Tiffany & Co is – arguably – the world’s most famous jewelry brand. They have been boasting an extensive range of jewelry, trinkets and other luxury goods for almost 200 years.
Founded in New York in 1837, Tiffany grew to become a household name and the USA’s most iconic jewelry brand.
Charles Lewis Tiffany opened a small stationery store on Broadway in 1937, a quick favorite in the city.
Tiffany & Co were the first American jewelers to use only 92% or purer metals and hand-selected diamonds.
Tiffany won the Silver Craftsmanship at the 1967 World’s Fair in Paris, taking them well on their way to success.
As of 2019, there are almost 350 Tiffany stores worldwide, and net sales of over $4 billion.
In 2021, Tiffany & Co was acquired by LVMH – Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE.
LVMH is the world’s leading luxury products group. LVMH’s portfolio includes Louis Vuitton, Dior, Celine and Givenchy.
Under LVMH, Tiffany saw a record-breaking year in 2021.
But why is Tiffany so expensive?
How Expensive is Tiffany Jewelry?
Expensive describes something that costs a lot of money – but is it relative?
What is expensive for one person, could be a bargain for another, and vice versa.
So why is Tiffany so expensive?
Tiffany jewelry is identifiable around the world by the blue box it comes in.
In fact, the Tiffany brand is the quintessence of luxury, selling some of the highest quality pieces in the American jewelry industry.
But why is Tiffany so expensive?
The high price of Tiffany diamond rings and their other diamond jewelry is down to excellent craftsmanship and high-quality materials.
Tiffany diamond engagement rings are among the best in the jewelry world.
How Expensive is a Tiffany Engagement Ring?
Tiffany & Co engagement rings are perhaps the most famous in the world. Starting at $2,000 and rising to over $100,000 for the more elaborate designs, they are the engagement ring designers of choice all over the USA.
But why is Tiffany so expensive?
Tiffany & Co were the first in the world to use the 6-prong setting, known as the “Tiffany Setting”.
First introduced in 1886, the Tiffany Setting lifted the diamond above the band, showcasing the brilliance of the stone.
The Tiffany cut transformed engagement rings and set the precedent for modern rings.
Lifting the diamond above the band allows light to enter the sides of the diamond, displaying the stone’s true beauty.
After 135 years, the Tiffany-style setting remains the world’s most popular style of engagement ring.
Prices for engagement rings with the signature Tiffany Cut start at $15,600 for a 1-carat diamond.
Other Tiffany Setting styles, like the world-famous Pave Tiffany, start at almost $25,000.
Why is Tiffany so expensive? All engagement rings from Tiffany & Co come with a lifetime guarantee.
Can I Afford a Tiffany Pendant?
Tiffany offers a large variety of different goods, but their second biggest sellers are their necklaces and pendants.
In 2021, Tiffany unveiled an 80-carat necklace, reportedly worth upwards of $20 million.
An oval shaped diamond is the centerpiece of the necklace. The diamond can be removed and worn in a ring, so it’s a versatile statement piece.
The chain is made up of 578 individual diamonds.
99% of Tiffany’s customers, however, will not be shopping for $1million+ necklaces.
In fact, many of the necklaces from the famous jewelry makers are much more affordable, even for those on a tighter budget.
Starting at just $100, Tiffany’s sterling silver pendants are affordable and still made to the highest quality.
At the higher end, some of the luxury brand’s premium necklaces can reach $200,000.
One of Tiffany’s most popular affordable pieces is the Tiffany Infinity pendant – a steal at only $150.
What’s the Price Range for Tiffany Bracelets and Cuffs?
From statement gold cuffs to simple sterling silver chains, there is something for every budget.
Elsa Peretti, described as “the most successful woman ever to work in the jewelry field” by Vogue, designed jewelry for Tiffany.
Her designs were displayed in the British Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and Houston.
Her most famous pieces – Bean, Bone Cuff and Open Heart – made up more than 10% of the entire company’s business.
Today, the Bone Cuff in 18-carat gold starts at $16,000 if you want to start your own iconic jewelry collection.
The most expensive bracelets from Tiffany can cost up to $70,000, and the cheapest start at less than $200.
What Makes Tiffany so Expensive? What are you Paying for?
Why is Tiffany so expensive? You always pay a little extra for a name, but the brand isn’t the only reason Tiffany can cost so much.
To this day, jewelers at Tiffany hand-select each diamond and use only 92% or purer metals for every single piece, putting Tiffany at the top of the jewelry food chain.
But what else puts Tiffany above the rest?
Traceable Raw Materials
Tiffany & Co were the first American jewelry company to use the British silver standard, only using silver with 92% or more purity.
In addition, all the gold used in their pieces is 18-carat or more.
All pieces created by Tiffany are traceable. You can trace 100% of the raw silver, gold and platinum directly to the mine or approved recycler.
All raw materials have been sourced from American mines since 2020.
