Precious things: Gem Dior watch collection
Artistic director Victoire de Castellane has never been one to do things by halves. Her creations are full-blown wonders of imagination, ingenuity and creativity where we now behold her latest Gem Dior — an original collection of seven watches and eleven pieces of jewellery.
The collection’s moniker borrows from the eponymous Dior Joaillerie high jewellery collection launched two years ago where “gem” is a reference to “j’aime” (French for “I love”).
The designer tells us that the spirit of Gem Dior is not figurative but modern and abstract-organic in what she describes as “an organised disruption that turned out to be a true technical challenge for our ateliers”. The Gem Dior watch is one of a kind; its case of an irregular octagonal shape is designed to mirror the natural formations of minerals, specifically slices of rough tourmaline.
The statement piece symbolising the collection is crafted in yellow gold and gemstones with the cut-out sides of the watch case set with turquoise and diamonds around a malachite dial. Its bracelet is equally head-turning, flaunting an asymmetrical and clasp-less design, and embellished with mesmerising stacks of multicoloured ornamental gems: malachite, lapis lazuli, carnelian, pink opal and tiger’s eye.
Meanwhile, the bracelet is inspired by how Monsieur Dior had pinned his haute couture fabric swatches onto sheets of paper—where the union of nature and couture now spectacularly culminates in Gem Dior.
Alongside its jewellery range of rings, bangles and earrings, Gem Dior’s timepiece collection is available in six other iterations: steel with black mother-of-pearl, pink gold with full diamond pave, gold and steel with lapis lazuli, etc. where each is accompanied by an interchangeable black leather strap.
Worn as an open cuff, the elegant jewellery timepiece emanates equal parts strength and beauty, setting it apart as a design masterpiece.
Visit dior.com to find out more.
