Eighty Zambian emeralds and 241 natural diamonds grace a watch created for Harrods’ Biennale des Antiquaires.
At 23.5 carats, ‘Harrods Princess’ is a collaboration between diamond firm, Backes & Strauss, and gemstone supplier, Gemfields.
“We are absolutely delighted to be collaborating with Gemfields,” said Backes & Strauss chief executive officer (CEO) Vartkess Knadjian.
“Backes & Strauss uses only the finest natural conflict-free diamonds and it was of the utmost importance for us to find an equally discerning partner. Their Zambian emeralds are among the finest responsibly sourced coloured gemstones and the perfect complement to create the Harrods Princess. This ‘pièce unique’ underlines our credentials as bespoke craftsmen ready to rise to the challenges of our most demanding clients.”
The watch will be unveiled at London’s Harrods in the Fine Watch Room for the Biennale des Antiquaires exhibition.
The pièce unique was crafted in Switzerland. Each emerald was carefully selected and cut specifically for the watch, ensuring depth and consistency of colour.
The white gold case is set with ideal-cut diamonds to match the dial, while the bracelet is set with an additional 136 diamonds and emeralds (18.6 ctw).
“It gives me great pleasure to see our Zambian emeralds being used in such diverse ways and set by such fine craftsmen, who are so clearly able to showcase the inherent value contained within each and every gemstone,” said Gemfields CEO Ian Harebottle.
“As a watch enthusiast myself, I am envious of the lucky woman who will have the pleasure of wearing such an exquisite and rare timepiece and look forward to creating future masterpieces with a company as highly regarded as Backes & Strauss.”
Harrods Princess draws its inspiration from the Blue Velvet suite and Red Rose drawing room at Carlton House, the London residence of the Prince Regent, which was gifted to him in 1783 by his father, George III.
