Tiffany & Co. has expanded its Bird on a Rock universe, in a new collection feels like both revival and reinvention. The original Bird on a Rock brooch was created by Jean Schlumberger in 1965 and became one of Tiffany’s most emblematic designs. Schlumberger was known for drawing on nature, mixing whimsy with technical precision, and this new suite harnesses that spirit while pushing the motif into contemporary jewelry territory.

Schlumberger’s story is part of what drives the appeal of the new collection. He joined Tiffany in the 1950s and designed the original Bird on a Rock brooch. His work often played with flora and fauna, and in this case a bird perched atop a large gemstone became a signature. Over time, Bird on a Rock became a shorthand for Schlumberger’s imaginative, almost architectural approach to jewelry.

The new collection, unveiled in September, is headed by Tiffany’s Chief Artistic Officer Nathalie Verdeille. In the official press release, Verdeille explains, “For the high jewelry Bird on a Rock designs, we studied birds as Jean Schlumberger did—carefully observing their stances, their feathers, the structures of their wings—to create dynamic forms that seem to flutter and perch upon the wearer.” She adds, “For the fine jewelry side, we looked at this bird from another perspective, distilling it down to its essence—the wing—and stylizing the motif into elegant, abstract patterns.” This new line includes two high jewelry suites: one focused on tanzanite, the other on turquoise, each reinterpreting the classic motif through bold materials and sculptural wings.

What stands out is the restraint in extending the line. Tiffany did not multiply motifs indiscriminately. Instead, the new pieces push in deliberate directions: color, motion, and modular design. The collection remains cohesive and avoids dilution. It respects the brooch’s iconic status without being limited by it.

For instance, the Bird on a Rock Pendant in platinum and gold with turquoise acts as an anchor piece: clean and strong, with a pop of color. The Bird on a Rock Tanzanite Necklace heightens drama through the deep blue hue of tanzanite. The Wrap Ring with turquoise and diamonds shows flexibility, allowing the motif to flow around the finger in a less literal way. The Drop Earrings in tanzanite and diamond expand the Bird on a Rock language into vertical space.

The Bird on a Rock Brooch returns in its classic form but with fresh executions, such as colored gemstones or updated diamond settings. The collection also includes modular or transformable pieces, like necklaces with detachable parts, offering flexibility that suits modern preferences.

Strategically, the release broadens the Bird on a Rock audience. It extends beyond brooch collectors to those who lean more towards pendants, rings, earrings, or bracelets. The motif now functions as a language across categories rather than a single design. Longtime followers will see continuity, and new clients will find accessible entry points.

The new Bird on a Rock collection pays tribute to Schlumberger’s legacy while expanding his ideas into formats that feel relevant and wearable. It shows how Tiffany can adapt an archival signature to meet contemporary expectations without losing its essence.