It is an iconic diamond that has only been worn by four women. It has inspired a number of mythical stories (including a modern murder mystery). It has also come to represent the jewellery house from which it is named.
The famous Tiffany diamond has been part of Tiffany & Co's heritage since 1878. The founder of the house, Charles Lewis Tiffany, bought the incredible yellow diamond just a year after it was first discovered in South Africa.
Originally, the rough diamond was 287.42 carats (the largest yellow diamond ever found at the time). Then the stone was cut to its current size of 128.54 carats in Paris, under the supervision of Tiffany's gemologist, George Kunz. With a width of just over an inch.
Also the shape of the cushion was designed with 90 folds to enhance its natural hue and shine from every angle.
Later, in 1956, the diamond was set in the Ribbon Rosette necklace by the legendary Tiffany designer Jean Schlumberger. It was therefore one of his first moves as the newly appointed artistic director of the house.
In 1957, the diamond was first worn by Mary Whitehouse, the wife of an American diplomat, at a ball. Then in 1961, the Ribbon Necklace was worn by Audrey Hepburn for publicity photos for her film, Breakfast at Tiffany's.
But after 34 years the diamond was repositioned in one of Schlumberger's most famous designs. Bird on a Rock, at the Musée des Arts Decoratifs in Paris.
For decades, the Tiffany diamond has spent its days on display at the jeweler's flagship showroom on Fifth Avenue. But it came to the fore once again, and in a different setting. When Lady Gaga wore it to the 2019 Academy Awards - the same year she won Best Original Song for “Shallow,” from her film A Star Is Born.
Beyoncé, another friend of the house, was the last woman to wear the diamond to date. For a 2021 campaign for the brand, in which she sang Moon River, the iconic theme sung by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany's.
Shortly afterwards, in 2020, the Tiffany diamond - or, an effigy of the diamond, set in a white diamond necklace - shone at the heart of the murder mystery film, Death on the Nile. The film was based on Agatha Christie's 1937 novel Poirot, starring Gal Gadot.
Last year, to celebrate the reopening of its Landmark Fifth Avenue store after a massive renovation, Tiffany re-set the diamond on a beautiful brooch. The brooch can also be worn as a necklace. It is surrounded by five birds inspired by Schlumberger's own playful design.
Now, the Tiffany diamond is about to take off for Japan. There it will be displayed as part of a new retrospective exhibition, Tiffany Wonder. Installed in the TOKYO NODE gallery, located inside one of Tokyo's tallest buildings, the Toranomon Hills station tower.
The “immersive exhibition” will allow visitors to explore hundreds of Tiffany's jewels. Creations of the house from the last 187 years. Including unique showstoppers, Jean Schlumberger's historic Bird on a Rock designs and other pieces of historical heritage.
“Tiffany & Co. has been inspired by Japan for decades. And the brand's real connection and extensive history in the region continues to grow.” Said Anthony Ledru, President and CEO of Tiffany & Co. “.
Showcasing Tiffany's exceptional craftsmanship, unparalleled diamond mastery and ingenuity, the exhibition will bring the joy of the House to every visitor.”.
Ten rooms within the TOKYO NODE gallery, which will host the exhibition, have been themed. The theme around the central principles of Tiffany's design heritage. From the first Blue Book mail order catalogue of 1845 (which has now lent its name to the brand's annual fine jewellery collections) and the first Blue Boxes, to the iconic Tiffany Setting engagement ring, introduced in 1886.
There will also be nearly 300 never-before-exhibited objects and jewellery on display. Like the Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co Plumes necklace, with diamonds, rubies and sapphires. The Tiffany Diamond will be on display at the end of the exhibition. One last flower and a sign of the house's enduring appreciation for one of its most famous diamonds.
Tiffany Wonder will open at TOKYO NODE Gallery on April 12, 2024. It will run until June 23, 2024.
Source: somethingaboutrocks.com
