We’ve looked in on the work of the great Louis Comfort Tiffany before, and it was a glorious experience. This piece is simpler than the two from that post, but no less exquisite.
The bracelet is composed of slightly tapering quatrefoil links made of wire scrolls and joined by tracelink chain. The links are embellished throughout the bracelet with circular, step and cushion-cut sapphires and emeralds, and old mine-cut diamonds and highlighted by four larger old European or old mine-cut diamonds. It was made between 1910 and 1925; the exact date of origin is unknown.
Actually, more than the date is unknown. I’ve said this bracelet was made by Louis Comfort Tiffany for Tiffany & Co., but it would be more accurate to call it “attributed to” Louis Comfort Tiffany. The bracelet is unsigned. However, it’s so reminiscent of Louis Comfort Tiffany-era Tiffany and Co. workmanship, style, color palette, filigree, and choice of gemstones that Bonhams was comfortable listing it as “attributed to Louis Comfort Tiffany for Tiffany & Co.”. That, and the fact that a nearly identical, watercolor, ink, and pencil drawing, complete with sketch and stock numbers, appears in a design book belonging to Tiffany and Co’s. head designer at that time.
I think that’s pretty powerful evidence. Are you convinced? Would it change how you felt about the bracelet if it turned out to be by someone else?
This bracelet by Louis Comfort Tiffany bracelet was listed in an October 2013 Bonhams auction. All images and info are thanks to Bonhams.
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