Tiffany & Co.
Founded 1837
Tiffany & Co. stands as one of the most iconic luxury houses in the world, celebrated for its extraordinary jewelry, silverware and decorative arts. For nearly two centuries, the company has embodied American elegance, craftsmanship and innovation, evolving from a modest New York shop into a global symbol of refinement and prestige.
From revolutionary jewelry settings to exceptional silverwork and legendary gemstones, Tiffany & Co. has continually shaped the language of luxury design while influencing generations of artists, collectors and patrons.
Today, Tiffany & Co. remains synonymous with timeless sophistication and enduring craftsmanship.
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“Tiffany & Co. transformed American luxury into an international art form.” Historical assessment |
Early Years
Founded in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young in New York City, Tiffany & Co. began as a “stationery and fancy goods emporium” before evolving into one of the most prestigious names in jewelry and silverware.
Charles Lewis Tiffany, born in Killingly, Connecticut, in 1812, possessed a remarkable entrepreneurial vision that helped transform the company from a modest retail enterprise into a globally recognized luxury institution.
From its earliest years, Tiffany & Co. emphasized superior craftsmanship, exceptional materials and innovative design.
The company’s pioneering spirit became evident in 1845 with the launch of the Blue Book, the first mail-order catalog published in the United States.
This landmark publication expanded Tiffany’s national reach and helped establish the company’s reputation for luxury and exclusivity.
During this formative period, Tiffany also developed what would become one of the most influential innovations in jewelry history: the Tiffany Setting engagement ring.
Introduced in 1886, the design elevated the diamond above the band using six prongs, maximizing brilliance and dramatically transforming engagement ring design worldwide.
Middle Period (1854–1902)
Under the leadership of Charles Lewis Tiffany during the mid-19th century, Tiffany & Co. emerged as a leading force in American decorative arts and luxury design.
A pivotal moment came in 1851 with the appointment of Edward C. Moore as head designer.
Moore’s artistic vision drew inspiration from diverse sources including Japanese art, Moorish ornamentation and naturalistic forms.
Under his guidance, Tiffany developed increasingly eclectic and sophisticated silverware and jewelry that appealed to the tastes of America’s Gilded Age elite.
Among the firm’s most celebrated achievements from this era were the mixed-metal Japonisme pieces, which incorporated gold, silver and copper into highly artistic compositions inspired by Asian aesthetics and the natural world.
Tiffany & Co. achieved international acclaim at the 1867 Paris Exposition Universelle, where it received a prestigious award for excellence in silverware — the first time an American company had earned such recognition from a European jury.
This achievement elevated Tiffany’s reputation on the global stage and firmly established American luxury craftsmanship within European artistic circles.
Another defining milestone occurred in 1878 when Charles Tiffany acquired one of the world’s largest and finest yellow diamonds, later known as the Tiffany Diamond.
The legendary gemstone became one of the most famous diamonds in history and later achieved cultural immortality through its association with Audrey Hepburn and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
During this period, Tiffany also introduced the celebrated Olympian pattern flatware at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.
Inspired by classical mythology, the elaborate pattern demonstrated Tiffany’s extraordinary ability to combine technical mastery with narrative decorative design.
Modern Era (1902–Present)
In 1902, artistic leadership of the company passed to Louis Comfort Tiffany, son of Charles Lewis Tiffany and one of the most important figures of the Art Nouveau movement.
Under Louis’ direction, Tiffany & Co. embraced increasingly colorful, organic and highly decorative aesthetics inspired by nature and handcrafted artistry.
His influence extended across jewelry, glasswork and decorative arts, reinforcing Tiffany’s reputation for artistic innovation.
Throughout the 20th century, Tiffany continued evolving through collaborations with some of the era’s most celebrated designers.
Jean Schlumberger introduced whimsical, sculptural creations inspired by marine life, flora and fantastical forms.
Elsa Peretti revolutionized modern jewelry design through elegant minimalist pieces characterized by fluid organic shapes and understated sophistication.
Later, Paloma Picasso brought bold geometric motifs and vibrant contemporary energy to Tiffany’s collections, helping attract younger and more fashion-forward audiences.
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| Tiffany & Co. Coral And Diamond Earrings. M.S. Rau. |
Legacy
By the later years of his life, Charles Lewis Tiffany had earned the nickname “The King of Diamonds,” reflecting his enormous influence on the jewelry industry.
The enduring success of Tiffany & Co. stems from its consistent ability to unite artistic creativity with technical excellence and entrepreneurial innovation.
Over the course of nearly two centuries, Tiffany has shaped not only jewelry design but also the broader identity of luxury itself.
Today, the iconic Tiffany Blue color remains instantly recognizable worldwide as a symbol of sophistication, craftsmanship and prestige.
Collectors continue to prize Tiffany jewelry, silver and decorative arts for their historical importance, exceptional artistry and timeless elegance.
Collectors seeking exceptional Tiffany & Co. creations and museum-quality decorative arts are invited to explore M.S. Rau’s curated collection of fine jewelry and important luxury objects.
Quick Facts
|
Continue Your ExplorationDiscover exceptional Tiffany & Co. jewelry, luxury decorative arts and museum-quality treasures through M.S. Rau’s curated collection of historic craftsmanship and iconic design. |
Tiffany & Co.
