Hello readers,

It’s lovely to be back! I hope you’re all doing really well. It’s a bit sad really that I haven’t posted here in a while. Yet, what better way to come back by sharing my thoughts and photos of glittering jewels? I certainly haven’t neglected writing, that’s for sure. It’s the fuel that keeps me burning! I guess I’ve just been focusing on writing for different projects and jobs. Although, there’s nothing quite like this digital journal where I can chat with you about various things I love and admire.

Please get yourself a beverage, an iced matcha? Perhaps a fragrant tea? Or a glass of refreshing cola? Whatever your choice, do get comfy, or play some relaxing music in your headphones – if you’re commuting for instance – and indulge yourself in what I can only describe as sculpted stardust. As the Saatchi Gallery, situated in Sloane Square London, is currently host to Tiffany & Co. jewellers this Summer ’22, for the likes of you and me to experience a marvellous exhibition for free.

I booked two tickets, for my friend Amy and I, via the Tiffany & Co. app. A time slot was needed, we opted for 18:00 on a Friday afternoon.

The first room we entered showcased an array of Tiffany and Co.’s exquisite window displays over the years. This is what various passersby would have marvelled at since the company’s founding nearly two centuries ago!

Above from left to right, there is a magnet attracting shiny bits of metal, the main piece being a glistening butterfly brooch at the centre of the display. Then there was an art deco bracelet at the entrance of a miniature Tiffany store, gold and chunky with a dazzling carved bow, looking out at a carpet of crystals, which mimics a coating of snow. Following that, there was a 1920s themed display, of a champagne tower, with a vibrant blue sapphire necklace (weighing in at 40 carats) arranged delicately on the top of the champagne glasses. I really liked the display that came after, a dainty dinner table with gleaming brooches on the dinner plates. This was titled ‘Winter Picnic’ and transported us to an ice palace world.

Next in the conveyer belt style window display parade, that caught my attention, was the aquatic butterfly necklace – in a stunning circular shape – which would look exquisite with an off-the-shoulder black dress. I also thought the diamond necklace draped over the white stag’s bottom was cute and further brought back the theme of snow and ice that I was loving. The communal nature of this exhibition meant that when I turned to my friend and said, “do you think it’s a reindeer or stag?” A fellow onlooker said “stag I think, he hasn’t got a red nose!” It was fun to exchange and share opinions with others, it’s a very social exhibition.

Keep in mind that there were other window displays, but I thought I would mention the ones that particularly stood out to me.

Then in the following room we learnt more about the history of the company through little touches – i.e. the exact shade of Pantone colour the company opted for – number 1837 if anyone is interested!

Then the exhibition continued upstairs, in a brighter room, showcasing in each corner some special Tiffany lamps – check out one of the lamps in our mirror selfie below! As you can also see, there were some impressive necklaces and brooches that caught my attention!

The necklace on the top row, in the centre, reminded me of jelly sweets – each piece looks filled with juice. The piece in the top right hand corner seems regal, I imagined a queen or princess adorning it around her collarbone. The glimmering pink piece on the bottom row, in the centre, was one of my favourites. I thought the pearls complemented the rosy pink heart and I could see myself wearing it. Maybe I could get my hands on the cheaper, costume jewellery version?!

A member of the public said that the blush heart was very Y2K style – and I see that – I really do.

If you do go to the exhibition, don’t forget to feel inspired and take note of what’s on the walls!

In the same room, you can see even more remarkable finds. I ‘oo-ed and ahh-ed’ at the feathery necklace on the top left, it reminded me of Cleopatra’s style. My friend Amy marvelled at the watch, in the top centre, as the chunky yet delicate design is something that we don’t see nowadays. Let’s not forget about the diamond encrusted necklace on the top right, which is solid and secure – yet made to look like a flowing ribbon. It is incredibly elegant and the kind of piece I would expect to see a model wearing in a perfume advert.

Then we left the jewellery pieces and moved into a watery, ethereal, calming space where you could write love notes on an interactive and digital wall – where your romantic messages would then float off into ripples and bubbles. Usually I feel a bit cringed out by overtly romantic gestures, but it’s Tiffany & Co., they know how to keep it classy. With the soothing music, flower drapes and circular cabinets displaying modern style engagement rings – even a more cold-hearted person would feel slightly touched in there, I think.

Amy and I didn’t stop at the bar booth in this area, but, if you’re in the mood – you can purchase yourself a glass of bubbles and find one of the padded seats to soak up the dreamscape.

Moving on, the next stage of the exhibition was all about the well-renowned film – Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I was blown away by this room, with the items so poignant to the film, on full show. There was Audrey Hepburn’s black, silky and full length dress that she wore at the start of the film – as she peers into the window of Tiffany & Co., munching on a croissant. As a writer myself, I was particularly mesmerised by Truman Capote’s typewriter and the real-life copy of the book he made annotations to all those years ago. Also, you can see an ashtray and a martini, which was what Mr Capote sipped whilst tapping away, creating a literary masterpiece.

It didn’t even end there! Yet again, another room followed, showcasing further jewellery pieces, including an art deco necklace that reminded me of a waterfall, below far left. Don’t forget to look for the flapper girl headband – titled Savoy Headpiece – which was worn in The Great Gatsby Movie. Sadly there was too much glare in my photo of the headband, so I’ll let you treasure hunt for that, if you go to the exhibition. If not, I’m sure you can paint a picture in your mind.

Ending the exhibition on a blissful note, we entered the final room, where the yellow diamond necklace awaited. A solid chunk of blinking sunshine. It’s considered so precious and rare, the yellow diamond is priceless. That explained the cameras and security guards! It was once valued at 30 million dollars but even that was considered too little. Audrey Hepburn wore the necklace in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and other celebrities in later years have worn it with pride. Such as Lady GaGa, what a gem herself, who wore the remodelled/reset necklace on a skinnier diamond chain compared to the chunkier piece Audrey had. Beyonce is another goddess who dazzled whilst wearing the Tiffany diamond, in a photoshoot.

I simply had to treat myself in the gift shop. I have no control! I purchased a print of Audrey Hepburn, in classic black and white, which now hangs above my makeup table. Audrey had a respectful and righteous take on beauty; ‘for beautiful eyes look for the good in others and for beautiful lips speak only words of kindness.’

If you do choose to go to the Saatchi Gallery, for the Tiffany Exhibition or another event, I also recommend the Phoenix pub – a ten minute walk away – with a cosy atmosphere and crisp, chilled wine.

Walking back to the tube station, with my Tiffany bag swinging in hand, I snapped the brilliant orange sunset.

And a quote that I saw earlier, came to mind:

This street which I was admiring the sunset on, turned out to be where Pamela Lyndon Travers, author of Mary Poppins, once lived. I looked up, saw the flat rooftops, and smiled.

I’ll always try to remember that there is artistic inspiration in every nook and cranny of the world.

Find out more about the exhibition here: https://www.saatchigallery.com/