Tiffany & Co. Reimagines Their Iconic Bird On A Rock

In the new “Bird on a Rock” collection, Nathalie Verdeille updates Jean Schlumberger’s iconic winged design for a new generation of wearers.

In 1956, Jean Schlumberger, the celebrated costume jewelry and button designer, joined Tiffany & Co. as Vice President at the request of then-Chairman Walter Hoving, who recognized the artist’s bold vision and imaginative pieces. Raised in a family of textile manufacturers in France, Schlumberger revolutionized the house. He moved beyond the rigid, symmetrical patterns typical of jewelry at the time, creating expressive, sculptural pieces inspired by flora and fauna. These works were hand-set with diamonds, fashioned from 18k gold and platinum wirework, and finished with intricate engraving that conveyed a striking sense of movement.

Bird on a Rock Tiffany Jean Schlumberger — Tiffany & Co.’s Jean Schlumberger/Photo courtesy of Tiffany & Co.’s website

Nearly a decade later, in 1965, Schlumberger introduced what would become his most iconic creation: the Bird on a Rock brooch. Featuring a canary set in white diamonds perched atop a large faceted gemstone, it quickly became a hallmark of the luxury house and a favorite among A-list celebrities and influential figures. Decades on, it continues to captivate, standing as an emblem of Tiffany & Co.’s timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship.

Today, the brand pays tribute to this enduring icon. Led by Nathalie Verdeille, Tiffany & Co.’s Chief Artistic Officer of Jewelry and High Jewelry, the house has recently unveiled the “Bird on a Rock” collection. It features new high jewelry suites and marks the debut of designs in the fine jewelry category. At the heart of the entire collection is the wing motif, evoking the layered and delicate tension of a bird’s plumage, brought to life through radiant diamonds and shimmering precious metals.

Bird on a Rock Tiffany — Bird on a Rock design by Jean Schlumberger/Photo courtesy of Tiffany & Co.’s website

Tiffany Bird on a Rock — A high jewelry piece from the “Bird on a Rock” collection: Drop Earrings in Platinum and Yellow Gold with Tanzanites

Gemstones In Flight

For the new “Bird on a Rock” collection, Verdeille presents two high jewelry suites. The first revolves around tanzanite, a rare deep blue-and-purple gemstone that has since become a legacy stone, following its introduction by the house in 1968. This suite includes a striking necklace, bracelet, and earrings, each designed to showcase the gem’s luminous depth and vibrant color.

The second suite honors turquoise, a gemstone that holds a significant place in Tiffany & Co.’s design heritage and pays tribute to Jean Schlumberger, who often paired it with diamonds in inventive ways. At the center of this suite is a statement necklace, featuring a diamond bird seemingly clutching strands of cabochon turquoise, with gold and diamond feathers woven throughout. The design culminates in a dramatic cabochon turquoise drop. Complementing the necklace, the suite also includes a pendant, brooch, and ring, each interpreting the iconic bird motif in unexpected and playful ways.

Verdeille explained that, following Schlumberger’s lead and inspired by his love of fauna, the team immersed itself in studying birds to inform the high jewelry suites. “We studied birds as Jean Schlumberger did—carefully observing their stances, their feathers, the structures of their wings—to create dynamic forms that seem to flutter and perch upon the wearer,” she said in a statement.

Abstract Fine Jewelry

In contrast, the fine jewelry pieces take a more avant-garde approach, reinterpreting Schlumberger’s original creation as an expression of individuality and asymmetry. Verdeille explains: “For the fine jewelry collection, we looked at this bird from another perspective, distilling it down to its essence—the wing—and stylizing the motif into elegant, abstract patterns. These sculptural forms intertwine and unfold in textural creations that are as abstract as they are symbolic.”

The Wings Wide ring, like all the pieces in the "Birds on a Rock" collection, is carefully crafted by Tiffany & Co.'s skilled artisans — The Wings Wide ring, like all the pieces in the “Birds on a Rock” collection, is carefully crafted by Tiffany & Co.’s skilled artisans

For instance, the ring called Wings Wide features diamonds that appear to float midair through hidden settings, creating the illusion that the birds themselves are suspended in flight. When layered, the scalloped edges of one piece perfectly align with the feather-shaped silhouette of another, producing a sense of motion and harmony.

There are also the convertible earrings that add more playful versatility to the collection, offering four distinct looks, from dramatic drops to understated studs. They demonstrate just how each piece in the “Bird on a Rock” collection can be worn in multiple ways while maintaining its sculptural elegance.

Bird on a Rock by Tiffany is available at select Tiffany & Co. stores globally.

All photos courtesy of Tiffany & Co.