Tiffany Vintage 1995 Atlas Gold Ring

Review of the Tiffany Vintage 1995 Atlas Gold Ring
by: Ben Tseytlin - on Antiques & Jewelry

Tiffany has become famous for its intricate jewelry, and one of the best examples of this is the Tiffany Vintage 1995 Atlas Gold Ring. When worn on your finger it will shine with unmatched sophistication and style.

Overview

This ring’s most distinctive feature is the Roman numerals, which give a modern touch to a classical design. The numerals are accompanied by three roundish accents which consist of 18k brilliant white diamonds. The ring uses a metallic color and is a part of the Atlas collection, which is known for the matte finish that is visible in the background. The numerals themselves are exceptionally band crafted and polished with 18k gold.

The Atlas Collection denotes style which has been distilled towards true essence. The Roman numeral motif was chosen in honor of the Atlas clock, which is located in the façade near Tiffany’s famous 5th avenue store. This timeless ring is bold enough to be adorned individually, but if desired can also be layered and stacked without compromising gracefulness.  The ring features yellow gold and weighs 7.9 grams. The hallmark is 750 Italy while the ring size is 4.5 and the band width is 6.9.

Origins

Although Tiffany has become synonymous with luxury, it began modestly. It was founded by John B. Young and Charles Lewis Tiffany in Connecticut in 1837, and was originally an emporium for stationary and fancy merchandise. At the time, most of the luxury items sold in the U.S. were imported from Europe. The Tiffany Blue Book catalog was introduced in 1845, and by 1853 Tiffany began to focus on jewelry instead. It was this paradigm shift which led to the Atlas Collection over a century later. The company gained worldwide recognition by being the first to win an excellence award for their silverware, which was showcased at the Paris Universelle Exposition. Since that time, Tiffany has become a household name.

When the Gilded Age began around 1870, Tiffany opened its main store in Manhattan, which the New York Times referred to as being the “palace of jewels.” During this time, it focused heavily on silverware, especially tableware, cutlery, flatware and ceremonial sterling. These products were purchased as status symbols which showcased one’s high society position. That being said, Tiffany won numerous awards, one of which was a grand prize for silver which was showcased at the 1878 Paris Exposition.

The Art Nouveau jewelry from this time period is sought after by collectors, especially the necklaces made with aquamarine or gold and peridot. The Tiffany Vintage 1995 Atlas Gold Ring, although released more than a century later, continues this tradition. It can be worn as an ornament, or as a method of displaying one’s wealth or status. Like other rings, it can be used for symbolic functions such as marriage, authority, achievement, or as an indication of membership in a specific organization.