Alright, folks, let’s dive into something a bit different today. I recently got my hands on an old Tiffany catalog, dated all the way back to 1845. Yeah, you heard that right, 1845! It’s like holding a piece of history.
So, I started flipping through the pages, and man, it’s a whole different world. The designs, the descriptions, everything is just so classic and, well, old-fashioned, in a charming way. It got me thinking, what if I tried to find some of these pieces today? Or maybe even find something inspired by these old designs?
The Hunt Begins
First thing I did was hit up the internet. I wanted to see if any of these exact pieces were still floating around. I mean, it’s a long shot, but hey, you never know. I searched for a good long while, reading about how some folks have had luck reselling their old Tiffany pieces. Apparently, there’s always a buyer for this stuff! And it makes sense, you are paying for a brand and the craftsmanship is really good.
Visiting the Store
Then, I thought, why not go straight to the source? I looked up the address for the Tiffany store in Chicago, it’s at 730 N Michigan Ave. Figured I could maybe see some newer stuff that still has that old-school vibe. I found out that they’re open from 10 AM to 6 PM most days, except for Thursdays when they stay open until 7 PM. Good to know!
The Experience
- When I got there, the place was just… wow. It’s like stepping into a different world. Diamonds everywhere, that iconic Tiffany Blue.
- I chatted with one of the staff, a super nice lady. I showed her some pictures from the catalog and asked about similar designs.
- She pointed me towards the Tiffany T collection. Said it was inspired by an old bracelet design from way back. Pretty cool, right?
- I also checked out some of their vintage stuff. They had some pre-owned pieces that were just gorgeous, like an 18kt gold love heart pendant. Pricey, but tempting!
What I Learned
This whole experience really got me thinking about the value of branded jewelry. Like, is Tiffany silver really worth it? I mean, you’re paying for the name, sure, but there’s also the history, the craftsmanship. One thing is for sure, their diamonds are something else. And apparently, they are known for their engagement and wedding rings!
And then there’s the whole idea of investment. Can you actually make money off this stuff? From what I’ve gathered, yes, you can. Tiffany pieces are pretty sought after, even the older ones.
So, there you have it. My little adventure into the world of Tiffany, sparked by a dusty old book from 1845. It’s been a fun ride, and who knows, maybe I’ll end up with a shiny new (or old) piece of jewelry out of it!
