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Why is Tiffany Blue Green?

Published in Color Perception 2 mins read

Tiffany Blue isn't green; it's a distinctive shade of blue with subtle green undertones, often described as a light-medium robin's-egg blue or forget-me-not blue.

The Reality of Tiffany Blue

The confusion likely arises from the way we perceive color, and because Tiffany Blue sits on the spectrum between blue and green. Here's a breakdown:

  • Origin: The color originated from robin's-egg blue, a light, airy blue often associated with spring and new beginnings.
  • The Illusion: While predominantly blue, the slight hint of green prevents it from being a true, stark blue. This subtlety gives it a unique and recognizable quality.
  • Standardization: Tiffany & Co. officially trademarked "Tiffany Blue" in 1998. They also standardized the color through the Pantone Matching System (PMS), ensuring consistency across all their branding. The specific PMS number is 1837, which is a nod to the year Tiffany & Co. was founded.
  • Perception: Different screens and lighting conditions can affect how we perceive the color. It may appear greener or bluer depending on these factors.

Why the Association with Green?

While not explicitly green, certain factors contribute to the occasional perception of a greenish hue:

  • Color Spectrum: Tiffany Blue resides in the area of the color spectrum where blue and green overlap, leading to possible misinterpretations.
  • Subjective Interpretation: Color perception is subjective. What one person sees as primarily blue, another might perceive as leaning towards green.
  • Complementary Colors: The colors paired with Tiffany Blue can also influence its perceived hue. Using warmer tones near Tiffany Blue, will make the blue seem to be cooler, and may bring out any green undertones it has.

In conclusion, while it may sometimes appear slightly greenish due to undertones or perception, Tiffany Blue is fundamentally a shade of blue.

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