Notes on an Obsession

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Benedict Bradford
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1 Notes on an Obsession September 2017 by Olivier Dupon

2 Notes on an Obsession Each month in this column, I will share my secret jewellery discoveries with you; a selection of up to five jewellery pieces based on their craftsmanship and inspiring creativity. Only one-of-a-kind (or limited edition) jewels, chosen from all around the world, will make the cut. It is not about value (pieces could start from a few thousands up to millions), yet these pieces could be as much a good financial investment as an emotional one. There will be no theme other than uniqueness in all aspects. It is exclusively on Deluxe Pad for you to peruse, appreciate and eventually make your own. Olivier Dupon

September 2017 Notes on an Obsession In the 33-year history of the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender the annual showcase of the rarest diamonds from Rio Tinto s Argyle mine there have been less than 20

4 September 2017 Notes on an Obsession In the 33-year history of the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender the annual showcase of the rarest diamonds from Rio Tinto s Argyle mine there have been less than 20 carats of Fancy Red certified diamonds sold. This puts into perspective why Lot 1, the 2.11-carat polished radiant-cut diamond, known as The Argyle Everglow, apart from being the dazzling centrepiece of the 2017 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, is a rarity like no other. Unprecedented in size, colour and clarity, the Argyle Everglow has been assessed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as a notable diamond with a grade of Fancy Red VS2. There are 58 diamonds in the Tender and they weigh a total of carats, including four Fancy Red diamonds, four Purplish Red diamonds, two Violet diamonds, and one Blue diamond. The 2017 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender was showcased in New York in late July; it is now to be presented in Hong Kong and Perth with bids closing on 11 October

September 2017 Notes on an Obsession If you were in Monaco in August, you might have attended the Faidee Jewellery Burmese Ruby exhibition at the Hermitage Hotel.

6 September 2017 Notes on an Obsession If you were in Monaco in August, you might have attended the Faidee Jewellery Burmese Ruby exhibition at the Hermitage Hotel. It is the first time in the history of jewellery that over 100 extraordinary pieces using natural Burmese rubies have been showcased in one place, the Faidee team says. The star of the night was undoubtedly the Imperial Necklace, possibly one of the most precious neckpieces ever created, with over fifty natural rubies including many pigeon blood, some of which were over 5-carats. Of course all the other creations on display were not outdone in their own way, and I have picked what I found to be an exquisite duo celebrating the cabochon, a cut that perfectly suits intensely coloured gems. Fiery red has never so enticing! Red Strawberry Bracelet with carats of non-heated Burma rubies and 8.56 carats of diamonds. POA. Code Red Ring in 18K white gold set with 6.80 carats of non-heated Burma rubies and 1.79 carats of diamonds. POA.

September 2017 Notes on an Obsession Rows of free flowing diamonds spill from the centre of the table on a ring, not unlike erupting bubbles and foam from a just opened

The effect is compounded by the fact that the diamonds are also delicately colour graded in tones of light yellows and whites; in addition, the fringes of diamonds have

This is after all the Prosecco Ring, a clever abstract rendition of the Italian sparkling white wine.

8 September 2017 Notes on an Obsession Rows of free flowing diamonds spill from the centre of the table on a ring, not unlike erupting bubbles and foam from a just opened champagne bottle. The effect is compounded by the fact that the diamonds are also delicately colour graded in tones of light yellows and whites; in addition, the fringes of diamonds have different lengths, some of which end with a pearshape diamond, for extra sway and flow. The band is also fully and tightly paved. This is after all the Prosecco Ring, a clever abstract rendition of the Italian sparkling white wine. It is by Russian multi-awarded artist, jeweller and lecturer, Vlad Glynin, who has perfectly captured the effervescence, joy and celebratory mood that accompany a prosecco toasting. My guess is that this is also a tribute to Florence, a city where Glynin spends a lot time. Prosecco Ring in 18K white gold, set with one 8.57-carat yellow central diamond and a further 997 white and yellow diamonds (21.55cts). POA.

September 2017 Notes on an Obsession Pioneering ethically driven high and fine jewellery is one thing, but successfully marrying this commendable ethos

While a celebration of Mozambique s rubies and rubellites, mostly from Gemfields Montepuez ruby mine, this limited edition capsule collection offers

The style is therefore strikingly modern, with hues of red, peppered with scintillating diamonds making it positively sensual.

10 September 2017 Notes on an Obsession Pioneering ethically driven high and fine jewellery is one thing, but successfully marrying this commendable ethos with the creation of desirable pieces is a real feat. The Out of Africa new collection by VanLeles is a prime example. While a celebration of Mozambique s rubies and rubellites, mostly from Gemfields Montepuez ruby mine, this limited edition capsule collection offers the perfect play on sinuous linearity and symmetry. The style is therefore strikingly modern, with hues of red, peppered with scintillating diamonds making it positively sensual. This riveting softened geometry is to be seen in four dramatic pairs of earrings, two cocktail rings and a choker. Just enough to unleash your inner Queen Sheba self. Fan earrings, long earrings and ring all in 18K gold set with diamonds, rubies and rubellites; the Out of Africa collection. POA.

12 September 2017 Notes on an Obsession Long earrings, Choker with detachable pendant and climber earrings all in 18K gold set with diamonds, rubies and rubellites; the Out of Africa collection. POA.

September 2017 Notes on an Obsession Ring in 18K white and yellow gold, set with one 2.20-carat Bixbite, 6 ovalcut diamonds (1.59cts) and 24 diamonds (0.73ct). POA.

Have you heard of Bixbite, a.k.a. red beryl or emerald? Don t feel bad if your answer is no.

14 September 2017 Notes on an Obsession Ring in 18K white and yellow gold, set with one 2.20-carat Bixbite, 6 ovalcut diamonds (1.59cts) and 24 diamonds (0.73ct). POA. Tree of Dreams Brooch / Pendant in 18K white and red gold, set with one 2.74-carat pear-shaped spinel, 155 diamonds (3.27cts), and sapphires (6.327cts); the Whimsical Collection. POA. Have you heard of Bixbite, a.k.a. red beryl or emerald? Don t feel bad if your answer is no. This gemstone is indeed one of the rarest on the planet, and currently it can only be found in the Wah Wah Mountains of Beaver County, USA. In its rough state, the Bixbite crystals rarely exceed 2-carats, and so this ring by Caratell with a 2.20-carat faceted sample is beyond imaginable. The Singaporean designer has indeed recently decided to shed light on this scarce gem, and knowing his phenomenal imagination (Caratell creations always have a life of their own) the outcome is enchanting. To accompany the ring, I have chosen the Tree of Dreams brooch / pendant from the Whimsical Collection. The Tree is blooming with promises, each sapphire representing a dream, which all emanate from the tree s heart, a glowing spinel with yellow diamonds and rose-cut diamonds. Last but not least, the golden swing is just waiting for playful fairies to come and assist with the harvest.

Notes on an Obsession

Notes on an Obsession April 2017 by Olivier Dupon Each month in this column, I will share my secret jewellery discoveries with you; a selection of up to five jewellery pieces based on their craftsmanship