Diamonds and Design at Masterpiece London 2012
LONDON, April 1, 2012 – Masterpiece London 2012 will host this summer a specially curated diamond exhibition in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Entitled “Brilliant”, the exhibition is the first of its kind to be undertaken by the fair, and will offer visitors a visually arresting and intimate experience curated by Carol Woolton, jewellery editor of UK Vogue.
Taking place between 28 June and 4 July at the South Grounds of The Royal Hospital Chelsea, London SW3, Masterpiece London is the ultimate destination to discover the world’s most extraordinary items in art, antiques and design.
True to the fair’s commitment to showcase the best of the best, “Brilliant” promises to wow visitors with the finest diamond jewellery, as well as diamond performance art and never-before-seen, innovative one-off pieces.
Visitors will have an exceptional opportunity to witness unparalleled gems in a spectacular environment.
Presented with a guide to the exhibition, visitors will wander throughout the space, and be given a chance to study the light and fire of the stones, and appreciate the extraordinary craftsmanship of each piece.
For centuries diamonds have played a role in our culture and lives; from the romantic story of the engagement ring, to its industrial practicality as the hardest substance known to man.
Pushing the boundaries of how diamonds are used and viewed in our society, Carol Woolton has structured the diamonds according to four artistic disciplines – art, architecture, fashion and sculpture – to provoke surprise and discussion about the role of the world’s most coveted gems.
Whether incorporated into decorative artistic works such as chandeliers, seen as objects of beauty, or used as fashionable fastenings in the form of diamond zips, cuffs and collars, the exhibition will comment on the enduring hold diamonds have over us.
Names including Harry Winston, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, George Jensen, Solange Azagury-Partridge, Dior, and Tiffany & Co are just some of those to be involved with this exhibition.
According to Carol Woolton: “With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee putting a spotlight on the Crown Jewels and historic Royal Regalia, “Brilliant” will show how diamonds, imbued with their own billion year old history and majestic role in Britain’s heritage, remain relevant in our modern lives and at the forefront of ground-breaking contemporary design”.
