The billowing forms of clouds are the inspiration for a dreamy new jewellery collection by Bleue Burnham, who has collaborated with Skydiamond. The pieces, available exclusively at Gucci’s experimental online space, Vault, encompass voluminous forms in gold and silver speckled with diamonds.
‘We chose clouds as a symbol of imagination (for a brighter future), the magnificence of nature, and also humankind’s relationship with clouds via cloud pruning and topiary,’ the jewellery designer tells us of the inspiration behind the collection. ‘This is also closely linked to Skydiamond’s process of diamond making.’
Diamonds created from the carbon in the atmosphere
‘The Cloud’ eternity ring, Skydiamond pavé, price on request, from Gucci Vault
Skydiamond’s process of creating diamonds by removing carbon from the atmosphere appealed to Burnham, who saw a close alignment between their two brands. ‘As soon as we heard about Skydiamond, we were truly amazed at what they were doing, and we needed to work with them. Firstly because our values on environmental progression were deeply aligned. But we also felt we could expand their narrative into something beautiful. Traditional diamonds are formed underground when carbon is subject to high pressure and heat. Skydiamonds, however, are made by removing excess carbon (a significant contributor to climate change) from the atmosphere and turning this into a diamond. Essentially turning [something] bad into intense beauty. This all happens on a localised, renewably powered site in the British countryside.’
‘The Cloud’ pendant, £895, from Gucci Vault
The new pieces build on Burnham’s previous collaboration with Gucci Vault while shifting the focus to new and sustainable methods. ‘It was a very straightforward process as we all leant on each other's specialities,’ she adds. ‘SkyDiamond created the diamonds, we visualised the concept, development and design and brought this to life, while the Vault team and [then-Gucci creative director] Alessandro Michele made their selection and continued to build the campaign around it.’
-
Arthur Casas reimagines Villa Dubrovnik as a modern Adriatic retreatThe Brazilian architect brings poetic restraint and light to Croatia’s most elegant coastal hotel
-
14 of the best new books for music buffsFrom music-making tech to NME cover stars, portable turntables and the story behind industry legends – new books about the culture and craft of recorded sound
-
Margaret Howell marks 55 years in business by reissuing pieces from her archiveThe stalwart of British design will reissue a series of archival silk scarves to celebrate the landmark anniversary, alongside an era-traversing exhibition of foulards at the brand’s Wigmore Street store
