Tiffany & Co. Brand Profile
One of the oldest operating jewelry designers and manufacturers in the United States, Tiffany & Co. (Tiffany’s) has been a staple of the industry for almost 200 years. Tiffany’s was founded in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young. The two titans of industry set out to revolutionize the landscape with nothing but $1,000 in funding, provided by Tiffany’s father and the profits from his cotton mill in Brooklyn, Connecticut.
Not long into their journey, they published the first “Blue Book” which was a mail order catalog that advertised and showcased their products to a nationwide audience. The first Blue Book was also one of the first catalogs to be printed in full color, and 150+ years later, the shopping catalog is still in production and bringing in sales.
Tiffany’s is engraved in US history. During the Civil War, they provided the Union side with Model 1840 Cavalry Sabre swords, flags, and surgical tools. They’ve seen New York City grow into the cultural and intellectual hub of the entire planet from the island of Manhattan since the 1870s. In 1877, Tiffany’s designed the Medal of Honor for the New York City Police Department; however, the imprinted ‘NY’ design would go on to be adopted by the New York Yankees, and is one of the most universally recognized logos in all of professional sports.
Tiffany & Co. had their signature shade of blue/teal trademarked in 1998, and later they partnered with Pantone to standardize the hue as “1837 Blue” in honor of the year the company was founded. The brand has been known for producing some of the most impressive pieces of jewelry and other precious metal sculptures. From engagement rings and wedding bands, to necklaces and bracelets, and virtually anything else that can be found in a jewelry store showroom. Their presence has been felt in the industry for decades.
Unfortunately, in the past 50 years or so, the brand began dipping in popularity, sales dwindled, ownership changed hands, and they were forced to reassess their plan for success. Their image had been tainted with the idea that Tiffany’s was no longer a luxury brand due to the more affordable price points of items in their jewelry collections at the time. However, in recent years, they have pushed hard to be seen as a high-end, luxury, jewelry design and manufacturing company. They’ve achieved this resurgence thanks to partnerships with popular celebrities, sports leagues, and musicians. By doing so, they have entered the headspace of a younger crowd as their own personal taste develops. Tiffany’s is involved in championship ceremonies for all of the major US sports leagues, as well as some more niche leagues in the Pacific. Quite the impressive list includes: NFL, MLB, NBA, PGA, USTA, MLS, the Rugby League, and League of Legends championship trophies. On the other hand, the celebrity partnerships include the likes of: Lady Gaga, ASAP Ferg, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, and Kendrick Lamar. The latter being the most controversial piece by far. Loved by some, hated by others… Tiffany & Co. partnered with the creative collective pgLang to create a crown of thorns the rapper wore publicly at award shows and while touring his latest album. Over 8,000 diamonds totaling 137 carats were hand-placed on the crown that took over 10 months and 1,300 hours to make. This custom piece stole headlines, stirred envy, and sparked outrage.
CLT Jewels, being a division of Malak Jewelers, has been fortunate enough to use the vast collection of pre-owned jewelry sold by customers and/or bought at auctions through the years. This includes a few pieces from the legendary designer brand. Check out our Tiffany & Co. collection* under the “Designers” tab.
*CLT Jewels is not a licensed Tiffany & Co. retailer, but are selling pre-owned pieces sold back to us by our valued customers and/or bought at auctions.