Earlier this year, Tiffany & Co. revealed the third and final chapter of its 2024 Blue Book high jewellery collection.
Tiffany Céleste rounds off the brand’s story of otherworldly creations with a series of exquisite pieces that celebrate the brand’s iconic jewellery designer Jean Schlumberger’s boundless imagination and his fascination with the mysteries of the universe. Tiffany’s Chief Artistic Officer of Jewelry and High Jewelry, Nathalie Verdeille does this through her choice of symbols, motifs and stones throughout the collection, with the four chapters taking on key themes: Owl on a Rock, Phoenix, Unicorn and Star Burst. Each chapter reinterprets an iconic Jean Schlumberger creation, including his most emblematic Tiffany & Co. design: the Bird on a Rock.
The House also welcomes new designs in the previously unveiled chapters; Apollo, Arrow, Ray of Light and Shooting Star; to the Fall iteration. Each creation rediscovers Jean Schlumberger’s iconic interpretations of the sun, moon, stars, distant galaxies and fantasy worlds. “Each chapter began with an intensive study of the subjects or themes that inspired it. For the fall launch of Tiffany Céleste, the Star Burst, Phoenix, Owl on a Rock and Unicorn chapters reference archival Jean Schlumberger masterpieces, such as his Phoenix brooch,” said Nathalie Verdeille, Chief Artistic Officer, Tiffany & Co. “Each new design is an ode to Jean Schlumberger’s boundless creativity.”
As the final creations in this year’s show-stopping collection are revealed, we talked to Victoria Reynolds, VP High Jewellery & Chief Gemmologist at Tiffany & Co. to find out more about the choices of stones, the inspiration, and the fine balance between tradition and modernity that’s leading Tiffany & Co. as a brand today.
Congratulations on the 2024 Blue Book collection – how would you describe this collection in your own words?
The 2024 Blue Book collection, Tiffany Céleste, is an inspired tribute to the cosmos, where artistry meets nature’s rarest gemstones. It reflects a harmonious blend of imaginative design and exquisite craftsmanship, capturing the ethereal beauty that Jean Schlumberger so masterfully portrayed. Each piece is not just a creation; it’s a narrative of wonder and elegance, inviting the wearer to experience the magic of the universe.
Why do you feel it’s important to still honour the work of Jean Schlumberger?
Honouring Jean Schlumberger’s work is crucial because his designs epitomise the essence of Tiffany’s creative spirit. He pushed boundaries in jewellery design, merging nature with fantasy in ways that resonate deeply with our mission today. By celebrating his legacy, we not only pay tribute to a master but also inspire a new generation of designers to innovate while staying rooted in our heritage.
There are some incredible gemstones in this collection – what are your highlights?
One standout piece is the Unicorn brooch, featuring a stunning cushion-cut bicolour tourmaline of over 25 carats. Its vibrant hues celebrate the essence of colour and embody the mythical quality of the unicorn. Each chapter of Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Céleste introduces remarkable gemstones that resonate with the collection’s theme. For example, the Owl on a Rock chapter showcases ethereal black opals, moonstones and star sapphire, while the Phoenix chapter highlights opals and rubellites, lending a fantastical allure. Additionally, crystal opals and enchanting pink and purple sapphires further enhance the narrative, making each stone a vital part of Jean Schlumberger’s enchanting story.
The selection of gems is also very interesting – can you share a little about some of the combinations you like and why they work together?
The careful selection of gemstones in this collection creates stunning contrasts and harmonies. For instance, the vibrant colour of the incredible suite of rubellites is perfectly complemented by the rare warm colour plate of Umba sapphires—in the Phoenix chapter. The ethereal nature of black opals and moonstones in the Owl on a Rock chapter complements the more striking sapphires, creating a visual dialogue that captivates the eye. Each combination not only tells a story but also showcases Tiffany’s expertise in harmonising colours and textures, resulting in designs that are both enchanting and timeless.
This year, we see a revisit to the iconic bird on a rock creation – tell us about this and the choices of stones in these pieces specifically.
The Bird on a Rock revisitation showcases our commitment to heritage while embracing modern techniques. In these pieces, we’ve chosen an array of vibrant gemstones to evoke the natural beauty and whimsy that Schlumberger originally captured. Each stone is selected not only for its colour but for its ability to bring the design to life, enhancing the narrative of each piece.
We know that sustainability is a subject that’s close to your heart. Can you share a little about the latest developments in this field at Tiffany & Co.?
At Tiffany & Co., we are continuously striving to set the standard for sustainability in the luxury industry. We have very rigorous sourcing practices, ensuring that all our gemstones and metals are ethically sourced. We are also focusing on transparency in our supply chain, allowing customers to understand the origins of their pieces. Our commitment to sustainability reflects our belief that luxury should be responsible.
What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role today?
Continuing to look for the most exceptional gemstones that will inspire our design team. As trends evolve, it’s crucial to stay ahead while ensuring that each piece remains true to our heritage and craftsmanship standards. This requires constant exploration and adaptation, which can be both challenging and exhilarating.
What’s a stone that has most touched your emotions over the years?
It continues to be the incredible Tiffany Diamond. It has and will continue to remain my “True North,” inspiring my team and me to source the most exceptional diamonds and gemstones Mother Nature gives us.
You have been with the brand for many years. How has Tiffany & Co. evolved over the decades?
The brand has evolved significantly while remaining true to its core values. Over the decades, we’ve embraced innovation in design and technology, expanded our commitment to ethical sourcing, and fostered a culture of creativity that honours our heritage. This evolution allows us to connect with a new generation of clients while continuing to set the standard for luxury and craftsmanship in the high jewelry market.
