I am trying to circa date a pair of 18 kt hammered gold, button-shaped Tiffany cufflinks. They came from an auction house that circa dated them 1900-1910. I don't know how accurate that is.
One of the things that seems key to me, besides the appearance and style, is the Tiffany mark. As you can see from the image, in addition to the usual "TIFFANY & Co", the fineness is indicated by the mark "18. K". That looked quite distinctive to me.
The cufflinks are button-shaped, and the front side is hammered gold, while the "back" side is smaller in diameter, and plain gold. Any insight on the possible date would be most appreciated!
While I'm discussing this topic, I was wondering if anyone knows of any research or book that analyzes Tiffany marks on jewelry, especially re the period of manufacture. I know that similar research exists for Tiffany silver and silverware, but I have not been able to find anything similar for jewelry.
Post subject: Re: Circa dating Tiffany maker's marks
Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2014 2:28 pm
Site Admin
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2005 12:22 pm Posts: 21602 Location: San Francisco
The maker's mark looks correct. They are not cufflinks, they are collar buttons. Tiffany was commissioned to make collar buttons for the military in the early 1900's.
Sidebar:We are currently working on a maker's and hallmark page for AJU.
Post subject: Re: Circa dating Tiffany maker's marks
Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2014 2:44 pm
Active Member
Joined: Tue Aug 23, 2011 12:51 pm Posts: 80
Hi Barbara:
Thanks so much. That really helps. And I'm really excited to hear about the upcoming research for AJU.
Well, I do feel kinda silly to find out they are not cufflinks! I had a nagging feeling something might be not right for cufflinks, due to the uneven front and back. But I didn't know what else they could be.
I actually think they might work well as cufflinks -- have to try them out!
Post subject: Re: Circa dating Tiffany maker's marks
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2014 12:45 am
Gemology Online Veteran
Joined: Tue May 28, 2013 9:44 pm Posts: 711 Location: Las Vegas
early marks should say "TLC" if i am correct after the 1900's is when the corporate type mark was used "Tiffany &Co." it's been ages, i could be wrong.
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