As one of the 20th century’s most gifted artists, Jean Schlumberger is renowned for his fantastical creations that draw inspiration from the natural world. Innovative, imaginative and uninhibited, Schlumberger ushered in an unprecedented chapter of jewelry design when he began his legendary collaboration with Tiffany in 1956. His ingenuity continues to inspire the world of Tiffany & Co. today.
Design Signatures
With jewelry as his canvas, the visionary artist brought the world around him to life in daring creations that blur the line between reality and the surreal.
Bird on a Rock
For over half a century, the Bird on a Rock brooch has epitomized joy, freedom and possibilities. Designed by Jean Schlumberger, Tiffany & Co. introduced the iconic creation in 1965. Today, Bird on a Rock has maintained its timeless allure and evolved into a world of extraordinary creations crafted with exceptional diamonds and colored gemstones.
Visionary Artistry
Schlumberger’s dedication to craft was unparalleled, evident in his masterful woven gold designs which pay homage to his family’s textile legacy. Celebrated for his bold use of organic forms, vivid gemstones and rich textures, he seamlessly juxtaposed geometric and natural motifs to create three-dimensional masterpieces. Among the first modern jewelry designers to mix 18k gold and platinum, he pioneered a signature wire work technique that demands exceptional craftsmanship, elevating his pieces beyond classic jewelry designs. Hand-set diamonds in abstract patterns, intricate engraving methods and the use of color through the most magnificent gemstones allowed Schlumberger to infuse his creations with dynamic movement and tactile depth, leaving a legacy of mesmerizing, sculptural beauty.
“For me, the art of jewelry is, first of all, a means of expression, providing possibilities for pure and durable beauty that are outside the usual framework of fashion.”
The Artist
Born in 1907 into a prominent family of textile manufacturers in Alsace, France, Schlumberger showed a gift for drawing early on. In 1937, he began designing buttons and costume jewelry for fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli to widespread acclaim. His career continued to flourish and, in the 1950s, Schlumberger was asked by Walter Hoving, then Chairman of Tiffany & Co., to join the company as Vice President. Schlumberger created some of the most incredible jewelry designs of the 20th century, worn by the world’s most celebrated women and key figures of the era.
Collections
Collections
Contact a Tiffany Diamond Expert
Handcrafted by Tiffany & Co. artisans with gemstones of extraordinary rarity and beauty, each high jewelry masterpiece is a testament to the House’s legacy of exceptional craft and savoir faire. For more information, please call a Tiffany High Jewelry Expert at 800-518-5555 or email us at diamondspecialist@tiffany.com.
