Bae Suzy is a long-time ambassador for Dior, affectionately nicknamed the 'Human Dior' by her fans. The new Gem Dior collection, introducing seven watches and 11 jewellery pieces, has already been seen on many famous faces, including Cara Delevingne
Taking its name from the eponymous high jewellery collection launched two years ago, Gem Dior is Victoire de Castellane's, the artistic director of Dior Joaillerie, latest masterpiece.
As with her earlier Jardin de Milly-La-Forêt, Têtê de Mort and Rose Dior Bagatelle collections, Castellane playfully explores her love of vibrant colours and precious stones in Gem Dior without losing sight of Dior's rich heritage in the world of fashion and jewellery. In this case, the colourful palette was inspired by Monsieur Dior's fabric swatches of shades and hues from haute couture shows, which he used to pin onto sheets of paper.
“I designed a collection of watches and jewellery that’s not figurative,” explains de Castellane. “The spirit of this collection is modern, it’s a style that I would describe as abstract-organic, an organised disruption that turned out to be a true technical challenge for our ateliers.”
A Statement Timepiece
(Related: 10 Stunning High Jewellery Instagram Accounts You Should Follow)
Structurally, the designs in this collection mimic the rough, angular shapes of natural rock and mineral formations. The statement timepiece features a unique octagonal case with bezelled sides set with turquoise and diamonds around a polished malachite dial. Designed to be worn as an open cuff, the watch bracelet introduces the same mineral strata design, with 18k yellow gold asymmetrical links, decorated with diamonds and eye-catching stones, including lapis lazuli, onyx, malachite, cornaline and tiger eye.
And it comes with a matching bangle and ring in the same colourful hues.
Available in six other versions, including pink gold with full diamond pavé and steel with black mother-of-pearl, Castellane caters to those who prefer more understated pieces for everyday wear in this collection. This is especially the case for the jewellery pieces in this collection, which channels a more monochrome register into the bold new design.