Iris Corsage Ornament by Tiffany and Co - c. 1900 - 24.1 x 6.9 x 3.18 cm The Walters Art Museum Iris Corsage Ornament by Tiffany and Co - c. 1900 - 24.1 x 6.9 x 3.18 cm The Walters Art Museum

Iris Corsage Ornament

Montana sapphires, diamonds, demantoid garnets, topaz, blued steel, gold alloys, platinum • 24.1 x 6.9 x 3.18 cm
  • Tiffany and Co - 1837 Tiffany and Co c. 1900

Today we continue our monthly partnership with The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore—enjoy!  :)

At the turn of the 20th century, Tiffany and Co. produced a number of fabulous, realistic floral brooches. This extravagant example, one of the company's most famous designs, was exhibited at the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle (World's Fair) as part of a display intended to highlight the mineral wealth of the United States. It won the gold medal there. 

The ornament was designed by Paulding Farnham, one of Tiffany's most prolific designers. He collaborated with Tiffany's gemologist George Frederick Kunz (1856–1932) in using American stones, in this instance mostly Montana sapphires, for his exhibition pieces.

Isn't it breathtaking?

P.S. Tiffany Glass is one of the most recognizable expressions of American Art Nouveau movement. Discover small wonders created for Tiffany's!