Object Description
A striking gold, iron and lacquer ‘Damascene’ cuff bangle designed by Angela Cummings and made by Tiffany & Co. c.1979, the solid cuff measuring 2cm wide with an opening at the back, formed of iron which has been applied with a rich brown lacquer and decorated with an overlayed geometric graphic design in 24ct gold. This bangle is part of Cummings ‘Damascene’ collection which she created for Tiffany during the late 1970s and early 1980s, the inspiration for which came from her study of the Japanese tradition of shakudo. The bangle exhibits the fine workmanship her pieces are renowned for coupled with a clean and contemporary aesthetic and easy wearability. The collection was limited to a few different designs and shapes and was featured in the iconic Tiffany Blue Book in both 1978 and 1979.
Maker
Tiffany & Co. designed by Angela Cummings
Period
Circa 1980
Origin
America
Setting
18ct yellow gold and iron signed T. & Co. and numbered
Weight
26.6 grams
Dimensions
Inner circumference 17cm / 6.69″
Width 2cm / 0.78″
Condition
Very fine
Directors Notes
Angela Cummings joined Tiffany & Co. in 1968, working under the guidance of Donald Claffin for several years before launching her first full collection under her own name in 1975. She remained with Tiffany for nine years during which time she created many beautiful jewels, predominantly in yellow gold and typically featuring inlaid gem materials such as lapis lazuli, jade and mother of pearl as well as using unconventional fine jewellery materials such as wood, opal and iron. She left Tiffany in 1984 and remains one of relatively few jewellery designers to have their designs and name credited by the firm.