A DEEP DIVE

Tiffany & Co.'s Blue Book 2023: Out of the Blue plunges into the ocean for an aquatic-inspired high jewellery collection that celebrates the legacy of legendary designer Jean Schlumberger

- FRANÇOIS OOSTHUIZEN

The latest expression of Tiffany & Co's annual high jewellery collection is a double celebration. It's the first Blue Book collection by new chief artistic officer of jewellery and high jewellery, Nathalie Verdeille, while the extraordinary designs are a tribute to the late Jean Schlumberger and his fascination with the fantastical creatures from the deep yonder.

During his illustrious career, when he helmed his own New York City workshop at the jewellery house for over 20 years until his retirement in the late 1970s, the French designer had created a multitude of nature-inspired wonders that explored both mimesis and abstraction. Among the most enduringly popular were his spectacular yet enigmatic marine symbols. So singular is his style boasting such flamboyance, vibrancy and intricacy - that his pieces are immediately recognisable, even today in the eyes of the contemporary collector.

WAVES OF CHANGE

Capturing the essence of these creations, Blue Book 2023: Out of the Blue transforms his anthology of aquatic jewels into a mesmerising high jewellery collection for the first time in the maison's history. Featuring aesthetics that are beautifully geometric yet stylised, each masterpiece goes beyond perpetuating the spirit of Schlumberger's original creations, but reinvents them in refreshing, surprising ways.

Verdeille explains, "In Jean Schlumberger's imagination and design philosophy, the sea represented an unknown, infinite world. He choreographed unparalleled manifestations of its majesty and mystery. My first Blue Book collection for the maison is a deep dive into aquatic life that both honours and reimagines Schlumberger's vision."