These days, most of us know Tiffany’s as the leading jewelry brand in America and a cultural icon. There’s the lately revamped New York City flagship on the corner of Fifth Avenue, home to the Blue Box Café by Daniel Boulud where one can actually breakfast at Tiffany’s. Many will recall Tiffany & Co.’s About Love initiative, which showcased not only Jay-Z and Beyonce but also Equals Pi, a 1982 canvas by Basquiat that now hangs in the flagship. And who isn’t familiar with the luxury retail behemoth’s trademark robin’s egg hue, otherwise known as Tiffany Blue®?

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But long before cinema’s Holly Golightly stood nibbling a pastry in front of a sparkling Tiffany’s display in the early morning hours, the Tiffany & Co. of the 19th Century was known for silver: goblets, pitchers, flatware and enormous vases—much of which is now on view in “Collecting Inspiration: Edward C. Moore at Tiffany & Co.” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The exhibition showcases the collection of Edward C. Moore, a silversmith and art collector who worked for Tiffany’s starting in 1868. Moore donated his collection of more than 2,500 objects and books to the Met when........

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