TIFFANY & CO. 1960 Enameled Scarab Brooch In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Diamonds
An enameled scarab brooch designed by Tiffany & Co.
This is a fabulous and extremely rare brooch with gorgeous eye appeal created in New York City by the American jewelry house of Tiffany & Co, back in the late 1960. The brooch was made after 1900 drawings and masterfully handcrafted in the shape of a colorful scarab in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish. The body is embellished with guilloche engraved patterns, which are topped with applications of hard glass multicolor enamels. The scarab's head and the partial body are mount with a great selection of forty-six white colorless VS diamonds and two vivid blue sapphires. The scarab brooch is fitted at the reverse with double hinge pin bars and a trombone security lock. Tiffany & Co. insect brooches are celebrated, nature-inspired creations ranging from early 20th-century Art Nouveau dragonfly designs to mid-century whimsical pieces by Jean Schlumberger and Paulding Farnham. Featuring materials like platinum, enamel, black opal, and diamonds, this scarab brooch, embody exquisite artistry and craftsmanship.
Tiffany and the Mythical Scarab
Louis Comfort Tiffany’s scarab brooches (ca. 1902–1915) are iconic Egyptian Revival pieces featuring iridescent Favrile glass beetles, often designed by Meta Overbeck or Paulding Farnham to represent immortality and rebirth. Inspired by his 1870s Egypt travels, Tiffany used these beetle motifs to blend Art Nouveau naturalism with ancient symbolism. Following his 1871-1872 trips to Egypt, Louis Comfort Tiffany became fascinated with Egyptian antiquities, leading to his "Egyptomania" designs. The scarab, symbolizing the sun god Khepri, represents the cycle of life, rebirth, and transformation. While many pieces are associated with Tiffany Studios, key designs were created by Meta Overbeck, head of the Art Jewelry department, and Paulding Farnham in the early 20th century. The pieces are often referred to as "mythical" due to their symbolic connection to ancient Egyptian, and their rarity/historical significance, particularly the iridescent "beetle wing" pieces.
Country: New York City, United States.
Period: Mid-century, modernist, 1960-1970.
Materials: Yellow gold, white gold, VS diamonds and colors enamel.
Diamonds: Mounted in pave settings, with 46 calibrated brilliant cut diamonds, with a total estimate weight of about 1.49 carats. white colorless E/F and VS clarity.
Sapphires: The eyes are mount in bezel settings, with 2 matching round cabochon cut of natural vivid blue sapphires, with a combined weight of about 0.10 carats.
Weight: 26.50 Grams, (17.10 Dwt).
Measurements: 67 mm by 39 mm by 10 mm, (2.64 x 1.54 x 0.40 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the mark for the assay and warranty of the .750/.999 yellow gold and signed as follows: "TIFFANY & CO. 18KT".
Collateral: This Tiffany & Co. enameled scarab brooch is accompanied by the designer's presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this Tiffany & Co. enameled scarab brooch is excellent. Beside the little normal wear there is no damage to the gold. The 48 gemstones are secured in the settings. This brooch was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P022826IONR/.6370