de Grisogono
Derived from the Greco Roman term ‘Chrysogonos’ meaning ‘begotten of gold’, de Grisogono was founded by Fawaz Gruosi in 1993. The brand has grown steadily over the last two decades. With the original shop in 104 Rue du Rhone in Geneva, the brand has opened shops across the globe, from London, Paris, Gstaad and Rome to Dubai and Korea.
From a mix of Italian and Lebanese decent, Gruosi is an experienced black diamond specialist. He designed the firm’s opulent pieces. De Grisogono designs characteristically focus on the showcasing the natural brilliance of the finest quality gemstones. Gruosi often incorporates vibrant green emeralds within his designs in homage to his Italian roots: the colour green carrying good luck in Italian folklore.
Fun and Glamour
Mixed with a reverence for ancient superstitions is an understanding of fine jewellery’s place in the 21st century. In an interview Gruosi acknowledged: “Jewellery has changed. It’s no longer your late grandmother’s stuff that you keep in a safe. It has to come with fun and glamour too”. Driven by this attitude De Grisogono has pioneered a new path for fine jewellery; modernising the presentation of the worlds largest stones with an enduring sexiness that is sure to arouse desire.
Record Gemstones
In 2017 De Grisogono broke records with the sale of the world’s largest emerald cut D flawless diamond. The 163.41 carat emerald cut stone was cut from a 404 carat rough and set by De Grisogono. The necklace into which the diamond is set was designed by the brand’s founder. It reached an unparalleled (the previous record for an emerald cut diamond was $5million) hammer price of $33.7 million at Christie’s Geneva.
De Grisogono has produced some of the world’s largest and finest contemporary jewels.
Black Diamonds
Driven by Gruosi’s passion for gemstones, De Grisogono has produced some of the finest contemporary jewellery of the millennium. In 1996 Gruosi launched an audacious collection focused on the black diamond. Black diamonds have stood in second place to their colourless cousin the white diamond for generations. Yet Gruosi recognised the dramatic quality of these brooding dark stones which require precise cutting to reveal their brilliance. Two years after De Grisogono launched The Icy diamond ring.
In 2006 De Grisogono unveiled the world’s largest black diamond. Named the Spirit of De Grisogono, the 312.24 carat stone was cut into a mogul cut from a 587 carat rough. Gruosi set the stone in a white gold encrusted with 702 white diamonds. The colour contrast between white and black enhances the depth of the stone’s dark colour.
Instrumento No Uno
To mark the new millennium, in 2000 De Grisogono launched their first watch collection, ‘Instrumento No Uno’. Three years later, to mark the opening of the brand’s first boutique in Paris, Kate Moss wore a now iconic pave black diamond torque necklace. Again Gruois has played with the dramatic contrast of black and white diamonds combined with his Italian roots. The snake motif so popular in other Italian brands such as Bulgari, has been modernised by De Grisonogono. The abstract snake form in white diamond pave is entwined around the black diamond torque, ending in a large turquoise drop.
Famous Clients
As a pillar of glamour and luxury, De Grisogono designs are frequently worn by celebrities upon the red carpet at Cannes Film Festival. The brand’s bold style has attracted a host of actresses from Sophia Loren to Eva Longoria, Salma Hayek and Demi Moore. Naomi Campbell is also a loyal client. The supermodel regularly appears wearing statement De Grisogono earrings and was pictured at the brand’s 20th anniversary party in a pair of pave Boule drop earrings.