Founded 1837
Tiffany & Co. stands as one of the most iconic luxury houses in the world, celebrated for its extraordinary jewelry, silverware and decorative arts. For nearly two centuries, the company has embodied American elegance, craftsmanship and innovation, evolving from a modest New York shop into a global symbol of refinement and prestige.
From revolutionary jewelry settings to exceptional silverwork and legendary gemstones, Tiffany & Co. has continually shaped the language of luxury design while influencing generations of artists, collectors and patrons.
Today, Tiffany & Co. remains synonymous with timeless sophistication and enduring craftsmanship.
|
“Tiffany & Co. transformed American luxury into an international art form.” Historical assessment |
Early Years
Founded in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young in New York City, Tiffany & Co. began as a “stationery and fancy goods emporium” before evolving into one of the most prestigious names in jewelry and silverware.
Charles Lewis Tiffany, born in Killingly, Connecticut, in 1812, possessed a remarkable entrepreneurial vision that helped transform the company from a modest retail enterprise into a globally recognized luxury institution.
From its earliest years, Tiffany & Co. emphasized superior craftsmanship, exceptional materials and innovative design.
The company’s pioneering spirit became evident in 1845 with the launch of the Blue Book, the first mail-order catalog published in the United States.
This landmark publication expanded Tiffany’s national reach and helped establish the company’s reputation for luxury and exclusivity.
During this formative period, Tiffany also developed what would become one of the most influential innovations in jewelry history: the Tiffany Setting engagement ring.
Introduced in 1886, the design elevated the diamond above the band using six prongs, maximizing brilliance and dramatically transforming engagement ring design worldwide.
Middle Period (1854–1902)
Under the leadership of Charles Lewis Tiffany during the mid-19th century, Tiffany & Co. emerged as a leading force in American decorative arts and luxury design.
A pivotal moment came in 1851 with the appointment of Edward C. Moore as head designer.
Moore’s artistic vision drew inspiration from diverse sources including Japanese art, Moorish ornamentation and naturalistic forms.
Under his guidance, Tiffany developed increasingly eclectic and sophisticated silverware and jewelry that appealed to the tastes of America’s Gilded Age elite.
Among the firm’s most celebrated achievements from this era were the mixed-metal Japonisme pieces, which incorporated gold, silver and copper into highly artistic compositions inspired by Asian aesthetics and the natural world.
Tiffany & Co. achieved international acclaim at the 1867 Paris Exposition Universelle, where it received a prestigious award for excellence in silverware — the first time an American company had earned such recognition from a European jury.
This achievement elevated Tiffany’s reputation on the global stage and firmly established American luxury craftsmanship within European artistic circles.
Another defining milestone occurred in 1878 when Charles Tiffany acquired one of the world’s largest and finest yellow diamonds, later known as the Tiffany Diamond.
The legendary gemstone became one of the most famous diamonds in history and later achieved cultural immortality through its association with Audrey Hepburn and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
During this period, Tiffany also introduced the celebrated Olympian pattern flatware at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.
Inspired by classical mythology, the elaborate pattern demonstrated Tiffany’s extraordinary ability to combine technical mastery with narrative decorative design.
Modern Era (1902–Present)
In 1902, artistic leadership of the company passed to Louis Comfort Tiffany, son of Charles Lewis Tiffany and one of the most important figures of the Art Nouveau movement.
Under Louis’ direction, Tiffany & Co. embraced increasingly colorful, organic and highly decorative aesthetics inspired by nature and handcrafted artistry.
His influence extended across jewelry, glasswork and decorative arts, reinforcing Tiffany’s reputation for artistic innovation.
Throughout the 20th century, Tiffany continued evolving through collaborations with some of the era’s most celebrated designers.
Jean Schlumberger introduced whimsical, sculptural creations inspired by marine life, flora and fantastical forms.
Elsa Peretti revolutionized modern jewelry design through elegant minimalist pieces characterized by fluid organic shapes and understated sophistication.
Later, Paloma Picasso brought bold geometric motifs and vibrant contemporary energy to Tiffany’s collections, helping attract younger and more fashion-forward audiences.
|
|
| Tiffany & Co. Coral And Diamond Earrings. M.S. Rau. |
Legacy
By the later years of his life, Charles Lewis Tiffany had earned the nickname “The King of Diamonds,” reflecting his enormous influence on the jewelry industry.
The enduring success of Tiffany & Co. stems from its consistent ability to unite artistic creativity with technical excellence and entrepreneurial innovation.
Over the course of nearly two centuries, Tiffany has shaped not only jewelry design but also the broader identity of luxury itself.
Today, the iconic Tiffany Blue color remains instantly recognizable worldwide as a symbol of sophistication, craftsmanship and prestige.
Collectors continue to prize Tiffany jewelry, silver and decorative arts for their historical importance, exceptional artistry and timeless elegance.
Collectors seeking exceptional Tiffany & Co. creations and museum-quality decorative arts are invited to explore M.S. Rau’s curated collection of fine jewelry and important luxury objects.
Quick Facts
|
Continue Your ExplorationDiscover exceptional Tiffany & Co. jewelry, luxury decorative arts and museum-quality treasures through M.S. Rau’s curated collection of historic craftsmanship and iconic design. |
