I held a $3000 diamond-encrusted 'Tiffany' gun - and here's how it was made
National Rifle Association annual meeting
in Atlanta,
Georgia
, I discovered a 'Tiffany' handgun.
While the pistol itself is not
made by the famed jeweler
, the weapon means those simply passing by have to do a double-take.
The gun
, which boasts the robin's egg blue color most associated with the luxury brand, took only about a day to make, according to its manufacturer,
San Antonio
Laser Engraving.
Shane Mohr, SA Laser Engraving's vice president of operations, said that the gun was initially debuted earlier this year during another gun-related event. "We engraved it, coated it, and robin's egg glue to match Tiffany. So we engraved it with the Tiffany logo, all of that," Mohr told The Irish Star.
Read More
Related Articles
Melania's passive-aggressive two-word response to Trump as they land in Italy for Pope's funeral
Read More
Related Articles
Donald Trump branded 'disgusting' as he honors Pope Francis in 'baffling' way
Somehow in the massive pile of guns at the the NRA meeting in Georgia, I managed to find a $3,000 Tiffany gun.
(Image: Jack Hobbs)
"The diamonds were actually set with a laser," Mohr added. "The laser engraver uses a 3D step pile and actually cuts out, and it holds in. And then a little bit of gold plating right on the top around the flowers."
According to Mohr, the entire process took only 36 hours of work..and yes, it actually shoots live rounds.
The gun also has a stunning silver pattern that runs the length of the gun and continues down the hand grip
(Image: Jack Hobbs)
The gun has a stunning silver pattern that runs the length of the gun and continues down the hand grip. Featuring a silver trigger that complements the cyan color, the gun also has the iconic heart-shaped logo reading "Please return to Tiffany and Co. New York, 975."
While it is not available to the general public, it is estimated that the gun and ammunition would cost a hopeful buyer around $3,300. Mohr told the outlet that they have actually pitched their design to Tiffany and hope that the jeweler will start selling it.
Shane Mohr, SA Laser Engraving's vice president of operations, said that the gun took 36 hours to make
(Image: Jack Hobbs)
"We pitch our designs to everybody," Mohr commented. "And then we will collaborate."
A quick investigation by The Star revealed that Tiffany actually began producing handguns in the 1880s by taking delivery of standard-issue Smith & Wesson handguns and transforming them into one-off works of art.
Featuring a silver trigger that complements the cyan color, the gun also has the iconic heart-shaped logo reading "Please return to Tiffany and Co. New York, 975."
(Image: Jack Hobbs)
Each gun was clad in silver and etched with intricate designs. Finally, the guns were studded with various types of jewels. It was also reported that no two Tiffany handguns were the same.
'So far as we know, the guns never killed anybody,' says Pierre Terjanian, the head of the Arms and Armor department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York told CNN. 'They were produced to symbolize the potency of American manufacturing and craftsmanship, and were created using techniques that nobody else could equal.'
