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Tiffany & Co. photo

Pink sapphire, diamond, spessartite and emerald lobster brooch, $27,500 U.S.

Ocean Treasures

Jewelled sea creatures from Tiffany & Co.

Lobster is always a treat, especially when it is covered in gems.

For summer 2009, Tiffany & Co. gives this delicious crustacean a mouth-watering new look. With emerald eyes  and sparkling diamond antennae, Tiffany’s latest creation brilliantly comes to life with 200 pink sapphires and 61 spessartites in 18 karat gold.

Tiffany has a long history in looking to the sea for inspiration. According to Tiffany Colored Gems by John Loring, Paulding Farnham’s designs for the 1893 Chicago Exposition included a sea urchin aigrette or head decoration with two large cabochon emeralds. A half-century later, Jean Schlumberger exhibited his fascination for the sea and its mysteries with gem-studded starfish, anemone and sea horses and pearly shells.

Many of Schlumberger’s pieces remain in Tiffany’s collection today including a Portuguese man-of-war pin. The clip has a cap of moonstones and diamonds anchoring 18K gold tentacles accented with sapphire baguettes that symbolize the ocean’s depth. Named the Meduse, it was designed specifically for a treasured friend to comfort her after being stung.

Much better than a band-aid.