Important Jewels

Important Jewels

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 96. Ruby and Diamond Pendant.

Property of a Private Collector

Tiffany & Co.

Ruby and Diamond Pendant

Auction Closed

September 12, 07:37 PM GMT

Estimate

40,000 - 60,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

Designed as a heart, with a central drop featuring a pear-shaped ruby surrounded by old European-cut diamonds, with a frame and bail set with old European- and French-cut diamonds.

  • Ruby weighing approximately 2.25 carats
  • Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 5.90 carats
  • Length 1⅝ inches
  • Signed Tiffany & Co.
  • Platinum-topped 18 karat gold
  • Circa 1900
  • Accompanied by AGL report no. 1132868 stating that the ruby is of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating

In the late nineteenth century Tiffany & Co. became the leading supplier of luxury goods to American clientele. Under the direction of head designer Pauling Farnham, the company created opulent jewels in historical revivalist styles that complemented the rich wardrobes and lifestyles of the American elite. Farnham had access to some of the finest colored stones and diamonds made available by Tiffany’s chief gemologist George Frederick Kunz, who had joined the firm in 1877. The pear-shaped ruby at the center of this pendant with its marvelous depth of color and the finely cut and matched diamonds that surround reflect the high level of quality of Tiffany jewelry from this period.