Tiffany & Co. announced its acquisition of an extraordinary over 7,500-carat kunzite, marking a significant milestone in Tiffany & Co.’s rich heritage of exceptional gemstones—one that began in 1877 with Charles Lewis Tiffany’s acquisition of the iconic Tiffany Diamond.
The rough kunzite will be transformed into 10 custom-cut gemstones by Tiffany & Co.’s master cutters, each to be showcased in an exclusive capsule collection of ‘Bird on a Rock’ brooches. These one-of-a-kind custom-cut creations will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Jean Schlumberger’s iconic bird motif that Tiffany & Co. introduced in 1965.
“This kunzite of over 7,500 carats marks a significant moment in Tiffany’s legacy of exceptional gemstones. Named in honour of Tiffany’s first Chief Gemmologist in 1902, this crystal’s exceptional size, clarity and colour are rare testaments to Mother Nature’s artistry,” said Victoria Wirth Reynolds, Chief Gemmologist and Vice President of High Jewelry Diamond and Gemstone Acquisition at Tiffany & Co. “We are honoured to share this incredible gemstone with the world; by cutting 10 unique stones from the rough, it will be the perfect celebration to honour the 60th anniversary of the iconic Bird on a Rock.”
Discovered in Mozambique over 25 years ago, the 7,500-carat rough kunzite stands out for its exceptional size, clarity, and vivid natural colour—making it an extraordinary rarity. It is completely unenhanced hue is a true testament to nature’s unmatched artistry. This stunning stone represents Tiffany & Co.’s enduring tradition of gemmological exploration and excellence.
Kunzite, with its rich purple to deep lilac hues, has played an integral role in Tiffany’s legacy of exceptional gemstones. The gemstone was named in honour of Dr. George Frederick Kunz, Tiffany & Co.’s legendary first Chief Gemologist. A self-taught mineralogist and a leading authority on coloured gemstones, Dr. Kunz helped establish Tiffany & Co. as the preeminent source for the rarest and most extraordinary jewels. Alongside morganite, tanzanite and tsavorite, it is one of the House’s “legacy gemstones” that the jeweller introduced to the world throughout the 20th century. Today, Tiffany & Co. continues to hold a prominent place in the world of gemmology, with a distinctive legacy in the industry.
Designed by Jean Schlumberger in 1965, Bird on a Rock is one of the House’s most iconic jewellery pieces. Inspired by a cockatoo, the brooch reflects Schlumberger’s fascination with nature and movement. It has showcased exceptional coloured gemstones, most notably the Tiffany Diamond in 1995.