Tiffany & Co. unveils a world of oceanic-inspired high jewellery with the debut of Blue Book 2023: Out of the Blue. The latest expression of Tiffany’s esteemed high jewellery is the first Blue Book designed by Nathalie Verdeille, Tiffany & Co.’s chief artistic officer of jewellery and high jewellery, and the new collection celebrates Jean Schlumberger’s fascination with marine life and fantastical creatures.
“In Jean Schlumberger’s imagination and design philosophy, the sea represented an unknown, infinite world. He choreographed unparalleled manifestations of its majesty and mystery,” said Verdeille. “My first Blue Book collection for the House is a deep dive into aquatic life that both honors and reimagines Schlumberger’s vision.”
With incredibly rare gemstones set in innovative combinations alongside legendary diamonds, the aquatic narrative that inspired Jean Schlumberger over a half-century ago is expressed in seven themes: Shell, Coral, Jellyfish, Pisces, Starfish, Sea Star, and Star Urchin.
The Shell theme explores the aspects of objects formed by the ocean. Revisiting the essence of Schlumberger’s Surreal Shell brooch, the top of the Shell necklace detaches with an innovative clasp which allows the piece to be worn as four unique styles: the necklace, a pendant with the shell, a pendant with only a black opal, and a brooch.
Showcasing a mosaic of bright hues created from tanzanite, sapphires and yellow diamonds, each creation from the Coral theme embodies coral’s texture as well as its lightness. One of the standout pieces featured is an opulent necklace set with over 62 total carats of tanzanite, a Tiffany & Co. legacy gemstone first introduced by the House in 1968.
Ethereal and striking, the Jellyfish theme echoes the mesmerizing movement of a jellyfish and draws from elements of Schlumberger’s La Méduse brooch, and features a cluster of cabochon moonstones illuminated by the rich blues of tanzanite. Its tentacles, crafted from 18K yellow gold-mounted sapphires, reflect fluid movements, a signature of Schlumberger’s designs. In fact, Tiffany artisans replicated the hand engraving on the tentacles of the La Méduse brooch when crafting the contemporary piece.
A love letter to the mysteries of the ocean, the Pisces theme visits the unknown and infinite world that captured Schlumberger’s imagination. From Padparadscha and Umba sapphires to diamonds, this theme offers warm tones to complement the cool blues of the ocean. While the bracelet and brooch are not direct adaptations of his designs, the details and craftsmanship are true to the originals. The bracelet alone includes over 12 total carats of exceedingly rare gems.
Offering warmer tones to offset the cooler hues of the collection, the Sea Star theme includes mother-of-pearl starfish entwined in coral-inspired motifs, crafted with Padparadscha and Umba sapphires, and carnelians.
The iconic silhouette of the Starfish theme celebrates and reimagines the familiar creature in opals, aquamarines, tourmalines, and beryls with diamond accents. One of the collection’s most complex creations, the Starfish necklace features a breathtaking display of custom-cut gemstones in a marine colour palette.
Exploring symmetry and form, the Star Urchin theme evokes drama through tanzanites and hand-carved chalcedony emulating the sea urchin’s exterior. Each spike was hand-set in the design process, and a tanzanite suite within the theme includes a diamond ribbon motif wrapping around a Tiffany & Co. legacy gemstone.
“With Blue Book 2023, we saw an opportunity to honor Jean Schlumberger’s legacy by giving new life to some of his most celebrated designs,” said Anthony Ledru, Tiffany & Co.’s chief executive officer. “These creations have a distinct Schlumberger quality and personality to them, but the designs are all new. We are certain that he would have been as pleased with each masterpiece as we are.”
Discover Tiffany & Co’s Blue Book 2023: Out of the Blue at tiffany.com.