A rare and important antique Tiffany & Co. citrine brooch attributed to Louis Comfort Tiffany, circa 1913-14 under the directorship of Julia Munson. The brooch centres on a large oval cut citrine which is six claw set and surrounded by gold filigree rosettes. To the left and the right of the central stone are another two citrines which further add to the brooch's charm. To the rear of the piece is a hinged gold pin and roller type clasp which is working well and is secure.
This exact piece is very likely the only example of its kind. As stated in the 1909 Tiffany & Co. Blue Book the pieces offered were "Designed and made under the personal supervision of Louis C. Tiffany. No pieces duplicated."
During their 12-year creative partnership, Tiffany and Munson explored many of the same themes employed by Tiffany Studios' glass production, namely the use of colour as ornament to which the medium was subservient. The use of enamels and semi-precious stones was often favoured over more expensive materials in the pursuit of a pure aesthetic. Tiffany famously stated that his jewels for Tiffany & Co. were 'missionaries', that women would wear into the world, ambassadors of his vision and work in the decorative arts. Overall the form and colours show a clear vision and a harmonious interplay between gold and gemstone.
"Oval filigree brooch with an oval Australian black opal at the centre and a rosette border; this is one of several similar brooches made under Julia Munson's direction in 1913-14" (image attached, reference below)
Marked - Stamped 'TIFFANY & CO.' on applied plaque common to similar examples. Unmarked for metal purity but tests as 18 karat gold
Dimensions - 3.7cm L x 2.3cm W
Total weight of piece - 12.7 grams
Condition - Excellent antique condition. There are one or two minor chips to the girdle of the centre stone, visible under magnification.
Literature - John Loring, Louis Comfort Tiffany at Tiffany & Co., New York, 2002, p. 50 (example in attached image), as well as examples on pp. 49, 88