and craftsmanship.

In recognition of his jewelry acumen and integrity, his client, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. encouraged him to start his own firm. Raymond C. Yard Inc. opened its doors on Fifth Avenue in New York in 1922.

The firm of Raymond Yard catered to the wealthiest and most prominent of American families: the Rockefellers, Fleischmanns, Flaglers, and Woolworths, among others. The firm primarily focused on custom-made pieces for their clientele and was known for being able to source the highest caliber of material that their clientele demanded. Stock pieces were executed by trusted outside manufacturers with Yard supplying the stones and designs. His creations exemplified the understated elegance of impeccable workmanship combined with the very finest of materials. Raymond Yard prided himself on his knowledge of gems and was considered one of the foremost experts on pearls.

A distinguishing design feature of Yard jewelry was the extensive use of mixed-cut and single-cut diamonds in his pieces. Yard aimed for an overall luminous elegance rather than a sharp brilliance; a look that did not overwhelm the design.

In 1958, Raymond Yard retired, passing his company on to three of his long time employees: Glen McQuaker, Donald Bartow, and Robert Gibson. Drawing on their archives of iconic styles, the firm is still producing jewels and is currently run by Robert M Gibson, who took over from his father.