Tiffany- The word is enough to say it all, one word that is all it takes to expose its 200-year-old history. The brand or legend as I would like to call it has 300 TIFFANY & CO. retail stores worldwide, more than 14,000 employees, more than 5,000 skilled artisans who cut diamonds and craft jewellery; all working since its inception to create magic in creations. But more than everything, what stands out is their work, their masterpieces and their legendary ideas that have been embedded in our history. If someone told me I could witness their entire journey under one roof I would deem it an impossible stunt. I’m glad to be found incorrect as Tiffany & Co. announces a new exhibition opening in Shanghai, China, “Vision & Virtuosity,” celebrating the legendary jeweler’s greatest creative masterpieces. The first of its kind for Tiffany, “Vision & Virtuosity” was conceived as a journey through history, an exploration of Tiffany’s brand codes and a glimpse of what’s to come. To sum it up the exhibition will have Tiffany’s past present and a glimpse of the future all under one roof. It’s an immersive view into the acclaimed house that runs us through The Tiffany Archive with six thematic chapters devoted to Tiffany & Co.’s longstanding history. Let’s discover these chapters in detail below:
1. Blue Is the Color of Dreams:
You can take the blue away from the sea but not from Tiffany’s. The iconic colour, robin’s-egg Tiffany Blue, that’s synonymous with the brand, takes centre stage in this room. The room is a tribute to Tiffany’s introduction of colored gems to the world of jewellery and features stones such as Montana sapphires and tanzanite—a purplish-blue stone that Tiffany introduced to the world in 1968.
2. The World of Tiffany:
Tiffany’s started as a jewellery store but generations have witnessed its growth and journey into various fields and the presence has been just as iconic in them too. Tiffany’s influence stretched to film, television, music and literature. The world of Tiffany will be exposed in this space which exhibits the Tiffany Blue Box®, the construction of the Fifth Avenue flagship store in New York City and the influential figures who have donned Tiffany jewels.
3. The Tiffany Blue Book:
The Blue Book collections have been immortalized in the eye of anyone who can appreciate art, design and creations. Tiffany’s jewellery masterpieces are breathtaking and that’s what defines this book that holds proof of the innovation and artistry behind the high jewellery pieces. This room tells the story of the design evolution and the craftsmanship that has formed Tiffany’s inventiveness for nearly two centuries, including pieces from current Tiffany & Co. chief artistic officer Reed Krakoff’s Blue Book collections.
4. Tiffany Love:
Tiffany became symbolic with feelings and expressions of love over the years. The design of the first modern engagement ring, the Tiffany® Setting made way for new expressions of love and sentiment. The newly introduced Tiffany True™ engagement ring celebrates connections and the way people express their feelings through Tiffany’s tokens of love which can be witnessed in this zone.
5. Breakfast at Tiffany’s:
The exhibition would be incomplete without a fitting dedication to the film that has had such a profound role in cementing Tiffany’s charisma in popular culture. This space will take visitors behind the scenes of the film with its collection of exclusive objects such as the original script with Audrey Hepburn’s comments and behind-the-scenes photos at the Fifth Avenue flagship store.
6. Diamonds: Miracles of Nature:
Tiffany’s most treasured and inestimable diamonds will be found in the sixth chapter of the “Vision & Virtuosity” exhibition. Jewellery-lovers will get to see one of the most exemplary and precious diamonds in the world in all its glory- the Tiffany Diamond. The exhibition culminates with the magnificent view of this 128.54-carat fancy yellow diamond.
