Bird on a Rock
For over half a century, the Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany Bird on a Rock brooch has epitomised joy, freedom and possibilities. Tiffany & Co. first introduced Jean Schlumberger’s emblematic creation in 1965. Ever since, Bird on a Rock has maintained its timeless allure and evolved into a world of exceptional creations inspired by the original. Today, the iconic Tiffany Diamond lives in a transformable design inspired by the Bird on a Rock.
“For me, the art of jewellery is, first of all, a means of expression.”
—Jean Schlumberger
The Story Behind Bird on a Rock
Tiffany & Co. formally introduced Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany Bird on a Rock in 1965. The visionary artist was inspired by a yellow cockatoo that he encountered on his travels abroad to Asia and the Caribbean—notably, his beloved home in Guadeloupe. One of the first Bird on a Rock brooches was purchased by socialite Bunny Mellon. Her Bird on a Rock featured a cabochon lapis lazuli with yellow and white diamonds.
Flight of Fancy
The Bird on a Rock became truly iconic in 1995, when the House mounted its legendary Tiffany Diamond onto the designer’s whimsical setting. This decision to unite the bird and the 128.54-carat yellow diamond was a celebration of two audacious dreamers: Jean Schlumberger and founder Charles Lewis Tiffany. Tiffany unveiled the design at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs’ Jean Schlumberger retrospective in Paris. Its fame grows as it travels the world on exhibition. Today, over 25 years later, the bird and the fiery yellow diamond meet again. Designed to celebrate the momentous reopening of The Landmark on Fifth Avenue in 2023, the new transformable creation reimagines the iconic brooch and features five birds that flutter around the diamond, signaling a new era for the brand.
An Icon Soars
In 2023, we unveiled the first Bird on a Rock collection: a full suite of designs inspired by the iconic brooch. With the new pendants, necklaces, rings, earrings and brooches, the signature bird comes to life, depicted in different stances and in flight, lending a sense of motion and surrealism like only Jean Schlumberger could.
A Labour of Love
Each Bird on a Rock brooch is created by a team of Tiffany artisans who bring years of experience and the utmost passion to their craft. More than eight artisans work together to bring a single brooch to life over the span of 50 hours, a testament to the spirit of exceptional craftsmanship that has defined Tiffany for nearly two centuries.
Bird on a Rock Brooches
While the bird is offered in an array of designs—including necklaces, earrings, pendants and rings—the brooch represents the most timeless expression of Bird on a Rock.
Rare Creations
Diamond Bird on a Rock designs are perhaps the rarest expressions of the Tiffany icon. Here, the bird perches on an extraordinary yellow diamond, celebrating Tiffany’s authority as the purveyor of the world’s finest diamonds.
A Kaleidoscope of Colours
The Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany Bird on a Rock celebrates the designer’s love of colour and mixing materials, as well as his affinity for the 19th-cenutry art form of paillonné enamel as seen in the exclusive Rainbow Bird on a Rock styles.
Perched on a Pendant
Our designers created an array of Bird on a Rock pendants that give new life to the indelible Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany creation. The bird rests gracefully on the gemstone, suspended on a unique diamond and gold chain.
“I want to capture the irregularity of the universe. ”
—Jean Schlumberger
A World of Wonder
In recent years, our designers and artisans have partnered to create new expressions of the timeless Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany brooch. With everything from high jewellery to watches, each masterwork honours the legacy of Bird on a Rock.
Get Help from a Tiffany Diamond Expert
From stones of incredible size and beauty to nature’s rarest and most astonishing treasures, Tiffany’s immense portfolio of white, yellow and fancy colour diamonds is unlike any other. For more information, please call a Tiffany Diamond Expert on 0800 160 1837.
