“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.” — JEAN SCHLUMBERGER
Jean Schlumberger (1907–1987) created jewelry and objects of unparalleled beauty. He was a man of refined taste—an artist who conceived spectacular jeweled statements with an incredible sense of dimension and life. Deeply imaginative, Jean Schlumberger’s magnificent creations are enduring icons that reflect both the artist’s ingenuity and the technical virtuosity of Tiffany’s expert craftsmanship. The legendary partnership between Tiffany & Co. and Jean Schlumberger began in 1956, when Walter Hoving, then chairman of Tiffany & Co., asked Schlumberger to join the company as vice president. Schlumberger created some of Tiffany’s most iconic designs including the Bird on a Rock clip, his intricate paillonné enamel bangles and bold colored rings, the Cooper bracelet and the Sixteen Stone diamond ring.
Bird on a Rock
Revered by style leaders and connoisseurs for its design excellence, timeless style and colorful optimism, here are 5 facts to know about Jean Schlumberger’s Iconic Bird on a Rock:
1. The iconic Bird on a Rock resembles the Yellow Cockatoo or Cockatiel bird. It is believed that the design was likely inspired by this bird and Jean’s brilliant imagination.
2. The unmounted 128 carat Tiffany Yellow Diamond was re-mounted for the second time ever on a Schlumberger design – making the Bird on a Rock a global icon.
3. Ranging from 15 to 120 carats, the stones are selected based on their beauty, shape, depth and color intensity. Sourced responsibly, carefully hand selected – each stone is completely unique.
4. The design is available in three styles: Oval, Cushion & Emerald, as well as featured in an array of colorful gemstone colors.
5. A fabulous style statement for both men and women alike, The Bird on a Rock brooch can be worn in so many ways.
Bird on a Pearl
The iconic Bird on a Rock, re-envisioned. Handcrafted with the world’s rarest pearls, each Bird on a Pearl design is a breathtaking expression of Jean Schlumberger’s style. As the diamond encrusted bird motif takes flight, it spreads its wings for the first time—showcasing exquisite natural pearls in this high jewelry capsule collection.
This exclusive high jewelry capsule collection reimagines the iconic Bird on a Rock brooch with the world’s rarest pearls. Jean Schlumberger’s signature bird, perched on a gemstone, evolves into a suite of exquisite creations set with the most impressive natural saltwater pearls.
Sourced in the Gulf region and acquired from Mr. Hussein Al Fardan’s private collection, these natural saltwater pearls are recognized as the rarest and most extraordinary in the world. Crafting an entire collection with natural saltwater pearls is an extraordinary achievement. Each pearl is unique and prized for their size, shape and unrivaled luster. Tiffany is the first jewelry house to purchase from Mr. Hussein Al Fardan’s highly coveted private collection of natural pearls.
The Rarity of Natural Saltwater Pearls
The Bird on a Pearl collection is a testament to Tiffany’s legacy in uplifting the most extraordinary and rare gemstones in the world. Out of 10,000 wild oysters, only one will yield a natural pearl suitable for jewelry and of this small number, only a fraction are considered Tiffany quality. The rarity in crafting an entire collection of natural pearls that all possess superlative luster, color, shape and size is groundbreaking. Natural pearls are no longer commercially fished because of their extreme rarity as a result of overfishing coupled with advances in culturing pearls.
Bird on a Pearl Collection
“Crafting an entire collection with natural saltwater pearls is rarely achieved. It is an extraordinary opportunity for our clients to have access to such a prestigious collection of natural saltwater pearls, and for these pearls to be set in designs that pay homage to one of Tiffany’s most iconic creations.” – Vicky Reynolds
Blue Book Doha Exhibition
This past February, Tiffany & Co. hosted an exclusive celebration to unveil Bird on a Pearl, a high jewelry collection that reimagines the iconic Bird on a Rock brooch first created by Jean Schlumberger in 1965. The designer’s signature bird, perched on a gemstone, evolves into a suite of exquisite creations with remarkable natural saltwater pearls. The celebration was commemorated with a gala dinner for over 250 guests held at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar. Notable attendees included Yousra, Elyanna, Dorra Zarrouk, Sumaya Rida and more donning in Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Collection Highlights
Collection Masterpiece
Tiffany designers brilliantly honored Jean Schlumberger’s bird by re-envisioning it taking flight for the first time. The iconic bird spreads its wings and soars across an exquisite three-strand necklace, composed of graduated near-round natural saltwater light cream pearls of over 371 total carats. It takes decades to complete just one strand of natural pearls with uniform shape, color and luster. Achieving a perfectly matched three-strand necklace of natural saltwater pearls is exceptionally rare.
Front Facing Bird
The Bird on a Pearl revisits an icon. Tiffany designers focused on celebrating the original Bird on a Rock by infusing it with the natural sense of movement that Jean Schlumberger designs are so known for. While some designs maintain the bird’s original left-facing stance, this pendant and earrings features the bird in a front- facing position.
Bird on a Pearl Brooches
The Bird on a Pearl capsule pays tribute to Jean Schlumberger’s beloved Bird on a Rock brooch. This is the first time a pearl has ever been showcased in the legendary Tiffany design. The capsule collection will feature seven Bird on a Pearl brooches in varying colors, shapes and sizes, allowing the client to choose their favorite.
Discover more Bird on a Rock exquisitely exclusive pieces on display in the Schlumberger Room at Tiffany & Co Dubai Mall boutique starting April 15th, 2023.
