Pin

ca. 1890
Not on view
Related to the extraordinary enameled orchids displayed by Tiffany & Company at the 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris, this flower pin with a textured gold stem and diamond-set leaves is enhanced by a single diamond dewdrop set amid the realistically rendered purple enamel petals. The gentle arc of its stem and the naturalistic blossom reflect the Art Nouveau style, which inspired jewelers toward the end of the century. The enameled orchids were designed by Paulding Farnham (1859–1927) and were exhibited at Tiffany's New York showroom prior to their departure for Paris. The New York Sun reported on March 17, 1889, that the jewels attracted more attention "than any flower show, display of orchids, or any other of nature's beauty ever brought together in this city."

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Pin
  • Maker: Tiffany & Co. (1837–present)
  • Date: ca. 1890
  • Geography: Made in New York, New York, United States
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Gold, diamond, and enamel
  • Dimensions: 1 x 3 1/4 in. (2.5 x 8.3 cm)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Susan and Jon Rotenstreich Gift, 2001
  • Object Number: 2001.330
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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