Jean-Noel Delarue was born outside Bordeaux, France, in 1776 and was trained as a silversmith before he arrived in New Orleans around 1802. Although he was one of the most prolific early silversmiths in New Orleans, Delarue also sold elegant assortments of Parisian jewelry alongside his own contemporary French-style silver at his shop, which moved several times between Bourbon, Royal, and Chartres Streets.