Gucci presents the Hortus Delicarum chapter three high jewellery collection

By Ian Thorley

Gucci presented the third chapter of its Hortus Delicarum collection this week at Paris Couture, the latest instalment of its epic opus following the original launch in 2019. The new jewellery pieces reference integral codes of the Gucci house, with fresh interpretations of the iconic lion and tiger head motifs featuring various coloured flawless gemstones – fresh aquamarines to yellow sapphires, mandarin garnets to the purest diamonds. New designs have been created in the form of necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets.

The Latin Hortus Delicarum directly translates as ‘Garden of Delight’, thus this jewellery collection looks to the flora and fauna of the natural world for inspiration. A selection of stunning pieces recreate Gucci’s distinctive lion head and tiger head motifs. These designs are directly influenced by the Roman history that the house draws upon and used to symbolise strength, courage, and passion. Flawless, fancy-cut vivid multicoloured gemstones, from aquamarines to yellow sapphires and mandarin garnets add vibrant touches to these jaw dropping new designs.

The highlight of the collection is a 38.8 carat flawless green tourmaline surrounded by diamonds set as an incredible multi finger ring. Equally eye catching is a yellow gold ear cuff that features a kaleidoscope of multi coloured gems – garnets, yellow beryl, rubellite, and diamonds all feature in this outstandingly modern piece.

Two versions of a gold bracelet in both white and yellow gold feature a diamond-embellished chevron pattern and an oval-shaped 16 carat rubellite tourmaline, a creation that took over 200 hours of hand craftsmanship.

Meanwhile other pieces have been fashioned entirely in diamonds to replicate natural waterfall, the standout piece is a parure comprising a dazzling white gold necklace and matching drop earrings. Involving 300 hours of production, the necklace features diamond-embellished starbursts trimmed with lady-like diamond bows featuring over 40 carats of stones, while the earrings reveal diamond-encrusted bows and chandelier-like crystal droplets around two teardrop cut diamonds with a total of 16.7 carats.

Rounding off the collection, new diamond-embellished solitaire rings shine in a mix of colours that mirror the sky. A hexagonal 14.7 carat tanzanite in white gold is a centrepiece, while three other white gold rings each present a heart-shaped gemstone in a vivid colour: a 9 carat blue tourmaline, a 12.6 carat peach tourmaline, and an 11.5 carat pink tourmaline.

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