In 1837, Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young opened a "stationery and fancy goods emporium." It initially operated as Tiffany, Young, and Ellis, but the name was eventually shortened to Tiffany & Co. in 16 years later.
From selling stationery items, Tiffany & Co. turned its focus to jewelry. With the onset of the Gilded Age, the retailer became a New York institution as a "palace of jewels." Soon, the city's wealthiest families such as the Astors, Vanderbilts, Posts, Huttons, and Morgans would sport Tiffany's jewelry.
During the 20th century, Tiffany's status as an icon was cemented. The company collaborated with a number of top artists and designs including Jean Schlumberger, Andy Warhol, and more. It was also during this time that the brand became a household name, with the release of Breakfast at Tiffany's.
More: 8 Things You Didn't Know About Breakfast At Tiffany's
Though known for its exquisite, high jewelry, the jewelry retailer has produced a lot of diamond and sterling silver pieces which have also become icons throughout the years. Here, we've gathered some of the brand's most iconic products.
1. Tiffany & Co. Heart Tag Charm Bracelet
The Return to Tiffany collection is perhaps the brand's most popular. The dangling motif inscribed with "Please Return to Tiffany & Co. New York" was inspired by a key ring that was released in 1969. Through the years, the collection has become a powerful symbol of Tiffany's legacy. One of the most iconic to come out from the collection is the charm bracelet. It's available in sterling silver, stainless silver, 18 karat gold, and more.
More: The Fascinating History of the Tiffany Diamond Lady Gaga Wore to the Oscars
2. Tiffany & Co. Heart Tag Pendant
Another iconic design to come from the Return to Tiffany collection is the pendant. To add an update, Tiffany has also revamped the line with the Color Splash collection. Using a splash of Tiffany's signature blue, the charm is given new life with an enamel finish. All of the interesting elements add an unexpected twist to the classic piece while staying true to Tiffany's heritage.
3. Tiffany & Co. Tiffany T Bracelet
In 2014, Tiffany appointed its first-ever female design director Francesca Amfitheatrof. A year later, the brand released her designs through the Tiffany T collection. Amfitheatrof was, in part, inspired by New York's creativity and the lightness of Tiffany's bracelets from the archives. The sleek and minimalist line of necklaces, cuffs, and rings was meant to be layered for daily dressing. The T motif not only honors the brand's essence but it also adds a modern edge to any outfit.
4. Tiffany & Co. Tiffany 1837 Ring
The 1837 collection was released to celebrate Tiffany's 175th anniversary. The collection was lauded for its sleek curves and contours as well as the way it honored the brand's legacy. It also featured Rubedo, a material new to the brand which is a combination of gold, silver, and copper. The revolutionary metal is distinct for its "delicate, rosy luminescence," which Tiffany states was inspired by the light of dawn.
5. Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Setting
Tiffany's engagement rings are the stuff that dreams are made of. And in the world of engagement rings, there is nothing more iconic than Tiffany's revolutionary setting. Introduced by Charles Tiffany himself, the Tiffany Setting uses a six-pronged setting that props the diamond above the band. Back in 1886, this was the first of its kind as diamonds rings were often set in bezels. The Tiffany Setting revolutionized jewelry and it continues to be popular today.
More: A Look At The Making of the Iconic Tiffany Setting Ring
6. Tiffany & Co. Diamonds by the Yard Pendant
Jewelry designer Elsa Peretti joined the Tiffany brand in 1974. She shook the industry by introducing modern designs that have remained relevant until today. During her time with Tiffany, she created over 30 collections. One of her most notable designs is the simple Diamonds by the Yard line. The simple necklaces feature small diamonds in simple settings that, with Peretti's eye, managed to be striking.
7. Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Loving Heart Pendant
The daughter of Pablo Picasso, Paloma joined Tiffany's after Elsa Peretti, and created a number of iconic collections. During her time, she introduced designs that were always ahead. One of her more iconic is the Loving Heart line. Using Picasso's bold yet timeless signature style, the Loving Heart is a unique interpretation of the symbol of love. From necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, the collection's motif can be found in just anything.
8. Tiffany & Co. Tiffany HardWear Ball Hook Earrings
The HardWear collection comes from the mind of Amfitheatrof. Using chain links and bold spheres, the collection is composed of modern shapes and clean lines. Amfitheatrof was inspired by an archival piece from 1971 Ball and Chain. In 2017, Lady Gaga became the face of the HardWear collection, further cementing its classic yet edgy appeal.
More: The 15 Best Jewelry Brands You Should Know
9. Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Keys
A list of Tiffany's most iconic wouldn't be complete without its key pendants. First released in 2009, the Tiffany Keys became a success after it was featured on Gossip Girl. The story behind the key goes back to when the brand created keys for its specialty items including trunks, diaries, and boxes. The key motif reappeared with the key ring which were inscribed with a number that corresponded to a certain customer. The Tiffany Keys are available in an assortment of designs including the fleur de lis, hearts, flowers to more ornate ones.
