A ring with an emerald mined at Gemfields' Kagem mine
A new collection of rings, featuring miner Gemfields’ emeralds and rubies, has been unveiled during the Journées de la Haute Joaillerie.
Gemfields – a miner and marketer of coloured gemstones – has partnered with jewellery designers that it posits share the company’s transparency, legitimacy and integrity in the industry.
The fruits of these collaborations – pieces featuring Zambian emeralds and Mozambican rubies from Gemfields’ Kagem and Montepuez mines – made their debut in the fashion world, in Paris, from July 3 to 5.
This year’s focus will be rings: from Bina Goenka to Fehmida Lakhany’s design based on the Chinese concept of Yin and Yang, and ruby-focused pieces from the likes of AYA and Margery Hirschey, all debuting together in Paris.
Lakhany’s ring features pear-shaped emeralds from Gemfields’ Kagem emerald mine in Zambia, surrounded by diamonds in the contrasting shades of black and white: “A reflection of the opposing but complementary forces of Yin and Yang in our modern lives”.
The piece, like all of the designer’s work, was inspired by the simplicity of nature. “The conservation of our planet and wildlife is not only a business priority, but also a personal one for me,” says Lakhany.
Also influenced by nature – in this case, the foliage of winter – Goenka’s flowery ring uses pear-shaped Zambian emeralds and fire opal.
“Working collaboratively with Gemfields is always a pleasure as we are aligned in our views towards sustainable and ethical mining,” says the designer.
GFG Jewellery by Nilufer went for a pixelated effect, combining emeralds and diamonds, and explaining: “I chose Gemfields as a partner as I believe we all have a responsibility to give back.”
“An emerald shines even when its value is unsaid,” says House of Meraki founder Gargi Rathi. Zambian emeralds from Kagem are said to be an ideal fit for a ring Rathi designed for Journées de la Haute Joaillerie, as she grew up in Zambia and was motivated to become a jeweller by the emeralds she saw being sold on the side of the road as a child.
Mozambican rubies from Montepuez also play a role in the new range of rings. Shachee Fine Jewellery’s Floral Ruby Ring uses them to evoke cherry blossom and hummingbirds, “the sweetness of nectar and romancing with the blooms”.
Hirschey’s handcrafted ring, whose design was inspired by Modernist art, is made from recycled materials. “The collaboration with Gemfields is a nod to our commitment to be as responsible to the community and to the environment as we can,” says Hirschey.
Fabergé’s White Gold Diamond and Ruby Dragon Skeleton Ring from the Fabergé x Game of Thrones capsule collection uses a Mozambican ruby to depict fire coming from a dragon’s mouth.
Also, in a small departure from rings, the world’s first fine jewellery-eyewear house, Francis de Lara, has contributed a pair of sunglasses.
The new FDL Editions by Francis de Lara frames, called Ribbon Hearts, are made from gold-plated aerospace-grade titanium, with Zambian emerald ‘tears’.