In anticipation of the Paris Olympics, jewelry brands are releasing Olympics- and French-themed collections and individual pieces, and in some cases partnering with athletes to get their share of the gold.
This year’s Summer Games take place July 26 through Aug. 11 in Paris. More than 10,000 athletes from about 200 different nations are expected to compete. It will be the third time the French capital has hosted the Summer Olympics—and the 100th anniversary of its last Games, in 1924. (Paris was also the host city in 1900.)
Paris jewelry house Chaumet designed the gold, silver, and bronze medals to be awarded at the Olympics. Each includes an original piece of iron from the Eiffel Tower.
Toronto-based jewelry company Menē recently debuted its Olympia collection of pendants, charms, and rings in shapes including a discus, Greek vase, and temple.
“Inspired by the rich history of Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games, our collection celebrates the spirit of competition and honor,” Menē chief creative officer Sunjoo Moon tells JCK.
“Each piece pays homage to the spirit of the gods and heroes and the revered traditions of the Games, from the wild olive leaf crowns awarded to victors to the winged goddess Nike, who symbolized victory,” Moon adds. “As an investment jewelry brand, Menē creates jewelry meant to last, making the timeless inspirations of the ancient Games feel evergreen.”
In another Olympics-related initiative, Southern California jewelry line Gorjana has collaborated with tennis star Jessica Pegula, a member of Team USA in Paris, as its brand ambassador. During the Paris Olympics, the U.S. women’s tennis team will be sporting Gorjana’s Diamond Ace collection of gold and diamond-adorned tennis designs.
British jeweler Annoushka, meanwhile, just introduced a tricolor version of its Knuckle ring, with bands in yellow, white, and rose gold in honor of the different-colored medals that Olympians can win.
The Knuckle ring’s bands are connected by diamond “joints” and can be worn as a stack or across multiple fingers. The new Knuckle model is not yet available on Annoushka’s website.
Sydney Evan, the L.A.-based jewelry company, is promoting two of its gold and diamond pieces with a French connection: an Eiffel Tower necklace and croissant-shaped earrings. And the brand Loquet London suggests its four-leaf clover charm for an extra boost of energy and luck in Olympic (or other) competition.
The 2024 Paris Olympics have the motto “Games Wide Open,” highlighting the inclusive nature of this year’s Games. The International Olympic Committee has said it expects full gender parity—an equal number of female and male athletes participating. There will be 300-plus events across more than 30 sports in Paris, including the Olympic debuts of breakdancing, skateboarding, surfing, and sports climbing.
Top: Menē’s Olympia collection includes the Kotinos pendant. (All photos courtesy of the brands.)
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazineFollow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
