The name Tiffany is now synonymous with luxury around the globe, but the company was born from slightly more humble beginnings. In 1837, 25-year-old Charles Lewis Tiffany and his friend John Young opened a stationary and fancy goods store in New York City on Broadway. Catering to fashionable men and women, they purveyed a new “American style” more inspired by the natural world rather than the ceremonial patterns and ornamented Victorian opulence of earlier decades. In 1853, Charles Tiffany took control of the company and renamed it Tiffany & Co. By then, he had already introduced their signature, and now iconic, robin’s egg blue color.
Tiffany’s silver studio, headed by celebrated silversmith Edward C. Moore, was the first American school of design. Moore compiled an enormous collection of sketches and artwork, encouraging apprentices both to study them as well as to observe and sketch the natural world. Under his guidance, the studio developed their own design identity and became famous for elegant, Japonesque-style silver and glittering gemstone and diamond jewelry. Tiffany & Co. became the first American company to adopt the British silver standard of using only 92% pure metal, and he achieved international acclaim at the 1867 Paris World’s Fair where he was awarded the Grand Prix for silver craftsmanship; it was the first time an American design firm had been honored so by a foreign jury.
By 1870, Tiffany & Co. had become the premier silversmith in America and leading purveyor of jewels and timepieces. Tiffany purchased crown jewels from France and Spain, revolutionized the engagement ring with solitaire prong-set stones, and by the end of the century would be known as the “King of Diamonds”—a fitting title for someone who was appointed Royal Jeweler to the crowned heads of Europe, the Ottoman Emperor, and the Czar of Russia. The firm won numerous awards at international exhibitions, employed more than one thousand people, and had established branches in London, Geneva, and Paris prior to Tiffany’s death in 1902. His son, Louis Comfort Tiffany (founder of Tiffany Studios), then took the helm and became design director.
Upcoming Lots Tiffany & Co.
247
Tiffany & Co.
Multicolored sapphire sautoir necklace
estimate: $25,000–35,000
251
Tiffany & Co.
Multicolored sapphire and diamond bracelet
estimate: $8,000–12,000
265
Tiffany & Co.
Diamond and ruby ring
estimate: $12,000–15,000
284
Tiffany & Co.
Jadeite and coral bead long sautoir necklace
estimate: $8,000–10,000
289
Tiffany & Co.
Emerald and diamond ring
estimate: $8,000–12,000
297
Tiffany & Co.
Diamond and aquamarine 'Crochet Lace' necklace
estimate: $10,000–15,000
329
Tiffany & Co.
Gold wristwatch
estimate: $600–800
335
Tiffany & Co.
Enamel pocket watch
estimate: $2,000–3,000
337
Tiffany & Co.
Carnegie Cup Regatta 'Ivy League' gold cufflinks
estimate: $1,200–1,800
361
Gold bracelet with reverse crystal charms
estimate: $2,000–3,000
379
Tiffany & Co.
Cultured pearl and diamond suite
estimate: $2,000–3,000
389
Tiffany & Co.
Gold and sapphire ring
estimate: $800–1,200
424
Tiffany & Co.
Platinum and diamond earrings
estimate: $800–1,200
434
Tiffany & Co.
Group of silver jewelry
estimate: $400–600
435
Tiffany & Co.
Silver ‘Heart Tag’ necklace and bracelet
estimate: $400–600
436
Tiffany & Co.
Silver necklace and bracelet and Peretti earrings
estimate: $400–600
583
Tiffany & Co.
Cookie jar
estimate: $600–800
639
Tiffany & Co.
Atlas compass
estimate: $300–500
649
Tiffany & Co.
Paperweight table clock
estimate: $300–500
Auction Results Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co.
Diamond and gold ‘Vannerie’ necklace
estimate: $8,000–12,000
result: $11,250
Tiffany & Co.
marine-themed tankard
estimate: $8,000–10,000
result: $10,000
Tiffany & Co.
Sapphire and diamond bracelet
estimate: $3,500–4,500
result: $10,000
Tiffany & Co.
seven-piece tea and coffee service with tray
estimate: $5,000–8,000
result: $7,800
Tiffany & Co.
cup
estimate: $5,000–7,000
result: $7,500
Tiffany & Co.
Fox head bracelet
estimate: $2,000–3,000
result: $7,500
Tiffany & Co.
Gold ‘Atlas’ necklace
estimate: $6,000–8,000
result: $5,938
Tiffany & Co.
Clinton flatware service
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $5,000
Tiffany & Co.
five-piece tea and coffee service
estimate: $4,000–6,000
result: $4,375
Tiffany & Co.
Gold chevron necklace
estimate: $1,800–2,200
result: $4,063
Tiffany & Co. Tiffany & Co.
Pair of diamond eternity bands
estimate: $2,000–3,000
result: $4,063
Tiffany & Co.
Amethyst and diamond beetle ear clips
estimate: $1,500–2,000
result: $3,750
Tiffany & Co.
bread plates, set of twelve with presentation box
estimate: $1,500–2,200
result: $3,500
Tiffany & Co.
Art Deco diamond and sapphire circle brooch
estimate: $1,500–2,000
result: $3,250
Tiffany & Co.
Gold and diamond bracelet
estimate: $1,500–2,000
result: $3,250
Tiffany & Co.
Faneuil flatware service
estimate: $3,000–4,000
result: $3,120
Tiffany & Co.
Colored diamond engagement ring
estimate: $1,000–1,500
result: $3,072
Tiffany & Co.
Ruby and diamond rooster brooch
estimate: $2,000–3,000
result: $3,000
Tiffany & Co.
hot milk jug
estimate: $800–1,200
result: $2,860
Tiffany & Co.
inkstand
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $2,500
Tiffany & Co.
Windham flatware service
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $2,500
Tiffany & Co.
Diamond eternity band
estimate: $1,800–2,200
result: $2,375
Tiffany & Co.
Gold bangle
estimate: $1,500–2,000
result: $2,375
Tiffany & Co. Tiffany & Co.
Pair of purple enamel and gold flower brooches
estimate: $2,000–3,000
result: $2,340