An original collection of seven watches and eleven pieces of jewellery designed by Victoire de Castellane, Artistic Director of Dior Joaillerie, Gem Dior takes its name from the eponymous high jewellery collection launched two years ago
“Gem” is a euphonious nod to ‘J’aime’ (French for ‘I love’). The spirit of this collection is modern, it’s a style that de Castellane describes as abstract-organic, an organised disruption that turned out to be a true technical challenge for the Dior ateliers.
A quirky case in an irregular octagonal shape; an asymmetrical bracelet in a variety of colours, in stratified layers of gemstones; and an ensemble of colour-coordinated jewels are some of the bejewelled creations that make up the Gem Dior collection.
The watch’s unique case was designed after the natural formations of minerals, in this case, slices of rough tourmaline. Meanwhile, for the bracelet, de Castellane drew inspiration from Monsieur Dior’s way of pinning fabric swatches from his haute couture shows onto sheets of paper.
From this union of Nature and Couture was born Gem Dior, a statement as creative as it is singular, with a design that never fails to surprise. A case in point is the collection’s emblematic piece in yellow gold and gemstones. Its octagonal case with cut-out sides is set with turquoise and diamonds around a malachite dial.
The asymmetrical and clasp-less bracelet is made of strata of ornamental gems (malachite, lapis lazuli, carnelian, pink opal, tiger’s eye) forming an intense commotion of hues. Fully articulated, this timekeeping jewel is designed to be worn as an open cuff, creating a unique look for the wrist.
Elegant, with a strong temperament. Gem Dior is available in six other versions (in steel and black mother-of-pearl, in pink gold with full diamond pavé, in gold and steel and lapis lazuli), each presented with an interchangeable black leather strap.
The atypical geometry of Gem Dior’s design carries over to an irresistible range of jewellery. The star styles are a yellow gold ring and bracelet with perfectly, deliberately misaligned links in gemstones and diamonds to create an undulating impression of blues and greens.
In a more monochrome register, the jewellery collection is completed by rings, bangles and earrings in yellow, pink and white gold, fully or semi-paved with diamonds. The play of contrast on the refined metalwork brings out the distinctive design of Gem Dior… and just begs to be touched.
