TIFFANY & CO. DESIGNED BY ANGELA CUMMINGS: A PAIR OF OPAL, B...

Estimate

€3,500 - €4,000

TIFFANY & CO. DESIGNED BY ANGELA CUMMINGS: A PAIR OF OPAL, BLACK JADE AND GOLD EARCLIPS, CIRCA 1982 Of chequerboard design, inlaid with squares of opal, black jade and polished gold, mounted in 18K gold, signed T&Co., dated 1982, length 2cm Born in Austria in 1944 and raised in the United States, Angela Cummings studied fine art in Italy and trained in gemmology and goldsmithing in Germany. These formative years set the foundation for her innovative design career. Joining Tiffany & Co. in 1967, Cummings worked under Donald Claflin, developing a design philosophy that balanced artistic expression with timeless craftsmanship. In 1975, she became one of the first designers at Tiffany to debut a collection under her own name, marking a pivotal moment in her career. Inspired by nature, Cummings incorporated textures from leaves, petals, and marine life into her designs, often using materials like lapis lazuli, jade, and opal set in 18 carat gold. This technique, combining hardstone and metal seamlessly, resulted in tactile, luminous pieces. In 1984, she left Tiffany to launch Angela Cummings Inc. with her husband, Bruce. That same year, she opened a boutique at Bergdorf Goodman, becoming the first fine jewellery designer to do so, solidifying her reputation in the luxury market. Her work attracted a distinguished clientele, including Elizabeth Taylor, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Oprah Winfrey. More recently, actress Gal Gadot wore a vintage Cummings piece at the 2025 Academy Awards, demonstrating the enduring relevance of her designs. After retiring in 2003, Cummings returned to design in 2013 with a collaboration with Assael, creating a 25-piece collection of pearl jewellery set in platinum, gold, and diamonds. Her pieces are now held in prestigious collections, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.