America’s Jeweler: Tiffany & Co.’s Fine Jewelry Heritage
175 years of harmoniously bridging creativity, artisanship, and timeless innovation have forged one of the most popular internationally recognized jewelry brands—Tiffany & Co. Under the vision of Charles Lewis Tiffany, the once small stationary shop grew into the Tiffany & Co. empire we know today. Read on and embark on the dazzling journey of The Diamond Kings.
The Gleaming History of The Diamond Kings
Unlike many other brands, Tiffany & Co.'s remarkable journey is one beyond what meets the eye. From iconic blue boxes to groundbreaking design collaborations, its influence extends far beyond jewelry, shaping perceptions of style and status while reflecting the evolving aspirations of society.
Diamond in the Rough: Tiffany's Beginnings
In 1837, Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young founded a small stationery and fancy goods shop in Brooklyn, Connecticut with the help of Charles' father, who invested a modest $1,000 ($38,000 in 2024 dollars), which he'd earned from the cotton mills industry. Within a few years, the thriving store rose in popularity, innovating from day one and setting standards high in the American home goods market.
Just under a decade later, in 1845, the company launched its first annual catalog, known as the Blue Book. Not only did the celebrated catalog make Tiffany one of the first companies to utilize an order-by-mail system, and the first fine jeweler to do so, but it also introduced the vibrant turquoise blue color we are all familiar with today—Tiffany blue. This iconic robin’s egg blue was patented by Pantone as '1837 Blue' in 2001. The Blue Book began as a way to highlight some of the world’s most precious and rare stones, including diamonds obtained from European aristocracy.
Cultivating Radiance
The year 1853 marked a turning point for Charles Tiffany for several reasons. First, the company's name was shortened and renamed to Tiffany & Co. after John B. Young's departure that year, an event that heavily shifted his focus and efforts to the world of jewelry and, in particular, diamonds. While today Tiffany & Co. is known for its dazzling diamonds, before Young's departure, the company's creations went beyond jewels and even included partnerships with the Union Army during the Civil War to create cavalry sabers and surgical instruments.
As he continued to expand into the world of jewels, Charles began purchasing gemstones directly from French aristocrats, pieces that the American elite awaited with much desire. In 1887, Tiffany's acquisition of the French crown jewels set another milestone in the company's journey, which further attracted the high socialite and propelled purchases from the President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.
Louis Tiffany, Charles' son, took the reins of Tiffany & Co. after his father's passing in 1902. Tiffany & Co. continued to evolve through the following decades while preserving the elegance, charm, and spirit of Charles' legacy.
Celebrating Excellence: Tiffany’s Trophies
Throughout its grand 175-year history, Tiffany & Co. has been on the receiving end of many prestigious awards and recognitions, granted to the House as tokens praising its legacy and acknowledging the quality of Tiffany & Co.'s works of art.
Exposition Universelle Award
During the second half of the 1800s, Tiffany took the lead and evolved to be the American silversmithing firm and in 1867, Tiffany became the first U.S. firm to win an award at the Exposition Universelle in Paris for its excellence in silverware, with judges critically appraising the Japanese aesthetic of the firm's silverware.
World's Fair Grand Prize
1900 Paris World Fair. Source: The Met
Tiffany & Co. was awarded the Grand Prize for Jewelry at the 1900 Paris World's Fair, honoring its exceptional craftsmanship and design.
The Tiffany Blue Box
Tiffany Blue Box design. Source: Robb Report
Synonymous with elegance and sophistication, the iconic Tiffany Blue Box design has received widespread recognition, and is even included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.
Environmental Awards
Tiffany & Co. has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The House has received awards for its responsible sourcing practices, efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, and support for conservation initiatives.
Jewelry Icons: The Visionaries Behind Tiffany & Co.'s Legendary Creations
Jean Schlumberger
One of the 20th century's most talented artists, Jean Schlumberger was a visionary jewelry designer known for his whimsical and imaginative creations. His designs often featured nature- and fabric-like inspired motifs, such as flowers, animals, and sea creatures, crafted with meticulous detail in diamonds and gemstones.
One of his most iconic works is the Bird on a Rock brooch, launched in 1965, which showcases a diamond-encrusted bird perched atop a gemstone—a yellow diamond on the original piece. Schlumberger's style was characterized by vibrant colors, bold shapes, and unparalleled dedication to craftsmanship. His designs exuded a sense of playfulness and sophistication, appealing to clients seeking statement pieces that radiated extravagance and charm. Besides, Jean Schlumberger brought back to life the art of paillonné enamel. Paillonné enamel was a classic 19th-century process that involves layering enamel over 18k yellow gold, creating pieces of great depth. Indeed, Schlumberger's masterful collaborations with the House contributed to the brand's reputation for artistic excellence and innovation in jewelry design.
Elsa Peretti
Elsa Peretti joined Tiffany & Co. in 1974, bringing her mastery as a revolutionary jewelry designer celebrated for her minimalist yet elegant creations. Peretti's signature style revolved around organic shapes and fluid lines, inspired by her love for nature and travel.
