Tiffany & Co. has announced the acquisition of an extraordinary 7,500-carat kunzite gemstone, which will be the centerpiece of a special capsule collection commemorating the 60th anniversary of its iconic Bird on a Rock brooch design. Created in 1965 by the iconic designer Jean Schlumberger, who began his legendary collaboration with Tiffany & Co. in 1956 and worked with the brand until his retirement in the late 1970s, the whimsical bird design was inspired by a yellow cockatoo he encountered during his travels to places like Asia and the Caribbean.
This remarkable 7,500-carat rough kunzite, which was found in Mozambique more than 25 years ago, was purchased earlier this year from a gemstone dealer in Bangkok. It is notable for its remarkable size, about the size of a paperback book, as well as its remarkable clarity and vivid purplish-pink colouring.
“This kunzite of over 7,500 carats marks a significant moment in Tiffany’s legacy of exceptional gemstones,” says Victoria Wirth Reynolds, Chief Gemologist and Vice President of High Jewelry Diamond and Gemstone Acquisition at Tiffany & Co. “We are honored to share this incredible gemstone with the world; by cutting 10 unique stones from the rough, it will be the perfect celebration to honor the 60th anniversary of the iconic Bird on a Rock.”
According to The New York Times, Reynolds purchased the remarkable gemstone on instinct during a trip to Bangkok, after a swift, 10-second exchange with Tiffany & Co.’s president. (A 10-second decision, a gem the size of a grapefruit — just another day at Tiffany’s.)
The kunzite will be cut into 10 Bird on a Rock brooches with 45-carat gems and a separate piece used for a tabletop ornament, with clients choosing from five gem shapes.
Renowned for its monumental scale, pristine clarity, and captivating lilac to violet-rose tones, this kunzite is truly a rare and exquisite marvel of nature. The gemstone is named after Dr. George Frederick Kunz, Tiffany’s first Chief Gemologist, who first scientifically described and cataloged the crystal in 1902. This historical link deepens the significance of the acquisition, directly connecting it to Tiffany’s profound gemological heritage.
Prices for the new Bird on a Rock brooches will start around $300,000—and with Bird on a Rock brooches currently trending on red carpets, it’s likely one of these rare creations will soon grace a celebrity lapel.
This landmark acquisition not only enriches Tiffany’s legacy with a remarkable gemstone but also sets the stage for a stunning anniversary collection honoring the timeless artistry of Jean Schlumberger. We look forward to the reveal of these dazzling new ‘Bird on a Rock’ creations, each showcasing a unique cut from this extraordinary 7,500-carat kunzite.
