Fundamental Essence: Louis Vuitton Presents Deep Time Chapter II

March 15, 2024

By Sarah Jordan

9 min read

When we first entered the world of Deep Time, we were taken on a journey to the geological foundations of the earth – the beginning of life itself – and the lava, molten rocks, oceans, tectonic plates and spiralling DNA that led to the creation of flora and fauna. Now, in Deep Time Chapter II, Louis Vuitton artistic director Francesca Amfitheatrof presents 50 unique creations across ten themes that add new stanzas to her evolutionary poem. Our favourite creations and the minerals they contain are presented below…

Deep Time is Francesca Amfitheatrof’s fifth and most ambitious high jewellery offering for Louis Vuitton, following the Bravery, Bravery II, and Stellar Times collections of previous seasons. We were presented with 170 pieces across two themes in the opening salvo of Deep Time, and now we have a further 50 creations to pour over. This latest chapter is more nuanced and thematic, traversing small seeds, sinuous skin, ancient fossils and everything in between. Its starting point is something much grander, though – the clashing of supercontinents Gondwana and Laurasia and how this meeting of masses changed the world as we know it. New themes are also present, such as Symbiosis, which is “inspired by our planet’s first land-bound ecosystems, namely fungi and mycelium,” according to Louis Vuitton’s rich storytelling. Here, we see “delicate, sumptuous jewels come to life in beautiful and feminine, pastel pink and purple spinels”.

With this second Chapter of Deep Time, we continue the story of this most beautiful, poetic collection that symbolises a vast and incredible storyline. – Francesca Amfitheatrof

A 5.02 carat emerald-cut yellow diamond that features in the Laurasia necklace of the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

A 5.02 carat emerald-cut yellow diamond that features in the Laurasia necklace of the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

 A selection of pink and purple spinels that feature in the Symbiosis necklace of the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

A selection of pink and purple spinels that feature in the Symbiosis necklace of the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

Overall, Deep Time Chapter II is set apart by its sophistication and refinement, which is more pronounced than Chapter I. Minerals are deeper, earthier and richer, such as warm Umba sapphires and yellow diamonds in rose and yellow golds. To see this brought to life, let’s start with one of the stars of the Deep Time show – the Laurasia necklace…

The Plants necklace in progress (left) and the LV Mongram cut diamonds in the Bones necklace, both from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

The Plants necklace in progress (left) and the LV Mongram cut diamonds in the Bones necklace, both from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

Laurasia

The Laurasia high-collar necklace is recognisably Louis Vuitton, with its sharp ‘V’ of colourless diamonds atop seven orbiting rings of baguette and round brilliant-cut white diamonds in platinum, yellow gold and rose gold. At its heart, the necklace boasts an internally flawless emerald-cut yellow diamond of 5.02 carats topped with a Monogram Flower-cut diamond of 3.11 carats, which is also D-colour and internally flawless. Dotted throughout the piece are 34 emerald-cut diamonds, said to be reminiscent of the Maison’s Damier motif, and a further 270 custom-cut diamonds for good measure. The piece required some 2,465 hours to create, making it the most valuable and exclusive jewel in this second chapter. Should the buyer of this piece wish to complete the set, there’s a Laurasia ring with a 3.02-carat yellow diamond and a triangular-shaped step-cut diamond-set secret watch, described as a “rare gem in Louis Vuitton high jewellery”.

A photograph of the Laurasia necklace in 18k yellow gold, pink gold and platinum, with one emerald-cut yellow diamond of 5.02 carats and one LV Monogram Flower cut diamond of 3.11 carats, from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

A photograph of the Laurasia necklace in 18k yellow gold, pink gold and platinum, with one emerald-cut yellow diamond of 5.02 carats and one LV Monogram Flower cut diamond of 3.11 carats, from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

Drift

We’ve been introduced to supercontinents, and now we watch them move and shift under the ‘Drift’ banner. Here, we find the more reserved Drift necklace in white gold with an octagonal step-cut golden yellow sapphire of 30.47 carats, hailing from Sri Lanka. This sunny gem sits atop two rows of colourless diamonds, each shaped with graphic ‘V’ interjections to ensure a geometric and contemporary finish. A matching white gold bracelet with an octagonal 17.22-carat yellow sapphire, also from Sri Lanka, is the ideal accompaniment.

