‘Ocean diamonds have the most romantic origins,’ Baylee Zwart, founder and designer of Āzlee, tells us. ‘They are formed by the earth, beginning their journey billions of years ago where they flowed naturally from the mountains through rivers, eventually settling on the seabed.’ The strongest ocean diamonds which have survived the journey are then discovered by local diamond divers, who find them in caverns and buried in the sea bed off the coasts of Namibia and South Africa. Cut locally to ensure they don’t mix with mined diamonds, the supply chain is both short and transparent.
Los Angeles-based jewellery designer Zwart is enamored with the results, making them the focus of her new five piece collection which includes hoop earrings, a coin charm necklace and three rings. With a background working in the non-profit world, sustainability is as key to her as design. ‘It was refreshing for me to hear about a diamond source that is so traceable, direct and transparent - each diamond comes with a certificate of origin. These diamonds also don’t require any mining, which is astounding as mining can be so detrimental to the environment. The way they are cultivated is so low impact. Not to mention that the diamonds are absolutely stunning and are top grades in colour and clarity.’
In the jewellery, the diamonds ride the crest of a recycled gold wave, poised in the middle of curving swells which loop around fingers and earlobes. The fluidity of the designs captures the movement of the ocean, the brushed satin finish reflecting its textured spray. ‘I wanted the diamonds to be submerged into the pieces, encapsulated by the waves,’ Zwart adds.
The capsule collection has launched exclusively at Matches Fashion. ‘Baylee has a real eye for creating modern heirlooms which are understated yet interesting in design,’ says buyer Tanika Wisdom. ‘Our customer is interested in the artistry and craftmanship that goes into creating the pieces they are investing in and also loves the journey of discovery so I think they will really enjoy learning and understanding the fascinating story behind the Ocean Diamonds collection.’
INFORMATION
-
Frieze London 2025: all the fashion moments to look out forThe best fashion happenings to add to your Frieze London 2025 schedule, from Dunhill’s curation of talks at Frieze Masters to an exhibition of furniture by Rick Owens
-
Artists reflect on Kate Bush lyrics for a War Child auctionPeter Doig and Maggi Hambling are among artists interpreting Kate Bush’s 1985 track ‘Running Up That Hill’ for War Child’s online auction
-
Explore Tom Kundig’s unusual houses, from studios on wheels to cabins slotted into bouldersThe American architect’s entire residential portfolio is the subject of a comprehensive new book, ‘Tom Kundig: Complete Houses’
