Tiffany's World Famous Luxury Brand History

In September 1837, Charles Tiffany and John Young created the "Tiffany-Yang" store on 259 Broadway in New York, specializing in stationery. All the goods in this store are priced at the price tag. Customers are not allowed to ask for a discount. This is considered a new distribution method at that time. In the same year, the shop was renamed "Tiffany" and began to use a unique blue box. Until today, Tiffany's shopping bags, merchandise brochures, advertising posters and other promotional items still use this blue, blue color became Tiffany's brand color.

In 1851, Tiffany introduced beautifully designed silverware that drew wide attention. Since then, it has taken the lead in using 925 silver, which later became the standard for American silver products. In 1861, Tiffany was invited to commemorate the jug for President Lincoln's inauguration. A set of pearl jewellery that Lincoln gave her wife at the time was also a Tiffany product. During the American Civil War, Tiffany provided swords, flags, and surgical instruments to the Northern Army. Later, he also produced gem-embedded swords for General Grant and General Sherman.

In 1867 at the Paris World's Fair, Tiffany became the first American brand to win an Expo award for its beautiful silverware. Four years later, it launched the Audubon series of silver cutlery inspired by Japanese natural landscape paintings. This series is still one of Tiffany’s best-selling products.

In 1886, Tiffany introduced the most classic Setting diamond ring. Its six-claw platinum design inserts diamonds on the ring to maximize the diamond's appearance, allowing it to radiate in all directions. After the “six-claw setting method” was published, it immediately became the international standard for the engagement of diamond rings. By the end of the 19th century, Tiffany's strength was comparable to that of European jewelers. Its customers included the European royal family and the richest man. The founder, Charles Tiffany, was called "the king of diamonds" by the American media.

In 1902, Charles Tiffany died and his son Lewis Comfort Tiffany took over and became the company's first design director. Tiffany himself is a jewelry designer and master of glass craftsmanship. His design of Tiffany Lighting has become a success and he has achieved great success. At this point, Tiffany has become an outstanding representative of American crafts, its quality and design can compete with European counterparts.

During World War II, Tiffany's head office moved to Fifth Avenue in New York. After the war, the brand ushered in another golden period of development. In the early 60s, "Tiffany's Breakfast" starring Audrey Hepburn swept the world and became a classic in American movies. The appearance of Tiffany in the film also spread its brand name throughout the world.

Tiffany had always been based in New York City. In 1963, he opened his first store outside New York in San Francisco. In 1972, Tiffany went overseas to Tokyo, opened a store in London in 1986, and entered the European market. In 1987, Tiffany was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Tiffany's founding, the United States Museum of Natural History, Metropolitan Museum, Boston Museum of Art, etc. respectively held a Tiffany retrospective of silverware and jewelry.

Tiffany's constant innovation has kept it in the leading position in the global jewelry industry. In 1999, it introduced the latest engagement diamond ring, Lucida, which means the stars of the Milky Way in Latin. Lucida's diamonds are square, with simple and attractive lines. The layered cut of the diamond crown makes the diamond more layered. It not only emits eye-catching light inside and out, but also produces different luster when moving.

Today, Tiffany is not only the world’s premier jeweller, but also enjoys international reputation for its craftsmanship and design in sterling silverware, porcelain, crystals and watches. Museums and collectors around the world regard Tiffany’s masterpieces as treasures.

Tiffany's designs admire classics, never follow the trend, do not vulgarize, completely over the trend, so each piece has a timeless charm.

In recent years, Tiffany's performance in market expansion has been remarkable while maintaining its consistent design standards. According to the report, Tiffany’s operating income from 1995 to 2003 increased by 12% annually because of the continuous opening of new stores. After increasing sales, Tiffany once again put more money into the second expansion, so that a virtuous circle was formed. Tiffany keeps the development speed of 3 to 5 new stores each year in the United States, and also increases investment in Asia and Europe. In 2001, its sales growth in Japan even surpassed that of the United States.