Jewellery / Society

The final instalment of Tiffany & Co.'s Botanica collection is a rare, archival bouquet

By Clare McInerney

Earrings in platinum with an unenhanced sapphire of over 3 carats, hand-carved blue chalcedony, sapphires and diamonds. Photo: Tiffany & Co

Have a first glimpse at the latest expression of Tiffany & Co.'s 'Botanica: Blue Book 2022'

The archives of Tiffany & Co. could be likened to a manicured yet overflowing garden, in which case, the house's latest final instalment of its 'Botanica: Blue Book 2022' collection is a stunning, handpicked bouquet.

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The newly unveiled collection brings new energy and life to important floral themes for the House, drawing from flora such as wisterias, magnolias and orchids, in addition to Jean Schlumberger's masterpieces.

A sketch of Tiffany & Co.'s necklace in platinum with hand-carved blue chalcedony, sapphires and diamond.

The 'Wisteria' theme of the high jewellery collection is directly influenced by the forms and colours of Louis Comfort Tiffany's iconic table lamps popularised during the Art Nouveau period. Throughout 'Botanica: Blue Book 2022', Tiffany artisans re-envisioned the wisteria's petals with hand-carved chalcedony, while pear-shaped fancy sapphires and diamonds are nestled among them. "The hand-carved petals have these beautiful, translucent hues with an intentional gradient of colour," says Victoria Wirth Reynolds, Vice President – Chief Gemologist, Tiffany & Co.

"The designs from the Wisteria theme are incredibly lifelike," Wirth Reynolds goes on. "Depending on the bloom, and how long they’ve been in bloom, wisteria’s petals change colours. These pieces very much echo this phenomenon and celebrate wisteria’s beauty with the gradation of hues of chalcedony against gemstones like tanzanites, pink and purple sapphire or blue spinels.

Offering a more contemporary update to the floral motif is the 'Magnolia' theme, which also calls on chalcedony, as well as Tiffany & Co.'s "legacy gemstones" such as tsavorite and morganite, which the House proudly introduced into the world. Over the course of Tiffany's 185-year history, the magnolia has been showcased extensively: from jewellery, to leaded-glass windows, to the prized Magnolia vase which is. now housed at The Met. On the 'Magnolia' theme, Wirth Reynolds says "Magnolia combines impressive gemstones, such as a 16-carat light savorite or a morganite of over 43 carats, withs culptural, hand-carved chalcedony petals. This creates a sense of contrast that highlights these significant gemstones in a beautiful way."

Ring in platinum with diamonds.

Pendant in platinum with an unenhanced sapphire of over 38 carats and diamonds.

Completing the trio, the 'Orchid Curve' theme reinterprets an important floral motif at Tiffany & Co. – the classic orchid – through a modernised lens. Focusing on the orchid’s unique, organic symmetry and sensual nature, the 'Orchid Curve' motif of 'Botanic' features an array of diamond-intensive designs defined by elegant undulating forms and extraordinary gemstone drops.

Jean Schlumberger’s most impressive designs from The Tiffany Archives are reimagined with unique coloured gemstone combinations. Legendary designs such as the 'Bird on a Rock' brooch, as well as the 'Vigne and Trellis' suites, are set with a vibrant display of gemstones that give a new personality to Schlumberger’s masterful creations.

And rarely seen before, the Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 'Phoenix' brooch is full of fiery energy and showcases a spectrum of hues.

Necklace in platinum with hand-carved blue chalcedony, sapphires and diamond.