Tiffany & Co., a renowned luxury jewellery brand, was established in the bustling streets of New York City back in 1837. Over the years, it has solidified its position as the indisputable leader in the world of opulent jewellery. With a rich legacy deeply rooted in both tradition and innovation, Tiffany & Co. has become synonymous with flawless craftsmanship and timeless elegance.
In a bid to venture into unexplored artistic realms, the brand took a bold step and introduced its visionary eyewear collection in 2008. This collection, inspired by the iconic designs of their renowned jewellery line, pays homage to the captivating charm that Tiffany & Co. is revered for. It showcases unparalleled creativity and an enduring allure that transcends time.
An iconic heritage
Embark on an extraordinary voyage spanning over 185 years, immersing yourself in a tapestry of extraordinary accomplishments. Encounter the enigmatic figure of Charles Lewis Tiffany, the visionary who laid the foundation for an unrivalled legacy.
Delve into the origins of revered symbols synonymous with the Tiffany House, marvelling at the breath-taking gemstones such as the illustrious Tiffany Diamond. Uncover the captivating genesis of timeless treasures like the revered Blue Book and the iconic Blue Box, each holding a story of its own.
1845
Tiffany revolutionised the American market by pioneering the very first direct mail catalogue. This ground-breaking move marks the grand debut of opulent luxury goods for the American public. Today, celebrated as the esteemed Blue Book collection, it stands as the epitome of Tiffany’s exceptional jewellery repertoire.
1848
The reputation of Tiffany as an esteemed hub for diamonds blossomed with the acquisition of gemstones by Charles Lewis Tiffany from European aristocrats. His endeavour to bring these precious stones back to the United States opens doors for the nation’s privileged class to acquire prominent jewellery within their own borders, marking a significant milestone in the domestic diamond market.
1851
Tiffany pioneered the introduction of the .925 sterling silver standard, setting a groundbreaking precedent as the first American company to do so. This remarkable achievement was subsequently embraced and adopted by the United States, solidifying Tiffany’s role as a trendsetter in the realm of silver craftsmanship.
1862
In a display of affection, President Abraham Lincoln acquires an exquisite Tiffany set consisting of a necklace adorned with delicate seed pearls and a pair of accompanying earrings. With utmost pride, his beloved wife graciously adorns herself with these timeless treasures, enhancing her radiant presence at the prestigious inaugural ball.
1866
Presenting the ground-breaking Tiffany Timer, an avant-garde chronograph that has revolutionised timekeeping in the United States.
1868
Tiffany & Co. starts manufacturing gold fashion jewellery designs, making luxury available to Americans.
1877
Charles Lewis Tiffany purchased a 287.42-carat fancy yellow diamond. The following year, it is cut to 128.54 carats and named the Tiffany Diamond, one of the world’s largest and finest fancy yellow diamonds to date, often referred to as ‘canary diamonds’.
1885
Tiffany undertakes the task of revamping the iconic Great Seal of the United States, a design that continues to grace the dollar bill, allowing individuals from all walks of life to effortlessly possess a touch of Tiffany’s artistic brilliance within their wallets.
1886
Charles Lewis Tiffany revolutionised the world of engagement rings when he unveiled the iconic Tiffany® Setting. Meticulously crafted, this innovative six-prong design cleverly conceals itself, giving the illusion that the dazzling diamond effortlessly hovers above the band and basks in radiant illumination. For more than a century, this exquisite masterpiece has served as a timeless emblem of profound love, captivating hearts across the globe.
1887
The acquisition of the esteemed French Crown Jewels by Charles Lewis Tiffany sparked a remarkable wave of publicity. Demonstrating his unparalleled mastery, Tiffany ingeniously incorporates these illustrious gems into his own exquisite designs before introducing them to the discerning elite of American high society.
1902
Dr. George F. Kunz, Tiffany’s esteemed Chief gemmologist, is bestowed with the prestigious honour of having a newly discovered gem named after him: the captivating kunzite. As pioneers in the field, Tiffany takes pride in being the foremost retailer to incorporate a dedicated gemmologist position within its distinguished staff.
