The Jewels of Louis Comfort Tiffany (Part 2, Row 2)

Intricate leaded glass lamps, sumptuous stained-glass windows – this is what most people associate with Louis Comfort Tiffany. Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1923) was the son of Charles Tiffany, the founder of the famed Tiffany and Co. His innovative spirit resulted in the design and production of a myriad of decorative objects and furnishings. But his exquisite and inventive jewelry, incorporation unique gems and exotic motifs is an especially stunning and creative example of this incomparable genius.

Tiffany set out at age 17 to explore and experience the treasures, cultural influences, and history of the world, most notably North Africa and the Near East, where he found his greatest inspiration. Tiffany was fascinated by the distinctive use of light, colors, and hues that were non-existent in traditional western art. He was fascinated with the cultural differences between East and West, giving an original and modern voice to these revelations. He collected art from all over the world, which also informed his distinctive interpretation. His bold naturalism was unknown in American art and design. His jewelry may be the most fully realized of this vision.

In 1898, Tiffany began experimenting with enamelwork. In 1900, he began a line of pottery and started experimenting with jewelry. His enamelwork, like his other endeavors, was revolutionary. Layers of translucent enamel in wide-ranging naturalistically shaded hues were applied in a luminous surface that was usually gilt, finished with an iridescent coating that provided a rainbow of luster. His jewelry was a radical departure. He combined enamelwork, a new approach to metal, and a unique vision of gemstones. Tiffany’s jewelry was the ideal combination of exotic and naturalistic elements. As and example, necklaces ingeniously incorporated Etruscan-inspired designs with his fame Favrile glass as delicate fringe. Other innovative pieces include a gold and opal pendant in the form of a jellyfish.

Tiffany did not display his jewelry publicly until after his father’s death in 1902. At the Louisiana Purchase Exposition of 1904 (the 1904 World’s Fair,) his 27 ground-breaking jewelry pieces won the top design awards. His imagination knew no bounds. The world had never seen such innovative jewelry design and craftsmanship. A genius indeed.