Art and stone at its highest forms: Louis Vuitton’s Virtuosity High Jewellery collection

A glimpse into Louis Vuitton’s past and heritage, The World of Mastery explores the icons, motifs and signatures of the fashion house.

Savoir

Savoir—knowledge—represents all that the brand has built in its long, storied history. Strings of hand-laden emeralds in this necklace build up to the triangular 30.56-carat opal, a brilliant coalescence of red, black and a menagerie of other hues. The undeniable geometric tones are a subtle nod to Louis Vuitton’s roots as craftsmen of luggage and bags. One’s eyes effortlessly drift downward to the 28.01-carat emerald drop, the final piece of the puzzle that ties together the entire piece.

Protection

Such knowledge inspires protection, one which the shield-shaped Protection necklace symbolically provides. The delicate dance between rubies and pearls exudes both graceful femininity and fortitude. The step-cut rubies enshrined with diamond links are reminiscent of the fashion house’s trunks. 

Keeper

Evoking imagery of wisdom, this theme manifests as eye-inspired pieces. The allure of its all-piercing gaze is present in its rings, brooches and necklaces. Exceptional stones, from 32.85-carat Sri Lankan chrysoberyl, a 3-carat Brazilian alexandrite and a 5.2-carat dark gray-blue diamond, set in a signet-style ring.

Maestria

The utilisation of this precious knowledge and skill manifests itself in masterful and intricate designs. The pieces of Maestria, therefore, are a culmination of this remarkable discipline. It is headlined by the Maestria necklace, a complex array of 2,500 diamonds that enshrines an 8.8-carat emerald.

Monumental

Approaching the apex of creation, Louis Vuitton revisits its signature Damier pattern with Monumental. A mosaic of stones, featuring cabochon emeralds, rubies and onyx plays with the illusions of light and sharp architectural forms.

Apogeé

Encapsulating the essence of reaching the summit, the Apogeé necklace achieves the heights of what modern craftsmanship is capable of. Once more, Louis Vuitton’s codes once again become apparent, with handle-shaped textures along the necklace topped by the fashion house’s kite motifs.

Connection

Finally, the pinnacle is reached. Connection bridges the gap between past and future, making the way for adventurous daring. The house’s rope motifs fittingly tie these two halves together in an exquisite necklace. 2000 diamonds and 114 pearls intertwine in rows of rope as tension builds toward the 6.04-carat red pigeon blood ruby.

See more: 9 menswear trends at Paris Men’s Fashion Week, as seen on Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Dior runways

Homage must be paid to the past before progress can be made. As Louis Vuitton strengthens its roots, it turns its gaze toward the horizon, with designs that test and challenge imagination.

Motion

The momentum built is translated into a fluid, snake-like movement; a wave that crashes and asserts its presence. Emphasis is placed on a necklace with an ethereal 35.68-carat Sri Lankan sapphire that carries the deep blue hue of the sea.

Florescence

Creativity blooms and flourishes with Florescence, with a four-strand necklace as its focal point. It’s beautifully decorated with Louis Vuitton’s monogram, featuring short-cut diamonds and kite motifs. The constant interplay between colours and fine, intricate details results in a truly dynamic mosaic. This is by far the collection’s most expansive piece, carrying with it over 20 kinds of gems. It carries over to the theme’s other earrings, bracelets and brooches.

Joy

The word “joy” alone conveys warmth, positivity, and optimism. The importance and vibrancy of colour take centre stage in a yellow gold necklace. Its inherent energy is enhanced by a set of yellow sapphires accompanied by 10 pink-toned tourmalines. Foregoing its usual white gold, it takes a bold, brave step toward rich, enchanting hues.

Aura

The brilliant gleam and glow pass through the signature Louis Vuitton monogram flower, present and inlaid in every part of this theme’s pieces. Exuding palpable youth and femininity, the necklace can be worn in three different ways for unmatched versatility. Unafraid to push boundaries, Aura’s immaterial and almost magical quality is further seen in a watch and a belt that transforms into a brooch.

Eternal Sun

The comforting rays of the sun in the cosmos encourage free-flowing creativity. This very ideal is realised by a radiant necklace with a string of 27 round yellow diamonds, which collectively took seven years to source. The twisting, winding rope motif of Louis Vuitton reaches its resplendent pinnacle, glowing with pavé stones. The long odyssey concludes with the Eternal Sun, yet it continues to burn with impressionable passion, bound together by its evolving codes and iconic motifs.

The twelve themes of Louis Vuitton’s High Jewellery collection chronicles its journey from a simple maker of bags and luggage to one that is concerned with all facets of luxury. Each one masterfully displays the brand’s artistry, exquisite craftsmanship and forward thinking innovation—words that have become synonymous with the fashion house itself.

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