Celebrity Life

De Beers ensures that every facet of its business is conducted to the highest possible ethical standards.

When you buy a De Beers diamond, you can be certain not only of its unsurpassed beauty, but also of the sustainability of its journey from deep inside the ground.

De Beers’ diamonds are sourced from its own mines in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Canada, meaning it can guarantee their ethical provenance – but the company also goes above and beyond to ensure that every one of its diamonds has a positive impact, with a four-point commitment known as Building Forever that puts social responsibility at the heart of everything it does.

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De Beers’ efforts to protect the natural world include setting aside 200,000 hectares for conservation: an area six times the size of its mining operations. Known as the Diamond Route, it includes eight nature reserves hosting endangered species in South Africa and Botswana. Among the species to have benefited from De Beers’ conservation programmes are elephants, rhinos, cheetahs and giraffes.

The company is also committed to supporting local communities in the regions that host its operations. Apart from providing plentiful employment opportunities, it also assists programmes that improve healthcare and education, as well as helping to diversify those regions’ economies by investing in local entrepreneurs – to date helping 700 enterprises and 7,500 individuals in Botswana and South Africa.

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Gender equality is another cherished value for De Beers, and the company supports projects that provide women and girls with opportunities. It has pledged US$3 million since 2017 to UN Women, investing in more than 700 female micro-entrepreneurs in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa; and it has sponsored scholarships for more than 750 girls in South Africa and 20 from indigenous communities in Canada.

The company also insists on the highest ethical standards both in its own operations and across the value chain. It ensures every diamond is natural, untreated and conflict-free, and is responsibly sourced and produced, to the highest environmental and labour rights standards, microscopically branding them with unique identifier the De Beers Marque as a guarantee.

[caption id="attachment_211607" align="alignnone" width="994"] The rough-to-polished journey of a 0.62-carat cushion-cut fancy intense purplish-pink diamond. (Image: De Beers)[/caption]

Those diamonds are among the most remarkable wonders of nature, formed inside the earth between 720 million and 3.5 billion years ago. Each of them reflects the conditions in which it was forged: South African diamonds are famous for coming in a rainbow of different colours; those from Botswana are found perfectly formed in the desert, while those from Namibia are similarly polished by the waters of the Orange River and the sea; and Canadian diamonds are found buried deep beneath the ice, and come with a naturally frosted surface.

But perhaps even more incredible is the journey they undergo in the hands of De Beers, which looks for the perfect alignment of facets and angles, transforming nature’s wonders into treasured jewels. The company’s expert diamond cutters search for the cut that will maximise the beauty of each stone, while De Beers’ commitment to traceability means that buyers can purchase them with peace of mind.

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Those diamonds are put to the most exquisite use in the brand’s high jewellery collections. They include Portraits of Nature by De Beers, inspired by the striking colours of wild creatures; Phenomena by De Beers, an ode to the mystique of water; Lotus By De Beers, which takes it cues from the serenity of the lotus flower; and Imaginary Nature, which explores a mythical world of natural wonders.

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The post How De Beers is Leading the Way in Ethical Jewellery and Sustainability appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Marion Cotillard collaborates with Chopard to create the Ice Cube Capsule, embodying her style and perception of ethical jewellery.

Marion Cotillard’s dedication to environmental activism and support of Chopard on its Journey to Sustainable Luxury is no closely guarded secret. Inspired to create a jewellery set that encapsulates her style and penchant for ethical jewellery, the actress shared her vision for a capsule collection with Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Artistic Director of Chopard.

The Ice Cube Capsule was birthed from Cotillard’s desire to expand her environmental and social concerns to the world of jewellery. Raising the idea during a discussion with her long-time friend Scheufele, she asked for assistance in realising her vision. Scheufele was pleased to devote Chopard’s savoir-faire to the project.

[caption id="attachment_210841" align="alignnone" width="8000"] The Ice Cube Capsule jewellery collection is designed by Marion Cotillard in collaboration with Chopard. (Image: Elliot Bliss)[/caption]

The Co-President of the Maison gave full artistic license to the actress while ensuring Chopard sourced the ethically mined materials. The specialist support of Chopard’s artisans were also essential to the creation of the enduringly exquisite jewellery.

The collaboration reflects a kinder side of luxury, demonstrating a genuine interest in the livelihoods of the men and women who mine raw materials.

[caption id="attachment_210842" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Marion Cotillard wearing the Ice Cube Capsule jewels. (Image: Elliot Bliss)[/caption]

“Marion Cotillard is very creative and all our discussions on this project have been extremely inspiring. By bringing her interpretation to our Ice Cube collection, she is inventing a contemporary and relaxed way to wear diamonds. It is a great pleasure to combine her ideas with our expertise in the realm of ethical jewellery,” Caroline Scheufele remarks.

About the Collection

From an aesthetic standpoint, the Ice Cube Capsule by Marion Cotillard is inspired by the graphic forms and edgy rocker spirit of Chopard’s Ice Cube collection. A total of seven Haute Joaillerie creations and a ring comprise the newest collection, crafted in Fairmined-certified ethical gold and diamonds that meet the best global standards.

[caption id="attachment_210843" align="aligncenter" width="724"] Assorted jewels from the Ice Cube Capsule by Marion Cotillard for Chopard. (Image: Chopard)[/caption]

The actress’ designs most notably reiterate the alignment of small, faceted cubes while facilitating the relaxed way the jewellery can be worn as individual statement pieces or stacked. Though renowned for its geometric style, the collection succeeds in imbuing a touch of asymmetry that cements its contemporary edge. Marion Cotillard’s designs are unapologetic in their disruption of traditional aesthetic codes for stunningly bold pieces.

[caption id="attachment_210844" align="aligncenter" width="819"] An eye-catching Ice Cube Capsule ring. (Image: Chopard)[/caption]

In nature, the only consistency is inconsistency. As a result, the earrings in the Ice Cube Capsule are all different, complementary, and designed to be worn as a part of a mix and match situation.

One side features a series that consists of two connected gold rings to wear on the top of the ear, followed by a diamond-set counterpart. Finally, on the earlobe is a princess-cut solitaire diamond. The square shape refers to the small faceted cubes of the rings.

On the other ear, a new combination of three rings connect via the back of the ear, each set with a diamond, then another diamond set piece; and lastly, on the lobe, flows a cascade of generous princess-cut diamonds that entirely obscure the underlying gold setting.

All the earrings have been made in a clip-on style to suit non-pierced ears such as the actress’ own. To complete the series of earrings that may be worn solo or stacked, she has also designed a ring. It is composed of two rings, joined by a princess-cut solitaire diamond.

The Journey to Sustainable Luxury

[caption id="attachment_210845" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Marion Cotillard. (Image: Elliott Bliss)[/caption]

Since 2018, all watch and jewellery creations by Chopard are made of ethical gold. The Ice Cube Capsule by Marion Cotillard collection is no exception. The 18-carat yellow gold used for these pieces is certified by the Fairmined label, ensuring they adhere to the best social and environmental practices. The gold is then smelted in Chopard’s workshops. One of few Maisons to have its own in-house foundry, this enabled the jewellery and watchmaker to commit to using 100% ethical gold.

In terms of diamonds, Chopard only sources from suppliers who are members of the Responsible Jewellery Council. Chopard has the distinction of becoming the first luxury jewellery and watchmaker to educate clients on the origins of its raw materials. More details about its Ice Cube Capsule collection here.

This story first appeared on Prestige Malaysia

The post Marion Cotillard Designs the Ice Cube Capsule Jewellery Collection for Chopard appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.