Royally Revered British Jewelry House Garrard Launches Its Sparkling New Collection
British jeweler Garrard has crafted some of the most famous jewels in history, including Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring. As the house launches on NET-A-PORTER with its Fanfare collection, CHARLIE BOYD discovers how the legacy of this extraordinary brand is instilled into one of its signature and most contemporary collections
When the first Garrard boutique opened in 1735, in the heart of London’s theater district, the boxes of the West End’s most glamorous playhouses were awash with gleaming fans – carried by ladies who attended lavish opera masquerade balls. Almost 300 years later, these opulent accessories have inspired an array of striking jewels with cult, contemporary appeal – the Fanfare collection.
Referencing the symphony of color unfurled as these ladies’ gowns swirled around Georgian ballrooms, each fan is brought to life with bold flashes of vibrant gemstones – sapphires, turquoise and emeralds are seamlessly set in openwork designs to mimic sumptuous folds. The artful angles of each jewel capture the drama and mystique of perhaps the most potent accessory in a woman’s arsenal at that time – in the 18th century, using the secret language of fans, a lady could convey her innermost secrets or intentions with a simple flick of the wrist.
“Sapphires are paired with lapis lazuli, while emeralds are effortlessly married with malachite; diamonds are set alongside shimmering mother-of-pearl and bright aquamarines complement vivid turquoise – each piece imbued with intense color, scintillation and shine
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Much like the ballgowns of the era, sculptural silhouettes are the keystone of the Fanfare collection. Every earring is expertly angled to frame the face, while pendants are jauntily suspended from delicate chains, petite enough to be playfully layered. Embracing the finger, a double fan motif offers twice the impact – the perfect cocktail ring for those seeking contemporary classicism. This elegant modernity is mastered elsewhere in the jewelry house’s repertoire, too – the Wings Embrace collection, which also launches on NET-A-PORTER this season, similarly celebrates the timeless motif of an angel’s wing, yet its sculptural silhouette feels audaciously avant-garde.
Today, it is the everyday allure of the Fanfare collection that truly seduces – while inspired by extravagant eveningwear, the earrings, pendants and rings set with ornamental hardstones are just as easily worn with a simple T-shirt, chic knitwear or a favorite leather jacket. Unexpected combinations of carved and faceted gemstones enhance this eclectic aesthetic. Sapphires are paired with lapis lazuli, while emeralds are effortlessly married with malachite; diamonds are set alongside shimmering mother-of-pearl and bright aquamarines complement vivid turquoise – each piece imbued with intense color, scintillation and shine.
A more modern example of Garrard’s regal credentials, however, is a jewel now recognized the world over – the 12-carat sapphire and diamond engagement ring worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, which was chosen and worn by the late Princess of Wales before her. Much like these masterpieces, the Fanfare collection showcases the spirit of Garrard in spades – dramatic elegance coupled with refined modernity.
While each of Garrard’s designs may feel refreshingly modern, every gemstone, whether carved or faceted, illustrates the centuries of expertise and remarkable artisanry contained within the house’s world-class atelier. This talented team of designers, gemologists and artisans are continuing a legacy with royal pedigree; Garrard was appointed as the first official Crown Jeweller by Queen Victoria in 1843 and famously set the Cullinan I diamond – the world’s largest cut and colorless diamond – within the British sovereign’s sceptre. The guiding force behind the all-female design team is understanding the mindset of modern women and how a Garrard jewel can fit seamlessly into their lives.
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DISCOVER THE GARRARD FANFARE COLLECTION
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