Authentication
How we authenticate Tiffany & Co. jewellery
By the Encore Luxe specialists · Reviewed by Encore Luxe Authentication · Updated October 2026
Tiffany & Co. was founded in New York in 1837, and it has made everything from sterling silver tags to some of the most important diamonds in the world. Authenticating Tiffany therefore means applying the skills of a jeweller: assessing metal, stones and construction, not just reading a stamp. Our specialists treat every Tiffany piece as fine jewellery first. This guide explains what we check.
For general information only, and not a substitute for professional authentication.
1. Metal
Tiffany works in sterling silver, 18-carat gold (yellow, white and rose, the last known as Rubedo on some lines), and platinum. We confirm the metal by its marks and, where appropriate, by testing. Weight is an important clue: genuine Tiffany silver pieces such as Return to Tiffany tags and bracelets have a satisfying heft, and lightweight or plated pieces deserve closer attention.
2. Signatures and hallmarks
Genuine pieces are marked "Tiffany & Co." or "T & Co." with the metal mark, such as "925", "AG 925", "750", "AU 750" or "PT950", depending on metal and era. Designer collections may also carry the designer's name, for example Elsa Peretti, Paloma Picasso or Jean Schlumberger. We look at:
- Font and spacing: crisp, even letters at consistent depth.
- Placement: where we would expect it for that design.
- Consistency: the metal mark must agree with the metal itself.
- Hallmarks: pieces sold in the UK may also carry assay office hallmarks.
3. Construction
Tiffany's construction is clean and precise. On chain bracelets and necklaces, links should be even and well soldered. On tags and charms, engraving should be crisp and centred. Jump rings should be properly closed. On rings, the shank should be even and well finished.
4. Engravings
Pieces such as Return to Tiffany tags carry engraved text and, in many cases, a registration number. We check the font, spacing and depth of engraving, and that the text and any number are consistent with the design.
5. Clasps
Clasps on Tiffany bracelets and necklaces are made to a consistent standard and are often marked. We check that they operate smoothly and securely and suit the design and era.
6. Diamonds and stones
For pieces set with diamonds or coloured stones, we assess the stones' quality and the settings. On a Tiffany Setting engagement ring, for example, the six-prong platinum setting holds the diamond high above the band, and many such rings carry a laser inscription on the girdle. Where a Tiffany diamond certificate is present, we check it against the stone.
7. Designer collections
Designs by Elsa Peretti, Paloma Picasso and Jean Schlumberger have particular forms, proportions and finishes, and we assess them against genuine references. Schlumberger pieces, for instance, are distinguished by their exceptional craftsmanship and intricate settings.
8. Finish
Polished surfaces should be bright and even. Matt or textured finishes should be consistent. Silver naturally tarnishes over time, and gentle tarnish is normal. We note any wear, scratching or refinishing we can see.
9. Size
Rings are sized, and we note the size and any visible resizing. Bracelets and necklaces are measured.
10. Packaging
Blue boxes, pouches and receipts are noted but never relied upon.
What we do
Every Tiffany piece we offer has been examined by our specialists in our UK studio. If we are not certain, we do not list it.
Why weight and finish matter
Tiffany's best-known silver designs are among the most widely copied pieces of jewellery. Many copies imitate the shape and the engraving closely, but fall short on the metal: lighter silver, plated base metal, softer engraving or a finish that wears through. That is why our specialists begin with the metal and the weight, and only then move to signatures and engraving. For gold, platinum and diamond pieces, the work is that of a jeweller: assessing stones, settings and construction against the standards a house of Tiffany's reputation would set. In every case, we look for consistency across the whole piece rather than relying on any single mark.
Read next: Return to Tiffany guide · Tiffany & Co. house guide · How we authenticate
This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for professional authentication. Encore Luxe is an independent retailer and is not affiliated with Tiffany & Co.
Questions we’re often asked
- How can I tell if Tiffany jewellery is real?
A specialist checks that the metal and hallmarks are correct, the Tiffany & Co. signature is crisply stamped, and the construction, clasps and any stones are consistent with genuine pieces of that design and era. All of these must agree.
- Is Tiffany silver always marked 925?
Modern Tiffany silver is generally marked "925" or "Sterling" alongside the Tiffany & Co. signature. Older pieces may be marked differently, so we assess them against references from their period.
- Do Tiffany diamonds come with certificates?
Tiffany issues its own diamond certificates for many engagement rings and significant stones. Where one is present we check it against the stone, but the jewel itself is always examined.
- Is a blue box proof of authenticity?
No. Tiffany Blue boxes and pouches are widely copied. We authenticate the jewellery, not the packaging.