 |
| Emerald and diamond necklace by Carolina Bucci using Gemfields Zambian emeralds |
Two London-based mining companies worked with jewellery designers to create new pieces that promote the sustainable and humane practices of the mines they operate. Another key selling point is provenance, knowing which mine the gems were unearthed.
London-based mining and marketing company, Gemfields, worked with MUSE, a New York showroom for emerging and established fine jewellery designers, for a collection of limited-edition and well-priced jewels. Designers Carolina Bucci, Dezso by Sara Beltrán, Elena Votsi, Holly Dyment, Michelle Fantaci, Nikos Koulis, Savannah Stranger, Silvia Furmanovich, Yossi Harari and AYA by Chelsy Davy unveiled a range of jewels at the Couture Show using Mozambican rubies and Zambian emeralds from Gemfields’ mines in those two countries.
 |
| “Rose Petal” earrings by Silvia Furmanovich using Gemfields Mozambican rubies |
Most styles are based on each of the designers’ bestsellers, recreated with Gemfields rubies and emeralds. The collection is for everyday wear targeting a fashion-forward consumer, with the majority of the limited production collection falling within the $1,000 and $10,000 price range (with the exception of a few high value statement pieces).
This type of approach isn’t new for Gemfields. The company has been producing collections through partnerships with designers (experienced and emerging) for a number of years. The difference with this particular collection is its affordability.
 |
| Ruby and diamond “Crisscross” ring by Yossi Harari using Gemfields Mozambican rubies |
“Having done collaborations at both ends of the spectrum, we see the alignment with MUSE as the perfect opportunity to showcase the versatility of color and connect with a fresh new audience,” said Gabriella Harvey, Gemfields director of Procurement and Product Services.
 |
| 18k yellow gold and diamond earrings by Suzanne Kalan with diamonds from Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine |
Mining giant Rio Tinto used unveiled their “Diamonds with Story” collection, working with six US designers: Paige Novick, Xiao Wang, Jennifer Dawes, Matthew Campbell Laurenza, Suzanne Kalan and Sandy Leong. All of the diamonds are sourced from Rio Tinto’s Argyle Mine in Western Australia. The mine is most famously known for its rare Argyle pink diamonds. However, diamonds being used for the collections are primarily white and champagne.
 |
| The “Infinity’ three row curved ring by Paige Novick with diamond pave from Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine |
Like Gemfields, affordability is important with these creations. Unlike Gemfields, all of the designers are experienced and well-known to the trade and consumers.
 |
| 18k yellow gold band, 6g, .53ctw rose cut cognac diamonds, .05ctw round brilliant cut diamonds by Jennifer Dawes using Rio Tinto diamonds from its Argyle mine |
“Increasingly, the value of a diamond is tied to where and how the diamond was mined, how it was cut and polished, and the process of bringing it to sale,” said Bruno Sané, general manager of marketing for Rio Tinto Diamonds. “This is a very reasonable expectation that is steadily reshaping the diamond industry for the better.”
Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet, the Forbes website and on Instagram @JewelryNewsNetwork