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Tiffany & Co. Celebrates Jean Schlumberger’s Legacy with Iconic Designs July 11, 2024 (0 comments)

New York, NY--Tiffany & Co. is commemorating the birthday of their celebrated designer, Jean Schlumberger, by highlighting his most iconic works. Signature pieces such as the Bird on a Rock brooch, the Sixteen Stone ring, and the Flowers and Leaves necklace showcase his mastery of capturing motion and personality in his designs.

Jean Schlumberger was a pioneer in jewelry design. Born in 1907 in Alsace, France, Schlumberger's early talent for drawing led him to Paris, where he designed buttons and costume jewelry for fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli.

Per the jeweler, his career took a pivotal turn in 1956 when Walter Hoving, then Chairman of Tiffany & Co., invited him to join the company. With access to the finest gemstones, Schlumberger created some of his most renowned pieces, setting a new standard in the industry.

Tiffany & Co. states on its website that Schlumberger's work is characterized by his exceptional draftsmanship and use of the gouache technique, which he used to explore the purity of forms. His designs often reflected the natural world and his family's textile legacy, blending organic and geometric motifs. His innovative use of materials, such as twisted 18k gold and brightly colored enamel, revived public interest in bold and vibrant jewelry.

Schlumberger is credited with reviving the art of paillonné enamel, a technique that layers enamel over gold foil to create pieces of extraordinary depth.

One of Schlumberger's most notable achievements at Tiffany & Co. was setting the 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond in his Ribbon Rosette necklace. His designs have been treasured by some of the world's most fashionable women, including Hollywood actresses, royal families, and international socialites, indicating their enduring appeal and impeccable taste.

Schlumberger's work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Fashion Critics' Coty Award and being made a Chevalier of the National Order of Merit by the French government.

His legacy is preserved in the world's largest collection of his objects at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, donated by Paul and Rachel "Bunny" Mellon. His career was celebrated with a retrospective at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, marking him as one of the most influential jewelry designers of the 20th century.

Learn more on Tiffany & Co.'s website.

[Images via Tiffany & Co./Facebook]