o mark the beginning of this ambitious conservation effort, Tiffany & Co. presents I Am Only a Pencil during Paris Fashion Week® 2026. The presentation offers an unprecedented opportunity to discover the designer’s creative universe through original drawings, archival materials and the extraordinary jewelry they inspired. The House partnered with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for the scientific expertise of this presentation.
A large selection of Jean Schlumberger’s original design drawings will be presented alongside exceptional Tiffany & Co. creations, including jewels once owned by his close friend, horticulturalist and philanthropist Rachel Lambert “Bunny” Mellon. Together, these works reveal the remarkable journey from sketch to masterpiece and illuminate the artistic imagination that transformed jewelry design.
When Jean Schlumberger joined Tiffany & Co. in 1956, he ushered in a new era of creativity for the House and the world of jewelry. Inspired by the natural world, he reimagined birds, blossoms, sea creatures and fantastical forms with an unmistakable sense of movement, color and wit. His artistic vision continues to shape Tiffany & Co.’s creative spirit and inspire generations of designers and collectors alike.
The presentation begins with an introduction to Schlumberger’s original drawings before exploring archival documents and photographs that illuminate his creative process and personal life. Guests then encounter iconic jewelry creations displayed alongside their corresponding drawings, revealing the dialogue between imagination and craftsmanship. The creations include the Hedges and Flowers, Jasmine and Tulips necklaces. Subsequent galleries examine the designer’s Surrealist-inspired objets d’art, the influence of couture fashion on his work, and conclude with drawings and creations dedicated to Bird on a Rock, one of the House’s most celebrated and enduring designs. Notably, the presentation showcases one of the first Bird on a Rock brooches, which was owned by Mrs. Mellon and features the iconic bird perched on lapis lazuli.
Organized by Tiffany & Co. in partnership with the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, I Am Only a Pencil celebrates not only one of the House’s most visionary designers, but also a shared commitment to preserving his creative legacy. By bringing together original drawings, archival materials and finished creations, the presentation underscores the importance of conserving these fragile works on paper and making them accessible to future generations, ensuring that Jean Schlumberger’s extraordinary imagination continues to inspire for years to come.
