Charles Lewis Tiffany, born in Killingly, CT (Windham Co.) in 1812, became a celebrated dealer in precious stones. His son, Louis Comfort Tiffany, became equally famous as an artist. Charles' reputation as a jeweler became so great that his name stands for the highest quality in jewelry. Moving to New York City in 1837, he opened a small notions store. Soon he was specializing in jewelry, glassware and china. Later he imported famous European crown jewels. He also set up factories to manufacture some of the products he sold.

His son, Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933) was born in New York and became known for the development of Tiffany Favrile glass. He started his first factory in 1875, and with colored glass made vases, cigarette boxes, and tiles for walls and floors. He established the Louise Comfort Tiffany Foundation in 1919. Louis studied with American artist George Inness and also in Paris. He served as art director of the Tiffany Studios and was president of the Tiffany Company.

During the American Civil War the New York City firm of Tiffany, well-known for its exquisite jewelery, turned its attention in 1861 to war-related products including swords, medals and beautifully embroidered and costly flags.