Charles Lewis Tiffany
Charles Lewis Tiffany was a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for procuring the rarest and most extraordinary gemstones. From the moment he opened Tiffany & Co. as a fancy goods and stationery store in New York City in 1837, he set the standard for luxury as we know it. Mr. Tiffany’s purchase of jewels from French aristocrats in the 1840s marked the first appearance of major gemstones in the U.S. The press took note, crowning Tiffany “The Diamond Kings,” a distinction that the House continues to live up to.
World-renowned Jewels
The Tiffany Diamond is one of the largest and most celebrated fancy yellow diamonds in the world. The 287.42-carat rough stone was unearthed in South Africa in 1877 and acquired by Charles Lewis Tiffany a year later. Cut to 128.54 carats to enhance its brilliance rather than size, it is a symbol of Tiffany’s visionary artistry, innovation and craftsmanship. The Tiffany Diamond has famously been worn by four women and has been featured within five distinct designs, each marking important moments in the House’s history.
Mr. Tiffany further established his reputation for offering his clients the world’s most breathtaking gemstones in 1887, when he purchased nearly one-third of the French Crown Jewels in an auction at the Louvre.
The World’s Symbol of Love
Charles Lewis Tiffany was the first jeweler to establish the diamond ring as a symbol of love. In 1886, he introduced the Tiffany® Setting, the world’s most iconic engagement ring. Flawlessly engineered to allow the diamond to float above the band, it has played a part in the world’s greatest love stories for over 130 years. This innovation established Tiffany & Co as more than a jewelry house—it is a destination for timeless design, unparalleled craftsmanship and the celebration of love.
