Tiffany & Co. Created Custom “Crown Of Thorns” With Artist Kendrick Lamar

Tiffany & Co. announced its collaboration with visionary artist Kendrick Lamar who, together with his longtime creative collaborator and pgLang co-founder Dave Free, commissioned the jeweler to create a custom-made titanium and pavé diamond crown. Steeped in meaning and symbolism, the thorny crown was brought to life at the hands of Tiffany’s most accomplished artisans at its New York City workshop over the span of 10 months. This design represents the House’s latest innovative partnership, connecting the art world with the skills of its designers and artisans. Lamar wore the crown during his headlining performance at Glastonbury on June 26, 2022.

“Kendrick Lamar represents the artistry, risk-taking creativity and relentless innovation that has also defined Tiffany & Co. for nearly two centuries,” says Alexandre Arnault, Executive Vice President, Product and Communication, Tiffany & Co.“We are proud and incredibly excited to work with a visionary like Kendrick in realizing his vision for the crown.”

Lamar and Free first approached the design team at Tiffany & Co. in 2021 with their idea for a headpiece inspired by the “Crown of Thorns.” Arguably one of the most widely recognized symbols of religious iconography, the “Crown of Thorns” is a metaphor for artistic prowess, humility and perseverance. For Lamar, this one-of-a-kind design by Tiffany & Co. is a nod of respect to the prolific artists who came before him, as well as a powerful statement of Lamar’s influence and contributions to music and culture.

Lamar and Free had a clear vision and intention for the crown’s design. In addition to referencing the “Crown of Thorns,” the artists were also inspired by Jean Schlumberger’s iconic Thorns brooch that the legendary designer created in 1947, prior to joining Tiffany & Co. in 1956. The Thorns brooch, which features thorny projections handcrafted from 18k yellow gold that encircle a 47-carat sapphire, is currently on display at the House’s Vision & Virtuosity exhibition in London, now through August 19.

Lamar and Free were drawn to a cobblestone micro-pavé setting featuring diamonds of various sizes, each set tightly together to maximize brilliance, giving a naturalistic quality to the piece. Each diamond was set by hand and the prongs were also handcrafted. Typically, the prongs are cast in place, however, with this piece, artisans secured each diamond in place then cut the metal and folded it over the top to create the prongs—a process that is typically reserved for high jewelry. Tiffany & Co. has proudly handcrafted specialty headpieces since the late19^th century.

• Craftsmanship hours: 10 months and over 1,300 hours from start to finish. Four of Tiffany’s artisans worked to bring the design to life.

• Weight and materials: The crown weighs approximately 200 grams. The high-polished titanium design was cast from 14 individual components that were assembled into one final piece.

• Workshop location: Northern Italy

• Number of diamonds: Over 8,000 diamonds of over 137 total carats.

• Number of thorns: 50 total thorns combing straight, thick, thin and rose-inspired thorns.

About Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co., founded in New York City in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany, is a global luxury jeweler synonymous with elegance, innovative design, fine craftsmanship and creative excellence. With more than 300 retail stores worldwide and a workforce of more than 13,000 employees, Tiffany & Co. and its subsidiaries design, manufacture and market jewelry, watches and luxury accessories. Nearly 5,000 skilled artisans cut Tiffany diamonds and craft jewelry in the Company’s own workshops, realizing the brand’s commitment to superlative quality.

Tiffany & Co. has a long-standing commitment to conducting its business responsibly, sustaining the natural environment, prioritizing diversity and inclusion, and positively impacting the communities in which it operates. To learn more about Tiffany & Co. and its commitment to sustainability, please visit tiffany.com.