Charles Louis Tiffany Paintings

Charles Lewis Tiffany was born on February 15, 1812, in Killingly, Connecticut, USA. Not an artist in the traditional sense, Tiffany was a leading figure in the American jewelry and silverware industry, having established one of the most prestigious and enduring brands, Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany began his career as a merchant with a small gift store, Tiffany & Young, in New York City in 1837, which he established with his friend John B. Young. Initially, the store sold a variety of merchandise, including stationery and fancy goods. It wasn't long before Tiffany’s name became synonymous with high-quality jewelry, particularly after the store's name changed to Tiffany & Co. in 1853 when Tiffany took control and established the firm’s emphasis on jewelry.

Charles Lewis Tiffany was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and keen eye for quality and design. He capitalized on the growing American wealth that was looking for ways to display its prosperity. Tiffany’s store became famous for its fine silverware and diamond jewelry after Tiffany introduced the English standard of sterling silver in 1851 — an unprecedented move in the United States that set the standard for silver purity in America.

Under Tiffany’s leadership, Tiffany & Co. became a trendsetter in jewelry design and was awarded prizes for excellence in silverware at the great international exhibitions of the late 19th century. In 1878, Tiffany's firm acquired one of the world's largest and finest fancy yellow diamonds, later known as the Tiffany Diamond, which became a symbol of the company’s luxury status.

His son, Louis Comfort Tiffany, became an acclaimed artist in his own right, known for his work in stained glass and as a leading figure of the Art Nouveau movement. Although Charles Lewis Tiffany's own legacy is more as a businessman and retailer than as an artist, his influence on the art and design of his time was significant through his promotion of high standards and craftsmanship in the luxury goods market.

Charles Lewis Tiffany passed away on February 18, 1902, in Yonkers, New York. His name lives on through the iconic brand he established, which continues to be synonymous with elegance, luxury, and quality craftsmanship.