JNA Nov/ Dec 2021

PERSPECTIVE 22 | JNA Nov/Dec 2021 mirrored by matching pairs of fancy vivid yellow, fancy vivid orangey yellow, and fancy deep brownish yellowish orange diamonds. JNA: Could you update us on your provenance programme and fresh traceability initiatives moving forward? Reynolds: In 2019, we became the first global luxury jeweller to share the origin of our newly sourced, individually registered diamonds. In October 2020, we were the first to share our diamonds’ full craftsmanship journey, including the cutting, polishing and setting location. We are proud to cut and polish most of our diamonds in our workshops, helping us maintain a safe, healthy and welcoming environment and contribute to local economies. The journey of a Tiffany diamond is more than a map of where a diamond has been; it represents our operations’ positive impact on local communities, human rights and the environment. To further our sustainability commitment, we launched an ambitious set of 2025 Sustainability Goals in September last year: A roadmap outlining our sustainability priorities for the coming years. By the end of 2021, we have committed to achieve 100 per cent traceability of all gold, silver and platinum that we use for our jewellery to mine or recycle. JNA: Tiffany is a brand with a rich heritage, which also emphasises innovation. How do you reconcile these two aspects when selecting gemstones and making jewellery? Reynolds: Innovation has been at the forefront of Tiffany high jewellery designs for over 180 years. We are constantly ideating to keep our jewellery modern and relevant with designs that are wearable from day to evening while honouring our rich history. With our superior craftsmanship, we seek out new gem-cutting techniques and innovate ways to set stones to create the most endearing high jewellery. In Spring this year, we worked on several important pieces for the Colors of Nature High Jewelry Collection, including two exceptional transformable brooches that can be worn as pendants – something I love to do with my own jewellery. It allows the owner to style the pieces, making them unique to the wearer. One butterfly- inspired brooch uses a technique that makes the metal disappear around the gems, so that they are seemingly floating. Secondly, all stones are slightly transparent, so depending on where the wings are, they almost have a mesmerising stained-glass effect. The bird brooch, whose body is hand-carved in white agate, has wings made from custom-cut diamonds that transform into feathers that tuck under its body. I love this piece because the agate is such a warm, soft stone, and the juxtaposition of the irregularity and brilliance of the diamonds next to it brings out the beauty of both. JNA: What do you consider as a major gemstone milestone in your career so far? Reynolds: It was procuring and bringing to life an incredible over 30-carat diamond. The connection with the client who purchased it was immediate and electric – they put it on and never took it off. It will always be a special moment to me. A diamond that rare found the right person, who now radiates its inner beauty. This makes me happy. JNA: How important is Tiffany’s fancy colour diamond legacy? Reynolds: It began with the legendary Tiffany yellow diamond. Then Tiffany’s chief gemmologist, Dr. George Frederick Kunz, supervised the transformation of the original 287.42-carat rough stone into a cushion-shaped brilliant weighing 128.54 carats with an unprecedented 82 facets – 24 more facets than the traditional 58-facet brilliant cut. Prioritising beauty over carat weight, the Tiffany diamond is the purest example of visionary design and unparalleled craftsmanship. Unveiled in 1878 and later mounted in Jean Schlumberger’s Ribbon Rosette diamond necklace and worn by Audrey Hepburn to promote Breakfast at Tiffany’s in 1961, the famous yellow diamond is the cornerstone of Tiffany’s longstanding diamond authority. Our love affair with yellow diamonds continues and is anchored in iconic designs from the Extraordinary Tiffany High Jewelry Collection 2020, which features yellow diamonds and ‘Rare Fancy Color Diamonds’ or RFCDs that possess all characteristics that make white diamonds beautiful: Fire, brilliance, sparkle and incredible surface luster, with the extraordinary bonus of vibrant colour. JNA: Is there a gemstone classification that you coined as chief gemmologist? Reynolds: There are several pieces in the Extraordinary Tiffany Collection that highlight ‘autumnal diamonds.’ This term is unique to Tiffany and pays homage to the colours of Fall. The warm bright colours of fall leaves are All jewellery pieces by Tiffany & Co 所有珠寶首飾均為蒂芙尼出品