A peek at the most desired jewels of 2023: the T&C Jewelry Awards

Jewels are timeless and they make you feel the best. Although, while you may not live forever, some things have a chance at immortality, just the high jewelry necklace by Cartier. With a potential lifespan of 100,000 years, this necklace is backed by archaeological findings displayed in museum vitrines. And it’s not just diamonds that last forever; the necklace also includes snail shell beads dating back 150,000 years and a chlorite bracelet from Siberia that is 70,000 years old! Even ancient Hellenic gold and quartz bangles from around 330 BC look stylish enough to wear today.

Luckily, the T&C celebrates the lasting art of jewelry in every issue, including our annual T&C Jewelry Awards. Jewelry not only sparkles and shines but also tells stories about the times in which it was created. It speaks to your desires, travels, and conflicts. Jewelry can withstand the test of time and has the answers to questions that we ask. So listen to the siren song of these emeralds. Moreover, jewelry should be joyous, celebratory, and meaningful in and of itself.

Because 2023 was the year that high jewelry gained broader recognition, with more people discovering the unique and exceptional pieces that exemplify a brand’s skill, precious stones, and legacy. Among these is Cartier’s Sixième Sens High Jewelry collection, which features a stunning emerald and diamond necklace with tassels, paying tribute to the Cartier family's legacy of designing jewels for maharajas.

Just a decade ago, the phrase "high jewelry" was reserved for a select few: jewelry artisans, editors, and clients who appreciated their craft. However, in recent years, there has been a surge in popularity for this exclusive market - characterized by one-of-a-kind, expertly crafted pieces adorned with rare and exquisite stones. The trend has been fueled in part by red-carpet appearances of celebrities, like Cate Blanchett in a Louis Vuitton high jewelry cuff similar to the one pictured here at the Critics Choice Awards, as well as Instagram posts showcasing exclusive events held to exhibit these collections. This surge in interest is a testament to society's growing recognition of jewelry as an art form, and high jewelry as its most elevated form of expression.

Chanel Lucky Star ring and Pink Sunset ring

Peter Marino-designed Beverly Hills boutique by Chanel will be unveiled on May 5, with an accompanying collection of fine jewelry designed by Patrice Leguéreau, the brand's creative director. The collection, inspired by Los Angeles, features pieces such as the Lucky Star and Pink Sunset ring.

Peridot

This Gucci High Jewelry necklace features a 105-carat peridot as its centerpiece, known for bringing peace and balance, making it a piece that exudes positive energy. Get the Gucci High Jewelry necklace exclusively at Gucci Place Vendome.

At De Beers, the rock crystal was revealing, just as the brilliant curves at Van Cleef & Arpels, Chanel's tribute to a 1932 masterpiece, and Dior's diamonds made to look like lace. The rebellious nature of the Art Deco era, with its focus on imagination, ambition, and optimism, was evident throughout the high jewelry collections. Plus, the innovation of 2023 is Silvia Furmanovich’s Silk Road bracelet - that costs no less than $40,260. During her travels in Uzbekistan, Silvia Furmanovich discovered expert artisans weaving lightweight carpets in Bukhara. This inspired her to create the Silk Road collection, featuring intricately patterned rugs crafted into stunning cuffs and earrings, adorned with diamonds. It is a brilliant revival of an ancient tradition transformed into jewelry.

Finally, the mood of the year is already dictated by talismans and everything that they symbolize. Why? Recently, talismans have become increasingly popular; however, the allure of jewelry imbued with significance has been present since long before our time. Queen Victoria, known for her mourning lockets that held strands of hair from departed loved ones, is a prime example of this. The most heart-warming story of the year also arose from sorrow. While taking a walk in the English countryside after losing his dog, a metal detector enthusiast made an extraordinary discovery: a gold heart adorned with the Tudor rose and engraved with the initials H and K. It was later discovered that this heart belonged to Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon. Though their love did not endure, the value of excellent jewelry remains timeless.