'Tiffany took Wild West symbolism and combined it with high-quality craftsmanship. It confirmed that Tiffany was an American firm with global ambitions, which could do things that nobody else could," Terjanian added. Currently, seven of the guns reside in the MOMA, where they form the centerpiece of a few of the exhibits.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tatler Asia
18-06-2025
- Tatler Asia
Fine jewellery in the age of personal expression
Crystal Melody Above Swarovski Ariana Grande x Swarovski Capsule Collection What unfolds when melody meets luminosity? The Ariana Grande x Swarovski Capsule Collection captures just that with 16 pieces infused with sparkle and playfulness. Think treble clef-shaped earrings, heart pendants that draw the gaze, and tiaras encrusted with crystal. Striking yet graceful, glamorous yet wearable—this is Ariana's signature energy reimagined as jewellery. A stellar pick for days when your collection calls for something to dazzle. The King reborn Above Boucheron Chardon necklace from the Untamed Nature collection Torque necklaces once adorned monarchs, embodying prestige and presence. Boucheron breathes new life into the style with the Chardon necklace, part of its Untamed Nature collection. Drawing on a thistle brooch dating back to 1878 from the maison's archives, this modern heirloom took more than 1,110 hours to craft by hand. White gold and pavé diamonds converge in an ode to flora, paying homage to founder Frédéric Boucheron's enduring fascination with the botanical world. Sparkling nightingale Above Graff Gift of Love Necklace adorned with 125 carats of diamonds Graff turns its gaze to the sparrow, a quiet symbol of affection. The Gift of Love necklace is a piece of fine jewellery adorned with 125 carats of diamonds, featuring a duo of birds rendered in exquisite detail. One wears a brilliant-cut yellow diamond of 13.51 carats; both sparkle with sapphire eyes and agate beaks. A total of 2,247 diamonds and 6,000 hours went into crafting this intimate tale of devotion. Read more: What makes ceramics so attractive in the world of jewellery? Bright colours Above Tiffany & Co bracelet Jean Schlumberger Croisillon Jean Schlumberger's Croisillon bracelet for Tiffany & Co. brings a sense of revelry to the wrist. First debuting in 1962, the design features bold bands of white, blue, and red enamel, framed in 18K yellow gold and marked by the artist's iconic X motif. Reviving an enamelling technique from the 19th century, Schlumberger infused molten gold with radiant hues. The result? A timeless design elevated by meticulous hand engraving turning everyday wear into something far more poetic. Minimalist beauty Above Together Collection by Pomellato, a quiet nod to the season's ethos Actress Louise Wong embodies the elegance of understated summer fine jewellery. As Pomellato's ambassador in Asia, she wears pieces from the Together collection with effortless flair. Each item pairs two rose gold ellipses, lightly dusted with diamonds and joined by a single luminous link. Thanks to an adjustable sliding mechanism, the chain length shifts with ease. A quiet nod to the season's ethos where simplicity makes the boldest statement. Pearls of the unconventional Above Mikimoto The Bows Earrings offer a playful reinterpretation Departing from the classic pearl necklace, Mikimoto's Bows earrings offer a playful reinterpretation. Pearls remain a presence, but now share the stage with blue sapphires and diamonds, all set in cool 18K white gold. Elegant with a touch of mischief, this design blurs the lines between heritage and haute couture, perfect for those inclined to bend tradition with just the right amount of flair. NOW READ What makes Van Cleef & Arpels' creations poetic? The prosperity story behind iconic jewellery Chaumet and the love story of Napoleon and Josephine: When love inspires the legacy of haute joaillerie Credits Images: Thương hiệu cung cấp
Tatler Asia
04-06-2025
- Tatler Asia
BJ Pascual, Michelle Dee and Angie and Joey Mead King wear their truth and celebrate pride with Tiffany & Co
A couple who have been in the public eye for over a decade, the Kings' love story is one of deep, steadfast connection. When Angie publicly came out as a trans woman in 2016, five years after their marriage and ten years after their first meeting, it was crucial to have Joey by her side and vice versa. When asked about how she defines 'pride', Angie equates it to self-discovery and calls Joey her greatest source of strength. 'When I was still beginning to figure myself out, Joey would bring me to the pride events in Los Angeles and Miami,' Angie recounts. 'Without her nurture, love and support, I wouldn't have blossomed into a confident trans woman.' It's mutual for Joey, who says: 'Angie is inspirational as she lives her truth. It elevates my own, allowing room to shine individually.' Their relationship has only grown stronger through the years, and together, they have become a beacon of hope, not just in the LGBTQIA+ community but for anyone embracing their truth. 'My resilience had been tested many a time,' adds Joey, 'and my love always prevails.' Read more: Love & Pride: Angie and Joey Mead King speak about their marriage, acceptance and breaking barriers And so, for both, pride is not just about celebrating who they are today but recognising the ongoing struggles many face, especially in a country where the SOGIE Equality Bill has yet to pass. This same spirit is mirrored in their relationship with HardWear jewellery. 'Wearing Tiffany rekindles loving memories; each time I see my pieces, I feel valued and loved,' Joey muses. Angie echoes the sentiment, calling it a symbol of being 'blessed, luxurious and fashionable'. More than jewellery, it's a reflection of how far they've come, and how boldly they continue to live
