Mastery of Design: The Tiffany Yellow

Tiffany & Co.
The Bird on a Rock Brooch

One of the most famous yellow diamonds in the world is known as “The Tiffany Yellow.” This stone was found circa 1877 or 1878, most likely in the DeBeer’s or Kimberly Mines. The diamond was a popular attraction in New York City—being among the first large yellow diamonds to be cut there. Cut by George F. Kunz in 1878, the resulting faceted gemstone weighed 128.54 carats.


Throughout the years, The Tiffany Yellow has been exhibited many times and has seen its fair share of grand events. It’s also been placed in a variety of different settings. Perhaps the most interesting of its former setting is that of “The Bird on a Rock” Brooch designed by famous jeweler Jean Schlumberger. Schlumberger made the stone the centerpiece of the design, whimsically perching a plumed bird of clear and yellow diamonds at a precarious angle atop it. This clever design remains one of the most interesting settings in gem history. It showcases an important stone, but reminds us not to take it too seriously.