The maison drew on archival designs to create a collection that delves into the mythological facets of the cosmos
This year, Tiffany & Co. looked to the archives when it came to creating a High Jewellery collection. More specifically, Chief Artistic Officer Nathalie Verdeille referenced the work of Jean Schlumberger, a French jewellery designer whose time at Tiffany & Co. brought new themes and impeccable design to the fore. In response to Schlumberger’s work, Verdeille reimagined the late designer’s work, staying true to house codes while continuing to innovate. Honouring Schlumberger’s legacy, every piece has a direct inspiration, divided across eight themes: Apollo, Arrow, Constellation, Flames, Iconic Star, Ray of Light, Shooting Star, and Wings.
The collection, ‘Tiffany Céleste’ thematically converges on the cosmos, pulling from mythological representations and understandings of the planetary and the solar. The celestial theme is portrayed through an incredible selection of gemstones, ranging from the most delicate accents to the 20-carat diamond centrepiece of the necklace seen around the world after it was worn by Jennifer Lopez at this year’s Met Gala. No matter the scale, each piece holds a unique personality, embodying the dynamic design Schlumberger was known for.
Below, explore the key pieces and themes in Tiffany & Co.’s ‘Tiffany Céleste’ collection:
Taking flight
Photo: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
Wings were a constant source of inspiration for Schlumberger and a motif he often returned to. Highly symbolic, the wings that inspired this necklace were that of the the mythical horse Pegasus. Within a swirl of diamonds, the central diamond is the focal point of the piece. The swirling accents create a mesmerising sense of movement, drawing the eye in. Hung on a twisting chain, the pendant is also detachable, transforming into a brooch.
Written in the stars
Photo: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
As part of the ‘Constellation’ theme, these earrings represent twinkling stars and the night sky through a variety of stunning gems. Unenhanced Sri Lankan sapphires join star sapphires and diamonds, with criss-crossing bands of diamonds evoking the notation used to document constellations. The two kinds of sapphires also serve to illuminate the range of possibilities in the realm of precious stones.
Mythical light
Photo: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
The ‘Apollo’ chapter of ‘Tiffany Céleste’ was inspired by Schlumberger’s ‘Apollo’ brooch, which saw round diamonds encircled by talon-like golden tendrils. This piece takes those components of the brooch and applies them to the bracelet structure. The juxtaposition between the cool diamonds and warm gold is as effective now as it was when Schlumberger designed his brooch, and the Fancy Intense yellow diamonds provide a gleaming happy medium.
Dazzling transformation
Photo: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
Representing the intangible, the Ray of Light theme captures the brilliance of sun rays. This piece is certainly radiant, with diamonds surrounding the central red spinel of over four carats. Both a tiara and a necklace, this piece is truly versatile, and represents a return to the adaptable style, which has not been included in Tiffany & Co. Blue Book collections for several years.
Decisive yet dainty
Photo: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
While Schlumberger's original Trophée de Vaillance brooch was grounded in representations of arms and armour, these earrings consider the flight of the arrow before it hits its mark. The earrings centre two unenhanced Colombian emeralds of over 7 cumulative carats, surrounded by arrows - rendered in gold and diamonds - pointing in all directions.