Jean Schlumberger
As one of the 20th century’s most gifted artists, Jean Schlumberger is renowned for his fantastical creations that draw inspiration from flora, fauna and textiles. Innovative, imaginative and uninhibited, Schlumberger ushered in an unprecedented chapter of jewellery design when he began his legendary collaboration with Tiffany in 1956. His ingenuity continues to inspire the world of Tiffany High Jewellery today.
Design Signatures
With jewellery as his canvas, the visionary artist brought the world around him to life.
Flora & Fauna
With diamonds, colourful gemstones, gold and enamel as his palette, Jean Schlumberger transformed nature’s wonders into bejewelled masterpieces.
Textiles
Woven in a lyrical, fluid manner, Schlumberger’s iconic gold elements reimagined ropes, tassels and ribbons, reflecting his family’s legacy.
Sea to Sky
Schlumberger’s brilliant work celebrates both celestial and aquatic elements, from stars and moons to shells and starfish. Fanciful blends of colour and texture capture the designer’s innate understanding of movement.
Bird on a Rock
For over half a century, the Bird on a Rock brooch has epitomised 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 exceptional creations.
Visionary Artistry
Schlumberger’s dedication to craft was unparalleled. His masterful woven gold designs pay homage to his family’s textile legacy and he seamlessly juxtaposed geometric motifs with organic shapes to create three-dimensional textures. Schlumberger’s signature of mixing 18k gold and platinum comes to life in his wire work, which requires challenging craftsmanship techniques and surpasses jewellery design to enter the world of sculpture. By employing hand-set diamonds in abstract patterns and intricate engraving techniques, Schlumberger’s designs create a sense of movement.
“For me, the art of jewellery 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
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 jewellery for fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli to widespread acclaim. 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 jewellery designs of the 20th century, worn by the world’s most celebrated women and key figures of the era.
Collections
Contact a Tiffany Diamond Expert
From stones of incredible size and beauty to nature’s rarest and most astonishing treasures, Tiffany’s immense portfolio of white, yellow and fancy colour diamonds is unlike any other. For more information, please call a Tiffany Diamond Expert on 1800 111 837 or email us at AUDiamondEnquiries@tiffany.com.