Tiffany and company was founded by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B in 1937. The first official store was opened in New York City as a "stationery and fancy goods emporium," the store initially sold a wide variety of stationery items, and operated as Tiffany, Young and Ellis in Lower Manhattan. The name was shortened to Tiffany & Company in 1853 when Charles Tiffany took control, and the firm's emphasis on jewellery was established. Tiffany & Company has since opened stores in major cities all over the world. Unlike other stores at the time in the 1830's, Tiffany clearly marked the prices on its goods, as there would be no bargaining for the price. At the beginning of the business Tiffany only accepted cash payments, and did not accept payments on credit.
The first Tiffany's mail order catalogue, known as the "Blue Book," was published in 1845 in the United States U.S and publishing of the catalogue continues in the 21st century. In 1867, Tiffany & Co. was the first US firm to win an award for the excellence in silverware at the Exposition in Paris. In 1868, Tiffany became a public company.
In 1878, Tiffany won the gold medal for jewellery and a grand prize for silverware at the Paris Exposition, which gave the Tiffany brand name added prestige. In 1887, Tiffany bought the French Crown Jewels which attracted publicity and further solidified the Tiffany brand's connection to quality diamonds. In 1902, after the death of Charles Lewis Tiffany, his son, Louis Comfort Tiffany became the company's first official Design Director.
In 1919, the company made a revision to the Medal of Honour on behalf of the United States Department of the Navy. This "Tiffany Cross" version was rare because it was awarded only for combat, using the previous design for non-combat awards. In 1956, legendary designer Jean Schlumberger joined Tiffany, and Andy Warhol collaborated with Tiffany to create Tiffany Holiday Cards. In 1961 Breakfast at Tiffany's the American romantic comedy film starring Audrey Hepburn was created. This embraced and advertised Tiffany’s New York style.
In 2012, the film was deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the United States Library of Congress and selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.
In November 1978, Tiffany & Co. was sold to Avon Products Inc. for about US$104 million in stock. However, in a 1984 Newsweek article, the Fifth Avenue Tiffany store was likened to the Macy's department store during a white sale due to the high number of inexpensive items on sale, customers complained about declining quality and service. In August 1984, Avon sold Tiffany to an investor group led by William R. Chaney for US$135.5 million in cash. Tiffany became public again in 1987 and raised about US$103.5 million from the sale of 4.5 million shares of common stock.
Due to the 1990-1991 recessions in the United States, Tiffany commenced an emphasis on mass merchandising. A new campaign was launched showing how Tiffany could be affordable for all. For example, the company advertised that the price of diamond engagement rings started at US$850. “How to Buy a Diamond” brochures were sent to 40,000 people. However, to maintain its image as a luxury goods company, high-style images remained on display in Tiffany stores.
In 2000, The Tiffany & Company Foundation was established to provide grants to non-profit organizations working in the areas of the environment and the arts.
To this day Tiffany aims to create an environment that recognizes and rewards creativity, initiative and dedication and respects diversity, dignity and shared values of community and family for all employees.
The first Tiffany's mail order catalogue, known as the "Blue Book," was published in 1845 in the United States U.S and publishing of the catalogue continues in the 21st century. In 1867, Tiffany & Co. was the first US firm to win an award for the excellence in silverware at the Exposition in Paris. In 1868, Tiffany became a public company.
In 1878, Tiffany won the gold medal for jewellery and a grand prize for silverware at the Paris Exposition, which gave the Tiffany brand name added prestige. In 1887, Tiffany bought the French Crown Jewels which attracted publicity and further solidified the Tiffany brand's connection to quality diamonds. In 1902, after the death of Charles Lewis Tiffany, his son, Louis Comfort Tiffany became the company's first official Design Director.
In 1919, the company made a revision to the Medal of Honour on behalf of the United States Department of the Navy. This "Tiffany Cross" version was rare because it was awarded only for combat, using the previous design for non-combat awards. In 1956, legendary designer Jean Schlumberger joined Tiffany, and Andy Warhol collaborated with Tiffany to create Tiffany Holiday Cards. In 1961 Breakfast at Tiffany's the American romantic comedy film starring Audrey Hepburn was created. This embraced and advertised Tiffany’s New York style.
In 2012, the film was deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the United States Library of Congress and selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.
In November 1978, Tiffany & Co. was sold to Avon Products Inc. for about US$104 million in stock. However, in a 1984 Newsweek article, the Fifth Avenue Tiffany store was likened to the Macy's department store during a white sale due to the high number of inexpensive items on sale, customers complained about declining quality and service. In August 1984, Avon sold Tiffany to an investor group led by William R. Chaney for US$135.5 million in cash. Tiffany became public again in 1987 and raised about US$103.5 million from the sale of 4.5 million shares of common stock.
Due to the 1990-1991 recessions in the United States, Tiffany commenced an emphasis on mass merchandising. A new campaign was launched showing how Tiffany could be affordable for all. For example, the company advertised that the price of diamond engagement rings started at US$850. “How to Buy a Diamond” brochures were sent to 40,000 people. However, to maintain its image as a luxury goods company, high-style images remained on display in Tiffany stores.
In 2000, The Tiffany & Company Foundation was established to provide grants to non-profit organizations working in the areas of the environment and the arts.
To this day Tiffany aims to create an environment that recognizes and rewards creativity, initiative and dedication and respects diversity, dignity and shared values of community and family for all employees.