TIFFANY

Tiffany & Co. is a luxury jewelry and specialty retailer headquartered in New York City. It was founded by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young in 1837, initially as a stationery and fancy goods store in Lower Manhattan.

In 1853, Charles Tiffany took control of the company and shifted its focus to jewelry, establishing Tiffany as a leader in the luxury jewelry market. He introduced the "Tiffany Setting" in 1886, a revolutionary technique for setting diamonds that elevated the stone above the band, allowing more light to enter the diamond and making it appear brighter.

Throughout the 20th century, Tiffany continued to innovate and push the boundaries of jewelry design. They introduced the first engagement ring advertisement in 1940, featuring the slogan "A diamond is forever," which has since become a cultural touchstone. In the 1950s and 1960s, they collaborated with renowned artist Jean Schlumberger on a series of bold, imaginative designs that reflected the era's fascination with nature and the exotic.

Tiffany's workmanship is renowned for its attention to detail and commitment to using the finest materials. Their artisans use traditional techniques such as hand engraving, stone cutting, and enameling to create pieces that are both beautiful and enduring. They also prioritize responsible sourcing, ensuring that their diamonds and precious metals are ethically and sustainably mined.

Today, Tiffany & Co. remains one of the world's most prestigious jewelry brands, with a global network of stores and a reputation for excellence in design and craftsmanship.

Tiffany & Co. is also well-known for their work in lamps. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the company produced a range of exquisite stained-glass lamps that were highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts.

The lamps were designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Charles Tiffany's son, who was a talented artist and designer in his own right. He was inspired by the natural world and often incorporated floral and animal motifs into his designs.

Tiffany used a technique called "copper foil" to create his lamps. This involved cutting small pieces of glass, wrapping them in copper foil, and then soldering them together to create a pattern or design. The finished product was then placed over a lamp base, allowing the light to shine through the colorful glass and create a warm, inviting glow.

Tiffany's lamps were incredibly popular during their time and remain highly sought after by collectors today. They are known for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and exceptional craftsmanship. Many of the original lamps are now housed in museums and private collections around the world.

Tiffany & Co. is known for many famous and iconic pieces of jewelry. Here are a few examples:

The Tiffany Diamond: This 128.54-carat yellow diamond is one of the largest and finest diamonds in the world. It was discovered in South Africa in 1877 and acquired by Charles Tiffany the following year. The diamond has been worn by several notable women over the years, including Audrey Hepburn in a promotional photo shoot for the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's."

The Tiffany Setting Engagement Ring: As I mentioned earlier, the "Tiffany Setting" is a revolutionary technique for setting diamonds that was introduced by Charles Tiffany in 1886. The six-prong setting elevates the diamond above the band, allowing more light to enter the stone and making it appear brighter. The design has become a classic and is still popular today.

The Schlumberger Collection: In the 1950s and 1960s, Tiffany collaborated with renowned artist Jean Schlumberger on a series of bold, imaginative jewelry designs. The collection included colorful enamel bracelets, whimsical animal brooches, and intricate floral necklaces, all of which were highly coveted by fashion-conscious women of the era.

The Tiffany Blue Book: Since 1845, Tiffany & Co. has published an annual catalogue of its most exquisite and exceptional jewelry designs. Known as the "Tiffany Blue Book," the catalogue is eagerly anticipated by collectors and enthusiasts and is a showcase of the company's creativity and craftsmanship.

These are just a few examples of Tiffany's famous work in jewelry. Over the years, the company has created countless iconic pieces that have become part of our cultural heritage.