What is Tiffany Blue?

define

Tiffany Blue is a specific shade of light blue, very similar to robin’s egg blue. Tiffany Blue is a trademarked color of Tiffany & Co., which bears the same number (1837) on the Pantone Matching System (PMS) as the year Tiffany & Co. was founded. Tiffany Blue is so easily associated with Tiffany & Co. that their trademarked “little blue box” is instantly recognized and widely considered the premium presentation for fine jewelry.

Due largely to its association with Tiffany & Co., which exudes the material symbolism of romance, Tiffany Blue has been a very notable hue at celebrity weddings. Because Tiffany Blue is trademarked, however, it cannot be used to package or advertise anything that might be associated with or in direct competition with Tiffany & Co. or its subsidiaries or be used to cause confusion amongst consumers. Though the particular shade of light blue, whether called Tiffany Blue, robin’s egg blue, or another name, is significantly associated with Tiffany & Co., it is a popular color for home décor, fashion, and accessories. In the case of weddings, it is most desirable to have accents and favors that resemble the true Tiffany Blue hue as closely as possible. The combination of Tiffany Blue with pearls, white satin, and sterling silver is a very popular wedding trend.

In terms of home décor, Tiffany Blue is available as a paint color. In fact, it is very commonly used to produce a cool, crisp, and elegant look when combined with white. When combined with brown or natural wood tones, Tiffany Blue can create a modern version of some retro styles. Currently, Tiffany Blue with polka dots in different shades of brown is frequently found on area rugs, throw pillows, and other decorative household items. Though Tiffany Blue is a common shade, and many feel that it’s nature’s color and not Tiffany’s, few would deny the significance of a genuine Tiffany Blue box.

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12
Understanding what a trademark is still doesn't explain why it would be omitted from what is supposed to be a comprehensive color matching system. That would be like removing trademarked words from an English dictionary. Which would of course render it totally useless.

- anon51025
11
So I assume that the trademark means that we can't purchase the 1837 Tiffany Blue?
- anon44185
10
The color is not copyrighted; it's trademarked---you can't copyright a color. And Pantone 1837 is NOT a myth, it's a *trademarked* color therefore it will *not* show up on the basic Pantone color wheel/swatch/book, etc.... and you would know that if you knew and understood what a trademark is.
- anon35442
8
pantone 1837 is a myth. it is not tiffany blue.
- anon12209
7
you guys rock. thank you for the info!
- anon11340
6
The color is copyright protected so PMS 1837 is not included in the pantone books. I think 318 C (above) is as close as you'll get.
- anon7935
5
I can't find Pantone 1837 anywhere. I come up with 318C. Are they the same?
- anon7674
4
Yes, 183x is the pink section, except for 1837. An exception was made for Tiffany Blue to have the number match the year of its founding.
- lamaestra
3
I'm having same response with 183X being in the pink shade. Is 1837 a spot color or process? Which color scheme is it in? Thanks!
- anon4157
2
Yep, it's Pantone 1837 because that's the year that Tiffany & Co. was founded.
- Dayton
1
When I reference the Pantone book, into the 183X numbers, I'm in shades of pink. Can you double check your sources for the Pantone reference number?
- anon3195

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Written by J. Beam
Last Modified: 02 November 2009

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