De Beers unveils Essence of Nature: Chapter 2 collection

De Beers has unveiled Chapter 2 of its Essence of Nature high jewellery collection at Paris Haute Couture Week, presenting 25 of 42 total creations inspired by trees native to the countries where its diamonds are sourced.

Chapter 2 introduces four sets, each inspired by a tree emblematic of one of De Beers’ four diamond-producing countries. The new designs expand on Chapter 1, which launched in January.

The Camelthorn Resilience set draws on the silhouette of the Camelthorn tree, a feature of Namibia’s desert landscapes. Polished and hand-textured gold mimics the tree’s bark, while white and brown rough diamonds are set in basket settings to echo its organic form. The necklace in the set can be worn in seven different ways.

Meanwhile, the Baobab Magnitude set references Botswana’s ancient baobab tree, known as the ‘tree of life’. The designs combine jet with white and Fancy coloured diamonds, both rough and polished. New techniques for the house include hand-carved jet and the intricate setting of rough diamonds with diamond melee.

Additionally, inspired by South Africa’s jacaranda tree, the Jacaranda Bloom set features floral designs articulated to move with the wearer. 

Pieces include pear-shaped, marquise and round brilliant-cut diamonds. Grand Feu enamel is used to capture the purple gradient of the tree’s blossoms. 

Two standout stones feature: a 20.10 carat D-Flawless pear-shaped diamond and a 1.01 carat Fancy Intense Pink diamond.

Lastly, the Maple Colours set pays tribute to Canada’s national tree. The pieces feature geometric leaves crafted in white, yellow and rose gold with fancy orange-hued diamonds. White diamonds and polished metal are used to reflect the textures of fallen leaves.

The remaining 17 pieces from the collection will be revealed at an event in China this autumn.

Emmanuelle Nodale, De Beers London chief executive, said: “We are proud to present ‘Essence of Nature: Chapter 2’, continuing our celebration of the majesty of trees while paying tribute to four important sources of our diamonds.

“The collection deepens our connection with the lands, drawing on over 135 years of expertise in rough and polished diamonds. We are a house born from contrasts, and Essence of Nature showcases our bold artistry and pioneering craft techniques, with an unexpected duality between modernity and timelessness.”