photo omitted

Tiffany, meanwhile, expects to maintain an annual growth rate of 12% to 15%. "Our net earnings are up 88% in the first quarter of 2000," notes Mark Aaron, the company's vice president of investor relations links of london.

TIFFANY'S TOP SELLERS

According to retailers who previously sold Tiffany goods, these were the best-selling Tiffany items:

* Baby gifts, such as sterling silver cups Duck Charm.

* Sterling silver jewelry of all types.

* Sterling silver "Return to Tiffany" charm tags.

* Tabletop gifts, such as leaded crystal Power Walk Charm .

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

The Tiffany brand is "irreplaceable," said a

New Jersey

jeweler to Bart Schick, president of Dobbs Boston in

Gloucester

,

Mass.

, while placing an order for sterling silver jewelry in January. Schick understands why retailers are sad to see the Tiffany's relationship end. "Their merchandise is excellent," he acknowledges Big Rock 'Diamond' Ring Charm.

Most of the companies mentioned as alternatives to Tiffany don't fully measure up in every product area. The downsides:

Dobbs Boston. Doesn't offer baby items, such as sterling silver cups, rattles, and frames or giftware, including crystal, porcelain, and flatware.