World Renowned Ethically Sourced Diamonds
Tiffany & Co only offer diamonds with Excellent Cut Grades. Their products are consistent with their competitors in terms of carat weight, clarity, color and cut quality.
Tiffany’s commitment to only selling Excellent Cut Grades is what makes them such a popular choice around the world.
You know when you choose a diamond from Tiffany, it will be of the highest quality every single time.
Tiffany wants to educate the world about diamonds. The four C’s- carat weight, cut, color and clarity- are key to a good diamond.
Tiffany is confident in the quality of its stones. If you visit your local store, a jeweler might take you into the back to examine the stones under a high-powered microscope.
Offering lifelong care for your ring, Tiffany will secure your setting and clean your ring for life – one of the biggest reasons why Tiffany is so expensive.
World Class Craftsmanship
Tiffany operates a “vertical integration model“. This maintains the highest level of craftsmanship at every step.
In 2002, Tiffany established Laurelton Diamonds Inc- an owned subsidiary- to procure, source, cut, polish and supply finished stones.
How Much are you Paying for the Brand Name?
The famous Tiffany blue box means so much to men and women everywhere. Whether it’s an engagement ring, a pendant for graduation or a watch to celebrate a 21st birthday, just the sight of the robin-egg blue box is enough to make anyone giddy.
Is the Box the Reason why Tiffany is so Expensive?
Tiffany boxes are thought to be worth between $10 and $30. However, you can’t purchase them in Tiffany stores without jewelry.
But when you buy jewelry from them, how much do you pay for the box and the brand?
Blue boxes were first introduced in 1935 and as far as marketing goes, they are the most recognized packaging in the world.
Created for Tiffany, “1837 Blue” was named after the company’s launch date.
Tiffany blue and the letter “T” (in jewelry designs) are trademarked.
Does Ethical Sourcing come into Tiffany’s Pricing?
100% of the raw precious metals purchased by Tiffany are traceable. Since 2020, their recycled materials have been traceable back to mines within the United States.
By 2025, Tiffany aims to do the same with gold, silver and platinum.
Through environmentally and socially responsible mining, Tiffany ensures all gold is sourced correctly.
Since the launch of Laurelton Diamonds Inc, Tiffany has operated all of its own facilities and ensured high standards, as well as safe, welcoming and healthy work environments.
All staff hired by Tiffany are highly skilled, regularly trained and paid a living wage – regardless of where the manufacturing facilities are located – all of which comes into the price of Tiffany pieces.
Will the Value of Tiffany Jewelry Stand the Test of Time?
Tiffany jewelry retains its resale value more than any other jewelry brand.
Their products are in demand all over the world, and thanks to their trusted name and long-lasting quality products, all jewelry retains its value.
Tiffany jewelry is a timeless family heirloom that can be enjoyed by generations.
Tiffany & Co famously don’t buy back any of the jewelry they produce – however, second-hand Tiffany jewelry is re-sold by many reputable companies.
While Tiffany & Co jewelry retains its value, if you’re trying to stick to a budget, you can find bargains with different resellers.
For example, this princess cut ring is available for $5,500, rather than the original $12,200 price tag.
How Do They Compare to the Rest?
Tiffany is more than just jewelry, and when you buy a jewelry design from the famous jewelry makers, you’re paying for more than just that piece.
While Tiffany offers affordable jewelry, its high-quality pieces and signature ranges can cost a lot more than their market competitors.
You can find cheaper jewelry elsewhere; however, you don’t have the peace of mind that it was ethically sourced, retains value or comes with a lifetime guarantee.
That’s why Tiffany is so expensive.
Tiffany & Co’s biggest competitors- Harry Winson, Cartier and Bvlgari- are competitively priced.
A solitaire engagement ring starts at $6,600 at Harry Winson, and at $1,500 from Cartier and Bvlgari, with the prices rising with the size of the diamond.
Tiffany jewelry is built to last. As one of the USA’s oldest, and one of the world’s best-known brands, you’re guaranteed to find quality jewelry in every single store.
FAQs
What is so special about Tiffany?
With an established history of trendsetting for the jewelry world, they offer both timeless pieces and unique collectibles.
Using only the very best in materials, hand-picked diamonds and world-class customer service, they are a household name on every continent.
Why is Tiffany and Co so overpriced?
Whether or not Tiffany is overpriced is relative. Some signature pieces can be pricey, but they are a brand that is known to last and retain value.
Thanks to the company’s history, a single blue box makes you think of the jewelry brand.
Does Tiffany jewelry have value?
Jewelry from Tiffany & Co has a much higher resale value than other jewelry brands around the world.
Thanks to the quality of their jewelry and the grandeur of the name, Tiffany jewelry retains its value for years after purchase – sometimes even increasing in price.
Why is Tiffany silver so expensive?
Tiffany silver is sometimes more expensive than other brands, but they always use the British silver standard of 92% quality or more.
Tiffany only uses solid sterling silver, meaning it won’t tarnish, it’s hypoallergenic and it will retain its value for years to come.