The Tiffany Experience
There are but a few names synonymous with exceptional quality and elegance; Tiffany & Company being one of them. Since opening its doors in 1837, Tiffany and Co. has been a uniquely American brand representing glamour, sophistication and creative design. The company has successfully held its designs to the standard of the finest art – and to own a work of antique Tiffany jewelry is akin to owning the best work by a true master. The brand has inspired art and films, such as the ever-iconic Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and operates over 300 stores worldwide, with its headquarters on the illustrious Fifth Ave in Manhattan. 
Artistic Influence
The flagship store situated in New York City bears resemblance to an esteemed art museum, showcasing a splendid array of jewelry designs alongside notable artworks, including Jean-Michel Basquiat’s seminal work, “Equals Pi,” dated 1982. This artwork gained further prominence as it was recently highlighted in Tiffany’s advertising campaign featuring Beyoncé and Jay Z.
Beyonce and Jay Z’s Tiffany & Company Ad Campaign featuring Jean-Michel Basquiat’s “Equals Pi” Source.
Vintage Tiffany: A Collector's Delight
Vintage Tiffany designs are highly sought-after by collectors for their rarity, prestigious histories and distinctive styles. Tiffany's creations maintain and often increase in value over time, making them attractive investments. Beyond jewelry, Tiffany also produces household objects and objets d'art. Moreover, collaborations with renowned designers add intriguing twists to their jewelry lines, further enhancing their appeal to collectors and enthusiasts.
Iconic Designers: Schlumberger and Picasso
Jean Schlumberger is one of the most respected jewelry designers in history. Born in France, he created costume jewelry for Elsa Schiaparelli before moving to New York after World War II. Hired by Tiffany in the 1950s, Schlumberger’s work quickly became the talk of the town, attracting collectors such as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and the Duchess of Windsor.
Paloma Picasso, daughter of legendary artist Pablo Picasso and Françoise Gilot, is another major designer for the brand. Her journey in jewelry design began in 1968 when her rhinestone necklaces caught the eye of critics in Paris. This early success spurred her to pursue formal education in jewelry design, leading to collaborations with esteemed designers like Yves Saint Laurent. By 1971, she had established herself in the industry, working with prestigious brands like Zolotas.
In 1980, Paloma Picasso made her mark on the American jewelry scene, joining forces with Tiffany & Co. Her innovative designs captivated audiences, blending sophistication with a touch of avant-garde flair. Displayed at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History is a stunning 396.30-carat kunzite necklace crafted by Paloma Picasso herself. Celebrating her 40th anniversary with Tiffany & Co. in 2020, Paloma continues to inspire with collections inspired by her love for destinations like Morocco and Venice.
Authenticity and Excellence
Collecting antique Tiffany may come with some investigative work to ensure the jewelry is genuine. In Tiffany's illustrious history, their commitment to excellence and authenticity has remained unwavering, however, their jewelry marks have changed routinely. Genuine Tiffany & Co works always include an ampersand (&) in their marks, ensuring that jewelry bears only "Tiffany & Co." or "T & Co."
Additionally, their stamps exhibit precision, being centered, crisp and uniformly deep, with meticulously beveled edges—a detail often overlooked by counterfeiters. While wear may affect antique metal, authentic Tiffany marks endure, remaining legible despite the passage of time. Moreover, Tiffany's dedication to quality extends to metal purity indicators, with "750" denoting 18k gold, "925" for sterling silver, and "950" for platinum, offering reassurance to discerning collectors.
Blog last updated 5/15/24
