Natural Beauty: Gafencu’s top 8 picks of brooches inspired by Mother Nature

Despite technology cocooning all aspects of modern life, Mother Nature is an inevitable presence. Time and again, art has borrowed from nature, with artists singing paeans of praise to all aspects of nature through diverse art forms. Jewellery too has come a long way, from actual elements of nature adorning the human body (think seashell jewellery by Neanderthals) to jewellery designers mimicking natural elements in their designs. 

Here, we’ve put the spotlight on eight such high joaillerie brooches that have captured some of the most striking feats of nature. Elaborate, intricate and exquisitely beautiful, these brooches are only second to nature’s originals. 

Peace Diamond: Graff acquires massive 709-carat rough diamond

Graff announces acquisition of 709-carat Peace Diamond
Graff announces acquisition of 709-carat Peace Diamond

Hot on the heels of purchasing the gargantuan Lesedi La Rona rough diamond earlier this year, luxury jewellery atelier Graff just announced its acquisition of yet another behemoth – the 709-carat Peace Diamond. Mined in the tiny village of Koryardu, this rough diamond is the second largest of its kind to be found in Sierra Leone.

Continuing the jewellery brand’s charitable legacy, all proceeds from the Peace Diamond sale will be funnelled back into to help the people of Sierra Leone. Laurence Graff, chairman of Graff Diamonds, said, “It is an honour to have acquired this magnificent rough diamond – and that its sale will directly benefit a country in desperate need. It is always special to be able to give back to the places that provide us with these beautiful stones.”

Peace Diamond is just the latest acquisition by Graff

The luxury diamond manufacturer is an old hand at transforming large uncut stones into glittering masterpieces. The Golden Empress, a 132.55-carat fancy intense yellow diamond, and the 118.78-carat heart-shaped Graff Venus are just two such examples. There’s no word yet on what the ultimate look of Peace Diamond will be, but if Graff’s previous works are anything to go by, it’s guaranteed to be a showstopper.

Images: Graff