Welcoming Londoners for the last 150 years, and crafting some of the world’s most illustrious jewels for the last 185 years, Tiffany celebrates these 2 momentous milestones through its immersive “Vision & Virtuosity” exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery.
Opening its doors on Friday 10 June, and closing on Friday 19 August, the exhibition is here for 2 months – so make sure to secure your tickets to experience this magical showcase.
Debuting in Shanghai in 2019, the exhibition has been elevated through new additions in London. If you have a US trip on the cards, and missed out on booking London, then make sure to visit the exhibition’s next stop: New York. Looks like that’s another *perfect* excuse for me to visit New York! One of my best friends, Julia, invited me to the exhibition but I unfortunately was ill the weekend we had booked, so couldn’t attend 🙁
“The exhibition is not just a display of artifacts from our past, but a representation of who we are today and our vision for the future,” Executive Vice President Alexandre Arnault states. Indeed, the exhibition highlights the House’s collaborations with artists, designers and filmmakers – showing that their jewels can be welded into various contexts.
PANTONE 1837
The iconic Tiffany Blue runs throughout the exhibition. Trademarked in 1998, Pantone 1837’s history remains a mystery, with several potential histories behind the name:
- Turquoise jewellery was a popular wedding gift
- Empress Eugenie’s favourite colour
THE EXHIBITION
The distinguished exhibition features >400 unique items, spread across 2 floors and 7 key chapters in the Saatchi Gallery. The exhibition also shines a spotlight on Tiffany’s recent, famous, Empire Diamond purchase – with >80 carats! The magical tour features designer pieces that the brand has acquired from fashion houses such as Elsa Perretti and Paloma Picasso.
Chapter 1 starts with Charles Lewis’ Tiffany. Founded in 1837 as a “stationery and fancy goods emporium”, the House then specialised in jewellery from 1853. The exhibition walks through Jean Schlumberger’s 1950s Tiffany and David Clafin’s 1960s Tiffany.
David Clafin’s designs incorporate a fruity twist – sport the 1960s bracelet with strawberries, coral and diamonds.
Then, immerse yourself in Elsa Peretti’s 1970s Tiffany. Peretti’s designs are minimal yet modern – think a chunky diamond on a silk string.
Chapter 4 is dedicated to love and commitment. The Tiffany Setting engagement ring debuted in 1886, and can be found in this beautiful room. The cutest aspect about this room? Visitors can compose love notes, and then watch as their letters float around the space.
The fifth room is home to the 1961 hit: Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Make sure to also spot the Breakfast at Tiffany’s script and Audrey Hepburn’s iconic black Givenchy dress.
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and so room 6 will see a flurry of smiles.
The crown jewel of the exhibition is saved until last: the 128.54-carat yellow gold Tiffany Diamond! Worn by Audrey Hepburn, Beyoncé in 2021, Lady Gaga to the Oscars, and taking a role in the new Death on the Nile film, this diamond is a beautiful, illustrious, glistening gem. Purchased by Charles Tiffany in 1877 for $18K, this 128.54 carat yellow gold diamond is strung alongside 100 carat white diamonds.
Did you manage to secure tickets to this amazing exhibition? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below! Lots of love, Jo xoxo
Images courtesy of Tiffany&Co
