Imagine stepping into a fairy tale where every detail, from rustling leaves to delicate forest creatures, is captured in exquisite jewellery. Dior Joaillerie's High Jewellery Diorama Forêt Enchantée set is my own mystical forest. A miniature world made with such precision and care that I feel as if I have stumbled upon a hidden wonderland. As the hero piece of the new Diorama & Diorigami High Jewellery collection, it absolutely deserves the title of «jewellery of the month» this September.
What attracted me to the Diorama Forêt Enchantée parure during High Fashion Week in Paris was not just its extraordinary craftsmanship and creativity. But also the emotions it evoked in me at first sight. The necklace evokes a sense of timeless magic. Depicting a tableau of nature's finest, including charming rabbits, graceful deer, elegant swans and playful squirrels.
Everything is rendered in a way that makes every creature come alive. Reminiscent of children's stories where animals talk and trees whisper secrets to the wind. Every element is meticulously detailed to transport the viewer back to those more whimsical and innocent days.
Diorama Foret Enchantée Inspiration
You may wonder why Dior's creative director, Victoire de Castellane, chose this theme. She was inspired by the Toile de Jouy - a traditional decorative motif with repeating pastoral patterns in a single colour.
It holds a special place in Dior's history. It adorned the walls, counters and canopy of the original Christian Dior boutique at 30 Avenue de Montaigne in 1947.
The new collection channels this nostalgic essence, offering miniature «murals». With jewellery that also celebrates Monsieur Dior's favourite flowers and his garden in Milly-la-Forêt in northern France.
Adding a large Colombian emerald to the Diorama Forêt Enchantée ring with a «sleeping» sculpted golden-green deer. Along with diamonds, emeralds and tsavorite garnets, set in engraved 18-karat yellow gold. Part of the Diorama Forêt Enchantée set from the Diorama & Diorigami fine jewellery collection.
Gold with texture inspired by nature
Now, let's explore the specifics of this necklace and its construction. The branches and leaves were sculpted in yellow gold. They were then hammered and drilled to achieve the resemblance to the patterns seen on tree trunks and foliage.
This technique was originally developed for the Rose Dior collection. It is used here with excellent results. Both to enhance the storytelling and to add texture and dimension. The gold surface also contrasts beautifully with the faceted stones. Such as tsavorite garnets, emeralds, tiny pearls and brilliant, oval and round diamonds. All of these come together in the centerpiece of the design - a gorgeous Colombian emerald weighing over 16 carats.
Chrysoprasi and the Sculptural Arts
This important emerald certainly adds to the uniqueness of the design. However, what I find really remarkable is the use of the chrysoprase. With its milky green hue adding a wonderfully unexpected touch.
It is unusual to see this sculptural element appear in Dior Joaillerie High Jewellery. The presence of the sculptural material here strikes a nostalgic chord while celebrating the thrill of experimentation in jewellery design.
The sculptures are also presented in a matching ring with a serene, sleeping fawn. But also in a pair of earrings adorned with a live squirrel and a rabbit. Each placed next to a live emerald, as if to emphasize the contrast between a transparent and opaque gemstone.
All elements of the set, including the carvings, were made in-house. In the house's jewellery atelier located one floor above the Avenue Montaigne boutique.
Thoughtful craftsmanship
Although I saw many great creations during Paris High Fashion Week, I have to say that this piece impressed me. With the level of craftsmanship, the detail and the myriad of techniques it represents. From sculpture to goldsmithing, relief and micro stone work. Then there are the perfectly complementary nuances of the minerals used throughout. Including three shades of green that add depth and dimension. No wonder this suite took over 4,700 hours to create!
A special event was held in Florence earlier this year to present 172 pieces from the Diorama & Diorigaimi High Jewellery collection and we were told that more jewellery is currently in production. This makes me wonder if it is at all possible that there will be another set, even more beautiful than this one, in this collection. Let's wait and see.
Source: katerinaperez.com
