The allure of Paris Couture, accompanied by its crisp ambiance matching the sub-zero temperatures of January, unveiled two prominent high jewelry trends—wearability and transformability. This departure from the traditional formality of high jewelry introduced a playful and fun dimension to the designs showcased at various maisons.
Dior Villa, in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, set the stage for Dior Délicat high jewelry, presented alongside haute couture, Baby Dior children’s wear, a Dior café, and live artisans. The collection builds on previous inspirations, featuring overlapping layers achieved through asymmetry and various cut stones. Notable pieces include a collar-like six-strand diamond necklace accented with a 7.08ct pear-shaped diamond, reflecting a more fashion-forward approach with ear huggies, climbers, tiaras, and hair sliders.
Louis Vuitton’s Deep Time, the second leg of its journey through time and space, showcased hypnotic designs inspired by the earth’s origins, fossils, seeds, and plants. The Myriad necklace, resembling a double-helix DNA structure, stood out, featuring white gold and diamond elements. A new Skin suite introduced a checkerboard, Lego-like motif crafted from nearly 300 Umba sapphires.
David Morris drew inspiration from the Aurora Borealis for its Skye collection, capturing the elusive beauty of the Northern Lights in emerald and diamond jewelry. The Lyra collar, featuring Madagascan blue sapphires, and the Starbust cuff, highlighting Paraiba tourmalines and blue sapphires, showcased the brand’s commitment to vibrant and ethereal designs.
Graff, known for its breathtaking solitaire stones, revealed modern creations like a bangle with a remarkable 118.17ct unheated Sri Lankan sapphire. The collection also included a delicate rope-style necklace with fancy intense yellow pear-shape diamonds and a playful bird ring featuring a 3.50ct oval diamond.
Cartier’s Le Voyage Recommencé collection, chapter three, explored new horizons by blending materials like peridots, ribbed coral beads, diamond, and onyx in a panther-themed necklace. Another piece sensually twisted obsidian, jasper, petrified wood, black lacquer, and diamonds, culminating in a 45.99ct green tourmaline drop.
Boucheron’s couture-inspired collection featured a white palette of rock crystal and diamonds, emphasizing transformability and versatility. The Nœus bow, hand-cut and set with frosted baguette-cut rock crystals, could be worn in six different ways. The braided aiguillette, crafted from white gold, rock crystal, and diamonds, offered versatility as brooches, bracelets, and earrings.
Chaumet’s Un Air de Chaumet capsule collection celebrated movement and nature, particularly birds. The Parade suite featured an asymmetrical and interchangeable earring and ear cuff, along with a matching brooch. The Plumes d’or tiara, transforming into brooches and a hair ornament, exemplified Chaumet’s innovative and versatile approach.
Paris’s high jewelry presentations showcased a fusion of creativity, craftsmanship, and versatility, redefining the boundaries of traditional high jewelry design.
