Duval et Le Turcq
Julien Duval (b. 1865) and Georges Le Turcq (b. 1859) both studied at the École des Arts Décoratifs in Paris before establishing themselves as partners in 1885. They exhibited a collection of enameled butterflies and insects at the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle, at the same time that Tiffany & Co. unveiled 25 similarly enameled orchid jewels. This, combined with the introduction of exotic plants to Britain and the development of more sophisticated hothouses encouraged orchid cultivation and hybridization, known as ‘Orchid mania’ and caused a craze for orchids throughout the late 19th century by a host of firms including the two above as well as A.J. Hedges. Duval et Le Turcq went on to have success with a series of medal jewels. The partners dissolved their business in 1894 and went on to pursue successful independent careers producing jewelry.
