Who was Jean Schlumberger?

Published on: June 23rd, 2021

Today we remember one of the most iconic jewelry designers of the 20th century, Jean Schlumberger. Jean Michel Schlumberger was a French jewelry designer and world-renowned for his work at Tiffany & Co. But, who was Jean Schlumberger?

Who was Jean Schlumberger?

Jean Schlumberger was born on the 24th June 1907 in Mulhouse France. Schlumberger was born into a prominent family of textile manufacturers. Schlumberger relocated from France to the ‘The Big Apple’ (New York City) in the United States to pursue a career in jewelry design. In 1956, Schlumberger was hired by Tiffany & Co. This was the start of something great! Jean Schlumberger created some of the most incredible jewelry designs of his career at Tiffany & Co.

Jean Schlumberger’s amazing designs are full of humor and wonder. He translated nature’s wonders into things of hypnotic beauty, and bold, sculptural shapes into beautiful bejeweled statements—unrivaled in the world of jewelry design—using amazing gemstones as his palette.

“I want to capture the irregularity of the universe.” – Jean Schlumberger

Jean Schlumberger, a master draftsman, began each design with a sketch to explore the purity and grace of the natural forms that drew his attention. He also traveled to Bali, India, and Thailand frequently to feed his imagination, which affected his work’s lively and dynamic style.

Jean Schlumberger has garnered countless honors and accolades in the world of art and fashion as a passionate inventor. In 1958, he became the first jewelry designer to be awarded the prestigious Coty American Fashion Critics’ Award, and in 1995, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, which holds Schlumberger’s original designs, honored him with a retrospective titled “Un Diamant dans la Ville.” This was only the third time the museum has paid a posthumous honor to a jewelry designer.

Jean Schlumberger returned to Paris in his final years, the city that had reawakened his artistic soul. He died on the 29th of August in 1987, at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of fine jewelry. Jean Michel Schlumberger’s will continue to inspire future generations of jewelry designers.

Jean Schlumberger’s Work


Sixteen Stone Ring in 18k gold and platinum with round brilliant diamonds (1.14 tcw). (Image Source: Tiffany & Co.)	Buds Round Brilliant Engagement Ring with a Diamond Platinum Band. (Image Source: Tiffany & Co.)

Ibex Brooch in 18k yellow gold and platinum with diamonds (.87 tcw) and a pink sapphire (.08 ct). (Image Source: Tiffany & Co.)	Butterfly Clip Brooch. Round and oval sapphires (7.03 tcw); round brilliant diamonds (3.78 tcw); round and pear-shaped emeralds (1.89 tcw); pear-shaped diamond (.42 tcw); round turquoise cabochons (.08 ct). (Image Source: Tiffany & Co.)

36 Stone Bracelet in 18k gold and platinum with round brilliant diamonds (2.95 tcw). (Image Source: Tiffany & Co.)	Narrow Bracelet in 18k gold with red enamel and round brilliant diamonds (3.00 tcw). (Image Source: Tiffany & Co.)