Boucheron’s “Or Bleu” high jewellery collection is a stunning tribute to the raw beauty of Icelandic waters
In a striking homage to one of Earth’s most essential elements, Claire Choisne, Creative Director of Boucheron, unveils “Or Bleu,” a high jewellery collection that captures the beauty of water. Inspired by the powerful and untamed waters of Iceland, the collection is not merely an artistic endeavour, but an ode to water in its wildly varied states and forms.
The collection features 26 exquisite pieces, each meticulously designed to reflect the deep mystery and powerful dynamism of water.
Cascade
The “Cascade” necklace, the longest ever created by Boucheron at 148cm, embodies the rush of a waterfall, with 1,816 diamonds set in a delicate, articulated row that also transforms into earrings. This piece alone demanded 3,000 hours of craftsmanship, exemplifying the dedication and precision involved.
Ondes
“Ondes” captures the ripple effect of a droplet falling into water. Utilising rock crystal sculpted to mimic ripples, this set includes a necklace and rings, with diamonds invisibly set underneath the crystal for an otherworldly effect. With 5,050 hours dedicated to the necklace alone, the craftsmanship challenges were immense, requiring not only sculpting but also ensuring the suppleness of its form to follow the body’s contours.
Eau d’Encre
Iceland’s darker waters inspired “Eau d’Encre,” with pieces made from volcanic obsidian. The glassy black stone, combined with diamonds, evokes the raw beauty of Iceland’s landscape.
Eau Forte
The “Eau Forte” bracelet, using a traditional etching technique, captures the moment a wave crashes on black sand, blending white lacquer and diamonds with black ink for a striking contrast.
Sable Noir
“Sable Noir” integrates black sand, using a 3D printing technique to create pieces that shimmer with the natural texture of the material.
Écume
The “Écume” rings play with the contrasts of light and dark, employing obsidian and rock crystal to evoke the ephemeral beauty of foam and icebergs.
Iceberg
Inspired by Iceland’s ‘Diamond Beach’, the “Iceberg” necklace and earrings reproduce the plays of light and transparency of these ephemeral sculptures by sandblasting the rock crystal to give it a frosted effect.
Vague & Flots
The collection also explores the transformative power of water through pieces like “Vague” and “Flots,” which replicate the movement and fluidity of waves and cascading water with exceptional detail.
Ciel de Glace & Banquise
“Ciel de Glace” and “Banquise” further explore the theme, using materials like rock crystal and grand antique marble to depict icy landscapes and floes.
Cristaux
In “Cristaux,” Choisne introduces a touch of blue with aquamarines set within hexagons of rock crystal, culminating in a detachable diamond centrepiece.
This immaculate collection, demanding thousands of hours of labour and intricate craftsmanship, exemplifies Boucheron’s reputation for pushing creative boundaries and capturing nature’s fleeting beauty in timeless jewellery.
Images courtesy of Boucheron, artwork by Curatedition. All rights reserved.
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