Tiffany & Co. has unveiled its new "Bird on a Rock" collection, offering an innovative reinterpretation of the brand's iconic design through distinctive fine jewelry and high jewelry creations. Inspired by Jean Schlumberger's classic 1965 "Bird on a Rock" brooch, the new pieces reimagine this iconic symbol from a contemporary perspective under the creative vision of Nathalie Verdeille, Tiffany's Senior Vice President and Chief Artistic Officer. The new fine jewelry continues the classic figurative bird motif while subtly incorporating design details from the brand's archival collection; the new "Feather" fine jewelry and "Plumage" high jewelry creations, meanwhile, distill the imagery of flight through an abstract design language.
For more than sixty years, "Bird on a Rock" has symbolized joy, optimism and infinite possibility. Whimsical yet refined and elegant, the design embodies rich imagination and a spirit of exploration while showcasing Tiffany's enduring artistic innovation and exceptional craftsmanship.
In 1965, Jean Schlumberger created the "Bird on a Rock" brooch, inspired by a yellow cockatoo he encountered during his travels through Asia and the Caribbean. Among the first brooches to debut, a piece featuring a bird set with yellow and white diamonds perched atop a cabochon lapis lazuli quickly became one of Schlumberger's most celebrated masterpieces. Over the decades, "Bird on a Rock" has become an enduring brand icon, most famously interpreted in 1995 as the setting for "The Tiffany Diamond." Today, the design continues to inspire new creations, paying tribute to Schlumberger's imaginative artistic legacy while resonating with contemporary aesthetics.
The new "Soaring Bird" pieces in the "Bird on a Rock" fine jewelry collection are hand-sculpted in 18K yellow gold, lending greater three-dimensionality and vitality to this iconic brand design. Its wings are powerfully expressive and finely textured, inspired by Jean Schlumberger's Flames earrings from the 1950s, which were inspired by solar flares. Delicate V-shaped engraving on the wingtips, body and neck feathers adds rich three-dimensional depth. Diamonds of varying sizes are hand-set in a scattered arrangement, further bringing brilliance and vibrant charm to the bird's body and head. From pendants to earrings, the new "Soaring Bird" pieces in the "Bird on a Rock" collection seamlessly blend dynamic form with artistic innovation, fully demonstrating Tiffany's exceptional jewelry craftsmanship.
Above: Tiffany "Bird on a Rock" "Soaring Bird" pendant and earrings
The new "Feather" pieces in the "Bird on a Rock" fine jewelry collection interpret the symbolism of flight through an abstract design language. Combining multiple precious metals in a single design is one of Jean Schlumberger's signature creative styles and a technically challenging craft. The new pieces carry on this tradition, alternating 18K yellow gold and platinum in the wing forms. Crafted individually by artisans, each wing is composed of three layered feathers that connect naturally with adjacent wings, creating a distinct sense of rhythm and three-dimensional depth. On the platinum wings, three diamonds of varying sizes are set using a channel-setting technique without prongs or beading, fully revealing the diamonds' brilliant fire while highlighting the elegant outline of each wing. The new "Feather" pieces include a narrow necklace, ring, drop earrings, bracelet and pendant, as well as three all-metal rings crafted in platinum, 18K yellow gold and 18K rose gold respectively; each piece traces a highly recognizable silhouette through flowing, extended feather lines.
Above: Tiffany "Bird on a Rock" "Feather" bracelet, necklace and ring
Beyond fine jewelry, the new "Plumage" pieces in the "Bird on a Rock" high jewelry collection interweave diamond feathers into an exquisite composition, transforming the classic motif into an extraordinary and refined creation. Drawing inspiration from the plumage on a bird's neck, the new pieces build sculptural forms through platinum, 18K yellow gold and diamonds, achieving a delicate balance between abstract expression and natural realism with a distinctly contemporary design style. Nearly three years in the making, the design renders the soft, light and fluid qualities of feathers in precious materials. Engraved details echo the delicate textures of the classic "Bird on a Rock" brooch, while 18K yellow gold accents further enhance the pieces' depth, contrast and three-dimensionality. Tiffany's selection of rare diamonds adds further brilliance, showcasing the brand's exceptional high jewelry craftsmanship and distinctive style. In addition to the "Plumage" pieces, Tiffany is also introducing new "Bird on a Rock" high jewelry creations focused on the bird form, capturing lively scenes of birds at play and interacting with one another.
The new "Bird on a Rock" collection not only demonstrates the brand's long and profound heritage of exceptional craftsmanship but also profoundly interprets the enduring design philosophy of Jean Schlumberger. Whether a bird poised for flight or an elegant, abstract wing form, each piece embodies the optimism, boundless imagination and spirit of freedom this design has carried for more than sixty years.
The new "Bird on a Rock" fine jewelry and high jewelry collections are now available at select Tiffany boutiques.
｜Source: Official press release
｜Image credit: Provided by the brand