Tatler Asia
04-06-2025
- Tatler Asia
Tiffany & Co CEO Anthony Ledru on staying ‘anti-trend' and embracing the brand's legacy
Above Tiffany & Co Wave diamond necklace Tiffany has always been a symbol of timeless luxury. How do you reinterpret that legacy for a new generation of clients? At the heart of our jewellery brand is a rich heritage we cherish. In 2027, we will celebrate our 190th anniversary—a milestone that distinguishes us! Unlike many brands still searching for their roots, we draw inspiration from our extensive historical archives, making our designs meaningful. A prime example is the beloved 'Bird on the Rock,' which has captivated Southeast Asian audiences for decades. This year marks its 60th anniversary, and we seized the opportunity to refresh this classic design three years ago. Though it featured the iconic Tiffany Diamond from 1995, it needed a new look to soar. Our mission was to help the bird retake flight. We created our 'rainbow birds' by experimenting with emeralds, yellow, and white diamonds, transforming them into pendants, earrings, necklaces and rings. This revitalisation is crucial for our brand to remain dynamic and relevant. We believe that innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully. While being showcased in a museum is an honour, we strive to be an exciting contributor to the jewellery world for years to come. Since joining LVMH, Tiffany has taken a more fashion-forward turn. What inspired that creative pivot? How do you measure its impact, and what have been the results of this pivot? When LVMH acquired Tiffany, we recognised the need to revitalise the brand, which had a rich heritage but felt dormant. Our initial campaigns with Beyoncé were surprising and aimed at refreshing Tiffany's image. We showcased the Tiffany diamond during the holiday season, highlighting its iconic status. Today, our direction is clear: We focus on jewellery while celebrating our values of joy, inventiveness, and craftsmanship. Our approach is about 80 per cent heritage and 20 per cent modernity, a shift from our earlier strategy. Inspired by Schlumberger, our recent campaign features some of our most timeless designs, following our motto, 'With love since 1837.' We aim to maintain a distinct identity by embracing the uniqueness of the past decades. We are anti-trend, creating modern designs that remain deeply rooted in our heritage. Above Greta Lee wears Tiffany & Co jewellery from the Urchin chapter of Blue Book 2025 High jewellery is becoming increasingly central to Tiffany's identity. How are you enhancing this segment while preserving the legacy, and what do you think has contributed to the significant rise in high jewellery purchases? Tiffany is a leader in the jewellery industry, celebrated worldwide and proudly American. Three key aspects distinguish Tiffany. First, our inspiration comes from the extraordinary world of Schlumberger, capturing the essence of nature, wildlife, and the iconic bird, which reflects our brand. Second, we take pride in the exceptional quality of our stones. Our collection features unique legacy stones, including Tsavorite, Tanzanite, Kunzite and Morganite. We acquired 32 rare stones from the Argyle mine, showcasing our commitment to exclusivity. Finally, the Tiffany & Co Museum exhibits our finest craftsmanship, including exclusive 10-carat stones. This unique creativity fosters client loyalty, ensuring they return to us. Above Tiffany & Co Seahorse blue zircon brooch We're sitting in the reimagined 5th Avenue flagship. What does this space say about the future of Tiffany retail? Tiffany is committed to creating unique and exciting stores that showcase exquisite jewellery and cultural items. Like the Basquiat piece in New York, our landmarks offer a distinctive experience. Our recent store in Milan, which opened two weeks ago, exemplifies remarkable localisation. It offers views of iconic Milanese sites, Pistoritos in Tiffany's colours and archives from Liza Minnelli. Each store is modern, energetic, and has exclusive artistic touches. We are also expanding in Asia and the Middle East. This July, we'll open our largest flagship in Japan, covering 2,200 square metres of exceptional jewellery, art and hospitality. In Europe, we're renovating spaces in Paris, opening new locations in London, Vienna, Zurich and Munich, and strengthening our presence in the US. Brazil is an excellent example of localisation. In December, we opened a duplex store at