In 1837, Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young opened a small stationery and fancy goods emporium in New York City. It initially operated as “Tiffany & Young,” but they changed the name to “Tiffany, Young and Ellis” in 1841. It wasn’t until 1853 that the store’s name was shortened to the famous “Tiffany & Company” we all know and love today, when Charles took over the reins of the business and established an emphasis on creating fine jewelry.
From selling stationery goods, Tiffany & Co. shifted its focus to jewelry. During the onset of the Gilded Age, Tiffany & Co. received acclaim as the “palace of jewels.” Soon after, New York City’s wealthiest and most prominent families, including the Huttons, Morgans, Posts, Vanderbilts, and Astors, were seen wearing the retailer’s jewelry.
In the 20th Century, Tiffany & Co. cemented its status as one of the world’s most iconic jewelry brands. They’ve collaborated with numerous artists and designers, including Jean Schlumberger and Andy Warhol. The film Breakfast at Tiffany’s also premiered during this time, which helped the brand reach new heights of success.
Most Popular Tiffany Jewelry Collections
Known for manufacturing some of the most exquisite pieces of jewelry on a global scale, below, we have gathered Tiffany’s most iconic creations.
- Return to Tiffany® Heart Tag Charm Bracelet
The enduringly best-selling “Return to Tiffany” is perhaps the retailer’s most coveted collection. The inspiration for the dangling motif inscribed with “Please Return to Tiffany & Co. New York” was a key ring first introduced in 1969. Today, the collection has become a powerful representation of Tiffany’s masterful work and legacy. Among the most desired pieces from the collection is the heart tag charm bracelet, which is available in sterling silver, 18 karat gold, and other metals.
- Heart Tag Pendant
Another well-loved design from the Return to Tiffany collection is the heart tag pendant. Tiffany & Co. recently revamped the line with their Color Splash collection. Adding a splash of Tiffany’s signature blue, the new and improved pendants feature a unique enamel finish. The unexpected twist modernizes the classic piece, all while staying true to Tiffany’s heritage.
- Tiffany 1837® Ring
The release of the 1837 collection celebrates Tiffany & Company’s 175th anniversary. Collectors and fans applauded the collection for its sleek contours and curves, as well as how the designs honored the jewelry house’s legacy.
The collection featured a material called Rubedo, which is a combination of silver, copper, and gold. The metal is unmistakable for its “delicate and rosy luminescence,” which, according to the designers of Tiffany & Co., was inspired by the light of dawn.
- Tiffany T Bracelet
In 2014, Tiffany & Co. appointed Francesca Amfitheatrof as its first-ever female design director. About a year later, the brand released her creations through the Tiffany T collection. New York’s creativity and the lightness of the brand’s jewelry from the archives partly inspired Amfitheatrof’s designs. Her line of chic and minimalist rings, cuffs, and necklaces shines best when layered together or with other pieces for daily wear. The iconic “T” motif not only pays tribute to the brand’s heart and soul, but it also adds a contemporary edge to any outfit.
- The Tiffany Setting
Receiving an engagement ring from a Tiffany blue box is every girl’s dream come true, evident in the 2009 film Bride Wars. In the world of engagements, there is nothing more desired and iconic than Tiffany’s setting. Charles Tiffany himself introduced the design, which features a six-prong setting that secures the diamond above the band. The setting was the first of its kind in 1886, as diamond rings were usually set in bezels. Charles revolutionized jewelry with his design, which continues to be popular among women today.
- Elsa Peretti® Diamonds by the Yard Pendant
Top jewelry designer Elsa Peretti joined Tiffany & Co. in 1974. She shocked the industry with her elegant designs, which have remained relevant to this very today. During her time with Tiffany & Co., she produced over 30 collections. Among her most notable designs is the Diamonds by the Yard collection. Each necklace includes a small diamond in a simple setting that still manages to stun despite its size. In Peretti’s eyes, simplicity is just another word for sophistication.
- HardWear Collection
Inarguably one of the brand’s most popular designs today, Tiffany & Co.’s HardWear collection is a product of Amfitheatrof’s creative genius. Using chain links and bold spheres, the collection intertwines modern shapes and clean lines. According to Amfitheatrof, an archival piece from 1971 (Ball and Chain bracelet) is what inspired her.
In 2017, singer-songwriter Lady Gaga became the official face of Tiffany’s HardWear collection, further establishing its classic yet edgy appeal.
- Paloma Picasso Loving Heart Pendant
Paloma Picasso, the daughter of the great Pablo Picasso, joined Tiffany’s after Elsa Peretti. She designed several iconic collections for the brand. During her time, she introduced creations that were always ahead of the game. One of her most famous designs is the Loving Heart line. Using Picasso’s daring yet timeless signature style, the Loving Heart is a one-of-a-kind interpretation of the symbol of deep passion. The pendant is the most popular piece from the collection, but the motif is also available in the form of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
- Tiffany Keys
This list of Tiffany’s most iconic jewelry pieces wouldn’t be complete without the key pendants. The story behind this beloved design goes back to when Tiffany & Young manufactured keys for its specialty items, including diaries, trunks, and boxes. The motif first reappeared with the key ring, which included an engraving of a number that corresponded to a specific customer. These keys are available in a broad range of designs, including the fleur de lis (a stylized lily), hearts, to more ornate ones.
Tiffany & Co.’s brilliant legacy remains strong to this day. If you’re a proud owner of any of these pieces and are looking for a jewelry buyer in Phoenix, AZ, cash in your investment at Biltmore Loan in Scottsdale and Chandler. To sell luxury items such as fine jewelry from designer brands, complete this online form to get an appraisal.