09 May Sell Silver Tiffany Vases, Pitchers, Bowls, Plates & Teapots
C. Blackburn Jewelers isn’t only a La Jolla jewelry buyer, we also are one of the highest paying San Diego silver buyers, especially when it comes to designer silver home products like vintage and antique silver vases, pitchers, bowls, plates, and teapots made by Tiffany & Co.
To receive top dollar for Tiffany silver kitchenware, you want to visit a local silver buyer like Carl Blackburn, who fully understands the craftsmanship involved in these Tiffany pieces, and can evaluate which items are the most valuable.
To sell your Tiffany silver in San Diego, leave Carl a voicemail at 858-251-3006 or send him a text message at 619-723-8589 to arrange a visit to C. Blackburn Jewelers in La Jolla Cove. For those unfamiliar with Tiffany’s history in making silver home products, we’ve written up the following history.
Tiffany & Co. Silver: Elegance in Everyday Living
When most people think of Tiffany & Co., they picture sparkling diamonds and that iconic blue box. But there’s another side to the brand’s legacy that’s just as rich — its history of creating exceptional silver home products. From ornate tea sets to beautifully crafted vases and trays, Tiffany silver has graced homes with timeless beauty for nearly two centuries.
Since its founding in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany, the company has brought extraordinary design and quality into daily life. What started as a small luxury goods store in New York grew into a household name — one that helped redefine what home elegance could look like, right down to the sugar bowl and serving plate.
Where It All Began
Tiffany & Co. got its start in Manhattan, where Charles Tiffany and John B. Young opened a shop selling stationery and fine goods. The business quickly expanded to include jewelry and silverware, and it wasn’t long before Tiffany became known for its dedication to quality. In fact, Tiffany was the first American company to adopt the British sterling silver standard of .925 purity — a bold move that set the bar for American silversmithing.
Charles Tiffany had a clear vision: to offer beautifully made luxury items not only to the elite but to a growing American middle class that was eager for refined, high-quality goods. That idea of “accessible elegance” resonated with customers, and it remains part of the brand’s philosophy today.
Edward C. Moore and the Rise of Tiffany Silver
Much of Tiffany’s early silver success can be credited to Edward C. Moore, who joined the company in the mid-1800s and served as the head of the silver division for decades. Moore was not only a master silversmith but also a visionary designer and collector. He traveled extensively through Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, bringing back influences that would shape Tiffany’s aesthetic.
Moore introduced Japanese, Islamic, and classical motifs into Tiffany’s silverware, helping the company stand out at international exhibitions and secure its place on the world stage. Under his leadership, Tiffany won the grand prize for silver at the 1878 Paris Exposition — solidifying its reputation as the premier American silversmith. His emphasis on innovation, quality, and artistic integrity laid the foundation for the company’s silver identity and influenced many of the signature pieces still admired today.
Silver in American Homes
In early America, silverware was a symbol of wealth and sophistication, often passed down through generations. As the country industrialized, silver became more accessible, but Tiffany ensured it never lost its artistry.
Rather than mass-producing simple flatware, Tiffany created silver home products that were both functional and beautiful. Their pieces weren’t just for display; they were meant to be used, admired, and treasured — whether that meant sipping tea from a delicately engraved cup or serving guests from a polished sterling tray.
Over time, Tiffany silver items became staples at weddings, family gatherings, and special celebrations. Silver plates, pitchers, sugar bowls, and creamers weren’t just accessories — they were a part of daily rituals, elevating everyday moments into something memorable.
Tiffany’s Silver Home Collection
Tiffany’s silver offerings cover a wide range of items, each one crafted with precision and care. Let’s take a look at some of the most beloved categories:
Tea Sets: Complete tea services from Tiffany typically include a teapot, creamer, sugar bowl, and waste bowl, and sometimes a hot water kettle. The “Chrysanthemum” pattern, introduced in 1880, remains one of the most famous — a lush, floral design that’s both ornate and timeless.
Pitchers and Ewers: Whether it’s water, lemonade, or iced tea, Tiffany pitchers are more than just containers — they’re statement pieces. Some of the older styles feature elaborate repoussé work and hand-etched scenes, while modern versions focus on sleek, sculptural design.
