Kwiat, a prominent US diamond house, recently marked its centennial. The brand is renowned for its intricate, lace-like diamond craftsmanship.
To commemorate this milestone, Kwiat curated the Decades Collection, showcasing pieces that capture the essence of each decade over the past hundred years. A standout is a 1907 tiara, featuring a delicate diamond hoop adorned with three spherical blooms, offering a refined nod to Art Nouveau.
The 1920s saw a fascination with contrasting colors. Platinum earrings set with white diamonds, black onyx, and drop-cut emeralds exemplify this trend. While reflecting Art Deco influences, these pieces avoid the movement’s typical harshness, remaining elegant and subtle.
The bold neoclassicism of the 1930s inspired heavier designs. Kwiat’s defining piece from Hollywood’s “great cocktail era” is a substantial platinum necklace featuring spherical accents.
During the 1940s jewelry slump, Kwiat produced an ornate round gold brooch with floral motifs, diamonds, and pink sapphires. This floral theme persisted into the 1950s, represented by a slender platinum bracelet set with white and blue sapphires. The 1960s are represented by meditative, asymmetrical platinum and diamond earrings. The 1970s feature a large cocktail ring: a layered yellow gold flower with white diamonds, orange pave sapphires, and a central orange stone.
The 1980s are captured by gold and diamond link earrings. The frugal 1990s sparked a black diamond craze, where luxury was conveyed through elevated design. Sublime platinum earrings with black and white diamonds and aquamarines reflect this. The new millennium begins with a floral-themed platinum and diamond tiara.
Modern Kwiat pieces largely echo this anniversary collection. The contemporary Blanc Noir line, featuring long earrings and pendants, recalls the 1920s designs. Its popular black-and-white aesthetic is achieved classically using platinum, white diamonds, and black onyx.