Mastery of Design: The Lacloche Frères Jeweled Vanity Case, 1926

This and all related images from:
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Here’s a perfect example of the jeweled vanity cases that were popular accessories during the 1920s as the idea of women wearing make-up (and, even applying it in public) became more acceptable in the years after the First World War. This opulent case by Lacloche Frères contains two compartments—one for powder and, one for rouge, a central detachable lip-stick holder, with a mirror inside the lid.

The case is made of  18k gold with black-stained jadeite and black-backed chalcedony.  The lid is set with rose-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds, lapis lazuli, turquoise, malachite, rhodonite, mother-of-pearl and pearls.  The original presentation box survives--covered in navy leather with gold decoration and the retailer's address, lined with orange velvet.


Made in 1926, this shows the skill of the renowned jewelers Lacloche Frères.  The case bears their oval stamp with 'LFe'; the maker's mark 'SAM' and a Paris warranty marks for 1847 onwards.