Key points
- Bird on a Rock was introduced by Schlumberger in 1965 and reportedly drew inspiration from a yellow cockatoo he encountered during his travels across Asia and the Caribbean.
- Jennifer Hudson also wore platinum Bird on a Rock earrings during her performance at the closing ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further demonstrating the design’s enduring appeal more than six decades after its creation.
- An early yellow and white diamond Bird on a Rock perched on lapis lazuli was purchased by Bunny Mellon, the renowned American society figure who became Schlumberger’s client and friend.
Tiffany & Co. is breathing fresh life into one of its most celebrated designs with new fine and high jewelry creations inspired by the legendary “Bird on a Rock” motif. Originally created by Jean Schlumberger in 1965, the whimsical bird is now taking flight through new interpretations combining Tiffany’s heritage with contemporary craftsmanship.
Image Credit: Tiffany & Co.
This Branded Jewelry report looks at the latest designs, including the new Wings fine jewelry collection and Feathers high jewelry creations, which explore the beauty, movement and symbolism of flight.
A Legendary Tiffany Design Reimagined
The latest creations follow Tiffany & Co.’s recent revival of Bird on a Rock and have been developed under Natalie Verdeille, Senior Vice President – Chief Artistic Officer of Jewelry and High Jewelry.
While new fine jewelry pieces feature figurative birds embellished with details inspired by Tiffany’s archives, Wings and Feathers take a more abstract approach. Instead of focusing solely on the bird, they explore its wings, plumage and movement.
Bird on a Rock was introduced by Schlumberger in 1965 and reportedly drew inspiration from a yellow cockatoo he encountered during his travels across Asia and the Caribbean.
Image Credit: Tiffany & Co.
Schlumberger was fascinated by nature and what he called the “irregularity of the universe”. His travels included Bali, India, Thailand and Guadeloupe, with the designer constantly sketching and painting the natural world around him.
An early yellow and white diamond Bird on a Rock perched on lapis lazuli was purchased by Bunny Mellon, the renowned American society figure who became Schlumberger’s client and friend.
From Historic Jewel to Red-Carpet Favorite
Bird on a Rock eventually became one of Tiffany & Co.’s most recognizable designs. In one of its most spectacular interpretations, the house’s famous 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond was mounted in Schlumberger’s design, bringing together two extraordinary Tiffany icons.
More recently, the bird has become a red-carpet favorite. Teyana Taylor, Emily Blunt, Michael B. Jordan and Thai actor Win Metawin have all worn Tiffany jewelry associated with the celebrated motif.
Jennifer Hudson also wore platinum Bird on a Rock earrings during her performance at the closing ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further demonstrating the design’s enduring appeal more than six decades after its creation.
Image Credit: Tiffany & Co.
Wings Captures the Freedom of Flight
The new Wings collection transforms the idea of flight into abstract jewelry forms crafted in 18K gold and platinum. The combination of precious metals also honors Schlumberger’s fondness for mixing materials within his designs.
Wings includes a narrow necklace, ring, drop earrings, articulated bracelet and pendant, together with three metal-only rings in 18K yellow gold, rose gold and platinum. Each design emphasizes the contours and distinctive silhouette of a bird’s wing.
Meanwhile, new Bird on a Rock fine jewelry pendants and earrings are hand-sculpted and hand-polished in 18K yellow gold. Diamonds in multiple sizes are individually set in nonlinear arrangements, creating texture and movement.
Feathers Enters the World of High Jewelry
Tiffany’s new Feathers collection takes the concept further by reducing the bird motif to its plumage. Sculptural arrangements of diamond feathers attempt to capture the softness and fluidity of real feathers through precious materials.
Developed over nearly three years, the high jewelry designs feature engraved elements recalling textures found in the original Bird on a Rock, while accents of 18K yellow gold add contrast, depth and dimension.
The result demonstrates how Tiffany can draw from an established design without simply reproducing it. Bird, wings and feathers become separate elements of a larger creative story.
A New Flight for a Tiffany Icon
The latest Bird on a Rock creations will be available from 1 September 2026, marking another chapter for a design that has remained relevant for more than 60 years. By combining Schlumberger’s imaginative legacy with modern craftsmanship and increasingly abstract interpretations, Tiffany & Co. is giving collectors new ways to experience an icon while preserving the unmistakable character that made Bird on a Rock famous.
For more details, visit:
https://www.tiffany.com/world-of-tiffany/collections/bird-on-a-rock-by-tiffany.html
(Note that the new pieces will only be uploaded on the 1st of September 2026)
