Louis Aucoc

Louis Aucoc (1850- 1932) was a renowned nineteenth-century French jeweler and goldsmith who came from a family of established goldsmiths. In 1877 he bought the Parisian firm “Lobjois” and changed its name to “La Maison Aucoc.” The firm excelled due to Aucoc’s winning personality and his great skill as a goldsmith and refined aesthetic. The jewelry wasn’t particularly innovative, but the firm remained popular and kept a pace of the emerging Parisian jewelry trends.

The firm’s Art Nouveau pieces were very highly regarded. Pieces feature exquisite chsed gold and enameling with finely set diamonds. From 1876 to 1878 Rene Lalique, later a leader of the Art Nouveau movement, was apprenticed to Aucoc. During Lalique’s apprenticeship “La Maison Aucoc” was established and the firm participated in major international exhibitions. After Lalique left the firm and established himself as a leading designer, Aucoc collaborated with designer Landois and created jewelry in the “Genre Lalique.” Shortly afterwards Aucoc retired and the business was managed by his brother, who turned its focus to silverware.