VENI, VIDI, VERDE
GREEN GEMSTONES ARE PRIZED AS SYMBOLS OF REBIRTH AND ABUNDANCE ACROSS CULTURES. HERE, WE SINGLE OUT EIGHT SCENE-STEALING VERDANT PIECES.
Green gemstones are prized as symbols of rebirth and abundance across cultures
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
The Merveille d’Émeraudes necklace is modelled after a significant piece from the maison’s history: a diamond collaret necklace with 10 dropshaped emerald pendants acquired for Princess Faiza of Egypt in 1947. This tribute creation features five pear-shaped Colombian emeralds totalling 70.4 carats, and they are set on a collar constructed with gleaming ribbons of diamonds. It is also a transformable necklace – the emeralds can be detached and replaced with three pearshaped diamonds; or the emeralds and diamonds can be attached to a pair of earrings that come with this necklace.
CINDY CHAO
The Taiwanese jewellery artist honours her grandfather with the 2019 Black Label Masterpiece VII Emerald Architectural Necklace. The highlight here is a pair of emerald-cut Colombian emeralds weighing 100 and 99 carats respectively. They are held in place by a multi-strand necklace chain composed of 10,000 vivid green emerald beads. Lending an interesting contrast are diamonds in various cuts, rare pink conch pearls, blue sapphires, a yellow diamond and baguette-cut emeralds.
DIOR
The Tie & Dior collection translates the striking designs and chromatic palettes created by the tie-dye technique into high jewellery pieces. A superb example is this set of mismatched yellow gold and platinum earrings featuring a hypnotic gradation of green hues. Each side bears a central tsavorite garnet weighing 2.87 and 2.81 carats respectively. Pistachio-coloured cultured pearls add unexpected texture; emeralds and tsavorite garnets in various cuts enhance the colour intensity; and 197 white round diamonds impart brilliance.
CARTIER
This white gold Orpheis necklace from the [Sur]naturel high jewellery collection showcases an exceptional 53.94-carat rectangular Zambian emerald cabochon that resembles a serpent’s head and inspired the design of this creation. Featuring an intense blue-green hue and hints of grey, the gemstone is lined with diamonds, including two larger rectangular-shaped ones totalling 5.42 carats and a 1.55-carat triangular-shaped piece right at the tip. Creating a snakeskin effect on the choker chain are diamonds and onyx triangles arranged in a staggered pattern.
GRAFF
Known for the unsurpassed quality of its emeralds, the British jeweller once again puts the spotlight on the gemstone with this elegant pair of tassel earrings. It features 182.85 carats of rectangular emeralds and perfectly polished emerald beads, as well as 6.67 carats of scintillating diamonds. What sets this statement piece apar t is its fluidity and how it shadows the wearer’s movements, which are hallmarks of Graff creations.
BVLGARI
This ornate necklace from the Barocko high jewellery collection captures the grandeur and artistry of the Roman Baroque period.
Set in platinum, it flaunts a central octagonal Colombian emerald of 7.45 carats and another 184 buff-top emeralds weighing 6.78 carats. Adding intense sparkle along the length and fringes of this collar-style necklace are a 1.55-carat pearshaped diamond, 48 round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 22.1 carats and pavé diamonds totalling 9.34 carats.
CHOPARD
The Swiss jeweller turned to nature for its Red Carpet Collection 2020. Resembling a rambling garden of lush green foliage is this standout necklace set in Fairminedcertified ethical white gold and titanium. The drop pendant is a stunning 23.76-carat black opal cabochon, which is surrounded with topazes, tourmalines, sapphires, tsavorites and diamonds. Also flaunting a chain composed of 603.9 carats of emerald beads, this creation is a sight to behold.
HARRY WINSTON
New York’s famed St. Patrick’s Cathedral – located in close proximity to Mr Winston’s atelier – was the source of inspiration for the Cathedral necklace. Showcasing five pear-shaped Colombian emeralds with a combined weight of 65.63 carats, the piece mirrors the perfect proportions and architectural elegance of the impressive neo-Gothic building. Highlighting the majesty of the central stones are 122 pear-shaped, baguette and marquise diamonds totalling 46.83 carats.