Add Sparkle to Your Coffee Table with “Diamonds: Diamond Stories”
The new book, a collaboration between Only Natural Diamonds and Assouline, celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of natural diamonds.
Our favorite glittering natural stone with which to accessorize—the diamond, of course—now has a new role: illuminating our coffee table. See what we mean with an inside peek at our new Assouline book.
Inside the Only Natural Diamonds and Assouline Book Diamonds: Diamond Stories
Authored by British Vogue’s fashion critic Anders Christian Madsen and published by Assouline in partnership with Only Natural Diamonds, Diamonds: Diamond Stories ($95), is a visual chronicle of the role diamonds have played in our society over time, and the evolving symbolism associated with them. It offers a timely moment to consider the significance of the earth’s hardest and most sparkling stone.
“Though it is the epitome of aspiration, the diamond knows no ownership or boundaries. Its sparkle is universally attractive: alluring, elevating, and uplifting”
Edward Enninful – British Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief
In Diamonds, we learn how the mythical Indian mine of Golconda’s 34.98 carat Beau Sancy, which once set in Maria de’ Medici’s crown as regent of France in 1610, became a symbol of power and allegiance while providing material security to procure loans and repay debts.
“Very soon jewellery will be sold like art. The only difference is that along with perceived value, there is intrinsic value in jewellery as well.”
Sabyasachi Mukherjee – Designer, Fine Jewellery and Couture
We are reminded of the unique emotions stirred by the wonders of nature when we see the Louis Vuitton’s 1,758 carat Sewelô rough diamond, mysteriously shrouded by a thin layer of carbon.
However, it is when they are cut, sublimed by jewellery and worn by exceptional personalities that diamonds unfurl their magic. One such diamond is the legendary 128.54 carat fancy yellow Tiffany & Co. diamond. Once worn by Audrey Hepburn to promote Breakfast at Tiffany’s, it currently graces Beyoncé in the New York-based jeweller’s About Love campaign.
But the magic of diamonds touches us all. “While it is these pop culture diamond moments that are forever etched in our collective memories; out of the spotlight, all around the world, people are having their own diamond moments,” says David Kellie, CEO of Natural Diamond Council.
Quotes by jewellery designers and celebrities punctuate the book: Kendall Jenner mentions a “sense of confidence” achieved by the wearing of jewellery, whereas designer Valérie Messika emphasizes the power of being close to diamonds which are “like a touch of life,” but at the same time “something cool.”
“A great piece of jewellery is crafted with so much love and precision. It can make you feel strong, sexy, beautiful and everything else in between.”
Priyanka Chopra Jonas – Actor
A foreword is written by British Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful, who highlights how he uses diamonds in his work to “carry a message” as he strives to promote an “all-embracing understanding of beauty founded in diversity and democracy.”
Enninful observes that diamonds have their way of serving as a universal symbol of authority, luxury and inclusivity. And we’ll happily shop to that.
