Follow us

Menu
PARTNER WITH USFREE NEWSLETTER
VISIT TheIndustry.beauty

In History: Tiffany & Co. celebrates 185th anniversary

Sophie Smith
06 July 2022

Founded in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany, Tiffany & Co. is recognised as one of the longest standing high jewellery houses in the world. First launching as a “stationery and fancy goods” store in New York, the luxury jeweller has since developed a large global presence with 300 stores around the world. 

To celebrate Tiffany & Co's 185th Birthday and 150 years in London, Tiffany & Co's Virtue and Virtuosity exhibition is showcasing over 400 objects from the house’s archives. The exhibition showcases items dating back to its founding in 1837. Located at London's Saatchi Gallery, the exhibition is open until 19 August 2022.

Since the brand's inception, Tiffany & Co. has established itself as a leading player in the luxury jewellery market, with an extensive history to match.

When you think of Tiffany & Co., there's likely a few things that spring to mind, right? One thing that's synonymous is the Tiffany colouring. The trademarked Tiffany Blue hue is at the heart of the brand and was even standardised as a custom colour by Pantone exclusively for Tiffany in 2001. The Pantone colour is called 1837 Blue, named after the brand's founding year.

The Tiffany Blue colour was selected by Charles Lewis Tiffany for the cover of the Blue Book, the brand's annual collection of handcrafted jewels (pictured below). First published in 1845, the Blue Book was the first direct-mail catalogue in the US showcasing the brand's innovation, rare gemstones and craftsmanship.

In 1878, Tiffany & Co. acquired one of the world's largest and finest yellow diamonds, sourced from the Kimberley diamond mines in South Africa. Named the Tiffany Diamond, the brand describes it as the "cornerstone of Tiffany's longstanding diamond authority" and it was even worn by Audrey Hepburn to promote the 1961 film, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Most recently, the Tiffany Diamond was worn by Beyonce in the brand's AW21 campaign film.

Less than ten years later, Charles Lewis Tiffany became the first jeweller to establish the diamond ring as a symbol of love. In 1886, he introduced the Tiffany Setting, which has been a key part of many love stories over the last 136 years.

Tiffany & Co

Tiffany & Co Setting with Tiffany Blue Box and personalised embossing. Credit: Tiffany & Co

Throughout the 20th century, under the artistic direction of Charles Lewis Tiffany's son, the brand captured the spirit of the times and also the attention of many prominent figures including Elizabeth Taylor, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Diana Vreeland. However, this interest isn't limited to the 20th century, with President Abraham Lincoln being known to have purchased a Tiffany seed pearl necklace and earrings for his wife back in 1862.

Much more recently and over the last decade, Tiffany & Co. has evolved its jewellery collections and introduced its home and fragrance ranges. The first scent released was the Tiffany Eau de Parfum, followed by Tiffany Intense and Tiffany Sheer.

In History: Tiffany & Co.

1837: Charles Lewis Tiffany and friend John B. Young open a “stationery and fancy goods” store in New York with a $1,000 advance from Tiffany’s father. Sales from the first day totalled $4.98.

Tiffany & Co

A portrait of the young Charles Lewis Tiffany. Credit: Tiffany & Co.

1845: The Tiffany & Co. Blue Book is published, as the first direct-mail catalog in the US.

1848: Charles Lewis Tiffany introduces major gemstones to the US, purchasing them from European aristocrats and brining them back for the nation’s elite to buy for the first time.

1851: Tiffany & Co. is the first American company to institute the .925 sterling silver standard, which is later adopted by the US.

1866: Tiffany & Co. introduces America's first stopwatch, the Tiffany Timer.

Tiffany & Co

Tiffany & Co Watches. Credit: Tiffany & Co.

1868: The brand begins manufacturing gold fashion jewellery designs.

1878: Tiffany & Co. acquires one of the world’s largest and finest yellow diamonds. The Tiffany Diamond was cut from 287.42 carats to 128.54 carats with 82 facets.

1886: Tiffany & Co. introduces the Tiffany Setting engagement ring.

1902: Following the death of Charles Lewis Tiffany, his son, Louis Comfort Tiffany becomes the brand's first Design Director.

1940: Tiffany & Co. opens its New York Fifth Avenue flagship store.

1961: The brand makes its cinematic debut in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, starring Audrey Hepburn. This was the first film to be filmed at Tiffany’s flagship store in New York.

Tiffany & Co

Breakfast at Tiffany, starring Audrey Hepburn.

1967: The brand manufactures the NFL Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy for the first Super Bowl.

1969: The "Return to Tiffany" keyring is created, with each one assigned a serial number so it could be returned to Tiffany's flagship store and reunited with its owner if lost. This design went onto inspire one of Tiffany's bestselling collections.

2000: The Tiffany & Co. Foundation is founded, developing the brand's commitment to conservation and the arts.

2001: Tiffany creates 1837 Blue colour with Pantone, honouring the renowned Tiffany Blue hue.

2014: The brand launches its Tiffany T collection, with designs inspired by Tiffany's name. Described by the brand, "whether set with our renowned diamonds or magnified with a beveled edge, each expression of Tiffany T is a proud reminder of our heritage".

Tiffany & Co

Tiffany & Co T collection. Credit: Tiffany & Co.

2017: Tiffany & Co. introduces luxury Home & Accessories and fragrance collections. The Blue Box Cafe opens at its Fifth Avenue flagship store, celebrating Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Free NewsletterVISIT TheIndustry.beauty
cross