Unusual Artifacts: The Marchak Coral and Diamond Ring, 1920-1930



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



Made in Paris, France between 1920-30 by Alexandre Marchak this ring of platinum is set with coral and diamonds—a popular Art Deco color combination along with black onyx. However, curiously, instead of onyx, Marchak has used black plastic.

Alexandre Marchak was born in Russia in 1892 and fled to Paris in 1918 during the uprising, where he established a shop on the Rue de la Paix. He was known for his elegant designs and his unusual use of different kinds of materials. This ring is an excellent example of his peculiar media. Along with the precious materials of platinum, diamonds, and coral, Marchak has employed plastic—showing that he was more concerned with style than he was about tradition.