$35,000
the sculpted gold setting composed of two intricately detailed Classical female figures at the shoulders surrounding a central heart shape crystal opal measuring approximately 25. 15 x 24.10 mm within an engraved and open filigree work surround containing numerous round demantoid garnets surmounted with platinum accents set with one old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 0.51 carat, and 10 old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.20 carats total, the base suspending an oval pearl (origin not tested) measuring approximately 8.70 x 7.70 mm, pin stem of later replacement by Tiffany during documented refurbishment. Stamp: T&CO. (scratchmark a66m). Provenance/Literature: The present lot depicted in John Loring's Paulding Farnham: Tiffany's Lost Genius. pp. 142-143. Pictured together with a sketch of a similar design, circa 1901. 15.80 dwts. Property of a private collector. Larger diamond is approximately 0.51cts. Opal Characteristics (graded in setting) The stone displays strong color flash in minute to moderately large patches of predominantly orange-red and green with secondary peacock blue and purple, matrix visible on the reverse. The stone is NOT crazed, natural internal wispy white lines are present under the surface and visible through the highly translucent opal material....these lines do not correspond to any fractures/crazing.
Auctioneer:
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers
Date:
2016-12-04
