This June, Tiffany & Co. introduced new floral-inspired masterworks for its ‘BOTANICA: Blue Book 2022’ Collection which showcases the latest high jewellery collection of the House debuting in London.
There are a few exciting happenings around Tiffany & Co. – it has unveiled its newest Paris location at 34 avenue Montaigne as a one-year-long pop-up boutique. At the 80m² store – situated in the heart of Paris’ Golden Triangle – you can discover the exceptional savoir-faire, renowned gemstones and signature collections. The House will also feature a curated exhibit experience of historical objects from the Tiffany Archives.
On 10 June the ‘Vision & Virtuosity’ exhibition opened at London’s iconic Saatchi Gallery and presents over 400 objects from the House’s archives until 19 August 2022. The seven parts explore dedicated themes, which are all part of Tiffany’s brand identity, heritage, and creative influence.
Tiffany was founded in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young, in Brooklyn, Connecticut and pretty early on (in 1845) the company introduced the ‘Blue Book’ as the Tiffany & Co. ‘catalogue’. It was very innovative at the time as the first direct-mail catalogue including fine jewels. It remained an important piece of Tiffany’s legacy, but since then the Blue Book is more and more a high-profile presentation of the brand’s exceptional design, craftsmanship and amazing gemstones.
The floral-inspired jewels are the main topic of the BOTANICA: Blue Book 2022 and it is divided into three chapters: Queen Anne’s Lace, Painted Blossom and the visionary designs of Jean Schlumberger.
‘The Blue Book 2022 designs for summer reveal an unexpected side of the collection ethos that captures the spirit of the season’s vibrant blooms while paying homage to our heritage,’ said Victoria Wirth Reynolds, Vice President – Chief Gemologist, Tiffany & Co. ‘We’ve taken important Louis Comfort Tiffany designs—and as well as species that appear in designs from The Tiffany Archives, such as irises, poppies and tulips—and reinvented them for today’s clients.’
The Queen Anne’s Lace reference goes back to the early 1900’s. Louis Comfort Tiffany designed a hair ornament, depicting the different stages of the plant’s blooming. The jewel features delicate silver wires bearing tiny opals, garnets and green demantoid garnets (one of the rarest garnet varieties) and the enamel flowers show the full blossoming. The tiny leaves are in different green shades decorated with translucent green enamel and painted copper. The piece is in the collection of MET Museum among other great Tiffany creations. This chapter of the latest Blue Book pays tribute to the wildflower jewels of that time.
In the Painted Blossom chapter the House shows how the artisans reinvent three flowers: a poppy, an iris and a tulip – master enamelling, fabulous gems and exceptional craftsmanship in a more contemporary style.
Jean Michel Schlumberger (1907-1987) was one of the leading jewellery designers of the 20th century and in 1956 he was offered to work at Tiffany. He created gorgeous jewels for the company and attracted great names as clients such as Greta Garbo, Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark, Wallis Simpson, Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. He created some of Tiffany’s most iconic designs including the Bird on a Rock clip, paillonné enamel bangles, the Cooper bracelet and the Sixteen Stone diamond ring. The above mentioned exhibition in London also showcases many of his works.
The third chapter of the Blue Book revisits Schlumberger’s legendary designs crafted in unique gemstone combinations that echo the vibrant hues of the summer.
Photo credits: Tiffany & Co.
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