AMETHYST AND DIAMOND BROOCH / PENDANT, PAULDING FARNHAM FOR TIFFANY & CO, CIRCA 1890

In the Louis XVI revival taste, the surmount centring on a cabochon amethyst within an acanthus scroll surround set with circular-cut diamonds, suspending an amethyst drop to a diamond set cap, signed Tiffany & Co, detachable brooch fitting, hinged pendant bail.

Cf: John Loring, Paulding Farnham, Tiffany's Lost Genius, USA, 2000, for a brooch/pendant of similar design set with opals.

Cf: John Loring, Tiffany Jewels, New York, 1999.

Partially stamped Tiffany & Co. T is not legible. Mounted in platinum and gold. Diamonds bright and lively, estimated total diamond weight approximately 2.10 - 2.20 carats. Amethyst well matched, medium saturation, inclusions visible with magnification and to the naked eye, a few small nicks. Mount with scratches consistent with age and wear. In good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

George Paulding Farnham (1859-1927) was a sculptor, painter and one of Tiffany's most eminent jewellery designers. Farnham began designing jewels in 1885 under the guidance of Edward Moore, he started his career as an apprentice and continued to grow within the company becoming head of the Jewellery and Silver Departments before his departure in 1908.   Paulding Farnham had designed a  fabulous collection of twenty-four realistically rendered enamelled orchid hair ornaments and corsage jewels which were exhibited during the international Paris Exposition in 1889.  The Paris Herald noted  Farnham,"whose fertility of imagination and power of invention may be best judged by the fact that there are no two similar objects in the exhibit", the orchids were acclaimed as the most original and finest of jewels, winning the grand prize gold medal for jewellery.