Gucci unveils its first high jewellery collection

Having given us all an obsession for kangaroo lined slippers, pre-dirtied trainers and artfully mismatched clothes, Gucci's creative director Alessandro Michele has now just upped the ante. He's opened the brand's first boutique in the world's most exclusive jewellery address, Place Vendome in Paris.

As the man who turned geek into chic, Michele has now set his sights on the rare and monied universe of exclusive gems, with Gucci also unveiling its first ever high jewellery collection.

Entitled Hortus Deliciarum (or the Garden of Delights), the collection is inspired by symbols, myths, nature and even love, all narratives that Michele revisits frequently.

Featuring over two hundred pieces – many unique - white diamonds, pink sapphires, rose topaz, green tourmaline, emeralds and intense garnets are crafted into bees, tigers, lions and even mythical beasts such as Ouroborus serpents, showing that when it comes to high jewellery, there really is no limit to imagination.

The National