Sotheby’s Diamonds by Nicholas Lieou
Jewelry prodigy Nicholas Lieou finds poetry in complementary opposites: minimalism and maximalism, strength and fragility, masculinity and femininity, past influences and unequivocally modern designs.
The capsule collection he has created for Sotheby’s Diamonds — the retail boutique specializing in the world’s finest diamonds — is inspired by this “Yin and Yang,” perfectly balancing the powerful beauty of rare diamonds with pure yet resolutely original designs. Drawing on nature and organic forms, the ten pieces in Nicholas’ collection range from minimalist designs to complex pieces, showcasing the masterful craftsmanship and impeccable design detail which are characteristic of Sotheby's Diamonds. Uniquely blending Eastern and Western aesthetics, the collection also captures the jeweler’s love for linear symmetry and Art Deco classicism.
“I have been following Nicholas’ work for many years and I am delighted that we have finally found the time to work together. Nicholas approaches jewelry as an art form and has a unique vision — a constant and fearless desire to innovate, nurtured by a deep knowledge of the history of jewelry. He also has a great appreciation of craftsmanship and a deep understanding and respect for the materials he uses. This is the essence of Sotheby’s Diamonds, and this collection is a fantastic interpretation of our aesthetic: timeless, original designs with a touch of irreverence which let the diamonds speak and enhance their natural beauty,” said Patti Wong, founder and chairman of Sotheby’s Diamonds.
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Sotheby’s Diamonds by Lily Gabriella
An ode to yellow, the first capsule collection designed by Brazilian jeweler Lily Gabriella for Sotheby’s Diamonds predominantly features rare yellow diamonds set in breathtaking designs inspired by art and architecture. Lily’s jewelry celebrates her love of color, vibrant design and exceptional craftsmanship. She creates statement pieces which combine sculptural lines with contrasting colors, unusual materials and the finest gemstones and diamonds.
The color yellow has inspired some of the greatest artists of all time, from Rembrandt and Van Gogh to Mark Rothko and Anish Kapoor. Yellow diamonds — incredibly rare and sought after by jewelry connoisseurs — have similarly played a key role in the history of jewelry. The stones are a testament to the ability of Sotheby’s Diamonds to source and select diamonds of extraordinary beauty and rarity.
Raised in Brazil and Monaco, Lily is inspired by her passion for nature, art and architecture, having grown up in a household that celebrates artists and architects alike. She was drawn to the energy and culture of London where she founded Lily Gabriella Fine Jewelry, designing private commissions by appointment. Her expert eye was trained in the valuation and appraisal of fine jewelry in an international auction house, and her technical capabilities developed under the tutelage of one of the world’s greatest jewelers.
“Lily is somewhat of an architect of light and color. The jewels she has created perfectly capture Sotheby’s Diamonds’ unique signature, where diamonds are the masterpieces, always at the heart of the composition. Some say yellow is ‘the new Millennial Pink’! With their resolute modernity, Lily’s creations will no doubt resonate to the young generation, but above all, they celebrate the timeless and universal beauty of diamonds.”
Lily Gabriella added: “It is a rare privilege for a jeweler to be given the opportunity to work with such a ‘palette’ of diamonds and create the perfect frame for them. Each diamond has its own personality, and my aim was to enhance their intrinsic quality and color with the use of unusual materials and contrasting colored gemstones. I have always been fascinated by the way architects sculpt light, and this is what I have tried to reproduce here, with geometric and quasi-biomorphic shapes capturing the life and light of the diamonds.”