Iguatemi, featuring local architecture and design. Sustainability is crucial to us, and we lead the way in responsible sourcing. Our engagement rings come with a complete diamond journey, ensuring transparency from mine to market. As a founding member of the Gemstone Council, we actively support conservation efforts through the Tiffany Foundation. We have ongoing programs for ocean protection in the Philippines and recently engaged in coral reef protection initiatives in Southeast Asia. Above Anya Taylor-Joy wears Tiffany & Co jewellery from Wave chapter of Blue Book 2025 How do you nurture and sustain that vital emotional connection in a world progressively dominated by social media and digital interactions? There's an overwhelming amount of information today. By organising Blue Book events, we'll create a unique experience that differs from a Zoom call. Blue Book events facilitate meaningful connections among clients, the press, celebrities, and other stakeholders involved with the brand. While I can show you pictures of jewellery, the absolute joy comes from wearing it. The live experience is vital—it's emotional and engaging. Yes, it requires a long trip and can be costly, but this reflects the essence of the brand. Meeting in person creates a lasting impression that a Zoom call cannot match. The concept of luxury is evolving, and the Blue Book plays a vital role in this transformation. See more: 9 celebrity jewellery looks that made a statement Above Tiffany & Co Sea Turtle diamond pendant As we look towards 2025, what does modern luxury signify for Tiffany & Co? Modern luxury is about genuine experiences and personal connections. It's shifting away from traditional luxury standards and embracing tangible interactions. While digital platforms are valuable for their reach and educational aspects, they can't replace genuine human connection. I believe in personal interactions, like handing you my business card and remembering our conversation. You may come to Tiffany for the brand, but I hope you return because of the relationship we build. In 2025, there is a growing desire for authenticity, which is often lacking online. Everyone's talking about the softness of luxury retail at the moment. What are your thoughts? Recently, LVMH released its earnings, which have shown resilience. However, there's notable uncertainty today—perhaps the highest since last year. We've been fortunate to see a positive trend over the past six months due to our focus on authenticity, but uncertainty is the only certainty right now. While we wait for developments, the world stands still. This is why we create 'bubbles' for people to enjoy life. The brand's transformation excites me most about Tiffany's next chapter. Aligning our goals has taken time, and we are committed to presenting timeless design through iconic elements, such as 'A Bird on a Rock' and Tiffany hardware. Being different is essential for relevance, and Tiffany truly understands its significance. Our communication focuses on timeless design, heritage, and love—concepts we've celebrated for nearly 200 years. This narrative comes to life in our flagship stores, called 'lighthouses.' They illuminate the cities they inhabit and showcase our brand's potential. Opening a store in Milan was a game-changer, and these landmark locations will allow Tiffany to shine more brightly. Above Guests attend Tiffany & Co's Blue Book Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing What message would you like to convey to the Southeast Asia region? What would you like to share with them? I have a deep appreciation for this region, as my experiences with Louis Vuitton allowed me to explore it frequently. Southeast Asia captivates me with its remarkable diversity and youthful population, which holds tremendous potential for the future. The love for unique gemstones and the vibrant spirit of celebration make it a thriving jewellery market. For instance, Singapore boasts a well-established high jewellery scene, while Thailand is bursting with excitement, and the Philippines stands out with one of the highest birth rates in the world. I've had the pleasure of visiting the Philippines several times, and the energy in places like Greenbelt is simply infectious! My first visit left me struck by the warmth and friendliness of the people; it truly felt like friendship is woven into the fabric of daily life. The vibrant culture and the rhythm of life there reminded me of South America. This beautiful archipelago is a treasure trove of culture and diversity, and I find immense joy in it. I believe embracing life's experiences is key to a fulfilling journey. Thank you all for being part of this adventure together—let's continue to learn, grow and celebrate the beauty of our shared journey! NOW READ Tiffany & Co. explores love and strength in new campaign Opinion: Why representation matters at global events like Met Gala 2025 and how jewellery can start a cultural dialogue All Eyes On: Rosanna Ocampo launches her summer 2025 collection, Alo Yoga opens in the Philippines and more style happenings Credits Images: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co
