Chanel is revisiting its past with the new 'Plume de Chanel' collection of jewels. Taking inspiration from Gabrielle Chanel's 1932 'Bijoux de Diamants' fine jewellery collection, the feather motif has been worked into 30 softly organic designs that are incredibly pretty and feminine.
In 1932, Mademoiselle Chanel designed a renowned collection of jewellery featuring stars, comets, suns, bows and, of course, the classic Chanel feather. A favourite of the designer, the feather motif reappeared throughout her designs. Most recently it was brought to life last year in Chanel's '1932' collection, which celebrated the 80th anniversary of the original pieces ( read more about the original collection here).
Once again, the delicate feather is the star of the show in the new 'Plume de Chanel' collection. Reworking these beautiful jewels, Chanel has brought them up-to-date whilst keeping their delicate simplicity in tact. The original designs have been transformed into brooches, necklaces, rings and - more unusually - pieces for the hair. Each strand is adorned with an array of diamonds, set in either white or yellow gold, showing exquisite detail and craftsmanship. With no bulky clasps on show, each item looks as though it might blow away with the slightest breeze, the pieces formed to casually curl around a neck, wrist of finger.
The centrepiece of the collection is a fully formed feather brooch, designed to adorn a lapel, hip or hat. Known for her love of jewels, it's a piece Gabrielle Chanel would surely have approved of.
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'Plume de Chanel' white gold ring, set with a 2.5ct pear-cut diamond and 80 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 3.2ct.
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This smaller 'Plume de Chanel' feather brooch in white gold, set with 186 brilliant-cut diamonds, would look beautiful casually fastened to a lapel.
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A reproduction of the feather brooch from Gabrielle Chanel's 1932 'Bijoux de Diamants' collection in white gold and platinum, set with 382 brilliant-cut diamonds (£POA).
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'Plume de Chanel' brooch in white gold set with 714 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 11.6ct.
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Detailed shot of the white gold 'Plume de Chanel' bracelet, showing the exquisite detail and craftsmanship that goes into each piece.
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'Plume de Chanel' white gold bracelet, set with 1,302 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 24.2ct.
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'Plume de Chanel' necklace in white gold set with 3,062 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 34ct. Like all the items in the collection, the necklace has no clasp and delicately drapes around the neck.
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Detailed shot of the white gold 'Plume de Chanel' necklace, set with 3,062 brilliant-cut diamonds.
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Originally designed by Coco Chanel in 1932, this year Chanel has recreated the feather brooch for its new 'Plume de Chanel' collection. The brooch, made from white gold, is set with 1,160 brilliant-cut diamonds and 24 princess-cut diamonds.
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The inspiration behind the collection and one of Gabrielle Chanel's favourite motifs: the feather.
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The 'Plume de Chanel' collection wouldn't be complete without earrings - this beautiful white gold pair is set with 224 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 7ct.
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Head jewels have become increasingly popular of late, and Chanel offers this pretty feather Alice band in white gold set with 832 brilliant-cut diamonds.
