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Lot Essay
As the steel beams were positioned into place for the new Tiffany & Co. flagship store on 57th Street and 5th Avenue in New York City, a new style of jewelry was shaking up the Art Deco movement. Featuring bold designs with color and movement, along with a focus on colorful gemstones, the Retro jewelry period produced pieces that continue to stand out present day.
When World War II began, the jewelry industry was certainly feeling the effect of change. Having to think outside of the box and focus on the use of alternative materials, retro jewelry became lighter in feel and often convertible for a variety of wear. A wonderful example of these characteristics were thoughtfully incorporated into the Tiffany & Co. Retro Aquamarine, Sapphire and Clip-Brooch. The reverse of the brooch features a double pinstem as well as two pendant hooks, leaving the wearer to determine how to style the eye-catching retro creation.
Gas-pipe style chains were also incredibly popular as seen in this spectacular Tiffany & Co. Retro Aquamarine, Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet. Front and center sits a captivating rectangular-shaped aquamarine accented by sapphires and diamonds. The size of the aquamarine reiterates that there is nothing subtle about retro jewelry design, and jewelers and designers certainly pushed the boundaries of what was available at the time. Taking center stage, vibrant semi-precious gemstones such as citrine, amethyst, topaz and moonstones were prominently featured in scroll, flower and ribbon motifs, taking the place of sapphires, rubies, emeralds and large diamonds.
This bracelet is strikingly similar to the Retro Aquamarine, Sapphire and Diamond necklace, by Tiffany & Co. sold at Christie's Hong Kong in the November 2023 Magnificent Jewels auction. This exceptional example of retro jewelry hammered for over $250,000, solidifying the collectability of Tiffany & Co. retro jewelry and its global appeal to collectors decades later.
When World War II began, the jewelry industry was certainly feeling the effect of change. Having to think outside of the box and focus on the use of alternative materials, retro jewelry became lighter in feel and often convertible for a variety of wear. A wonderful example of these characteristics were thoughtfully incorporated into the Tiffany & Co. Retro Aquamarine, Sapphire and Clip-Brooch. The reverse of the brooch features a double pinstem as well as two pendant hooks, leaving the wearer to determine how to style the eye-catching retro creation.
Gas-pipe style chains were also incredibly popular as seen in this spectacular Tiffany & Co. Retro Aquamarine, Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet. Front and center sits a captivating rectangular-shaped aquamarine accented by sapphires and diamonds. The size of the aquamarine reiterates that there is nothing subtle about retro jewelry design, and jewelers and designers certainly pushed the boundaries of what was available at the time. Taking center stage, vibrant semi-precious gemstones such as citrine, amethyst, topaz and moonstones were prominently featured in scroll, flower and ribbon motifs, taking the place of sapphires, rubies, emeralds and large diamonds.
This bracelet is strikingly similar to the Retro Aquamarine, Sapphire and Diamond necklace, by Tiffany & Co. sold at Christie's Hong Kong in the November 2023 Magnificent Jewels auction. This exceptional example of retro jewelry hammered for over $250,000, solidifying the collectability of Tiffany & Co. retro jewelry and its global appeal to collectors decades later.