Charles Lewis Tiffany facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Charles Lewis Tiffany
Born	(1812-02-15)February 15, 1812 Killingly, Connecticut, U.S.
Died	February 18, 1902(1902-02-18) (aged 90) Yonkers, New York, U.S.
Resting place	Green-Wood Cemetery
Spouse(s)	Harriet Olivia Avery Young (1817–1897)
Children	6, including Louis Comfort Tiffany
Relatives	Dorothy Burlingham (granddaughter)
Awards	Legion of Honour (chevalier)
Signature

Charles Lewis Tiffany (born February 15, 1812 – died February 18, 1902) was a smart American businessman and jeweler. He started the famous company Tiffany & Co. in New York City in 1837. Charles Tiffany was known for his amazing skill with jewelry. He also created the first ever retail catalog in the United States. In 1851, he brought the English standard for sterling silver to imported jewelry.

Biography

Charles Lewis Tiffany (left) in his store, around 1887

Charles Tiffany was born on February 15, 1812, in Killingly, Connecticut. His parents were Chloe and Comfort Tiffany. He went to school in his local area and later to an academy in Plainfield, Connecticut.

When he was fifteen, Charles helped run a small general store that his father owned. His father also owned a cotton factory. Later, Charles worked in his father's factory office. The Tiffany family came from an immigrant named Squire Humphrey Tiffany, who lived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony since 1660.

Starting Tiffany & Co.

In 1837, Charles Tiffany borrowed $1,000 from his father. He and a school friend, John B. Young, opened a small shop in New York City. They sold stationery and gifts. On their first day, they only made $4.98 in sales! But two years later, they were still in business. They sold items like glassware, porcelain, silverware, clocks, and jewelry.

The store grew in 1841. Its name changed to Tiffany, Young, and Ellis. The store became known for selling only the best quality goods. They specialized in beautiful Bohemian glass and porcelain. They also started making their own jewelry.

Growing the Business

In 1848, there was a lot of political trouble in Europe. This made the price of precious stones drop. Charles Tiffany wisely bought many diamonds during this time. A few years later, he sold them for a huge profit.

In 1853, the company changed its name again to Tiffany and Company. They opened new stores in Paris in 1850 and London in 1868. The main store in New York also moved to a new location on Fifth Avenue.

When the American Civil War began, Charles Tiffany knew that selling jewelry would be difficult. So, he used most of his money to make things for the war. This included swords, medals, and other war supplies.

Later Years

Charles Tiffany faced a public problem in 1872. It was a fake diamond and gemstone scheme that cost investors more than half a million dollars.

He also worked with a famous inventor, Thomas Edison. Together, they created special lights for theaters, like footlights. This helped make Broadway shows even more popular.

In 1887, Tiffany's company bought and sold some of the French Crown Jewels. This helped make their reputation even stronger as sellers of very high-quality items.

Gravestone in Green-Wood Cemetery

Charles Tiffany passed away at his home in Manhattan on February 18, 1902. He was ninety years old. When he died, his company was worth over $2 million. It was known as the most important jewelry company in North America.

Personal life

Home, Madison Avenue & 72nd Street

On November 30, 1841, Charles Tiffany married Harriet Olivia Avery Young. She was the sister of his business partner, John B. Young. They had six children together. Their most famous child was Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933), who became a well-known artist.

Charles Tiffany was a supporter of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He also helped start the New York Society of Fine Arts.

Honors

In 1878, Charles Tiffany was given the title of chevalier of the Legion of Honour. This is a very important award from France.

See also

In Spanish: Charles Lewis Tiffany para niños