1940
The grand inauguration of the Tiffany flagship store heralds a new era for the intersection of 57th Street and Fifth Avenue, solidifying the district as an unrivalled mecca for the discerning shopper in New York City.
1955
Gene Moore has recently joined the renowned brand Tiffany and has brought a fresh perspective to the New York flagship store windows. With his artistic vision, he has turned these windows into captivating displays that transport viewers into the realms of enchanting adventures, timeless romances, and clever wit. Collaborating with esteemed artists, Gene’s creations have become a magnet for spectators worldwide, drawing in visitors from every corner of the globe.
1961
The iconic Breakfast at Tiffany’s marks Tiffany’s first appearance in the world of cinema, featuring the legendary Audrey Hepburn®. This remarkable Hollywood production holds a special place as the pioneering movie to be filmed at Tiffany’s flagship store. Notably, this trend continued with subsequent films like Sleepless in Seattle (1993) and Sweet Home Alabama (2002).
Audrey Hepburn®—Trademark and Likeness property of Sean Hepburn Ferrer and Luca Dotti—All Rights Reserved.
1967
Tiffany skilfully moulds the iconic Vince Lombardi Trophy®, an exquisite masterpiece exclusively designed for the inaugural NFL® Super Bowl®. This prestigious symbol of victory and excellence boasts a weight of precisely seven pounds, reflecting its intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail.
1968
Tanzanite, a precious stone unearthed in the magnificent foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, was first introduced to the world by Tiffany. Remarkably, even in the present time, it stands alone as the sole gemstone exclusively sourced from the enchanting lands of Tanzania.
1974
Elsa Peretti joins Tiffany and brings a fresh approach to the world of jewellery design, infusing it with her unique artistic vision and contemporary flair. One of her most renowned creations, the iconic bone cuff, showcases her talent for creating sculptural pieces that captivate the imagination.
With Peretti at the helm, sterling silver takes on a new level of sophistication, elevating it to a glamorous status that was previously unseen. Additionally, her ground-breaking Diamonds by the Yard® collection revolutionises diamond jewellery by making it accessible for everyday wear, bringing a touch of luxury to our daily lives.
1977
Tiffany has been entrusted with the prestigious task of crafting the illustrious NBA Championship Trophy. With an imposing stature of two feet and an estimated weight of around 16 pounds, this masterpiece exemplifies the pinnacle of basketball glory.
1979
After an extensive selection process, John Loring has been chosen to assume the esteemed position of Design Director at Tiffany. With his undeniable expertise and visionary approach, he will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the design legacy of the renowned brand for the forthcoming four decades.
1980
The debut of Paloma Picasso’s inaugural Tiffany collection is finally here. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant graffiti adorning the walls of New York City in the 1970s, the Paloma’s Graffiti collection ingeniously transforms this urban art form into exquisite pieces of jewellery.
1987
The United States Tennis Association has entrusted Tiffany silversmiths with the esteemed task of handcrafting the distinguished trophies for the US OPEN. Each year, in the bustling city of New York, the House meticulously creates five distinct tennis awards, highlighting their unmatched craftsmanship and unwavering dedication to excellence.
2000
The establishment of the Tiffany & Co. Foundation signifies an unwavering dedication towards preserving the most cherished seascapes and landscapes across the globe. Demonstrating its commitment, the Foundation has generously disbursed grants exceeding a staggering amount of USD $100 million.
2001
In a collaborative effort with Pantone®, Tiffany has undertaken the creation of a distinct shade known as “1837 Blue,” paying homage to the illustrious Tiffany Blue® colour.
2015
Tiffany & Co. is committed to upholding its enduring commitment to sustainability, aligning itself with other prominent industry leaders in a collective pledge to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050.
2020
Tiffany & Co. embarks on an innovative venture, marking a significant milestone as the pioneering luxury jeweller to disclose the origin of their meticulously handcrafted diamonds. This unprecedented move sets them apart as the first global brand to reveal the nations where their exquisite diamonds, measuring at least.18 carats, are skilfully fashioned.
