Tiffany Pearls Book Published

New York fine art publishers Harry N. Abrams has just released a new book focusing upon the exquisite work of the master jewelers at Tiffany & Co. and entitled Tiffany Pearls. The 304-page, well-illustrated, book was penned by renowned Tiffany expert, John Loring, design director for Tiffany & Co. for the past three decades.

The book was preceded by the well-received Tiffany Diamonds, which was published last year and will be followed next year with Tiffany Colored Stones.

Tracing the history of pearls worldwide and the role that they played in the early years of Tiffany & Co., right up to the present day, is perhaps Loring's greatest accomplishment in Tiffany Pearls. Moreover, he introduces readers to the many domestic varieties used by the firm in the early days –from California black pearls and Wisconsin purple pearls to the simple, but beautiful, Ohio freshwater pearl.

The book covers an array of stories about fabled pearls. It also recounts Tiffany sales to royalty as well as celebrities over the years. One of the most whimsical tales Loring re-counts is that of the Queen Pearl, which the American firm sold to the Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III. The royal pearl was actually a bauble plucked from Notch Brook in New Jersey! Pearl hunters hoping to find an equal treasure should note that the brook no longer flows.