Messika Jewelry: The Latest Collection Is Inspired by Ancient Egypt
Presented in Paris at the beginning of July 2022, Messika's latest jewelry collection , " Beyond the Light " is inspired by ancient Egypt . The most beautiful pieces, especially necklaces, are worthy of Cleopatra.
Messika Akh-Ba-Ka Necklace: A True Splendour
This collection, which gives pride of place to chokers, is impressive. But if there is one piece that stands out, it is the " Akh-Ba-Ka " set. The Messika necklace in this set features 15 diamonds cut from the same 110-carat rough stone extracted from the Lucara mine in Botswana.
“ I wanted a strong diamond that could become a reference for the house, ” said designer Valérie Messika . Renowned diamond merchant father André Messika and his brother Ilan acquired the stone in early 2020. “ When we won the tender, we were all very happy and surprised. For the first time, we won the sale of a rough diamond of such size and quality. Ilan oversaw the complex mapping and cutting process .”
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A single jewel from a huge rough
Once the rough stone was cut into its 15 polished diamonds, Valérie decided to acquire them all. And even to use them in the same piece of jewelry.
“ It was a real jewelry challenge, ” she explained. “Not all the stones were the same size; some were very original, with surprising and more complex shapes. But sometimes the most beautiful creations are born from the unexpected.”
In ancient Egypt, Akh-Ba-Ka signified the union of life energy and transformation in a person’s journey to the afterlife. For the Messika workshop, incorporating so many important diamonds into a single necklace was a challenge.
Nicolas Lodolo, head of the workshop, said the most complicated part was “ to combine all the different pieces of the 110-carat rough diamond, enhancing their brilliance without distorting them .” While undeniably substantial, the necklace also had to give off a sense of lightness and movement. “ The idea was to make the piece almost alive, ” Lodolo said.
An exceptional diamond for an anthology Messika set
The largest diamond in the rough at 110 carats, a flawless polished 33-carat D-color stone that Lodolo calls a “ once-in-a-lifetime diamond ,” required special attention. Ultimately, the brand opted to create a pavé diamond setting that mirrors its cushion shape. It can also be removed to transform into a brooch.
In total, a team of 5 jewelers worked over 1,000 hours on the Akh-Ba-Ka set over a period of 6 months. This was necessary to materialize Valérie's vision. Namely, to create a diamond scarab , the symbol of transformation in ancient Egypt.
The white gold necklace is adorned with a total of 2,550 diamonds weighing 71.49 carats . The Beyond the Light high jewelry collection includes 4 other sets.
Golden Shield, Divine Enigma… Beyond the Light sets
Golden Shield consists of a hand-cast choker in solid gold plate, geometric earrings and lip jewelry that remind us that Valérie Messika is the coolest designer on Place Vendôme. .
The mirror finish of the necklace is a perfect backdrop for the pear-shaped diamond that hangs from the necklace.
There are 2 versions of the Divine Enigma set, one in yellow gold and the other in white for a monochrome look with rows of pavé diamonds and 2 emerald cut diamonds as the focal point of the luxury necklace. The emerald cut diamonds emerald are transformable and also function as a 2 finger ring . Hoop earrings and rings complete the set.
Oudjat is Messika’s take on the Eye of Horus symbol, synonymous with ancient Egypt . The set’s sautoir is adorned with a 7-carat marquise-cut diamond contrasting with black ceramic reminiscent of eye pencil. Crafted in rose gold, the protective symbol is also found on the ring and bracelet of Messika’s Beyond the Light set.
About Messika House
Injecting a healthy dose of youth and fashion into her diamond family pedigree, designer Valérié Messika founded her house in 2005. She launched the brand's best-selling collection, Move jewelry, shortly after. It features 3 sliding diamonds. Move moved into the world of fine jewelry with the "Move Iconica" set (necklaces, earrings, and bracelet).
