Tiffany & Co. Sapphire Bow Brooch in 18K Gold, circa 1970s

A charming 1970s brooch by Tiffany & Co., modeled as a loosely tied bow in twisted 18K gold rope. Every length of rope is edged with applied gold beads, giving the piece a rich granulated texture that catches light along its whole surface, and ten round blue sapphires totaling approximately 0.50 carats are set at intervals through the loops and trailing ends.

The brooch is stamped "Tiffany & Co., 18Kt, Italy" from the period when the house produced much of its finest textured gold work in Italian workshops. The Italian mark on Tiffany gold of these years is sought by collectors, and the standard of the beading here shows why.

At 1.5 inches and 21 grams, it is compact but substantial, with real weight for its size. Accompanied by its original Tiffany blue pouch.