In 1959, Jean Schlumberger sketched an idea for a new ring inspired by his family’s involvement in the textile trade. The render was a row of diamonds that appeared to be held in place by nothing more than 18k yellow gold stitches. Designed to be both structural and decorative, the gold Xs that crossed the band at each setting told the story of the bond of love in a way no other jewellery had done before.
More than six decades later, Tiffany & Co. has reimagined the original, combining it with the iconic solitaire diamond. Tiffany’s solitaire has been the most popular engagement setting in the world for well over a century, so bringing the two together is a celebration of the House’s history.
The new Sixteen Stone by Tiffany solitaire keeps that gold stitching and the smaller diamonds along the band, then places a round brilliant diamond in platinum at the centre. It changes the proportions considerably. Where the original gives every stone equal billing, this version has a clear focal point, with Schlumberger’s distinctive detail still visible on either side.
Friend of the House Mikey Madison wears the ring in Tiffany’s Love & Celebration campaign, where she performs a gentle scene, plucking petals to “he loves me, he loves me not” before abandoning the game and choosing the ring for her own hand.
Having won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Anora, Madison is attracting attention well beyond her on-screen work. Her appearance in the campaign comes as both her fashion choices and her upcoming roles are being closely watched.
Madison is next set to star as Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen in Aaron Sorkin’s The Social Reckoning, his follow-up to The Social Network. Due in cinemas this October, the film follows the investigation behind The Facebook Files.
Schlumberger designed the original as a wedding band; the solitaire looks equally persuasive without a proposal.
