Raymond Yard’s 'Rabbit Waiter' brooches stand among the most iconic creations in American jewelry. After establishing his Fifth Avenue firm in 1922, he quickly became known for refined elegance and quiet whimsy. During Prohibition, he introduced his first dapper rabbit, followed soon after by the charming rabbit dressed as a waiter offering an illicit cocktail, a playful design that immediately captivated his sophisticated clientele.

During the spirited glamour of the Jazz Age, Yard went on to create a small series of Rabbit Waiter brooches, each uniquely imagined. Dressed in formal evening attire and carrying trays of cocktails or champagne, the rabbits were adorned with bright diamonds, vibrant gemstones, enamel accents and the sharp detailing that defined Art Deco design. Their playful sophistication and impeccable craftsmanship resonated with prominent families such as the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts and DuPonts, as well as with Hollywood’s leading stars.

The present brooch features the debonaire rabbit poised with effortless charm as he balances two martini glasses and a swinging champagne bucket. Rare and highly coveted today, Yard’s rabbit waiters remain recognized as both playful novelties and exceptional examples of Art Deco artistry.