Tiffany & Co. — Jewelry Identification Guide

Founded in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany in New York City, Tiffany & Co. is one of the most iconic luxury jewelry houses in the world. The brand became synonymous with American elegance through its signature blue boxes, landmark diamond acquisitions, and the enduring cultural impact of 'Breakfast at Tiffany's.' Now owned by LVMH, Tiffany continues to set standards in fine jewelry craftsmanship.

Tiffany & Co. marks their pieces with the full company name 'TIFFANY & CO.' stamped in capital letters directly onto the metal. Older pieces from the 19th century may read 'TIFFANY & CO. MAKERS' or include the name of the specific designer, such as Edward C. Moore.

In addition to the brand stamp, Tiffany pieces carry metal purity marks such as 'STERLING,' '925,' '750,' or 'PT950' depending on the material. Many pieces also include a style number and, on some collections, a date letter or hallmark referencing the specific Tiffany workshop. Items made for the international market may carry additional assay marks from the relevant country.

Authentic Tiffany pieces always carry a clear, precisely stamped 'TIFFANY & CO.' mark. The engraving should be sharp, evenly spaced, and deeply struck into the metal rather than appearing shallow or wobbly. Genuine pieces will also include a metal purity stamp (e.g., 925 for sterling silver or 750 for 18K gold) and often a style or serial number.

Examine the overall craftsmanship closely. Tiffany uses high-quality metals and stones, so clasps, prong settings, and chain links should feel solid and well-finished with no rough edges. Be cautious of pieces missing the purity mark, bearing misspellings, or showing uneven font weight in the stamp. Counterfeit Tiffany jewelry is extremely common, so purchasing from authorized retailers or requesting provenance documentation is strongly recommended.