Tiffany & co

While many of us adore Tiffany & Co. for their classic but thoroughly chic jewelry designs, and can spot a bracelet, ring, or necklace from a mile away, how much do we really know about the company itself? Here are 7 interesting facts about Tiffany & Co. you may not know…

1. THEY OPENED IN 1837

If you’ve ever wondered why there’s an entire Tiffany collection called “1837,” in which every piece is marked with the number along with the Tiffany & Co. hallmark, this is why. The first store launched in 1837, and the collection celebrates that momentous date.

2. IT STARTED OFF AS TIFFANY, YOUNG AND ELLIS

Now, we know the company as Tiffany & Co., or simply as Tiffany, but when they first launched as a stationary store in Manhattan, they were called Tiffany, Young, and Ellis. In 1853, when Charles tiffany bought out his partners, he shortened the name to the name we know, and love, Tiffany & Co

3. THEY MAKE THE VINCE LOMBARDI TROPHY

While Tiffany and football don’t necessarily seem like a good match, they do make quite a contribution to the sport — every year, they make the award that goes to the team that wins the Super Bowl, the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

4. THEY MADE A CELL PHONE

In 2008, tiffany collaborated with Japanese cell phone provider SoftBank to make a limited edition cell phone. This cell phone featured more than 400 diamonds for more than 20 total carats. According to Sport Nippon, there were only 10 of these cell phones made and they cost more than 100,000,000 yen each.

5. THEY HAD A SISTER COMPANY

While Tiffany does offer a few pieces of jewelry that feature pearls, there was actually a sister company, called Iridesse, that specialized in them. The chain was launched in 2004, but in 2009, in the middle of the global recession, the line was discontinued, and the stores closed.

6. THEY “OWN” THEIR OWN COLOR

Did you know that Pantone color 1837 is Tiffany Blue, which they don’t publish in their color wheels, and for which Tiffany holds the trademark? The gorgeous deep sky blue appears on their boxes, their catalog, and of course, on their jewelry and accessories. How cool is it that they OWN a color?

7. THEY HAVE 167 RETAIL STORES ACROSS THE GLOBE

No matter where you are in the world, chances are, there’s a Tiffany store somewhere nearby. As of January 2007, there are 64 Tiffany stores in the United States, and 103 in other countries, from Colombia to Spain, Malaysia to England. Of course, if there isn’t a store near you, Tiffany does have a marvelous website, ideal for window shopping… and buying!

BY JENNIFER KNIGHTSTEP

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