Louis Vuitton’s latest high jewelry collection, “Awakened Hands, Awakened Minds,” could also include the terms “dropped jaws” and “wide eyes,” as that’s the reaction to this magnificent 220-piece collection. A brainchild of Francesca Amfitheatrof, the house’s Artistic Director for Watches and Jewelry, the collection draws inspiration from the allure of the South of France.
This wonderful assemblage of jewels taps into the romanticism of 19th-century France and highlights the maison’s exquisite, rare precious stones.
Divided into 13 distinct themes, Louis Vuitton grants a pedestal to its impeccable gems, such as traceable Mozambican rubies, Zambian emeralds, and sapphires from Kashmir, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar.
However, stealing the spotlight from a range of stunners is a dazzling 56.23-carat intense pink diamond christened the Coeur de Paris (Heart of Paris) diamond. It is set in a metallic lattice that emulates the construction of the iconic Eiffel Tower and is adorned with 26 LV Monogram Star cut diamonds. The Coeur de Paris sits elegantly in the pendant and is the rarest diamond ever set in a Louis Vuitton High Jewelry Collection.
One of the most striking examples of LV’s craftsmanship and vision is the Splendeur collar. This majestic piece, a true labor of love, required the efforts of 17 setters and 30 jewelers. They worked tirelessly on its 2,400 elements, pouring a total of 3,217 hours into its creation. The dedication and artistry of these craftsmen are evident in every detail, making this piece a true masterpiece.
“Awakened Hands, Awakened Minds tells a story that’s very close to who we are,” said Amfitheatrof, per Elle. “By showcasing this mixture of craftsmanship, engineering, invention, and bravery—we are really talking about Louis Vuitton. This collection signifies everything that is true to the Maison, true to French luxury, true to Art de Vivre—and we couldn’t celebrate in a better way.”
