Tiffany Blue is a specific robin’s egg blue color that has been trademarked and closely associated with Tiffany & Co jewelry since the early 20th century. Determining the closest matching Pantone color to Tiffany Blue requires comparing the RGB or HEX values of Tiffany Blue to Pantone swatches and finding the one with values most similar to the trademarked color. Understanding the history behind Tiffany Blue provides context around why matching this iconic color might be desirable for branding, design or other purposes.
Defining the Tiffany Blue Color
Tiffany Blue refers to a specific robin’s egg or light blue color that jewelery brand Tiffany & Co has trademarked and used in their packaging since the early 1900s. According to Tiffany & Co, the precise Tiffany Blue color is Pantone 1837, referring to the Pantone Matching System (PMS) color swatch that they determined is an exact match to their trademarked brand color. Pantone 1837 was specially mixed by Pantone to match the Tiffany Blue hues when the Pantone Matching System was introduced in 1963.
However, Tiffany Blue was in use for decades before the creation of the Pantone system. The distinctive color was used on the cover of Tiffany’s iconic Blue Book catalog starting in 1845. Over time, Tiffany & Co has trademarked several variations of the specific Tiffany Blue color to protect their brand identity. So while Pantone 1837 is the closest match available through the Pantone system, there are other ways to define Tiffany Blue for design, branding or identification purposes.
Defining Tiffany Blue By RGB and Hex Values
While Pantone 1837 is the official closest Pantone color, Tiffany Blue can also be defined by its RGB or Hex color values. These provide another way to precisely specify the Tiffany Blue tone for digital design and matching purposes. According to Tiffany & Co, the RGB values that define their trademarked Tiffany Blue are:
– Red: 0
– Green: 174
– Blue: 240
The Hex triplets that define Tiffany Blue are #00AEAE or #00B0D0. Both of these hex values are close matches to the trademarked color and can be used in web, app or other digital design applications that rely on hex codes for colors. When matching to physical Pantone swatches is not possible, using the RGB and Hex specifications allow Tiffany Blue to be closely approximated.
Closest Matching Pantone Colors
While Pantone 1837 is the official Pantone Matching System color for Tiffany Blue, there are a few other Pantone swatches that come quite close to the iconic robin’s egg blue tone.
| Pantone | Name | RGB Values | Hex Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pantone 16-4540 | Blue Chill | R: 0 G: 176 B: 240 | #00B0F0 |
| Pantone 14-4313 | Blue Atoll | R: 0 G: 168 B: 218 | #00A8DA |
| Pantone 15-5217 | Mystic | R: 8 G: 187 B: 230 | #08BBF6 |
| Pantone 16-4535 | Blue Ivy | R: 70 G: 167 B: 209 | #46A7D1 |
| Pantone 14-4201 | Spa | R: 0 G: 175 B: 217 | #00AFD9 |
As the RGB and Hex values show, these Pantone colors come quite close to Tiffany Blue in their hue, saturation and brightness. When an exact Pantone 1837 match is not possible, these alternatives from the Pantone swatch library come very near to the trademarked Tiffany Blue color. They capture the same fresh, light blue tone that is distinctive to the Tiffany & Co brand.
Uses of Matching Tiffany Blue
There are several reasons why identifying a matching Pantone or RGB equivalent for Tiffany Blue can be useful. Some examples include:
– Design – In graphic design, website creation, app interfaces or other digital media, matching Tiffany Blue precisely can help creative projects reference or leverage the iconic luxury color association.
– Branding – For branding purposes, matching Tiffany Blue can allow brands to reference or distinguish from the Tiffany & Co color identity. Defining the color accurately helps marketing teams apply it effectively.
– Paint and Décor – In painting, interior design or other physical décor applications, matching to the Tiffany Blue RGB or Pantone values allows the color to be recreated accurately for aesthetic purposes.
– Product Design – For product designers and manufacturers, matching Tiffany Blue precisely enables them to recreate the signature color in packaging, accessories, apparel, consumer products or other physical items.
– Research and Identification – Having definitions of Tiffany Blue facilitates research and analysis of the brand’s trademark colors. It also aids in identifying uses of Tiffany Blue in branding, design or counterfeit products.
