TIFFANY & CO., LOUIS COMFORT TIFFANY, MOONSTONE AND SAPPHIRE BROOCH Containing one oval cabochon moonstone measuring approximately 22.60 x 14.20 x 8.15 mm and six round mixed cut Montana sapphires measuring approximately 3.00-3.25 mm in diameter. Mounted in platinum with yellow gold pin back. Circa 1915. Stamp: TIFFANY. 5.75 dwt. In 1902, Tiffany & Co. founder Charles Lewis Tiffany passed away and left the American jewelry firm to his son, Louis Comfort Tiffany. Louis was inspired by the natural world and is famous for his use of enamel and colored gemstones. Great emphasis was made on the imperfect, handmade quality of Arts & Crafts style, as well as the curving lines and natural inspiration from Art Nouveau. Louis hired two women, Meta Overbeck and Julia Munson, to help design and oversee the jewelry department. They utilized precious and semi-precious gemstones with unique color combinations. Louis Comfort Tiffany designed several pieces with the combination of moonstones and Montana sapphires. Irregular shaped moonstones, like this oval cabochon, were often incorporated in his designs for a more artistic, handmade feel. In an effort to prove American jewelry houses could compete with French and European firms, Tiffany utilized local gemstones whenever possible. The softer colors of Montana sapphires blended well with the Arts & Crafts aesthetic in his pieces. The first sapphires were found in Yogo Gulch in Montana at the end of the 19th century and created a stir for their high clarity and even color. Most Montana sapphires are not heated since their natural color is so beautiful - characteristically a medium 'cornflower' blue. They pair well with the blue sheen of moonstones, as seen in this lot -- a collector's piece.