His best work takes elements from the natural world, and he had a particular flair for capturing the fanciful character of animals. An artist above all else, Schlumberger began his designs with hand sketches in pen and ink, creating three dimensional renderings for his workshop.

Given complete creative freedom, he maintained a private salon and studio on the mezzanine of the Fifth Avenue flagship allowing him easy access to the finest colored stones and diamonds. The others were Angela Cummings, Elsa Peretti, Paloma Picasso and Frank Gehry. Schlumberger was one of five designers, and the first, to sign his name to Tiffany pieces.

From his early work with fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, for whom he designed whimsical buttons and costume jewelry, to his storied three-decade career at Tiffany & Co., Schlumberger created imaginative and timeless pieces for the world’s most discerning collectors. Equal parts modernist and surrealist, Jean Schlumberger (1907 – 1987) was one of the most forward-thinking jewelers of the 20th century.

Vintage pink sapphire ring