This catalogue covers around 200 pieces of jewellery dating from the 1850s to the 1980s, products of the American company Tiffany & Co. The essays chart the early years of the store, its transformation into a world leader and its re-establishment as a worldwide brand after 1945.

Includes selected papers from meetings of the Society and of its sections.

Edward C. Moore (1827–1891) was the creative leader who brought Tiffany & Co. to unparalleled originality and success during the late nineteenth century. A silversmith, designer, and prodigious collector, Moore sought out exceptional objects from around the world, which he then used as inspiration for Tiffany’s innovative silver designs. This informative, richly illustrated volume, the first study of Moore’s life, collection, and influence, presents more than 170 examples from his vast collection, ranging from Greek and Roman glass to Spanish vases, Islamic metalwork, and Japanese textiles. These are juxtaposed with sixty magnificent silver objects created by the designers and artisans at Tiffany who were inspired by Moore’s acquisitions. Included among them are the world-famous Bryant Vase drawing upon Greek examples, a love cup featuring ornate “Saracenic” decoration, and a chocolate pot incorporating novel techniques influenced by Japanese ceramics and lacquerware. The illuminating texts have been enriched by groundbreaking research into contemporary sources such as newspapers and periodicals, the Tiffany & Co. Archives, and a newly identified technical manual and supervisor’s diaries, all of which provide an intimate look at the firm’s design processes and Moore’s role in shaping them. A valuable contribution to the history of American decorative arts, Collecting Inspiration illuminates both the legendary Tiffany aesthetic and the legacy of a significant collector, designer, and entrepreneur of the Gilded Age.

What is a cabochon? What are the various types of gilding? What is vermeil? This accessible book—the first of its kind—offers concise explanations of key jewelry terms. The fascination with personal adornment is universal. It is a preoccupation that is primal, instinctive, and uniquely human. Jewelry encompasses a seemingly endless number of ornaments produced across time and in all cultures. The range of materials and techniques used in its construction is extraordinary, even revolutionary, with new substances and methods of fabrication added with every generation. In any given society, master artisans have devoted their time, energy, and talent to the fine art of jewelry making, creating some of the most spectacular objects known to humankind. This volume, geared toward jewelry makers, scholars, scientists, students, and fashionistas alike, begins with a lively introduction that offers a cultural history of jewelry and its production. The main text provides information on the most common, iconic, and culturally significant forms of jewelry and also covers materials, techniques, and manufacturing processes. Containing more than eighty color illustrations, this guide will be invaluable to all those wishing to increase their understanding and enjoyment of the art of jewelry.

Since ancient times, memorable moments of military history have been commemorated with jewelry, medals, and symbolic accessories. In Lest We Forget: Masterpieces of Patriotic Jewelry and Military Decorations, Judith Price illuminates iconic military objects, exploring their origins and documenting their place in history. The dramatic compilation of patriotic jewelry and decorations presented in Price’s sixth book tells a truly dazzling story of Western historical conflict and resolution. Lest We Forget serves as a stunning tribute to our men and women in service both past and present. This book derives its title from the poem “Recessional” by Rudyard Kipling, often used as a tribute in war memorials, while its contents chronicle our military history since the Revolution through 150 iconic artifacts. It showcases such diverse items as the Washington Peace Medals to the Indians, the earliest Medals of Honor, Civil War Corps badges, British military decorations, and historic French treasures. Drawn from leading world museums and private collections such as the British Museum, the West Point Museum, the Musée de l’Armée, and the Imperial War Museum, the objects depicted in this book movingly recall the role of decorations and jewelry in commemorating war and peace.