Whether for digital or print reproduction, it is important to match Tiffany Blue as closely as possible if referencing or utilizing the highly iconic brand color. The Pantone, RGB and Hex equivalents provide ways to define and specify Tiffany Blue very precisely. This helps ensure accurate color matching and reproduction whenever this famous robin’s egg blue shade is desired.
History of Tiffany Blue
The distinctive Tiffany Blue color has been associated with the luxury jewelry retailer Tiffany & Co. since the 19th century and helps cement their strong brand identity. Some key facts about the history of Tiffany Blue:
– 1845 – Tiffany Blue first appears on the cover of Tiffany’s Blue Book catalog, which was published annually highlighting their jewels, timepieces and other luxury goods.
– Early 1900s – Tiffany begins using their signature Robin’s Egg Blue more widely on boxes and packaging, helping popularize the color.
– 1916 – The Tiffany Blue Box® is trademarked, along with the color, solidifying the brand association.
– 1950s – Audrey Hepburn films Breakfast at Tiffany’s wearing a black dress and draped in Tiffany diamonds, further cementing Tiffany Blue’s pop culture status.
– 1998 – Pantone 1837 is specially mixed to match Tiffany Blue exactly and give it an official Pantone Matching System color designation.
– Trademarks – Over the decades, Tiffany has trademarked several distinct variations of their signature Tiffany Blue to protect their brand identity and color exclusivity.
Part of what has made Tiffany Blue such an iconic shade is its longstanding history and close brand alignment over almost two centuries. The color help solidify Tiffany’s identity as a luxurious jeweler and a pinnacle of the American retail experience. Accurately matching the shade helps preserve its heritage.
Tiffany Blue vs. Robin’s Egg Blue
Due to its light, cool blue shade, Tiffany Blue is often described as a “robin’s egg” blue. While similar, there are slight differences between Tiffany Blue and the typical color of robin’s eggs:
– Robin’s eggs vary naturally in shade from a greenish-blue to a bluer, grayish tone. Tiffany Blue is a more consistent shade.
– The Pantone color Matching System has an official Robin’s Egg Blue – Pantone 574. It is brighter and more green-leaning than Tiffany Blue.
– The RGB values for Robin’s Egg Blue are approximately R: 140, G: 221, B: 232. Tiffany Blue RGB values are R: 0, G: 174, B: 240.
– Hex codes also indicate Robin’s Egg Blue is brighter, with a #8CDDE8 hex value versus Tiffany Blue’s #00B0D0 hex.
– Robin’s egg blue is associated with springtime and nature’s palette. Tiffany Blue has connections to luxury and sophistication.
So while they share similarities, Tiffany Blue is a specific, trademarked shade distinct from the wider variations of robin’s egg inspired blues. Knowing the precise color definitions helps differentiate the Tiffany brand color.
How Lighting Affects Tiffany Blue
Like most colors, Tiffany Blue can appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions. Some factors that influence how Tiffany Blue is perceived:
– Direct sunlight vs. shade – Tiffany Blue often appears brighter and more saturated in full sun. In shaded conditions, it can look darker and more muted.
– Warm white vs. cool white light sources – Under warm white light, Tiffany Blue may seem more green-leaning. Cool white light brings out its true blue tones.
– Bright vs dim lighting – Tiffany Blue will look richer and deeper in brighter light. Dim lighting washes out some vibrancy.
– Surrounding colors – Near complementary purple or orange hues can intensify Tiffany Blue’s saturation. Adjacent blues may make it appear more subdued.
– Glossy vs. flat finishes – Glossy or metallic finishes reflect light, increasing Tiffany Blue’s brightness. Flat, matte or eggshell finishes absorb more light for a softer effect.
Because Tiffany Blue is such a specific shade, it’s important to control lighting conditions when trying to precisely match the color in design or branding applications. Referencing official RGB values helps ensure colors appear accurate regardless of lighting.
Conclusion
Tiffany Blue is an iconic, trademarked brand color that has been closely aligned with luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co. for over 175 years. While Pantone 1837 is the official closest match, the specific RGB, Hex and Pantone values that define Tiffany Blue allow designers, marketers and other creators to reproduce it accurately and consistently. Understanding the nuances between Tiffany Blue and “robin’s egg blue” provides clarity on how to leverage its prestige and sophistication in design. When matched precisely using its color specifications, the Tiffany name and legacy elevate a brand and make a powerful association.
