Design

18 Pieces by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Included in Christie’s Jewels Online Sale

Running through September 30, the auction includes works by the sought-after designer as well as remarkable pieces by Cartier, Bulgari, and Van Cleef & Arpels

By Jill Sieracki

September 20, 2022

Collection of intricate gold and diamond jewelry shaped like animals and plants on a grey background.

Among the nearly 250 pieces of high and fine jewelry being brought to market in Christie’s Jewels Online sale, there are myriad spectacular gems sure to send bidders into a frenzy, such as seven-carat diamond ring expected to fetch more than $100,000 as well as stunning pieces by Cartier, Hemmerle, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, and more. However, 18 special lots, designed by celebrated artist Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., are truly treasured finds.

“These jewels represent some of the most recognizable, iconic, and wearable designs of his work and to have so many offered in one sale is a unique opportunity for established and new collectors,” says Daphne Lingon, head of jewelry for Christie’s Americas.

Diamond bird brooch perched on large purple gemstone, featuring intricate gold and silver details against white background. — Tiffany & Co., Jean Schlumberger amethyst, diamond, and ruby Bird on a Rock brooch that’s estimated to achieve between $20,000 and $30,000 in Christie’s Jewels Online sale. Photo: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2022

Gold and diamond brooch shaped like a detailed leaf with multiple branches and sparkling stones. — Tiffany & Co., Jean Schlumberger Five Leaves 18k-yellow gold and platinum brooch set with approximately 200 round diamonds. Photo: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2022

Born in 1907 in the Alsace region of France, Schlumberger launched his career when buttons and costume pieces he crafted for Elsa Schiaparelli’s couture collections captured the attention of famed Vogue editor Diana Vreeland. After World War II, he moved to New York and established his jewelry atelier alongside business partner Nicolas Bongard. In the mid ’50s, he became vice president of Tiffany & Co., where he cemented his place in fashion history as the house’s first designer able to create pieces bearing his own name.

Gold and black bangle bracelet with intricate design and crisscross details on a reflective surface. — This Croisillon bangle black enamel and 18k-gold bracelet by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. carries a pre-sale estimate of $10,000 to $15,000. Photo: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2022

“Jean Schlumberger’s jewels were collected by some of the most glamorous women of the 20th century including Audrey Hepburn, Babe Paley, Carol Petrie, the Duchess of Windsor, Gloria Vanderbilt, Greta Garbo, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Peggy Rockefeller,” details Lingon. “Perhaps one of the most celebrated Schlumberger jewels ever sold at auction was Dame Elizabeth Taylor’s diamond, sapphire, and emerald dolphin brooch given to her by Richard Burton on the occasion of the premiere of his film, The Night of the Iguana, in 1964. It sold for a record price of $1,202,500 in the sale of her collection at Christie’s in 2011.”

Gold star-shaped brooch with intricate diamond accents and curved, pointed edges, creating an elegant and striking design. — Tiffany & Co., Jean Schlumberger diamond and gold brooch. Photo: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2022

Included in Christie’s Jewels Online sale, which runs through September 30, collectors will find vintage examples of longstanding Schlumberger designs, including several still available at Tiffany & Co. today such as the 18-karat yellow gold and diamond Flames brooch and the Croisillon bracelet, made with gold and enamel.

“There has always been demand for Schlumberger designs and the market continues to be strong at auction,” Lingon tells Galerie. “Additionally, we are seeing more Schlumberger jewels featured at red carpet events in recent months.”

This remarkable cache opens the door for long-time connoisseurs as well as a new generation of collectors to own pieces by one of the industry’s most celebrated talents and walk tall donning a wearable piece of art.

Christie’s Jewels Online sale takes place September 19 through 30. See all of the Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger pieces below.

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18 Pieces by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. to be Included in an Upcoming Sale at Christie’s

Tiffany & Co., Jean Schlumberger amethyst, diamond, and ruby Bird on a Rock brooch that’s estimated to achieve between $20,000 and $30,000 in Christie’s Jewels Online sale.