Tiffany & Co Midcentury Square Snake Bracelet

A Tiffany & Co. verified 14k stamp, alongside an authentic Tiffany hallmark, is a crucial chronological marker in both the history of the celebrated jewelry house and in the history of America. These midcentury pieces are valued and highly sought after by collectors.

The significance of Tiffany & Co. using 14k gold during the 1940s and 1950s stems from a blend of survival, wartime regulations, and a shift toward everyday luxury. It serves as a reminder, a historic badge representing a resilient era when the legendary jeweler merged high-end craftsmanship with wartime resourcefulness.

Prior to the late 1930s, Tiffany & Co. primarily relied on 18k gold and platinum. During the 1940s, the U.S. government placed strict rationing and restrictions on strategic metals to support the war effort. Platinum, the “it” metal used in Art Deco high jewelry, was banned for civilian use and used exclusively for military manufacturing. This forced Tiffany to rely entirely on gold. To maximize their available gold supplies, 14k gold became the obvious choice. In addition, 14k was stronger and better suited to the designs of the era. Jewelry of this period moved away from delicate designs and embraced bold, heavy, geometric styles, such as heavy rope chains, massive brooches, and tank-track bracelets.

This simply designed geometric square, slinky, snake bracelet closes securely with a box clasp,  and a safety chain. A sliding station, to which a large charm can be attached, moves freely over the mesh bracelet, adding movement and modernity to the design. A classic and historic piece for the serious collector.

Details

• Provenance: Tiffany & Co., New York, circa 1930s–1950s
• Hallmarks: stamped 14k and signed Tiffany & Co.
• Metal content: 14k gold
• Weight: 20.3 grams
• Measurements: 6.75 inches long; 4mm wide on each of the four sides
• Excellent vintage condition with a lovely patina that enhances the tank-track design