Gold and Favrile Glass 'Beetle' Necklace, Tiffany & Co., Designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany

The two row necklace composed of 24 favrile glass scarabs spaced by gold beadwork columns, length 14 inches, signed Tiffany & Co., numbered 243 and 883, with French import mark; circa 1910.

In good condition with some very minor wear to the gold on the underside of the necklace. One beetle neighboring the clasp is cracked as seen in the catalogue illustration, but stable. All beetles retain an impressive iridescence. With French import mark on the clasp tongue.
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.

Louis Comfort Tiffany’s aesthetic was driven by a deep admiration of nature and the conviction that artistic virtuosity reigns over intrinsic value. Favrile glass, with its shimmering, iridescent qualities and endless permutations of shape and color, provided the ideal medium for what he called his “beetle” jewelry. The beetle motif was based on the scarab, the Egyptian symbol of resurrection, lending these jewels a pleasing dissonance between the concept of immortality and the fragility of the material.

For a necklace of similar design see The Jewelry and Enamels of Louis Comfort Tiffany by Janet Zapata, page 114.