A Short History

The Language of Love at Tiffany & Co.

 

The love affair between Tiffany and the written word spans almost two centuries. Since 1837, the House’s expressions of love—the legendary designs and rare jewels it’s known for the world over—have been accompanied by heartfelt messages. From endearments engraved to last for eternity to love letters displayed in its famed windows on Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co. has always understood the power of words to illuminate the many facets of love and articulate our most profound emotions. 





Valentine’s Day advertisements, 2025.


Love Writ Large

Tiffany & Co.’s iconic creations have long helped an ever-changing world speak the ever-changing language of love. In 2025, the House celebrates Valentine’s Day through the literary works of acclaimed poets and writers including Plato, Ella Wheeler Wilcox and Diane Ackerman. Featured on billboards accenting the Manhattan skyline, each passage acts as an invitation to pause and reflect on the varied nature of love.


Hidden Messages

The art of hand engraving, a signature of Tiffany craftsmanship since the 19th century, is frequently used to immortalize private messages between loved ones and imbue designs with personal meaning. Sometimes, terms of endearment take even more discreet forms. In this gold bracelet crafted by Tiffany & Co. artisans in the 1950s, six square lockets feature different gemstones. The first letter of each—diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, emerald and sapphire—and the accompanying T-shaped clasp form the acrostic “DEAREST”. 

Hidden Messages



Locket in gold engraved with “W.H. Kennedy, to his Wife, Feb. 26, 1876”; Locket in gold with diamonds, emeralds, garnets, yellow beryls, enamel and glass, 1893; Bracelet in gold with a diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, emerald and sapphire, 19501959.




Archival advertisements, 1965–1969.


The Printed Word

Tiffany’s deep belief in love and its many possibilities is reflected in its print advertisements from the 1960s. Often marked by sharp wit, these ads encouraged Tiffany clients to take the leap in romantic relationships. Whether focused on proposals or gifts to surprise loved ones, these examples from the golden age of advertising remain as evocative today as ever.




Valentine’s Day window displays, 1972 & 1986; Letter written by Gene Moore, 1972.

 

Displays of Affection

Gene Moore, Tiffany’s famed window display designer from 1955–1994, often utilized language in the store’s windows for emotional impact. Throughout his years at the House, he spelled out the word “LOVE” in sugar cubes and featured the sonnets of Shakespeare, as well as notes on romance written by Voltaire, Robert Louis Stevenson and more in his displays. Building on this legacy, in 2024 the windows at The Landmark were graced with never-before-seen love letters penned by cultural luminaries in which they revealed their heart’s deepest musings to their friends and creative collaborators.