George Paulding Farnham (1859–1927), known as Paul or Paulding throughout his life, was born with an innate passion for creativity and an extraordinary artistic ability. Farnham’s uncle, Charles T. Cook, who was the vice president and later president of Tiffany & Co., invited Farnham for an apprenticeship under the direction of Edward C. Moore, the house’s chief designer. Upon the completion of Farnham’s apprenticeship in 1885, he became an assistant to Moore, marking the beginning of Farnham's long career with the firm.

The turn of the century brought with it a new style, turning away from the feminine, delicate looks of the Victorian age, in favor of bolder, more colorful designs. This new era included a revival of Renaissance styles not seen since the age of Henry VIII of England and Francis I of France. American designers were eager to demonstrate their take on the Revivalist trend and the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York provided the perfect opportunity.

Farnham, well acknowledged as the American leader of the Renaissance Revival style, exhibited several pieces at the exposition, including this lot. All pieces exhibited in Buffalo by Tiffany & Co. were stamped with a beaver, this brooch included.