Nathalie Verdeille.
Photo: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
Creative Mind: Nathalie Verdeille
The chief artistic officer of Tiffany & Co. is making waves with her extraordinary designs that pay homage to American jeweler's storied past
Arrow Earrings from Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Céleste Collection. Photo: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
It’s no easy task to take on a world-renowned jewelry house with nearly 200 years of history and propel it into the future, but that is exactly what Nathalie Verdeille has done at Tiffany & Co. Since joining the American heritage brand as chief artistic officer in 2021, the New York–based talent has made waves with her extraordinary designs for the signature Blue Book collections of high jewelry.
Paying homage to legendary Tiffany & Co. designer Jean Schlumberger, Verdeille’s latest offering, Céleste, features daring, high-octane interpretations of archival celestial motifs, juxtaposing out-of-the-ordinary combinations of diamonds and rare colored gemstones with whimsical shapes. A standout is the technically stunning Peacock necklace, expertly fashioned with 17 cushion-cut tanzanites weighing over 108 carats, which took more than 1,000 hours to complete. Verdeille has also reimagined Schlumberger’s “Bird on a Rock” brooch, with an owl perched atop a moon-shaped rock.
“I embrace the freedom to innovate and infuse new life into this incredible legacy,” says Verdeille, who formerly led jewelry design at Cartier for 15 years. “The challenge of blending heritage with innovation keeps me excited and constantly pushing creative boundaries.”
Peacock tanzanite necklace from the Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Céleste collection. Photo: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
“The challenge of blending heritage and innovation keeps me excited and constantly pushing creative boundaries”
nathalie verdeille
Star Burst crystal opal ring from the Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Céleste collection. Photo: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
Phoenix rubellite bracelet from the Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Céleste collection. Photo: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
Design ethos: Finding inspiration in nature, mythology, and the universe, as well as Tiffany & Co.’s rich archives, Verdeille approaches high jewelry as an art form, where each jewel tells a story, blending realism with abstraction. “I seek to evoke emotion and movement through my designs. I love to explore contrasts—between light and shadow, soft and bold, traditional and modern—to create pieces that resonate on both a visual and emotional level.”
Stone sourcing” “I look for stones that have an inherent beauty and energy, each one telling its own story,”says Verdeille. “Color, cut, and texture are all incredibly important, as they dictate the final design. I also take great care in selecting stones that complement each other, ensuring they harmonize within the piece.”
A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2025 Spring Issue under the headline “Creative Minds.” Subscribe to the magazine.
Cover: Nathalie Verdeille.
Photo: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
