The late Jean Schlumberger was one of the most eminent jewellers of Tiffany & Co., and one of only four ever allowed to sign their work for the house. He counted Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, and Jacqueline Kennedy amongst his glittering clientele, and was known for his whimsical interpretations of natural forms in his stunning designs. From his substantial body of work, the Bird on a Rock, introduced in 1965, is his emblematic creation and shines the brightest. Over the years, the bird has appeared on numerous gemstones in a kaleidoscope of colours on pendants, necklaces, rings, earrings, timepieces, and more.
Tiffany & Co. has now introduced three new dazzling interpretations in the form of the Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany Bird on a Rock Legacy watch, while remaining true to the original creation. This includes an oval morganite of 1.45 carats, a rose-coloured variety of beryl that was first discovered in Madagascar in 1910. Next, the bird perches on a cushion-cut tanzanite of 2.72 carats, a gemstone with significant history for Tiffany & Co., as it was the first house to set the stone with velvety blue colour with flashes of violet in jewellery. Finally, it appears on an emerald-cut aquamarine of 2.1 carats, a gemstone which is also notably set on a piece dubbed The Schlumberger’s Bow.
The 36mm case embodies the maison’s 188-year tradition of masterful craftsmanship. It was at his home on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe that Schlumberger created some of his most celebrated designs, and the floral patterns found there lent inspiration to the white mother-of-pearl dial engraved with a delicate floral design.
Taking centre stage on the face of the watch is the gemstone, held in place by a double-ended prong subtly textured to resemble the claws of the feathered creature. The three radiant gemstones can also be viewed on the reverse of the watch through a precise aperture inset with a magnifying lens to admire them in more detail. As with all Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany Bird on a Rock watches, the caseback features an intricate sunburst engraving, inspired by the designer’s iconic Floral Arrows brooch and highlighted with a sprinkling of diamonds. Time is set effortlessly via a discreetly positioned pusher.
A Tiffany & Co. jeweller requires more than 24 hours to sculpt the 18k gold avian muse by hand. Each is set with 119 diamonds and a pink sapphire for the eye. The watch is set with a spending total of 587 diamonds totalling 3.60 carats, including 43 round brilliant diamonds on the signature T buckle fastening the alligator strap set.
Through the Bird on a Rock Legacy watches, Tiffany & Co. continues to create a captivating object of beauty and joy that transcends mere functionality.
