Mary Todd Lincoln's Tiffany Seed Pearl Parure

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Mary Todd Lincoln wearing the seed pearl jewelry suite. Photo taken in the studio of Mathew Brady

In 1861 president Lincoln purchased a demi-parure of seed pearl jewelry, from Tiffany &Co., for his wife and first lady Mary Todd Lincoln to wear to the President's inaugural ball. The complete parure (suite) of seed pearl jewelry would have consists of a collar necklace, a pair of bracelets, a pair of earrings, one or possibly two brooches, and a corsage brooch and cost around $1,000. President Lincoln, however opted to purchase a less expensive demi-parure consisting of a necklace and a pair of bracelets only, which cost $530.

The Tiffany seed pearl demi-parure

One of the seed pearl bracelets

Seed pearls arranged in a rosette shape with a silver band. Both bracelets were identicle.

The seed pearl necklace

Seed peals arranged in a rosette shape. The necklace is choker length.

First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln wearing the Tiffany seed pearl jewelry demi-parure.

Photograph taken at the Washington studio of Mathew Brady.  

President Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States

During a time when the nation was standing on the precipice of war many of Lincoln's political adversaries criticized the money that was spent on the First Lady's jewelry and gown ( her gown cost an astounding $2,000).