Records as they say, are meant to be broken. The latest iteration of this quote has manifested via the unveiling of what people are now calling the largest graded D-color emerald-cut diamond on record.

The VVS clarity "Constellation 1", one of several stones fashioned from the famous 813ct Constellation rough diamond (pictured below), is now the current record holder of this esteemed title. The finished emerald-cut diamond weighs about 313 carats, and its cutting was the initiative project of Nemesis International in partnership with Swiss company de Grisogono- which originally purchased the stone for a bit over sixty three million dollars back in 2016.



After a period of 18 months spent on the careful examination of the original material's inclusions and their positions, Almas Diamond Services, sister company to Nemesis International, pushed through with the cutting process to achieve a 57% recovery rate on the stone.

Such rare diamonds are arriving on the international stage with great promise, especially during a time when the natural diamond industry has slowed globally due to several factors- such as lower demand from Chinese markets as observed during the September 2019 Hong Kong Jewellery Fair.

At the current time, Nemesis has no current plans yet to sell the diamond, expressing its intention to keep the final faceted stones together as a family, possibly sending them on tour as the miniature works of art that they are.

Every now and again, we find ourselves mesmerized by miniature masterpiece laden with the treasures of nature. Let's take a glimpse into the busy workshops that create some of the world's most timeless artworks.

Historical jewelry pieces have always been a forte of the well known design houses. Graff, Van Cleef & Arpels, De Grisogono, and other heritage-run maisons have been producing high jewelry for decades, spanning the cumulative tastes of many different markets, while always finding time to create that special aesthetic wonder we've all come to appreciate.

The particular aspects of each house's visual style vary greatly with personal beliefs and preferences. De Grisogono's vibrant use of colored stones (such as Colombian emeralds) plays off beautifully against the seamless, asymmetrical elements of their design sequences.

Nothing starts out grandiose and alive. We've all been born out of love and passion. The world of fine jewelry is no different.

From the tiniest idea, the simplest sketch, to the actual wax sculpting by time-honored artisans, the creation process for high jewelry is a tedious yet rewarding endeavor. Audiences from around the globe partake in the festive unveiling of new collections. Museum curators gather at exhibits to learn as much as they can about artists and their indescribable regalia pieces.



Gemstones play a very intimate part of most revered jewelry suites. From the brilliance and dazzling allure of diamonds to the fiery passionate reds of rubies, the rarity and exclusive indulgence of precious gems cannot simply be ignored within the realm of fine luxury.

It takes years to master the art of gemstone-setting, the precision and care needed for a beautiful result matches only the ageless dedication possessed by the greatest smiths in history. Their jewelry benches are the birthplace of majesty and opulence. Every intricate swirl of platinum, gold and silver, began as ore to be smelted and re-formed. Metal matched with mettle, artisans breathed life into the minerals from deep below the earth's crust.



For anyone wanting to delve deeper into the artful finality created by the jewelry maisons, you're not alone. Gemology and jewelry go hand-in-hand, the journey of learning is never over, and the world's taste for wonder never ceases.

There are many jewelry-making institutes to choose from, including Van Cleef and Arpel's L'ecole School of Jewelry and Arts. If you'd like to learn on your own, you can follow in the steps of pioneers and gain an apprenticeship with your local jeweler.



But, if you'd like to learn more about the other half of the masterpiece; the gems that no one else can replicate perfectly- then you won't have to look far. Our laboratory will be offering gemological classes and workshops beginning mid-2018 to connoisseurs, jewelry aficionados and future-gemologists from the Philippines. We look forward to having you with us.

All images belong to their corresponding brand companies, Van Cleef & Arpels, De Grisogono and Graff Jewelers. We are neither affiliated with, nor endorse any one company, however the purpose of this editorial post, was to simply appreciate the art of fine jewelry craftsmanship.