DALLAS, TX.- A simply stunning Tiffany & Co. antique Multi-Stone, Gold Collar Necklace, designed by legendary Tiffany & Co. designer Paulding Farnham for his prominent New York in-laws — and descended in that same family for more than a century — leads a trio of exquisite Tiffany & Co. designed featured in Heritage Auctions' Dec. 7, 2015 Jewelry Signature® Auction.

"Paulding Farnham was the head designer for Tiffany & Co. at the turn of the 20th century," said Jill Burgum, Director of Fine Jewelry at Heritage Auctions. "He was married to Sally James Farnham, whose sister was Lucia James Madill, the wife of Dr. Grant Madill, a prominent New York physician. Her father, Colonel Edward C. James, was an officer in the Union Army during the Civil War, then a noted attorney in the city of New York. According to the family, Dr. Madill commissioned Farnham to design this beautiful necklace for his wife."

Heritage experts now believe Farnham designed this neck ornament after he left Tiffany & Co. in 1908. The neck ornament was formerly in the collection of Mrs. Grant C. Madill, thence by descent to the current owner.

"Only a superb designer could fashion this five strand neck ornament with so many different cuts," said Burgum, "including heart-shaped, oval, round, oblong and cabochon gemstones, with faceted gemstones. The three dimensional centerpiece of the neck ornament is a green tourmaline cabochon into which is set a pink tourmaline cabochon, mounted atop a faceted citrine."

This neck ornament is a rare example from a time when elegance and gentility reigned, when one never settled for anything but the best, when jewelry was more than just about the gemstones; it defined a woman's style.

The Farnham masterpiece in the auction is complemented by a Tiffany & Co, Louis Comfort Tiffany-designed Montana Sapphire, Moonstone, Platinum Necklace , featuring moonstone cabochons enhanced by round-cut Montana sapphires weighing a total of approximately 18.00 carats, set in platinum, along with an elegant Tiffany & Co. antique Citrine, Enamel, Gold Brooch, a citrine cabochon and enamel.