WATCHES & JEWELLERY 101
Responsibly mined Gemfields Zambian emeralds
Throughout history , people have loved the beauty of emeralds . The deep glowing green hue of emerald is said to symbolise hope , growth , life , fertility and peace . Zambian emeralds are very rare and were formed over 500 million years ago by a rare combination of temperature , pressure and elements from deep within the Earth ’ s crust . Zambian emeralds tend to have a higher iron content than other emeralds , which means they are less fragile .
Gemfields acquired the Kagem emerald mine in Zambia in 2008 , and is the operator and 75 % owner of Kagem , in partnership with the Zambian government . Today , the mine supplies around one in three of the world ’ s emeralds and is believed to be the world ’ s single largest producing emerald mine . As a world-leading responsible miner and marketer of coloured gemstones , Gemfields believes that coloured gemstones should be mined and marketed by championing three key values : transparency , legitimacy and integrity .
“ Each emerald found at our Kagem mine in Zambia is a gift from Mother Nature . Thought to hold talismanic properties and calming to the eye , emeralds bring to life the jewellery in which they feature . I am delighted to celebrate Gemfields first collaboration with a Chinese designer , particularly one as talented as Johnny Gengyi Yu , who has cleverly created these covetable works of art . Each piece so thoughtfully presents the dazzling emeralds , demonstrating their versatility and energy . They are delightful to behold .” said Emily Dungey , Gemfields ’ marketing and communications director .
Detachable design and wearable oriental artwork
The “ Floral Seasonscape ” Collection features three jewellery pieces .
The “ Ingenious Linglong Narcissus ” Black Agate Inlaid with Gemfields Zambian Emeralds , Decorated with Mother-of-Pearl and Diamonds , Detachable Pearl Necklace draws inspiration from Eastern bonsai art . At its centre lies a bouquet of narcissus , exuding an Eastern charm , intricately crafted with diamonds and mother-of-pearl on a 18k white gold base . The vessel for the narcissus takes the form of a classical Baroque-style vase . The main body of the vase is carved from black natural agate into petal shapes , prominently featuring five vivid green round-cut Gemfields Zambian emeralds , surrounded by diamonds outlining geometric lines in a decorative style . The entire piece is strung with three strands of seawater pearls , adorned with three pear-shaped Gemfields Zambian emeralds arranged in a captivating sequence at the base . Their vivid green radiance , against the backdrop of white pearls , harmonises with the dazzling Gemfields Zambian emeralds on the vase , adding enduring luxury to the intricate and beautiful Oriental style .
The designer has also created two earrings to match the main necklace . “ The Window Harbors Autumn Blooms ” Black Agate Inlaid with Gemfields Zambian Emeralds , Gold Sand , and Mother-of-Pearl Window Scene Earrings set on a modern elliptical silhouette , features a natural black agate as the base . Adorned with 16 vivid green round-cut Gemfields Zambian emeralds in the details , and meticulously depicting intricate floral patterns with gold sand and hand-carved mother-of-pearl , it is reminiscent of glimpsing autumn blooms in the quiet night through a window . The artwork radiates a tranquil and exquisite beauty . “ Luxuriant Golden Orchids ” Black Agate Inlaid with Gemfields Zambian Emeralds Teardrop-shaped Floral Cluster Earrings draws inspiration from the Ming Dynasty painter Qiu Ying ’ s painting ‘ Double Hook Orchid ’. The
elongated teardrop-shaped earrings are sleek , delicate , and elegant . The focal point is the pear-shaped Gemfields Zambian emerald at the connection point . The lower part of the earrings is elegantly wrapped in golden threads , adorned with glittering round-cut Gemfields Zambian emeralds , depicting lush flowers and plants in an Oriental freehand style , with smooth lines and exquisite beauty .
“ We hope that the pieces in this collaboration with Gemfields Zambian emeralds will not only be treasured as collector ’ s items , but that they will also bring inspiration to people ’ s daily outfits . The back of the vase in our main necklace incorporates a delicate mechanism , allowing it to be detached and worn separately as a brooch for a richer and more versatile use , giving rise to the name (‘ Linglong ,’ meaning exquisite ),” said designer Johnny Gengyi Yu .
The MidnightOperaHouse x Gemfields Floral Seasonscape jewellery collection includes the Window Harbors Autumn Blooms earrings at GBP 11,000 , the Luxuriant Golden Orchids earrings at GBP 20,000 and the Ingenious Linglong Narcissus detachable necklace and brooch at GBP 70,000 and is available at Midnight Opera House from 1 May 2024 .
ISSUE 64 2024 THE ART OF LUXURY