Yes, I know. We’ve written about it before… many times. But when intriguing cool stuff crosses my desk bearing that pedigree, I can’t resist sharing it again. Yes: an unapologetic return to one of America’s most storied luxury names.
Important clarification: Tiffany & Co. isn’t the same as Tiffany Studios, the artistic firm founded by Louis Comfort Tiffany of lamp and glass fame. They share a family name but were separate businesses. In fact, modern Tiffany & Co. will not authenticate Tiffany Studios works, noting they are “completely different companies.”
In our auction this week, we have from Tiffany & Co.’s long history: a heavy, hand-hammered, jeweled 18k gold box from 1880 that’s bold and unique ($25K-$35K est.); a sleek black jade penguin brooch from the 1980s ($1500-$2K est.); and a sculptural mid-century tiger’s-eye and 18k gold ring ($1K-$2K est.). Three decades. Three aesthetics.
Also pictured are four impressive examples from Tiffany Studios. A pink and white tulip vase (estimated $500-$1,000) highlights the glass that made them famous. A pair of bronze and glass candlesticks with “blown-out” design, curled feet and Art Nouveau flair ($1K-$1500 est). A striking Art Nouveau doré bronze two-arm candelabra ($1K-$1500 est.), richly floral and unmistakably Tiffany. Distinct from Tiffany & Co., and more unique.
Over the years, we’ve sold thousands of Tiffany & Co. pieces and thousands from Tiffany Studios. Authentic examples can begin at around $100 (they exist) and rise beyond $400,000 for exceptional works. Condition, rarity and provenance matter.
If you need help appraising or are considering selling anything with that magic name, think of us. We are serious students of the Tiffany legacy. We own more than 200 original Tiffany catalogs in our research library that date back to 1894.
