Last year, U.S. designers Jade Trau, Jennie Kwon, Julez Bryant, Sara Weinstock, and Zoë Chicco participated in a trip to Botswana hosted by De Beers Group. They were there to find out more about the partnership between De Beers Group and the people of Botswana, and the mine known as Debswana, which they visited to observe its operations, and some of the community and conservation programs it supports.
All the designers share a passion for natural diamonds and sustainable practices, and they came away from the trip with a greater understanding of De Beers Group’s goals to positively impact the environment, accelerate equality of opportunity, and lead the industry in ethical practices.
Inspired by the people, wildlife, and beautiful landscapes of Botswana, as well as a shared commitment to help shape a better world, each designer has created a unique diamond pendant, with four of the designs incorporating a rough diamond sourced directly from the country the designers visited.
The collaboration has been branded the ReSet Collective, the first in an ongoing series of partnerships that will attempt to “reset” perceptions of the natural diamond industry.
To promote the collaboration, De Beers Group has partnered with international model Indira Scott (pictured above and below), whose passion for the environment and sustainability compelled her to help bring the collection to life.
“We are inspired by Indira’s work and passion,” said Colby Shergalis, senior vice president of brand marketing, De Beers Group. “Indira immediately understood the special meaning behind the ReSet Collective pieces, and it is a joy to see her wear them so proudly, knowing the contributions they are making.”
All the one-of-a-kind pendants will be auctioned by Sotheby’s in an online sale that will run Dec. 10–17. Estimates range from $20,000 to $25,000, and 100% of the final hammer price from each piece will be split equally between two charities: Stepping Stones International in Botswana and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund in the United States.
Top: Model Indira Scott is the face of De Beers’ new ReSet designer collaboration. She wears the Zoë Chicco pendant. Said Chicco: “My favorite part of the [De Beers trip to Botswana] was when we saw the lions [on safari]. My son is a Leo and he loves them, so for my pendant I created a replica of a lion’s head that has a rough Botswana diamond in its mouth.”
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