2021
The mesmerising ABOUT LOVE marketing campaign features the iconic couple, Beyoncé, and JAY-Z, flawlessly encapsulating the profound essence of love across various eras and its vast array of facets.
2023
In a remarkable showcase of artistry, The Landmark’s highly anticipated grand reopening unveils an exquisite reinterpretation of the renowned Tiffany Diamond. Paying homage to the timeless elegance of Jean Schlumberger’s revered Bird on a Rock brooch, the captivating design is a testament to the seamless fusion of tradition and innovation.
The Tiffany & Co. Timeline | Tiffany & Co.
Designers of Note
Meet the legendary designers behind some of Tiffany’s greatest creations.
Elsa Peretti®
Peretti’s organic, tactile jewellery and home objects continue to exude contemporary allure even after several decades, defying the typical fate of designs that lose their charm and appeal over time.
Jean Schlumberger
Schlumberger’s captivating jewellery collection highlights a realistic representation of nature’s awe-inspiring wonders, while paying homage to the intricacies of shape and form. The exquisite craftsmanship of his pieces embodies a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the natural world, offering a fresh perspective that resonates with realism. 
Paloma Picasso®
Paloma Picasso’s jewellery designs exude timeless sophistication, thanks to her adeptness in combining vibrant colours and uncovering beauty in the most surprising locations.
Sustainability with Tiffany & Co.
At Tiffany & Co., sustainability lies at the heart of everything we do. With a 185-year heritage, we believe it is our responsibility to be at the vanguard of sustainable luxury.
The Tiffany & Co. Foundation seeks to preserve the world’s most treasured seascapes and landscapes.
The mission of the Tiffany & Co. Foundation is to safeguard the world’s most cherished seascapes and landscapes. Since the year 2000, the Foundation has generously granted over USD $100 million to nonprofit organisations working diligently across the globe. Currently, the Foundation focuses on two crucial programme areas: responsible mining and coral conservation.
For more than 25 years, Tiffany & Co. has been deeply committed to conducting its business in a responsible manner, prioritising the preservation of the natural environment, and making positive contributions to the communities it operates in. Throughout the years, Tiffany & Co. has taken significant steps towards sustainability and environmental stewardship.
In 2004, the company decided to cease the sale of coral jewellery to protect ocean life, while also urging fellow jewellers to follow suit. Additionally, Tiffany & Co. actively advocated against the proposed Rock Creek Mine in Montana’s Cabinet Mountains Wilderness by requesting the U.S. Forest Service to deny a permit. Recognising the importance of renewable energy, the company installed solar projects at its facilities in New Jersey in 2006. This commitment continued with the installation of on-site solar systems in the Dominican Republic, Cambodia, and Rhode Island. Furthermore, Tiffany & Co. became the first jeweller to voice its opposition to the Pebble Mine project in Alaska’s Bristol Bay in 2009.
In 2011, the company joined the United Nations Global Compact, pledging to align its practices with universal sustainability principles. Four years later, Tiffany & Co. joined other leading companies in committing to carbon neutrality across its operations by 2050.
Additionally, in 2015, the company made a significant statement with its advertising campaign “Will You?” which featured a same-sex couple, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
The company’s dedication to wildlife conservation became evident in 2017 with the launch of the Tiffany Save the Wild collection. This collection, which benefited the Wildlife Conservation Network, raised over USD $10 million to protect endangered elephants, rhinos, and lions. The same year, Tiffany & Co. signed the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles, reinforcing its commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Continuing its leadership in responsible mining practices, Tiffany & Co. played a vital role in the development of the Standard for Responsible Mining, released by the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) in 2018. As a founding member of IRMA’s Steering Committee, the company consistently advocates for positive change within the industry. In 2019, Tiffany & Co. introduced its Diamond Source Initiative, vowing to provide provenance information for every newly sourced, individually registered diamond it sets. The following year, the company enhanced its Supplier Code of Conduct, making it publicly available in 16 languages.
