The 8-piece capsule collection, Origins, resulting from a tie-up between ĀZLEE and Gemfields, is not just attention-grabbing but driven by an underlying narrative of charity. Proceeds from each sale will support communities impacted by the Los Angeles fires.
Here’s yet another creative collaboration between Gemfields and the Los Angeles-based jewellery label ĀZLEE: ‘Origins’, an eight-piece capsule collection inspired by the landscape of Zambia and its famous emeralds.
Founded in 2015, ĀZLEE is the brainchild of Baylee Ann Zwart, who possesses an exceptional talent for blending ancient jewellery-making practices, historical romanticism, and Art Deco architecture to create one-of-a-kind pieces that embody modern luxury.
The timeless references in these contemporary jewels make them perfect for today’s generation. The fact that they are worn by Emma Watson, Rihanna, Bella and Gigi Hadid, Zoë Kravitz, and Scarlett Johansson speaks to their ever-growing popularity.
The capsule collection comprising rings, necklaces, pendant charms and earrings, feature responsibly mined gems from Gemfields’ Kagem mine. The collection is a romantic tribute to the lush green jewels, which evoke a sense of hope and renewal associated with spring.
Gemfields is a leading responsible miner and marketer of coloured gemstones and the majority owner and operator of both the Kagem emerald mine in Zambia and the Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique. The company is committed to mining with transparency and integrity, while also funding initiatives that support local community health, education, and livelihoods.
In a similar vein, ĀZLEE, too, creates high-quality jewellery infused with elements of nature and a touch of 1980s glamour.
Each piece in the new ‘ĀZLEE x Gemfields Origins’ collection was crafted in the brand’s Los Angeles atelier by master jewellers, using recycled 18-karat gold. A portion of proceeds from each sale is being donated to charities supporting efforts to rebuild following the fires that devastated the Los Angeles area at the start of this year. Previous collections by ĀZLEE have supported several marine conservation charities.
Describing the collaboration with Gemfields, Zwart explains: “To frame the emeralds, I chose our core sculptural element, the staircase, which was inspired by the architecture of ancient structures and pyramids. I explored new iterations, playing with softer profiles of this concept to nod to Zambia’s winding rivers.”
Many pieces in the Origins collection use a spread of diamond pave to accentuate the beauty of the emeralds, while the lines and shapes of the pieces echo the patterns of Zambia’s mountains and rivers.
“We are proud to have partnered with Gemfields to offer our clients pieces that feature high quality gemstones of trusted provenance,” says Zwart.
Emily Dungey, Gemfields’ Marketing and Communications Director, states, “The arrival of spring this year gives reason to seek a talisman for hope, growth and new beginnings, and Gemfields is delighted to partner with ĀZLEE, whose clever emerald jewellery pieces offer an appealing choice. There’s a softness and warmth to the gold forms that frame each Zambian emerald, evoking a sense of treasure with unabashed 1980s glamour. The emeralds in each design are well positioned to dance in the light and radiate optimism – particularly so in the drop earrings – and these desktop-to-dancefloor, boardroom-to-bar designs almost demand to be enjoyed!”
The ĀZLEE x Gemfields Origins collection ranges from $7,950 to $26,000 and is available on ĀZLEE.