It all started on September 18, 1837, when Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young opened a modest "fancy goods" store at 259 Broadway in New York City. Armed with just a $1,000 loan from Tiffany's father, the pair sold an eclectic mix of stationery, fragrances, and jewelry. Few could have guessed that this humble shop would one day evolve into Tiffany & Co., a name synonymous with luxury jewelry the world over.

Early Innovations

Right from the beginning, Tiffany's broke the mold of 19th-century retail. Haggling was out — every item carried a clearly marked price — and credit was off the table entirely, with only cash accepted. Then, in 1845, the company made another bold move by publishing its first "Blue Book," a mail-order catalog that brought Tiffany's products to customers across America.

The year 1853 marked a turning point when Charles Tiffany assumed sole ownership, prompting the firm's renaming to Tiffany & Company. With that shift came a laser focus on fine jewelry, as Tiffany poured resources into sourcing high-quality gemstones and metals. The result? A brand that became virtually synonymous with elegance and craftsmanship.

Growth and Recognition

Tiffany's standing rose quickly. During the American Civil War, the company provided swords, flags, and surgical tools to Union forces in 1862. Then, in 1867, Tiffany earned a historic distinction as the first American firm to claim the grand prize for silver craftsmanship at the Paris World's Fair.

By 1870, the company had erected an impressive new store at Union Square, which The New York Times famously called a "palace of jewels." Remarkable acquisitions soon followed, most notably the legendary 287-carat Tiffany Diamond, revealed to the world in 1879. Eventually cut down to 128 carats, it stands as one of the largest yellow diamonds on earth — and only four women have ever worn it, among them Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

The Tiffany Style

When Charles Tiffany died in 1902, his son, Louis Comfort Tiffany, stepped into the role of design director. A major figure in the Art Nouveau movement, he brought daring artistic vision to the company through stained glass, enamel, and groundbreaking jewelry techniques. His influence cemented Tiffany's dual reputation for creative boldness and uncompromising luxury.

As the 20th century unfolded, Tiffany expanded its reach well beyond the United States while also adapting to shifting economic tides. When the 1990–91 recession hit, the company introduced "affordable luxury" — a strategy that opened the door for a wider audience without diluting its prestigious image.

The Blue Box and Brand Power

Few brand symbols are as instantly recognizable as the Tiffany Blue Box. That distinctive robin's egg blue made its debut in the 1840s and was officially trademarked in 1998. Today, it stands as a universal emblem of sophistication and exclusivity.

Tiffany's cultural footprint reaches well beyond the jewelry counter, too. Back in 1885, the company designed the modern revision of the Great Seal of the United States. To this day, it also crafts trophies for the NFL, NBA, MLB, and other major sports leagues.

Tiffany Today

The brand's enduring appeal was dramatically confirmed in 2021, when French luxury powerhouse LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton purchased Tiffany for nearly $16 billion. With more than 300 stores operating worldwide, the company continues to set the standard in diamonds, silver, and high jewelry.

What began as a small New York shop in 1837 has blossomed into a worldwide icon of luxury and timeless design — and the story of Tiffany & Co. shows no signs of slowing down.