Plates and Serving Trays: Tiffany silver plates and trays come in a variety of styles, from richly detailed to elegantly minimal. Hand-chased borders, family crests, and monograms are common features. These pieces are equally at home on a formal dining table or displayed as heirlooms.
Teacups and Saucers: These refined pieces often accompany full tea sets but are beautiful on their own as well. Some combine porcelain and silver, while others are entirely sterling, adorned with delicate engraving or beading around the rim.
Vases and Centerpieces: Tiffany vases range from tall trumpet styles to rounded floral arrangements. These are often used for centerpieces and can be found with intricate hand-applied decorations or a more understated shine.
Sugar Bowls and Creamers: Often sold as part of tea services but also collected individually, these small vessels highlight Tiffany’s craftsmanship on a smaller scale. Expect shell feet, scrollwork, figural handles, and graceful curves.
The Craftsmanship Behind Tiffany Silver
Each Tiffany silver item is a result of thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship. Skilled silversmiths use time-honored techniques — like hand-engraving, chasing, and repoussé — to bring each piece to life. These methods require both patience and precision, which is why every piece feels so special.
The company also blends these traditional skills with modern technology to ensure consistency and quality. Every item is inspected multiple times to meet Tiffany’s exacting standards, and the result is silverware that’s as durable as it is beautiful.
You’ll often find Tiffany’s hallmark stamped discreetly on the underside of each piece — an assurance of authenticity and a connection to the brand’s storied past.
Patterns to Know and Love
Tiffany has introduced many unforgettable silver patterns over the years. A few of the most iconic include:
Chrysanthemum (1880): Bold and baroque, this pattern is a favorite among collectors and features dramatic floral detailing throughout.
Audubon (early 1900s): Inspired by nature, this pattern includes detailed depictions of birds, branches, and leaves. It brings a touch of the outdoors to the table in the most elegant way.
Modern Lines: In more recent decades, Tiffany has collaborated with designers like Elsa Peretti and Paloma Picasso, whose silver home goods are known for minimalist lines and organic forms. Think smooth, pebble-shaped bowls and vases that feel modern yet timeless.
Tiffany Silver in the Spotlight
Tiffany’s silver home products have had their share of time in the cultural spotlight. While Breakfast at Tiffany’s is perhaps the most famous pop culture reference, the brand’s silver pieces have also appeared in films, books, and on celebrity tables around the world.
Beyond Hollywood, Tiffany silver has been used for official government gifts, presented at state dinners, and even awarded as trophies (like the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophy, crafted in Tiffany’s workshops). This cultural visibility has only added to the allure and prestige of owning a piece of Tiffany silver.
Thinking of Starting a Collection?
Collecting Tiffany silver can be a deeply rewarding pursuit. Whether you’re interested in building a full tea service or simply owning a few select items, here are a few tips to guide your journey:
Check the Hallmarks: Authentic Tiffany silver is usually stamped with the company name, a sterling mark (.925), and sometimes a pattern number. These marks can help verify a piece’s age and origin.
Know the Patterns: Familiarizing yourself with classic patterns like “Chrysanthemum,” “Japanese,” “Vine,” or “Palm” will help you spot valuable and rare pieces.
Condition and Provenance Matter: Pieces in excellent condition, especially those with original boxes or documentation, tend to hold the most value. Don’t hesitate to consult with dealers or auction houses if you’re unsure.
Above all, collecting Tiffany silver is about appreciation — appreciation for beauty, history, and craftsmanship. Every piece has a story, and owning even one connects you to a legacy of design excellence.
Sell Your Antique Tiffany Kitchenware in La Jolla
Ready to sell your Tiffany silver in San Diego? Let Carl Blackburn and C. Blackburn Jewelers use our knowledge and expertise to get you the most money for your vintage or antique silver vases, pitchers, plates, teapots, cups, and other designer silver items.
The process of selling Tiffany silver begins with a completely free cash appraisal conducted personally by Carl Blackburn. Your appraisal comes with no strings attached. Set up an appointment today by calling 858-251-3006 or send Carl a text message at 619-723-8589. You also can send us an email by using the contact form below.
If you have Tiffany jewelry to sell, learn more at: Sell Tiffany jewelry in San Diego.
