(Photo courtesy of Tiffany & Co)
Tiffany Atlas collection — named after the mighty Greek titan Atlas — has stood the test of time in every sense of the word. The House’s fascination with the formidable titan is evident in the historic Atlas clock, first installed in 1853, which still proudly watches over Tiffany's iconic Fifth Avenue flagship store.
Much like Atlas, who was destined to carry the heavens for eternity, Tiffany's Atlas line gracefully withstands the ebbs and flows of fashion trends. So, if you're on the lookout for a luxury collection to confidently add to your jewelry box, one that will always remain in vogue, you've likely found your ideal match.
Tiffany and Atlas — A Match Made in Heaven
(Photo courtesy of Tiffany & Co.)
Since its debut in 1995, Tiffany's Atlas collection has revolutionized luxury with its innovative take on the Roman numeral motif, showcased in exquisite jewelry and watches.
The collection draws its name from the Greek Titan Atlas, famously represented by a wooden statue poised above the entrance of Tiffany & Co.'s flagship store on Fifth Avenue, where he holds aloft a clock.
In the rich lore of Greek mythology, Atlas was the titan condemned by Zeus to hold up the heavens for eternity. More than just a bearer of burdens, Atlas was also a philosopher, mathematician, and pioneer of astronomy. The word “Atlas," which we use today to describe a book of maps, was coined by Gerardus Mercator in the 16th century in tribute to the titan's expansive legacy.
The Tiffany Atlas statue has graced the entrances of three historic Tiffany & Co. flagship locations—550 Broadway, Union Square, and 37th Street—before taking its current place above the Fifth Avenue store. It serves as a lasting emblem (and indeed, a spectacle) of the collection's enduring appeal over the last twenty-five years.
How Tiffany's Atlas Watch Paved the Way for a Jewelry Icon
(Photo courtesy of Tiffany & Co)
Before the jewelry collection was launched, Tiffany introduced the Atlas watch in 1983 as a homage to the iconic public clock that adorns the Fifth Avenue flagship store.
Designed by John Loring, the emeritus design director of Tiffany, the Atlas watch collection features three-dimensional, diamond-cut Roman numerals that create a captivating play of light.
To this day, the timepiece remains a hallmark of Tiffany's signature elegance and style, even in the eyes of the designer himself. Loring considers it his top choice among his Tiffany works because “it’s had such staying power and translated so brilliantly into jewelry that is a true statement of fashion.”
Tiffany Unveils a Mighty Treat for Jewelry Collectors
(Photo courtesy of Tiffany & Co)
Tiffany's 1995 debut of the Atlas jewelry and accessories range attracted luxury seekers with its signature Roman numerals, instantly marking the collection as highly sought-after. The iconic Roman numerals have since become a hallmark of the House, with the impeccable grooves and cutouts turning every piece into a timeless classic.
In 2020, Tiffany shook things up by reinventing its iconic Atlas designs and unveiling the bold Atlas X collection, giving the classic Roman numeral motif a modern makeover. This updated series boasts powerful angles, sleek lines, and eye-catching silhouettes, all brought to life with a crisp, graphic vibe.
Staying true to Tiffany’s signature diversity, the Atlas X collection showcases three unique motifs: Closed, X, and Open. The Closed and Open styles utilize magnified knife-edge profiles, a signature Tiffany design since 1886, for dramatic effect. These styles are characterized by incised Roman numerals that enhance the jewelry's distinct silhouettes. Meanwhile, the X style features intersecting elements that modernize the entire line, which is evident in accessories such as pendants and earrings.
Even with its modern elements, the Atlas X collection does not compromise on glamor. Its avant-garde designs include everything from minimalistic pieces in gold, white, or rose gold with clean, open incisions to more embellished versions where these incisions sparkle with pavé diamonds.
Those craving maximal lavishness will delight in the dazzling honeycomb design, which amplifies the stones' brilliance by limiting the metal framework. This luxurious pattern includes pieces ranging from a refined ring with 230 pavé diamonds to an extravagant bracelet encrusted with 725 pavé diamonds.
Enjoy Gigantic Discounts on Tiffany’s Atlas Collection
(Photo courtesy of Tiffany & Co.)
Atlas may have borne the burden of the heavens for eternity, but you don’t have to shoulder the hefty price tag of Tiffany's luxurious Atlas collection. ZenLuxe is revolutionizing luxury shopping by providing legendary second-hand (aka pre-loved) pieces from esteemed houses like Tiffany at only a fraction of their usual cost.
Explore an extensive collection of expertly curated, genuine, high-end goods at prices as attractive as the jewelry itself. Once you finish your luxury shopping spree and hit ‘order,’ your treasures will be carefully packaged by ZenLuxe’s team and shipped straight to your doorstep.
About The Writer
Meet Mariam — a fashion writer who lives and breathes all things vogue and glamour. For her, the most therapeutic aspect of fashion goes beyond simply shopping for the latest styles that appear in stores; it’s fully experiencing this glamorous world from the little details to the big moments (there's nothing quite like the thrill of flipping through a sleek fashion magazine, is there?).
