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Since its founding in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has set the standard for silver designs and has been credited with some of the most important innovations in the field. In 1867, it became the first American silversmith company to be awarded the highly coveted Grand Prize at the Paris Exposition Universelle. On the following pages, discover an outstanding selection of rare and important pieces that reflect the historic achievements and high standards that have distinguished Tiffany & Co. as one of the most celebrated names in American silver.

Elaborate Presentation
The Boston Globe commissioned this presentation sword with the incredible sum of $1,000 in 1890. One of the most elaborate of Tiffany’s silver swords, this example is set with 37 diamonds, a large baroque pearl, and five cabochon gemstones. The silver scabbard is inscribed with the name of the recipient, Richard Frances Tobin, a distinguished member of the Grand Army of the Republic in Boston.

Natural Wonders
Tiffany’s ground-breaking designs in the Japanese taste brought international recognition at the Paris Exposition of 1878. Edward Moore, chief designer for the firm, had not only interpreted the Japanese style, but also mastered the technically complicated Meiji methods for enhancing silver with colored alloys in both copper and gold. Rather than draw from traditional western historical designs, Moore turned to unpretentious naturalistic themes, often integrating form and ornament in entirely original ways. The shape of this tray takes its cue from the gourd and vine decoration, and the centerpiece, formed as two pools of water, is ornamented with whirlpool motifs, floating autumn leaves, and “dripping” feet.

Precious Gems
Louis Comfort Tiffany, famous for his glass windows and lamps, also made superb jewelry and enameled objects for Tiffany & Co., his family’s firm. The period from 1912 to 1916 was an exceptionally creative period for Tiffany, who designed a series of works in gold or silver incorporating enamels and gemstones. The bowl of this cup is formed of translucent enamel set within an openwork gold trellis, and the framework is elaborated with amethyst and jadeite panels and cabochons.

Native Inspiration
This cup belongs to a small group of Tiffany loving-cups inspired by Native American designs and incorporating relief scenes based on the artwork of George Catlin. This example is unique, however, in its use of copper and niello to give color to Catlin’s designs.

Jeweled Reflection
Paulding Farnham designed this stunning dressing-glass in the Burmese style for Tiffany’s exhibit at the Paris Exposition of 1900. Farnham’s training as a jeweler is manifested here by his treatment of the enamel decoration to resemble collet-set green stones.