“The Art of de Grisogono, Creation 1” high-end jewellery necklace exhibit in Dubai

At a press conference during the 2017 Dubai Diamond Conference (DDC) hosted by DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre), Geneva-based jeweller and watchmaker, de GRISOGONO and British auction house, Christie’s presented “The Art of de Grisogono, Creation 1”, a high-end jewellery necklace featuring a 163.41-carat Flawless D-Colour diamond. The emerald-cut diamond is the largest ever to be presented at auction and will be sold at Christie’s in Geneva on 14th November, 2017.

In February 2016 de Grisogono’s strategic partner, Nemesis International acquired a 404-carat rough diamond, later termed ‘4 de Fevereiro,’ of exceptional quality from the Lulo Mine in Angola which is run by the listed Australian mining company, Lucapa Diamond Company. In May 2016 Nemesis International entrusted de GRISOGONO with the marketing of the stone and also the responsibility of guiding the cutting and polishing process as part of their ongoing strategic partnership. This is a truly innovative approach, enabling the jeweller to be involved early in the process, overseeing the birth of the polished diamond and having an influence on how it should be shaped to fit into de GRISOGONO’s artistic vision. The mapping, cleaving, laser-cutting and polishing of the 404-carat rough by experts in New York resulted in a 163.41ct diamond, later categorized by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), as D-colour and flawless.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC, said: “When world-leading brands and industry pioneers like de GRISOGONO, Christie’s and Nemesis International choose Dubai as a launchpad for something as unique as “The Art of de Grisogono, Creation 1”, featuring a 163.41-carat Flawless D-Colour diamond, it says it all. Dubai has grown to become the destination for luxury brands and high-end jewellery enthusiasts and DMCC is delighted to be a part of this growth story”.

Fawaz Gruosi, Founder and Creative Directior, de GRISOGONO and his team were commissioned to create a jewellery masterpiece around this exceptional polished diamond. Known for its daring creativity and exquisite attention to detail, de GRISOGONO, revealed ‘Creation I’, a magnificient asymmetric necklace set with the aforementioned 163.41 carat emerald-cut diamond as centerpiece, enhanced with emeralds and diamonds. ‘I was honored to have the opportunity to bring de GRISOGONO’s spirit to this unique diamond. ‘Creation I’ is the result of 9 months, 50 different design options and 1,700 hours of work in our Geneva atelier. The challenge was to pay tribute to the majesty of this historic stone, whilst crafting a wearable piece of jewellery of the utmost comfort and style’ said Fawaz Gruosi, Founder and Creative Director of de GRISOGONO.

With a diamond of this importance, a unique sales process is required. Having handled some of the world’s most valuable diamonds, Christie’s and de GRISOGONO have entered a partnership entitled The Art of de GRISOGONO, bringing this masterpiece to market. Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Christie’s Jewellery commented: ‘Throughout our history, Christie’s has had the privilege of handling the world’s rarest and most historic diamonds. The sensational 163.41 carat perfect diamond, suspended from an elegant emerald and diamond necklace, propels de GRISOGONO into a class of its own.’

The Art of de GRISOGONO is touring the world for viewings. After the Hong Kong unveiling (28th September), it stopped in London, moving on to Dubai (17th – 19th October), followed byNew York and culminating in Switzerland, where ‘Creation I’ will be the highlight of the auction season at the ‘Geneva Magnificent Jewel Sale’ on 14th November.