Tiffany Blue is a specific robin’s egg blue color that was trademarked by Tiffany & Co. in 1998. The iconic Tiffany Blue hue has been closely associated with luxury jewelry brand Tiffany & Co. for over a century. But what exactly is the precise Tiffany Blue color? Here’s an in-depth look at the history, specifications, and use of this famous tiffany blue color.
History of Tiffany Blue
Tiffany Blue first came into use in 1845, when the Tiffany & Co. catalog was printed in a robin’s egg blue color. According to company lore, the distinctive color was chosen by founders Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young because they wanted to move away from the traditional brown craft paper used by jewelers at the time.
The robin’s egg blue color was eye-catching and helped the Tiffany catalog stand out. It became an important part of the Tiffany brand identity. Over the next century, Tiffany Blue was used extensively on the company’s catalogs, boxes and bags. Customers came to associate the distinctive color with the luxury jewelry brand.
In 1998, Tiffany & Co. officially trademarked the specific custom color they called Tiffany Blue. This allowed them to protect the color from being used by other companies and reinforce that the color belonged exclusively with the Tiffany brand.
Specifications of Tiffany Blue
So what are the exact specifications for Tiffany Blue? According to Tiffany & Co., the trademarked Tiffany Blue has the following defined properties:
| Color Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Pantone | Pantone 1837 |
| CMYK | C=100, M=0, Y=13, K=0 |
| RGB | R=0, G=171, B=169 |
| HEX | #00ABB9 |
As shown in the table above, Tiffany Blue is defined by Pantone color Pantone 1837. In the CMYK color model, it is made of 100% cyan ink, with small amounts of yellow and black inks. The RGB values are R=0, G=171, B=169. And the HEX code of Tiffany Blue is #00ABB9.
These technical specifications allow the exact Tiffany Blue shade to be consistently reproduced in any medium, from print materials to manufacturing. Tiffany & Co. can maintain strict control over use of their trademarked color.
Use of Tiffany Blue
Tiffany Blue is closely associated with and extensively used by the Tiffany & Co. brand. Some prominent uses of the distinctive color include:
– Tiffany catalog covers and pages
– Tiffany brand packaging, including the iconic Tiffany Blue Box and bag
– Tiffany shopping bags
– Tiffany brand advertising and marketing materials
– Tiffany website design accents
– Architectural and interior design elements in Tiffany stores
– Some Tiffany product designs, including blue gemstones or enamel work
The consistent, prominent use of Tiffany Bluereinforces the color’s strong association with luxury and exclusivity. It is a key visual identifier for the Tiffany brand across different touchpoints.
While Tiffany Blue is trademarked, it is sometimes referenced off-brand as well. Robin’s egg blue and other similar light blue shades are often described as “Tiffany blue” in culture. Some examples include:
– Brides wearing Tiffany blue wedding dresses
– Tiffany blue birthday party designs and decorations
– Nail polish or eye shadow shades described as Tiffany blue
– Home decor, apparel, or accessories in a Tiffany blue color
So while these off-brand uses of the name reference the Tiffany color, they don’t match the trademarked specifications precisely.
Tiffany Blue vs. Similar Colors
Tiffany Blue is sometimes confused with other light or robin’s egg blue shades. Here’s how it compares to some similar-looking colors:
| Color | Difference from Tiffany Blue |
|---|---|
| Robin’s Egg Blue | More green and cyan, lighter and brighter |
| Light Aqua | Brighter, with more green |
| Powder Blue | Lighter with more cyan, less green |
| Baby Blue | Lighter and desaturated |
| Duck Egg Blue | Greener with more cyan |
While similar in the light blue family, these other shades don’t match the precise specifications for Tiffany Blue. Tiffany Blue has specific amounts of cyan and green pigment that differentiate it from near shades.
How to Match Tiffany Blue
If you want to precisely match the trademarked Tiffany Blue shade, here are some tips:
– Use the Pantone color formula – Pantone 1837 is created specifically to match Tiffany Blue and will ensure accuracy.
– Refer to the defined CMYK, RGB, or HEX values. These technical specifications will help you mix or match the exact color digitally or in print.
– For paint, use a cyan-based mix with green and black tints. Adjust amounts until you visually match the Tiffany Blue shade.
– For digital use, input the RGB or HEX values in your application or code to call the precise color.
– Buy an officially licensed product, like a Tiffany box, bag or catalog cover. This will give you a physical object in the exact proprietary color.
– Use the Tiffany Blue name descriptively, but not in branding or packaging, to evoke the color while avoiding trademark issues.
Conclusion
In summary, Tiffany Blue is a specific trademarked robin’s egg blue color defined by Pantone 1837 and particular CMYK, RGB and HEX specifications. First used in 1845, Tiffany Blue became an iconic brand color of luxury jewelry company Tiffany & Co. It is closely associated with the Tiffany brand and reinforces a sense of exclusivity. While similar in shade to some other light blues, the precise Tiffany Blue can only be matched using the defined color specifications or licensed Tiffany products. This recognizable blue remains a central part of the Tiffany brand image and identity.