It’s a Tiffany!

Tiffany and Co. are the curators of the famous blue box that we all know and love. When we think of Tiffany, we think of femininity, elegance and modernity. Founded by Charles Tiffany and John B. Young in 1837, it turned to “jewellery in 1853 and, from there, it grew fast!

In this article, we’re taking a look at the beauty and wonder that makes Tiffany what it is today.

All about Tiffany and Co.

The Famous Blue Book

The Blue Book is an illustrated collection of some of Tiffany’s most beautiful products, and also the first US-distributed mail-order catalogue. Its first year of release was 1845 when it was sent to over 4000 homes. In 2017, there is a digital copy and it is possible to go online to view the most iconic and luxurious jewellery that Tiffany has to offer. Online, the pieces are accompanied by short videos and music.

The Blue Book highlights Tiffany’s assortment of unique luxury jewellery, from earrings and rings to necklaces and brooches. Tiffany is especially known for their engagement rings and the little blue boxes they come in – they even have a separate tab for it on their website. The rings, like their other jewellery, are timeless and tasteful.

Silver Success

A pivotal success for Tiffany & Co. happened in 1851 when they became the first American company to use 92.5% silver and 7.5% base metal in all of their products – a mixture which is now known as sterling silver. This high percentage won Tiffany the grand prize for silver at the Paris World Fair in 1867 and is also the reason why Tiffany jewellery is heavy. Three years later, Charles Tiffany took absolute control of the business and changed the name from “Tiffany, Young and Ellis” to Tiffany & Co.

* sterling silver had been used in England for hundred of years, maybe some rewording required as it gives the impression almost that Tiffany pioneered the mixture

The King of Diamonds

287.42ct and polished to perfection.

Yes – in 1878, Tiffany & Co. discovered what is now known as the Tiffany Diamond, one of the largest yellow diamonds ever discovered. In its lifetime, it has only been worn by two women: in 1957 by Mrs Sheldon Whitehouse, and in 1961 by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the movie that cemented Tiffany’s reputation as brilliant, dazzling and elegant. Today, the diamond is on display in their New York store.

The Tiffany Diamond was not the only gemstone discovered by the company. Other famous stones include kunzite, morganite, tanzanite and tsavorite, all of which feature in Tiffany’s collections. His next grand feat happened in 1887 when he showed the world his love and passion for diamonds by buying one-third of the French Crown Jewels. After that, he was unofficially known by the nickname ‘The King of Diamonds’.

175 Years Later

In 2013, Tiffany & Co. celebrated their 175 ^th birthday. In these 175 years, they have set new standards for the jewellery world, discovered new gemstones and emerged all over the world. As of 2014, Tiffany & Co. operated in over 22 countries, with plans to continue expanding and selling their product worldwide. As Tiffany has selective distribution in that new Tiffany products are sold exclusively in Tiffany stores, this will only lead to growth in their popularity.

Antique Diamonds and Exclusive Jewellery

Tiffany, synonymous with luxury and adornment, continues to be endlessly loved in the 21 ^st century, just as they have been for the last 175 years. If you would like to purchase an elegant, vintage Tiffany piece, or if you would like to speak with a company representative, contact Harrington & Co on 07 3891 3880.