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Tiffany & Co.’s coffee table books are always a treat with their blend of rich photography and historical context. This latest work by John Loring is no different.

Tiffany Style ($50 U.S., Harry N. Abrams, Inc.) tracks the evolution of the American jeweler from its founding 171 years ago to its exciting collaborations of the modern day.

Highlights of the 304-page volume include the story of Tiffany’s speedy evolution from a stationary goods emporium to America’s most prestigious jeweler. By 1868, the $1,000 in start-up funds invested 31 years earlier had swelled to $2.4 million in capital. Charles Tiffany was hailed as the “King of Diamonds” for bringing jewels from the French and Spanish court to America following the abdication of King Louis Philippe. And in 1877 Tiffany purchased a flawless 128.51 carat canary diamond for $18,000. It is now known as the Tiffany Diamond and displayed in the New York store.

It’s the photos accompanying such stories that truly make this book sing. A single page is devoted to many of the house's greatest achievements allowing us an intimate view of their remarkable craftsmanship. Among them is a gold and copper dragonfly on a Japanesque silver vase designed by Edward C. Moore circa 1878, several elaborate horse racing and yachting trophies, and the inventive designs of Paulding Farnham including an Iris brooch hailed as a “pure delight” at the 1900 Paris exposition. Many examples of the kinetic designs of Jean Schlumberger are also featured including a sapphire and diamond Starfish clip that seems about to dance off the page.

Throughout Tiffany Style are reminders of how jewels can fire the imagination. Like the pear-shaped fancy intense blue diamond drop earrings commissioned by clients for their daughters in 2007. One blue diamond is named Katrina, the other Alexandra. Imagine that.