A Study Of Some Really Fancy Crystal Jewellery

As the creative director of Swarovski, Nathalie Colin puts her stamp on everything that she designs for the Austrian label. So how is its Creative Director’s Collection, which debuted in stores recently, different from everything else? Here, her first-hand explanation.

As the creative director of Swarovski, Nathalie Colin puts her stamp on everything that she designs for the Austrian label. So how is its Creative Director’s Collection, which debuted in stores recently, different from everything else? Here, her first-hand explanation.

Text Harinee Jayan

IT’S THE BRAND’S MOST ELABORATE LINE

“In the past, we’ve developed some intricate pieces that show our expert craftsmanship. (This is) going one step further... The level of detail, complexity of design and opulence are at their most striking. For example, the stones on the Light Orchid necklace (far left) have more irregular and asymmetrical curves than usual. The Leia ring (not pictured) boasts layers of crystals, creating fascinating volume and a 3-D effect that’s enhanced by pave crystals. With the origami flower-inspired Liz series (see drop earrings on bottom left hand of page), we smoothed the finish on the joints to make each piece supple.”

YOU’LL GET THE MOST COLOURFUL PIECES

“Rather than focusing on a speci c colour palette like we usually do, we explored the entire spectrum of the rainbow this season (this Luminous Fairy necklace, for example, has crystals in more than 50 hues). (The main colours) are fuchsia and turquoise blue, as well as soft pastel shades, and fascinating undertones and gradations.”

SHE REALLY EXPERIMENTS WITH THE “GEM” SETTING

“The debut collection features all of our settings – from the classic pave to our one-of-a-kind hand-set Pointiage technique (crystals are set extremely close together without using prongs or glue, which enhances overall brilliance). The Niagara series, for example, features the flexible cup chain setting (each prong is structured like a cup) to highlight the colour gradation of the rainbow-hued crystals.”

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