London by De Beers : when a city inspires beauty

If, like me, you are a fan of London – and, of course, jewelry – you will be happy to read what follows: De Beers, the ultimate diamond expert, dedicates its latest line to the British capital. Just like Paris inspired Cartier’s « Paris Nouvelle Vague » line ; London, a city of grand architectural beauty, has also seduced a jeweler.

A trend that I see as a logical one, since there are many parralels to be drawn and similarities to be found between jewelry design and architecture, both demanding extreme precision and savoir-faire in the finest details.

Each line of the « London by De Beers » collection was born out of a complex reflection on the monuments if refers to.

The collection takes us on a journey through the city, like a daydream stroll along the banks of the Thames and its most iconic buildings : the London Eye, Elizabeth Tower,
the Battersea Power Station, and Albert Bridge.

For London View, the modernistic shape of the passenger capsules of the London Eye has been represented through the use of marquise cuts, whilst the ‘Toi et Moi’ style of
the set pays tribute to rhythmic, cyclical movement of the Eye itself.

Home to Big Ben, Elizabeth Tower gives its name to a spectacular pendant inspired by the exceptionally artistic faces of the monument, its clockwork precision echoed in the selection of perfectly matched and calibrated round brilliant, baguette and pear cut diamonds. Suspended on a exible and ornate chain, the central motif is detachable and can be worn as a brooch.

Battersea Light echoes the Art Deco theatre of Battersea Power Station through a selection of angular cuts. The necklace makes use of a highly demanding setting style and can be worn in multiple ways. This truly wondrous design is further complimented by a magnificent detachable 10.92 carat D colour Emerald cut diamond drop.

Battersea Light – Metal: White Gold – Centre Diamond: Emerald E – VS2 2.01cts & 2.01cts

An array of diamond cuts including ovals, marquise, emerald and round brilliants are individually selected and have been artfully set to resemble the majestic aerial lines of
the Albert bridge. This linear necklace is crowned by an outstanding detachable
10.38 carat E colour oval cut diamond.

Albert Bridge – Metal: White Gold – Centre Diamond: Oval E SI1 – 10.38cts

Albert Bridge  – Metal: White Gold – Centre Diamond: Oval D VS2 – 4.07cts