Lot 216
  • 216

Seed pearl parure, Tiffany & Co., 1850s

Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
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Description

  • Tiffany & Co.
  • seed pearls, mother-of-pearl, horsehair
Comprising: a necklace, brooch, pair of pendent earrings and a collier, each composed of oval seed pearl clusters with seed pearl garland and tassel details, necklace length approximately 470mm, earrings with post fittings, collier length approximately 350mm, fitted case stamped Tiffany & Co.

Literature

Cf: Martha Gandy Fales, "Jewelry in America 1600-1900", Antique Collector's Club 1995, page 210, plate 139 for an image of a seed pearl suite of jewellery made by Tiffany & Co for the New York Crystal Palace Exhibition in 1853, showing a similar pair of pendent earrings and page 211 plate 140 and page 213 plate 123 for images of a seed pearl parure of similar design mounted in gold, purchased from Tiffany & Co by Abraham Lincoln in 1861 for his wife Mary who wore it to the Presidential Inauguration.

Condition

Very delicate. Seed pearls well matched in colour, of various shapes and sizes. A few strands broken with traces of later repairs, some discolouration to glue. Choker and necklace clasps secure. Earring pendants detachable from cluster surmounts. In good condition. Accompanied by fitted case.
"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."