Lot 198
  • 198

MOONSTONE AND DIAMOND CLIP-BROOCH, TIFFANY & CO.

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
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Description

  • Tiffany & Co.
Designed as a pussywillow sprig composed of cabochon moonstones and round diamonds, gathered with baguette diamonds, signed Tiffany & Co.

Literature

For a brooch of similar design, see Tiffany's 20th Century A Portrait of American Style by John Loring, pages 138-139.

Condition

In very good condition, with little sign of wear. Stamped PT 950 for platinum. The moonstones, measuring from approximately 11.53 x 9.15 x 5.40 mm to 7.00 x 5.15 x 3.20 mm, are transparent with strong adularescence. The diamonds, estimated to weigh a total of approximately 6.00 carats, are approximately E-G color, VVS-VS clarity. Length approximately 5⅛ inches.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. 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. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.Certificates of Authenticity: Various manufacturers may not issue certificates of authenticity upon request. Sotheby's is not under an obligation to furnish the purchaser with a certificate of authenticity from the manufacturer at any time. Unless the requirements for a rescission of the sale under the Terms of Guarantee are satisfied, the failure of a manufacturer to issue a certificate will not constitute grounds to rescind the sale. Gemological Certificates and Reports: References in the catalogue descriptions to certificates or reports issued by gemological laboratories are provided only for the information of bidders, and Sotheby's does not guarantee and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, terms or information contained in such certificates or reports. Please also note that laboratories may differ in their assessment of a gemstone (including its origin and presence, type and extent of treatments) and their certificates or reports may contain different results.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

 Shedding Light on Tiffany & Co.'s Moonstone Jewels Among the great spectrum of gemstones employed by Tiffany & Co., moonstones are perhaps the most closely intertwined with the firm’s history. At the beginning of the 20th century, their billowy adularescence and soft cabochon form lent themselves perfectly to Louis Comfort Tiffany’s sinuous, one-of-a-kind designs. By the 1940s, Tiffany & Co. was producing moonstone jewels in large numbers, often substituting the Montana sapphires preferred by Tiffany for rubies, typically in simple, floral designs. The tradition continued with Jean Schlumberger who, in 1968, fashioned a jelly fish from the shimmering material, to commemorate an attack on his most important patron, Mrs. Paul “Bunny” Mellon, by a Portuguese man-o’-war. The brooch offered here takes a less menacing form, its moonstones mimicking the downy buds of a pussy willow. The choice of material, superlative construction and playful design makes this piece unmistakably Tiffany.