Peretti's collaboration with Tiffany & Co. in the 1970s transformed the House's aesthetic, bringing a contemporary edge to Tiffany's collections while establishing herself as one of the most influential jewelry designers of the time. Elsa Peretti's most iconic works at Tiffany & Co. include the Bone Cuff bracelet, the Open Heart pendant, and the iconic Diamonds by the Yard necklace, featuring delicate diamonds suspended on a thin chain. Her designs emphasized simplicity, versatility, and wearability, resonating with a diverse clientele seeking timeless and versatile pieces that could be worn effortlessly from day to night.
Paloma Picasso
Continuing her father's legacy, Pablo Picasso, Paloma Picasso, and her bold and eclectic style debuted at Tiffany in 1980. As a pioneer of bold shapes and aesthetics, her designs often feature vibrant colors, geometric shapes, and daring textures, reflecting her artistic background and creative spirit.
One of her most iconic creations is the Graffiti collection, inspired by the urban street art of the 1970s and characterized by bold lines and dynamic forms. Picasso's style is eclectic yet sophisticated, blending elements of modern art with timeless elegance. Her collaborations with Tiffany & Co. have yielded iconic pieces, including the Loving Heart necklace and the Olive Leaf collection, which showcase her unique aesthetic and forward approach to jewelry design. Picasso's contributions have influenced Tiffany & Co.'s modern identity, appealing to those looking for statement pieces that exude confidence and individuality.
Tiffany's Most Impressive Gems and Jewels
The Tiffany Setting
One of the most popular ring designs in the engagement category, the Tiffany setting is designed with the illusion of a free-floating stone, held elegantly by six strategically placed prongs attached to the band. Tiffany rings feature diamonds of utmost clarity and color, unmatched like no other, an outcome that can only be the result of Tiffany's careful and rigorous diamond selection process.
The Tiffany Yellow Diamond
Worn four times and not for sale, the one-of-a-kind yellow diamond resides at Tiffany & Co.'s Fifth Avenue store. The gigantic dazzling stone was purchased by Charles Tiffany in 1877 for $18,000 (about $500,000 in 2024 dollars) following its discovery in South Africa. With an estimated value of over $30 million, the Tiffany Diamond features 82 facets and weighs a striking 128 carats. Shaping the diamond from its original rough form is said to have required over 2,000 hours of work at the hands of Tiffany's best artisans.
In the 1950s, Schlumberger, one of Tiffany's former designers, was given the daunting task of setting the famous yellow diamond. He created the Ribbon Rosette Necklace. Crafted on platinum, yellow gold, and diamonds, the bedazzled necklace was unveiled by Audrey Hepburn for publicity of the 1967 movie Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Bird on a Rock
The Bird on a Rock brooch, designed by Schlumberger, is a collector's true favorite. Like many of his designs for Tiffany, every minute detail is a true work of art. From the bird's plumage to the gem's positioning, and the juxtaposing colors and proportions of the brooch. Since its first appearance in the 1960s, the brooch has been redesigned to feature the world's most celebrated gemstones, including emeralds and sapphires.
Hedges and Row Necklace
Reflecting Schlumberger's supernatural ability to capture movement in the still, the Hedges and Row necklace is one of Tiffany's highlight creations, first introduced in 1960. The highly appraised necklace, made of hedges and rows, inspired by the symmetry of the gardens of Versailles, honors the beauty of the natural world and is considered one of the most iconic designs. Weighing over 100 carats, this masterpiece weaves together turquoise cabochon gemstones, rubies, and diamonds.
1939 World's Fair Necklace
Displaying the grandeur of a 200-carat aquamarine gem surrounded by more than 400 brilliant and baguette-cut diamonds, the original design was inspired by the fair’s theme “the World of Tomorrow.”
Today the necklace has been remade featuring The Empire Diamond, an 80-carat D-color stone that scintillates like no other. Beyonce is the only person to have worn Tiffany’s most expensive necklace to the 2022 Oscars afterparty.
Tiffany Silver
Tiffany & Co.'s silver jewelry and homewares collections have long been the standard for fine silverware, home wares, and silver jewelry in the United States.
Tiffany's silver fine jewelry collection showcases exquisite designs ranging from classic to contemporary, featuring iconic motifs such as the signature Tiffany Blue Box charm and the elegant Atlas collection, characterized by sleek lines and minimalist aesthetics. Each piece is meticulously crafted to the highest standards, reflecting the brand's commitment to quality and excellence.
While Windsor does not specialize in the purchase of silver jewelry, it would be a miss not to mention the important mark the brand has made on demi-fine jewelry and the accessories industry in this category.
From a stationary shop to a jewelry giant, the journey of Tiffany & Co. has been one enriched with storied history. From the beginning, Tiffany & Co. committed to creating impressive objects sourced from only the highest quality materials blending meticulous craftsmanship and innovation.
If you're looking to sell your fine Tiffany & Co. jewels, contact our team of experts today.
