Tiffany & Co. Blue Book Collection: Unveiling the “Art of Transformation” Rubellite Starburst Brooch
A Masterpiece of Gemstone Artistry
Immerse yourself in the captivating allure of Tiffany & Co.’s 2016 Blue Book High Jewelry collection, “The Art of Transformation.” This exceptional piece, a striking rubellite brooch, draws inspiration from the elegant design sketches of the 1930s found within Tiffany’s esteemed antique archives.
The brooch is masterfully crafted into a three-dimensional, seven-pointed star shape. It showcases the vibrant beauty of round rubellites, reminiscent of plump raspberries, complemented by the crisp brilliance of baguette-cut diamonds.
The Allure of Rubellite
Tiffany & Co. meticulously selected nearly 40 rubellite gemstones for this brooch, all possessing remarkably similar and vibrant hues. Each stone has been polished by hand into perfect round beads, creating a visual feast of bright red that evokes the succulence of fresh berries.
Rubellite stands out as one of the most prized varieties of tourmaline. Its exceptional quality is further evidenced by its ability to display a full, rich color that remains consistent under both daylight and artificial light. Unlike lesser pink tourmalines, which can sometimes exhibit a faint brown tint when illuminated, rubellite offers a pure and unwavering chromatic display.
Architectural Brilliance and Gemstone Harmony
The design prioritizes a profound sense of depth and dimensionality. The rubellite beads are artfully clustered at the brooch’s center, forming a beautifully rounded hemispherical shape. This arrangement not only enhances the stones’ three-dimensional appeal but also concentrates their natural color for maximum impact.
Beneath this vibrant core lies the brooch’s foundational structure: a seven-pointed star. This intricate base extends into seven slender, elongated horns. Each side of these star horns is adorned with a precisely placed row of baguette-cut diamonds, providing a sharp, geometric kontrast to the soft, rounded outline of the rubellite gemstones.
The subtle elevation of the seven star horns, projecting outwards from the central rubellite focal point, imbues the entire piece with a remarkable sculptural quality. This thoughtful construction ensures the brooch commands attention, appearing as a dynamic, artistic statement.
Key Features
- Collection: Tiffany & Co. Blue Book, “The Art of Transformation
- Inspiration: 1930s Tiffany & Co. jewelry design sketches
- Primary Gemstone: Rubellite beads (approx. 38.97 carats total weight)
- Accent Gemstones: Baguette-cut diamonds (approx. 12.76 carats total weight)
- Metal: Platinum
- Design: Three-dimensional, seven-pointed star shape
- Gemstone Cut: Round beads for rubellite, baguette for diamonds
- Color: Intense, consistent red from rubellite
- Finish: Hand-polished gemstones
