Sail Away
Sapphires and the deep blue sea make for a stunning combination in Gübelin’s Drops of Water range
Gübelin has always been inspired by nature. The Swiss brand is particularly moved by the individual depth and soul of each gem it works with, which is why the complex blue hues of the sapphire are at the heart of the Drops of Water line. This collection came about not only because of a fascination with the swell and movement of the sea but because of the flawless sapphires Gübelin has been able to work with.
The line started taking shape when Gübelin gemmologists decided to create pieces of jewellery based on microphotographs of a sapphire. This technique allowed them to enlarge the complex shapes and colour swirls inside the apatite crystal, which they used as inspiration for how they cut the stones. As a result they made oval, drop or half-moon shapes out of sapphires and tanzanites in particular, as they capture the shades of the ocean so beautifully, but also rubies, emeralds, violets and pink sapphires.
These exquisite pieces include a white gold ring made with a 3.48-carat oval sapphire with two pear-shaped sapphires and oval diamonds on either side. Another highlight is the white gold necklace with a pear-shaped Sri Lankan sapphire and six brilliant-cut diamonds. But our personal favourites are the drop earrings in white gold made with Madagascan sapphires that have such depth, you can’t help but picture the Indian Ocean island they were mined in and the deep blue sea that surrounds it.
None of us will ever really understand the complexities of the oceans that make up twothirds of our planet, but these breathtaking jewels honour their beauty and are a must-have for anyone who dreams of setting sail.