Tiffany & Co. Antique & Vintage Jewelry BUYER

In 1848, Charles Lewis Tiffany embarked on a journey that would shape the future of the jewelry industry. He purchased diamonds from European aristocrats and brought them back to the United States, introducing them to elite clients. In 1877, he acquired a 287-carat fancy yellow diamond, a gem that would become the legendary 'Tiffany Diamond.' This 128-carat marvel remains one of the world's most extensive and most incredible yellow diamonds, a testament to Tiffany's enduring legacy and the awe-inspiring power of nature's creations.

The most valuable Tiffany & Co. jewelry pieces are typically the oldest, being antique pieces over 100 years old, with large colored stones and diamonds adding significantly to their value. However, vintage Tiffany & Co. jewelry (50 years or older) is more readily available and remains highly valuable. At least 50% of Tiffany's jewelry traded today is vintage, with another 45% being contemporary (less than 50 years old), leaving only 5% as genuinely antique. 

The Georgian Era (1714-1837) was a period during the reigns of England's four kings, during which jewelry was primarily handcrafted. Artisans often set multiple gemstones in a single piece and used foil backing to enhance the sparkle. Tiffany & Co. had not yet been established, so no Tiffany pieces are known to exist from this period.

Art Nouveau (1890-1914) emerged in Europe as a style that rebelled against the mass production of jewelry, characterized by soft curves, fluid lines, and natural themes, including female nudes, butterflies, and flowers. Again, Tiffany & Co. Art Nouveau period jewelry is rare and collectible. Although slightly newer than the Victorian period, these two eras overlap, and therefore, fetch considerable premiums in the market.

In the early 20th century, Milgrain beading was another feature that became popular during the Edwardian period. Diamonds also became more popular during this time. Edwardian Tiffany & Co. jewelry is typically crafted from platinum, featuring numerous small diamonds, milgrain edges, and intricate design details. The Edwardian period also overlaps with the Art Nouveau period, and the premiums on these items are once again very high.

Retro & Mid Century (1940-1970) As the Art Deco period faded into the 1940s, big and bold cocktail rings, statement necklaces, and large semi-precious gemstone pieces took hold, marking the beginning of the retro and mid-century jewelry period. Large and bold animal design pieces from Schlumberger took front and center stage worldwide during this time. Tiffany created some of their most desirable statement pieces during the retro and mid-century Periods.