In the realm of high jewellery, a new trend is emerging – one that shatters the boundaries of understated elegance. Cuffs, bracelets, and bangles are stepping into the limelight, offering a maximalist style statement that captivates with the artistry of De Beers, Buccellati, and Cindy Chao The Art Jewel, who are seamlessly blending diamonds and imaginative designs.
Céline Assimon, CEO of De Beers Jewellers, emphasizes the evolving role of jewellery as a statement of personal style. The diamond cuff, in particular, takes center stage, visible on the wrist and exuding a tangible sense of power and protection. “More than ever, jewellery is a way of making a statement about your personal style,” says Assimon.
Cindy Chao, the visionary behind Cindy Chao The Art Jewel, notes the rising popularity of cuff creations among collectors, attributing it to the substantial and conspicuous nature of bracelets worn on the wrist. According to Chao, these pieces carry a sense of substance and can accentuate one’s personality.
Andrea Buccellati, creative director of Buccellati, shares his perspective on the enduring allure of bracelets, likening them to a dress that, once worn, prepares one for any occasion. The Mosaic collection, Buccellati’s recent offering, draws inspiration from the geometric decorations of Italian mosaics, featuring flexible bracelets adorned with emeralds and showcasing the maison’s goldsmithing expertise.
The notion of cuffs being rigid is dispelled by the delicate designs that follow the natural curvature of the human body. Buccellati emphasizes that their goldsmithing techniques allow for limitless creativity across various jewellery forms, including rings, bracelets, brooches, and earrings.
Anna Hu, a Taiwan-born cellist turned jeweler, challenges the perception of cuffs and bangles as restrictive design forms. Hu views each piece of jewellery as an intimate and fluid part of the human body. Her bespoke designs, like the Enchanted Lily bangle, involve continuous communication with wearers to ensure the utmost comfort and satisfaction.
For Cindy Chao, cuffs and bangles serve as dynamic platforms for artistic expression. The flexible and versatile nature of her creations allows her to use various colors and gemstones of different sizes, turning each piece into a unique canvas. The Spring Riverside bangle from the 2023 Black Label Masterpiece collection exemplifies this, drawing inspiration from the serene beauty of the Seine River.
De Beers, a stalwart in the industry, consistently explores the enchantment of diamond-encrusted bangles and cuffs. The Metamorphosis collection, De Beers’ latest high jewellery offering, captures the transformative essence of the natural world and seasons. Assimon highlights the Summer bracelet, an ornate cuff in yellow gold set with an array of white diamonds of different cuts. The bracelet is not only a testament to extraordinary goldsmithing skills but also exemplifies comfort with a spring mechanism that allows it to expand and contract, gliding effortlessly on and off the wrist.
In this era of bold expressions, the high jewellery world is witnessing a transformation, with cuffs, bracelets, and bangles taking center stage as the canvas for artists to showcase their maximalist mastery.
