Beauty Rival – Every year, the world’s top jewellery maisons compete to redefine luxury with their groundbreaking creations. High jewellery isn’t just about rare gems and dazzling brilliance; it’s an art form that balances heritage with bold innovation. In 2024, some of the biggest names—Chanel, Bvlgari, Hermes, Van Cleef & Arpels, and more—have once again shattered expectations. From Chanel’s reinvention of hoodie drawstrings to Bvlgari’s jaw-dropping €40 million Serpenti necklace, this year’s collections celebrate both technical mastery and creative audacity.
Let’s take a closer look at the standout pieces setting new benchmarks in high jewellery.
Chanel Haute Joaillerie Sport: Luxe Meets Utility
Chanel’s Haute Joaillerie Sport collection proves that even the most unexpected elements—like hoodie drawstrings—can be elevated into high jewellery art. Celebrating Gabrielle Chanel’s legacy of freedom and sporty elegance, this collection is divided into six thematic chapters, each pushing the boundaries of luxury design.
- The Sweater Chapter: Hoodie drawstrings are reimagined as tubular gold cords, blending chic utility with opulence.
- Graphic Line: Inspired by speed and movement, this chapter highlights chevron motifs and features rare Kashmir sapphires, including a breathtaking 17.18-carat centrepiece.
- Gold Slider: Adjustable gold buttons allow pieces to transform effortlessly, combining elegance with innovation.
Lightweight yet bold, Chanel introduces new materials like carbon and aluminium into cuffs, staying true to the maison’s blend of modernity and timeless design.
Bvlgari Aeterna: A €40 Million Masterpiece
Italian powerhouse Bvlgari pulls out all the stops to celebrate its 140th anniversary with the breathtaking Aeterna collection. The crown jewel? The extraordinary Serpenti Aeterna necklace, worth €40 million.
- This showstopper features 140 carats of flawless pear-shaped diamonds, symbolising each year of Bvlgari’s rich history.
- Cut from a 200-carat rough diamond, it’s a tribute to the house’s craftsmanship and its eternal love for luxury.
Other highlights include the Aurea Chandra choker, channeling bold 1980s glamour with radiant gold spheres, and the Tubogas Flower of Time necklace, where the house’s iconic Tubogas technique meets a 31.07-carat floral Zambian emerald.
Hermes Les Formes de la Couleur: A Kaleidoscope of Brilliance
Hermes takes high jewellery into vibrant, modern territory with Les Formes de la Couleur. True to its name, this kaleidoscopic collection celebrates the interplay of bold shapes and striking colours.
- Fresh Paint: Hermes “paints” with precious stones, creating textured and fluid designs.
- Supracolor: Light dances through rutilated quartz and diamonds, shifting from black to white with hypnotic pops of colour.
- Color Vibes: Asymmetrical shapes meet classic cuts like emerald-cut emeralds and baguette-cut tanzanites, resulting in dynamic, statement-making pieces.
For a whimsical twist, Hermes introduces a fully functional miniature Birkin bag crafted from gold and adorned with 3,000 diamonds—a nod to the maison’s iconic craftsmanship.
Van Cleef & Arpels Treasure Island: Adventure Meets Elegance
Van Cleef & Arpels invites us on a whimsical journey with Treasure Island, inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s iconic tale. Divided into three chapters—Adventure at Sea, Exploring the Island, and The Treasure Hunt—the collection captures the magic of maritime exploration.
- Ecume Mysterieuse Necklace: Evokes ocean currents with mystery-set blue sapphires.
- Palmier Mysterieux Clip: A playful palm tree adorned with emerald leaves and interchangeable sun, boat, and treasure chest motifs.
- Palmeraie Merveilleuse Necklace: Anchored by a rare 47.93-carat emerald, it pays homage to nature’s treasures.
Each piece seamlessly blends storytelling with the maison’s unparalleled artistry.
Cartier Nature Sauvage: Animal-Inspired Masterpieces
Cartier reimagines its legendary animal kingdom in Nature Sauvage, a collection that transforms nature’s vitality into wearable art. Key creations include:
- Chryseis Necklace: Inspired by butterfly wings, featuring a dramatic 63.76-carat rubellite framed by black-and-white chalcedony.
- Vamana Necklace: A modern take on the elephant, with emerald eyes and geometric kite-shaped diamonds.
- Panthere Chatoyante: Cartier’s iconic panther is brought to life with emeralds, rubellites, and onyx, capturing its elegance and strength.
Boucheron Or Bleu: The Beauty of Iceland
Boucheron’s Or Bleu collection draws inspiration from Iceland’s glaciers, waves, and sea foam. The designs feature:
- Iceberg Necklace: Sandblasted rock crystal mimics frosted ice, with invisibly set diamonds creating a floating effect.
- Cristaux Necklace: A glacial masterpiece combining aquamarines, hexagonal rock crystals, and a 5.06-carat central diamond.
Boucheron transforms the raw beauty of nature into modern, minimalist works of art.
Why These High Jewellery Collections Matter
These collections push the boundaries of creativity, proving that high jewellery is not just about luxury but also about innovation, storytelling, and artistic brilliance. From Chanel’s sporty chic to Bvlgari’s breathtaking diamonds and Hermes’ bold colour palettes, each piece tells a story of heritage meeting modernity.
