If you know a thing or two about iconic jewellery pieces, you would know that the Tiffany Diamond (one of the largest yellow diamonds ever discovered) is most iconically presented with the whimsical and daring Bird on a Rock setting by Jean Schlumberger. After the 2023 iteration of Rainbow Bird on a Rock pieces that celebrated the designer’s love of colour and mixing materials, as well as his affinity for the 19th-century art form of paillonné enamel, the maison pivots its tertiary expression to a Bird on a Pearl high jewellery capsule collection; the bird now perches not on a rock, but on some of the world’s rarest natural saltwater pearls.

Made with the visionary direction of Tiffany’s Chief Artistic Officer Nathalie Verdeille, the Bird on a Pearl high jewellery capsule shines a light on the striking allure of natural saltwater pearls in new, inventive forms. While some designs see the bird resting on baroque or drop pearls, others see the bird and pearls intimately entwined in a single motion, with the pearls forming the bird’s head or body — fusing organic elegance and daring artistry. Add on the dimension of the pearls’ lustrous, gradient displays of creamy whites to chocolate browns, and you will see the delicate transitions of the seasons unfold like a tale; the soft light of spring melts into the warmth of summer, and then slowly fades into the subtle tones of autumn.

However, what truly makes this capsule so special is the fact that each pearl is handpicked from the private collection of Mr. Hussein Al Fardan; one of the world’s leading authorities on natural saltwater pearls, with the largest collection of them coming from the Gulf region — the most exquisite of its kind. This being the third consecutive year the house has been able to work with him makes it even rarer of an opportunity for a high jewellery house. Just a necklace alone would have required over 20 years of sourcing to achieve if not for him.

The bird can also be found positioned with its wings outstretched, soaring through the air, as well as perched in a front-facing stance. The capsule comprises of six unique chapters — Bird on a Pearl, Acorn, Oak Leaf, Cascade, Inverted Petals and Ribbon — and each chapter brings a new lustrous edge to the emblematic Bird on a Rock, in celebration of Jean Schlumberger’s love of the outdoors and its motifs.

This article was first seen on Men’s Folio Singapore.

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