Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XIX

1 3 0 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I The beauty and sheer excellence of the collection is matched only by Chopard’s dedication to upholding ethical environmental standards in their quest to create outstanding pieces for only the most discerning clients. The wondrous opals all originate from the Aurora Gems opal mine of the magical Australian outback. Chopard works closely with the Hatcher family, who have owned the mine since 1962, to ensure total traceability of their gems, with mining, polishing and sale all carried out by the family. The gems are mysterious, precious and captivating, carrying secrets from the beginning of time and wielding an age old beauty. Titanium, flexible and light, allows for all manner of fantastic interpretations, with zirconiummaking its first appearance in Chopard’s Haute Joaillerie, paving the way for high-precision workmanship thanks to its impressive hardness. On the first ring, a spectacular 24.3 carat black opal resides in the centre of an impressive titanium latticework of petals, delicately chiselled and set with purple sapphires, with tsavorites set with 18 carat white gold bringing a vibrant harmony of colour. The second treats the eye to an enchanting blue magic, with a 20 carat oval opal exquisitely highlighted by diamond-set pistils and extended by finely veined blue titanium petals, while the body of the ring continues the spell with a harmonious arrangement of tsavorites, lazulites and brown diamonds. The third creation features an oval 9 carat black opal featuring the much sought-after flaming red play-of-colour, resoundingly echoed in the black rhodium-plated white gold pistils set with rubies and purple sapphires. The petals, made of blackened zirconium, are set with pink spinels. The body of the ring in interlaced rose and white gold is set with black diamonds. The petals of each ring are mobile, creating a vibrantly realistic effect. Powerful and subtle, resplendent and iridescent, the opal fascinates with its own special light that seems to imbue the stone with a life of its own. Its mobile nature, changing colours and elusive reflections have led the opal to be considered a symbol of wholeness throughout the world. With this collection, Chopard has masterfully captured the complexity and power of the opal, six rings, resembling vibrant talismans, demonstrate the romance that jewellery can convey when shape and material create a perfect blend.