Bold design fits Tiffany’s brand to a ‘T’

The Tiffany T1 Collection is new, with a notable touch of the familiar. And that’s precisely by design.

“I was inspired by our historical use of the ‘T’ motif that’s been featured in Tiffany jewelry since the 1980s,” says Reed Krakoff, the chief artistic officer of jewelry brand Tiffany & Co. “The goal was to evolve the ‘T’ motif into a bold new symbol that felt very modern.”

That modern reinterpretation includes nine initial designs, including a sleek, hinged bangle of varying widths and a ring boasting hand-set pave diamonds — each one crafted from 18-karat rose gold.

The pieces feature a decidedly more three-dimensional feel than those previously found within the original Tiffany T range.

“The Tiffany T line initially launched in yellow gold, and we wanted to take a different approach that felt a bit more modern and unexpected,” Krakoff says. “It’s a reimagining of our iconic motif as one continuous design, an unbroken circle featuring a bevelled edge, angular surface and a multi-faceted finish.”

When creating the collection, Krakoff admits the idea of building upon the popularity of the now-iconic Tiffany T presented a slightly daunting task.

“We realized it had to live up to and be worthy of the Tiffany name — of being the best,” Krakoff says. “It had to be an icon, much like the Tiffany T Collection is, but distinctive in its own way.”

Looking at the collection now that it’s been released, it seems Krakoff is pleased with the “clean, uncomplicated” designs.

“Tiffany T1 embodies Tiffany’s heritage of innovation and creating jewelry that is timeless,” he says. “The bevelled edge and angular design of the pieces give them an attitude, but still employ the highest level of craftsmanship.”

The release includes, for the first time, the addition of high jewelry.

“(This) to me expresses the idea that luxury should be effortless and can be worn even very casually, so that they become a part of your life,” Krakoff says. “Even things that are very precious can be worn every day with an offhanded attitude and a sense of irreverence.”

The new category for the ongoing collection can be seen in the initial release by way of a necklace set with a dazzling array of “mixedcut” diamonds.

Available now at Tiffany.ca, the collection is priced from $1,100.

Additional metal tones, including 18-karat yellow and white gold, are expected to launch this fall, with diamond-accented pieces including bracelets and pendants slated to launch in the future.