Why are Cartier, Chopard and Qeelin using semi-precious gems in high jewellery?

May 4 , 2019

Qeelin’s Wulu pendant – which combines the bold auspicious red colour, and the ancient Chinese gourd-shape symbol, resembling the lucky number 8 cut out in red agate – symbolises twice the blessings.

Vibrant creations by top jewellery houses Bulgari, Boucheron, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Piaget feature semi-precious gems that can have as big an impact as diamonds

The natural beauty of semi-precious gemstones is beguiling those looking for high jewellery that merges modern glamour with innovative technical and imaginative prowess.

Craftsmanship is integral to working with semi-precious gemstones, which need to be meticulously selected before being carefully carved or cut to fit a specific design.

Boucheron’s Nuage de Fleurs necklace set with a 42.96 carat cushion pink tourmaline

From custom-cut malachite and mother-of-pearl to red agate and rock crystal, tourmalines to carved blue chalcedony and more, these stones are bringing magical lustre to contemporary jewels.

Bold and colourful, these semi-precious gems can create as big an impact as their more prestigious counterparts when used in the right designs.

Louis Vuitton’s Apotheosis Cuff with tsavorite, garnet and diamonds

Les Galaxies de Cartier, a collection of limited-edition jewellery, delves into a creative exploration of the cosmos, where new materials have been introduced in unprecedented ways to capture its volume.

Cartier’s Trembling Stars bracelet and ring are crafted in 18-carat white gold and set with diamonds, rock crystal and metaquartzite. Diamonds feature in a serti vibrant, or trembling setting protected under a hollow dome of rock crystal.