Louis Comfort Tiffany Necklace, ca. 1915
Appraised Value:
$70,000 - $90,000
IMAGE: 1 of 1
Update 5.18.2009:
In this segment, appraiser Christie Romero discusses the retail value of this ca. 1915 necklace, noting that, "... not only is it signed 'Tiffany & Co.' ... looking at the workmanship here tells me that the work is by Louis Comfort Tiffany." What Romero meant by this was not that Tiffany had personally crafted the necklace — a jeweler would have made the piece — but rather that Tiffany had designed and supervised its creation, a fact that enhances the value of the necklace considerably.
Appraisal Video: (2:35)
Appraisal Transcript:
GUEST: I got that in about, I would say, in the late '70s or early '80s. And I got it at Robinson's department store in their estate sale department. Actually, my husband brought it home and surprised me.
APPRAISER: It was a gift from your husband?
GUEST: It was a gift.
APPRAISER: How much did he pay for it? Do you remember?
GUEST: I thought it was a lot of money at that time. It was a little over $3,000 with tax. And it was a lot of money to us.
APPRAISER: Tell me what you've learned about the piece since then.
GUEST: Well, I know it's a signed Tiffany piece. I know it's handmade, and it's Lightning Ridge opal. At the store they told him that it was about the 1920s.
APPRAISER: Well, I can tell you a little bit more. These are beautiful black opals. The larger opal is slightly crazed. The smaller opal is in perfect condition. Both opals are what are known as harlequin or patchwork opals with lots of play of color, with lots of red, which is a very desirable color. But not only is it signed "Tiffany & Co." on the bottom, looking at the back, looking at the workmanship here, tells me that the work is by Louis Comfort Tiffany.
GUEST: Really?
APPRAISER: And his work was signed "Tiffany & Co." after 1907. I believe it dates to the teens and it is beautifully handmade and a very desirable piece of jewelry. Well, because it's not just black opals and it's not just Tiffany & Co., but Louis Comfort Tiffany, the value today is somewhere... average retail between $70,000 and $90,000.
GUEST: Oh, my God. You're kidding me.
APPRAISER: It's a treasure. No, I am not kidding you.
GUEST: Say that again.
APPRAISER: Between $70,000 and $90,000 average retail. It's a spectacular piece of jewelry by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Thank you so much for making my day.
GUEST: Well, thank you for making My day. That's wonderful. Thank you.
APPRAISER: You're quite welcome. Was that a big surprise?
GUEST: Oh, my God.
