An Art Nouveau Yellow Gold, Polychrome Enamel, Diamond and Emerald "Style No. 4: Calanthe Veitchii" Orchid Brooch, Paulding Farnham for

in an intricate naturalistic design, the curled petals of the yellow gold blossom accented front and reverse with pink, purple, yellow and orange enamel accurately mimicking the subtle coloration and veining of the orchid, the center of blossom accented with a silver wirework stamen containing an old mine cut brown diamond measuring approximately 4.60 mm in diameter within a five point surround, each containing a rose cut diamond, the curved gold stem containing 11 round and oval mixed cut emeralds, the brooch measures approximately 49.00 x 43.00 mm.Stamp: TIFFANY & CO.For a very similar example of this design see Paulding Farnham: Tiffany's Lost Genius, John Loring, pg. 56.

11.60 dwts.

Property from the Estate of George Willis Pack (1831-1906), Ashville, NC. Thence by descent to the present owner.

The brooch shows moderate loss to the enamel on one petal, minor-moderate loss on another, and minor loss to the edges in scattered areas, the reverse showing scattered minor to moderate loss, all typical for this generation of enamel work from Tiffany (see examples with enamel loss in Loring's "Paulding Farnham: Tiffany's Lost Genius"). All components are intact, all emeralds and diamonds present. The diamonds show no appreciable wear at 10X magnification, the emeralds show scattered and extremely minor facet-junction abrasion at 10X magnification. The pin stem and C-clasp are original and in good working order. The oval signature plate is embedded within enamel which is correct for original condition. PLEASE NOTE: The brooch is offered in original, non-repaired condition. Tiffany & Co. has performed expert restorations to enamel work on early orchid brooches in the past (refer to the sale by Skinner of an orchid brooch in 2007 with restorations performed by Tiffany, the same brooch pictured unrepaired in Loring's "Paulding Farnham: Tiffany's Lost Genius" on page 58.

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Fine Jewelry

An Art Nouveau Yellow Gold, Polychrome Enamel, Diamond and Emerald "Style No. 4: Calanthe Veitchii" Orchid Brooch, Paulding Farnham for

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