America’s most famous jeweller, from a New York stationery shop to the blue box.
By Shreya S · Last reviewed 15 November 2026
How did Tiffany begin?
Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young opened a stationery and fancy goods shop in New York in 1837. It moved into silver and jewellery, and in 1845 published the first Blue Book catalogue, whose robin’s-egg cover colour became Tiffany Blue. The box in that colour is now one of the most recognised pieces of packaging in the world.
What is the Tiffany Setting?
The six-prong solitaire engagement ring introduced in 1886. It lifts the diamond above the band so light can enter from every side, and it set the template for the modern engagement ring.
What is the Tiffany Diamond?
A 128.54-carat yellow diamond found in South Africa in 1877 and bought by Tiffany the following year. Only a handful of women have worn it, among them Audrey Hepburn in publicity photos for Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), Lady Gaga at the 2019 Oscars and Beyoncé in a 2021 campaign.
Who designs for Tiffany, and who owns it?
Jean Schlumberger joined in 1956 and created its most whimsical pieces, including Bird on a Rock. Elsa Peretti arrived in 1974 with organic silver designs like the Bean and the Open Heart. LVMH bought Tiffany in 2021. Nathalie Verdeille, formerly of Cartier, leads design as chief artistic officer, a role expanded in April 2026 to cover every category from jewellery to watches.
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