Jewellery

Glittering gems: Must-see high jewellery collections from Cartier, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and more

Exceptional works of art

03.02.2023

By Benedict Unang

IMAGES COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE BRANDS
Glittering gems: Must-see high jewellery collections from Cartier, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and more

In between the stylish chaos of Haute Couture week, many jewellery Maisons took the opportunity to present their latest high jewellery offerings. Similar to the garments displayed during the bi-annual event, high jewellery is the exclusive, bedazzled accessories presented by luxury labels to the elites with deep pockets and a great appreciation for exquisite craftsmanship. Taking inspiration from various themes, these sparkling works of art demonstrate the highest level of artistry and creativity. Here are six of our top picks for high-jewellery collections not to be missed. 

 

Dior

A decade after Dear Dior, Dior Joailllerie’s artistic director Victoire de Castellane, joins forces with the French multi-faceted Maison to interpret the intricacy of lace, as seen on the latest Dearest Dior collection. Seventy-seven stunning works of art were crafted as an ode to the legacy of Christian Dior that convey ageless femininity. Taking cues from lace for its lightness and sensuality, each bijoux was designed to be worn as intimately to the skin as possible—with rubies, tourmalines and sapphires in gleaming shades. The collection also narrows the gap between tradition and innovation by transforming necklaces into modern chokers and turning a pendant with rubies into a brooch.

 

 

Gucci

Hortus Deliciarum returns for its third instalment this year with forty-two designs introduced at the House’s Place Vendôme boutique—blending Gucci’s rich Italian heritage with its consistently exceptional vision to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Distinguished by its craftsmanship and sharp attention to detail, the collection draws inspiration from travel and the emotions that follow. In opulent pieces of necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings, nature’s wonders come to life—illustrating Gucci’s take on different themes. Opals and gemstones are seen in the shapes of hearts and hexagons on the signet rings, while the brand’s iconic tiger head adorns the chunky chains. 

 

Louis Vuitton

Following the launch of the Spirit Chapter I high jewellery line in Marrakech last year, Louis Vuitton resumes its final chapter—the Spirit Chapter II high jewellery collection. Designed by Francesca Amfitheatrof, the latest collection includes thirty unique pieces that pulse with the Maison’s iconic codes, encapsulating the radiating energy of the Louis Vuitton woman. The new pieces are part of the Spirit continuum and are spread among four realms that represent the house’s values—destiny, liberty, fantasy, and radiance. Destiny is an ode to the ruby with its powerful yet feminine designs, while Liberty is an expression built around custom-cut and LV Monogram cut diamonds. Fantasy reflects the Maison’s imagination through the chevron pattern, and Radiance—true to its name—radiates audacious energy with its geometrical forms and diamond-paved V signature.

 

De Beers

Inspired by Mother Nature’s constant evolution, De Beers reveals Metamorphosis, a high jewellery collection devoted to the revolutionary power of natural diamonds. Prelude, the first chapter of the collection, explores the rhythmic cycle of time and captures the four seasons with nine distinctive designs. White, yellow, and rose gold are combined with fancy-coloured diamonds in the line of rings, bracelets, and earrings to evoke the hue of each season. Each diamond strand in the striking ear cuff is finished with a coloured-titanium chrysalis that can be taken off and worn as a charm when desired. Elsewhere, the sautoir necklace has a detachable pear-shaped clip that can be worn as a brooch.

 

Graff

The British jewellery house Graff presented its newest show-stopper—a 50-carat, D Flawless oval diamond necklace that honours Graff’s brilliance and undisputed dominance in exceptional high jewellery. Set amidst a supporting cast of diamonds totalling another 100 carats, the pendant is crafted to look like it’s floating with nothing obvious holding it in place. Each diamond is meticulously cut into various shapes, including emerald, oval, baguette and round cuts, before being polished and arranged into a harmonious layer of contrasting stones. Additionally, Graff builds on the contemporary patterns first seen in the Tribal collection, heightening the necklace’s illusion of depth and perspective.

 

Cartier

Cartier unveils its third and final chapter of the Beautés du Monde high jewellery collection that celebrates all forms of beauty in the world. Four jaw-dropping necklaces were revealed, including the Ocelle necklace that sports a peacock motif. Not to be missed are the Camail necklace, inspired by bird’s feathers, and the Splendens necklace, designed to replicate the undulating tail of a Siamese fighting fish. Further to that, Cartier pays homage to Japan with an Obi necklace, a rare ensemble composed of eight cabochon-cut emeralds.

 

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