Many people are perfectly happy buying custom jewelry from one of the fine, lesser-known craftsmen working around the world. Many of the quality items produced in these shops and studios is as well-made and beautiful as some of the products from more famous names. But there is something special about owning original designer jewelry that has created a following, a culture, unlike any other.
This is true of jewelry from Tiffany & Co., the New York company founded 170 years ago by Charles Lewis Tiffany. In fact, some consider Tiffany to be the best example of quality and desirability in the world of designer jewelry. Even with the long history of designer jewelry, reaching back centuries, Tiffany & Co. pieces stand out among the best among fine jewelry manufacturers and artists from necklaces to engagement rings.
Tiffany jewelry was first offered in the 1840s, not long after the Tiffany & Young store opened in New York. Silver-based jewelry, dressing table sets and gift items have attracted customers from the start because of the designs and because of the amazing workmanship. Demand for Tiffany jewelry was very high in the 1800s and remains so in the 21st century, even with the rather high initial cost of most pieces.
These very features - quality craftsmanship and unique design- have caused Tiffany products to be copied worldwide. This company's jewelry is, in the minds of many, the ultimate possession among designer jewelry. However, those who could not afford a Tiffany original often turn to the reasonable price of a well-made copy. While this is certainly a compromise, people around the world often wear a Tiffany imitation for an entire evening and others are none the wiser.
The Tiffany name became so famous that a movie was made with the company's name in the title. "Breakfast at Tiffany's" featured top-name actors and indicated how well-known the company had become 100 years after its inception. Today, when most people think of the name "Tiffany's" the image of exquisite jewelry comes to mind. Add to this the fine gold and platinum items from the company studio and it is no surprise that someone might ask, "Is it Tiffany?"
There are more affordable alternatives for those whose budget won't allow them to purchase an original from the New York company. Many replicas and imitations of Tiffany jewelry are, in fact, well-made and quite attractive. It would unfair to call them "cheap" because these copies are quite desirable among many jewelry wearers. "Inexpensive" might be a better label. In addition, women buy silver Tiffany jewelry as a "substitute" for the higher-priced diamond jewelry items from Tiffany. While even the Tiffany silver can be expensive, many of the pieces are within range for a larger section of the population.
Caution is the key when buying any jewelry however, because even the lower-priced silver Tiffany pieces have been copied and imitated. Those who want to display "Tiffany" but cannot afford the top-line platinum, gold and diamond pieces should take care when purchasing silver jewelry advertised as Tiffany pieces. The safest way to ensure that the item is truly a Tiffany product is to buy from the original source. Tiffany also has a Web site and the Blue book (published from the first year of jewelry offerings in 1845). . The company's products are more widely available than ever.
This is true of jewelry from Tiffany & Co., the New York company founded 170 years ago by Charles Lewis Tiffany. In fact, some consider Tiffany to be the best example of quality and desirability in the world of designer jewelry. Even with the long history of designer jewelry, reaching back centuries, Tiffany & Co. pieces stand out among the best among fine jewelry manufacturers and artists from necklaces to engagement rings.
Tiffany jewelry was first offered in the 1840s, not long after the Tiffany & Young store opened in New York. Silver-based jewelry, dressing table sets and gift items have attracted customers from the start because of the designs and because of the amazing workmanship. Demand for Tiffany jewelry was very high in the 1800s and remains so in the 21st century, even with the rather high initial cost of most pieces.
These very features - quality craftsmanship and unique design- have caused Tiffany products to be copied worldwide. This company's jewelry is, in the minds of many, the ultimate possession among designer jewelry. However, those who could not afford a Tiffany original often turn to the reasonable price of a well-made copy. While this is certainly a compromise, people around the world often wear a Tiffany imitation for an entire evening and others are none the wiser.
The Tiffany name became so famous that a movie was made with the company's name in the title. "Breakfast at Tiffany's" featured top-name actors and indicated how well-known the company had become 100 years after its inception. Today, when most people think of the name "Tiffany's" the image of exquisite jewelry comes to mind. Add to this the fine gold and platinum items from the company studio and it is no surprise that someone might ask, "Is it Tiffany?"
There are more affordable alternatives for those whose budget won't allow them to purchase an original from the New York company. Many replicas and imitations of Tiffany jewelry are, in fact, well-made and quite attractive. It would unfair to call them "cheap" because these copies are quite desirable among many jewelry wearers. "Inexpensive" might be a better label. In addition, women buy silver Tiffany jewelry as a "substitute" for the higher-priced diamond jewelry items from Tiffany. While even the Tiffany silver can be expensive, many of the pieces are within range for a larger section of the population.
Caution is the key when buying any jewelry however, because even the lower-priced silver Tiffany pieces have been copied and imitated. Those who want to display "Tiffany" but cannot afford the top-line platinum, gold and diamond pieces should take care when purchasing silver jewelry advertised as Tiffany pieces. The safest way to ensure that the item is truly a Tiffany product is to buy from the original source. Tiffany also has a Web site and the Blue book (published from the first year of jewelry offerings in 1845). . The company's products are more widely available than ever.
About the Author:
Eduard Rakting regularly makes informative papers on things related to celtic engagement rings and irish promise ring. His abstracts on meaning of engagement can be found on his website .
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