Starting with an idea, a vision, and turning that dream into a world-famous name brand company is accomplished by only a few in human history. But one New York man was able to do just that in the jewelry world. Charles Lewis Tiffany founded Tiffany & Co. with the vision of making quality items that would be desired by a discerning group who sought luxury from the items they bought. Producing exquisite jewelry and other products, using only the finest materials, brought Tiffany unparalleled success. He used the highest quality diamonds and fine silver to create what have become classics. In addition, the company produced dazzling tableware, lamps and other goods that attracted customers like no other items of the time.

It didn't take long for the customers and the press to dub Tiffany the "King of Diamonds." With the assistance of John B. Young, the Tiffany & Young store opened on Broadway in New York in 1837. At first offering fine stationary and fancy goods of different types, the quality shop became Tiffany & Co. a few years into its existence. Customers began to notice, and buy, amazing jewelry pieces such as engagement rings created from silver in these early years. Because of the craftsmanship that was obvious in the pieces, even the general public became aware of the store. Today, 170 years later, many of the Tiffany products from the first decades Tiffany was in business are prized collectibles with a value far beyond their original purchase price. Some of these pieces are still kept in their original boxes, a light blue container that was recognized among jewelry enthusiasts. This color is still used for Tiffany & Co. packaging in the 21st century.

Among the items first offered by the company were silver jewelry, monogrammed dresser sets, cups and saucers in silver for children, presentation bowls, silver calling card trays and men's dressing sets. Tiffany & Co. also produced some popular games, unique in style and quality. The company also offered very popular souvenir spoons in the late 1800s, a practice used by several manufacturers at the time.

Tiffany & Co. is perhaps best known for its Art Jewelry sector, created in 1902 to put outstanding jewelry and enamel goods on display. Most of the desirable pieces were created by Louis Comfort Tiffany, son of Charles Tiffany. This member of the younger generation also created the now-famous stained-glass lampshades and windows in what was then known as the Tiffany Studios. More than 100 years after first opening the Tiffany & Young location, the company moved to its current site at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street in Manhattan.

Today, the Tiffany & Co. name is associated with the most beautiful and elegant products in the world. Store catalogues and marketing material show diamonds, watches, necklaces, gifts and other items from various departments of the famous store.

Growing from a small store, Tiffany's wider vision has become reality. Not many individuals start with a realizable goal and make it come true. However, Charles Lewis Tiffany and the Tiffany name are now considered the sole source for many status symbols in jewelry and other fine products. Designs that are both classic and innovative spring from the Tiffany minds, and become reality in special items that are treasured around the globe.