Additionally, the company launched Employee Resource Groups across various chapters and countries, focusing on multiculturalism, women’s empowerment, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and different life stages. Furthermore, Tiffany & Co. implemented unconscious bias training globally for all its employees. In 2020, the Tiffany & Co. Foundation proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its philanthropic journey.
The company also launched the Diamond Craft Journey, becoming the first luxury jeweller to disclose the countries where its newly sourced, individually registered diamonds are crafted.
In 2021, a historic auction of a Patek Philippe Ref. 5711 Nautilus watch featuring a Tiffany Blue® dial raised over USD $6.5 million in support of The Nature Conservancy. This donation immensely contributed to conservation efforts in five key regions grappling with climate change and biodiversity loss. Stepping up its commitment to combat climate change, Tiffany & Co. pledged in 2022 to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its operations and supply chain by 2040.
This ambitious goal, set 10 years ahead of the Paris Climate Agreement target, aligns with the Science-Based Targets Initiative’s Net-Zero Standard, a globally recognised institution for corporate emissions reductions. Additionally, the company launched the Tiffany Atrium, a platform dedicated to promoting social impact and advancing professional opportunities for historically underrepresented communities. Through its enduring commitment to sustainability, environmental conservation, and social responsibility, Tiffany & Co. continues to lead by example, making a significant difference in the world we inhabit.
Tiffany & Co. glasses frame styles
The frame styles offered by Tiffany & Co. embody the rich and storied heritage that the brand is celebrated for. Customers can choose from a wide selection of glass frames crafted with meticulous attention to detail using both acetate and metal materials.
From timeless classics to the latest trends, Tiffany & Co. offers a diverse range of frame shapes, including butterfly, cat-eye, irregular, oval, pilot, rectangle, round, and square. What sets Tiffany & Co. frames apart is the incorporation of their iconic Tiffany blue, a captivating robin egg blue that has become synonymous with the brand. This distinctive shade can be found in various frame styles, often as a subtle accent at the temple tip, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to infusing elegance and sophistication into every design.
Tiffany sunglasses
Tiffany & Co. sunglasses embody a rich heritage rooted in meticulous artistry and a legacy of ground-breaking innovation spanning over 180 years. Each pair of sunglasses is meticulously presented in the iconic Tiffany blue packaging, symbolising the brand’s unparalleled attention to detail. As exquisite as Tiffany jewellery, their sunglasses elevate your style with a captivating flair. Boasting a plethora of styles, Tiffany sunglasses effortlessly capture attention with their mesmerising intricacies.
Take, for instance, the exquisite Tiffany Atlas Eyewear sunglasses, drawing inspiration from a reimagined Roman numeral motif. Crafted in sleek black and grey hues, these contemporary shades feature a chic cat-eye shape adorned with a metallic Roman numeral design on the temples. Discover a world of impeccably crafted eyewear designs boasting contemporary silhouettes and timeless shades, all infused with the iconic motifs that define the essence of Tiffany & Co.
Why should you choose Bill Opticians as your local optician and glasses provider?
At Bill Opticians, we recognise the significance of eyewear as a means of expressing individuality and embracing personal style. That’s why we take immense pride in showcasing the magnificent Tiffany & Co. frames, widely acclaimed for their exceptional elegance. Our handpicked collection of frames is thoughtfully curated to cater to those seeking both timeless classics and cutting-edge styles.
Our team of experts is always available to guide you in selecting eyewear that not only enhances your vision but also mirrors your distinctive fashion sensibilities. With an extensive assortment of frame options ranging from classic shapes to the latest trends, Tiffany & Co. presents an unparalleled range of choices including butterfly, cat-eye, irregular, oval, pilot, rectangle, round, and square designs. At Bill Opticians, we are committed to assisting you in finding the perfect frames that truly complement your style and personality.
Bill Opticians has been a trusted name in optometry for over forty years, serving the Devon community with distinction. With six conveniently located branches, our unwavering commitment to delivering professional and precise services sets us apart. From our humble beginnings in May 1972, we have consistently invested in state-of-the-art equipment and examination techniques to ensure our customers receive the highest quality eye care available.