Is the colour of the sky blue, or does it depend on how it reflects? Light, a transformative force, is perceived from the way it’s reflected, refracted and absorbed. The sparkle of the diamond is through this passage of light that makes it even more magnificent. Inspired by this natural, elemental magic, De Beers Jewellers crafted The Alchemist of Light, its latest High Jewellery collection.
Designed in London and crafted at the company’s Paris workshop, this collection comprises 45 out-of-the-ordinary pieces divided into seven chapters. The first two chapters Atomique and Light Rays, were presented at the Couture Week in Paris; the next chapter is slated for the July Paris Couture Week. “Our new The Alchemist of Light High Jewellery collection represents the pinnacle of diamond expertise and artistry,” says Céline Assimon, CEO of De Beers Jewellers.
Atomique, the first chapter has seven astonishing pieces that interpret the molecular structure of the diamond. Entirely monochromatic with exceptional white diamonds, set in 18k white gold, reflects the pristine clarity of a diamond’s prismatic makeup. The Atomique Collar Necklace features an intriguing molecular interconnection of brilliant round diamonds, showcasing an exceptional 18.57 carat, internally flawless diamond at its center. Its sculptural shape has a bombé profile, giving it a contemporary feel, with 1,907 diamonds.
The set also includes a ring showcasing a breathtaking 11.03 carat round brilliant, exceptional diamond from our Natural Works of Art collection and a double open ring. Two contrasting motifs appear to float like satellites. A diamond’s crystalline patterning inspires hoop earrings, each composed of two diverging yet interconnected circles. The Atomique Necklace, a portrait of contemporary versatility – its supple line of exquisitely set diamonds, suspended from a diamond pave-set choker, can be removed and attached to a stud earring.
Light Rays De Beers interprets the sunlight radiating across the sky in the second chapter with nine stunning pieces. The warm-toned diamonds are amplified by glowing coloured titanium shaped in fan motifs. This set uses anodisation - an electrochemical process that creates various warm shades of the titanium; once its colours are immersed in an alkaline solution, an electric current is passed. Given that colours develop as a natural response, the result is hypoallergenic and 100 per cent biocompatible with the skin. At the heart of the breathtaking Light Rays, Collar Necklace sits a 4.22 carat fancy brownish yellow radiant-cut diamond, amplified by metal rays in anodised titanium and black rhodium-plated gold and articulated lines of tapering white diamonds. The striking black collar can be detached for a more minimalist statement.
The Light Rays set also includes an elegant tasselled pendant, which can be detached and used as a handbag charm; a jacket ring starring a 1.08 carat fancy vivid orange-yellow square emerald-cut diamond, which is articulated to drape across the finger, the detachable Light Rays motif offering a three-way transformation; and a flamboyant ear cuff featuring a 1 carat fancy deep brownish yellow radiant-cut diamond from which bands of titanium undulate towards the shoulder.
“These daring designs push creative and technical boundaries, inspired by the exceptional diamonds that De Beers can source, cut and polish to the most exacting standards. A sublime fusion of art and science, precision and imagination, tradition and modernity. We understand and care passionately that our clients not only express their individuality through these wearable works of art but also bring another layer to the creative story. In this respect, our clients are true alchemists of light, too.” says Assimon.