Drift necklace in 18k white gold, set with one octagonal step-cut golden-yellow sapphire of 30.47 carats from Sri Lanka and diamonds, from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

Drift necklace in 18k white gold, set with one octagonal step-cut golden-yellow sapphire of 30.47 carats from Sri Lanka and diamonds, from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

Myriad

Amfitheatrof takes us down a more esoteric route with the Myriad theme, which is described as “an embodiment of perpetual movement, where futuristic, hypnotic jewels take their cue from sinuous DNA and double-helix forms”. The Myriad suite continues the preference for white gold from Chapter I with a necklace, matching cuff, ring and several pairs of earrings, each set with LV Monogram Star-cut diamonds nestled in a woven mesh of diamonds for flexibility and suppleness. The Myriad necklace is a feat of engineering, sitting almost like a Tudor-era ruff on the neck with ‘nails’ of white gold that spiral like DNA from an entwined rope of diamonds. The two tassels of diamonds that hand down the front, tied with a neat knot at the hollow of the neck, are a romantic touch.

Myriad necklace in 18k white gold with four LV Monogram Star-cut diamonds for 1.91 carats and further diamonds, from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

Myriad necklace in 18k white gold with four LV Monogram Star-cut diamonds for 1.91 carats and further diamonds, from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

 A closer look at the details of the Myriad necklace with LV Monogram Star-cut diamonds in the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

A closer look at the details of the Myriad necklace with LV Monogram Star-cut diamonds in the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

Symbiosis

If we had to pick a favourite piece for its sheer joyfulness, it would be the Symbiosis necklace, crafted in white gold with two pear-cut purple spinels of 4.13 carats and 10.11-carats, one cushion-cut pink spinel of 10.03 carats, one cushion-cut purple spinel of 8.46-carats, and a cushion-cut blue spinel of 10.67-carats, interspersed with LV Monogram star-cut diamonds and bombé pavé diamonds. Symbiosis is a new theme, and, as such, it kicks off with a bang here to evoke growing fungi, mycelial networks, and clusters of cells that sit asymmetrically on either side of the neck. The piece took 1,381 hours of work, not least because of the reverse, which features a mushroom motif that only the wearer can see. A pair of earrings and rings with clusters of spinels and diamonds complete this organic-leaning suite.

A photograph of the Symbiosis necklace in 18k white gold with two pear-cut purple spinels of 4.13 carats and 10.11 carats, one cushion-cut pink spinel of 10.03 carats, one cushion-cut purple spinel of 8.46 carats, one cushion-cut blue spinel of 10.67 carats and four LV Monogram Star-cut diamonds for 1.89 carats, plus further spinels and diamonds, part of the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

A photograph of the Symbiosis necklace in 18k white gold with two pear-cut purple spinels of 4.13 carats and 10.11 carats, one cushion-cut pink spinel of 10.03 carats, one cushion-cut purple spinel of 8.46 carats, one cushion-cut blue spinel of 10.67 carats and four LV Monogram Star-cut diamonds for 1.89 carats, plus further spinels and diamonds, part of the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

Fossils and Bones

The separate themes of Fossils and Bones are where meticulous details emerge as core design choices, notably through diamond set trellis’, honeycombs and meshes. The minimalist Fossils necklace in platinum and yellow gold bursts with a cushion-cut sapphire of 5.18 carats, while its matching bracelet boasts a 4.03-carat royal blue sapphire. Meanwhile, a separate Fossils bracelet is set with another impressive 10.56-carat sapphire that is perfectly designed to fit between two strands: one in the Damier pattern and the other in trellis style. Bones returns to the high collar aesthetic, this time with a choker of pure colourless diamonds in alternating squares and rectangles, placed at different heights. A second necklace is a graphic construction centred on an LV Monogram Star-cut diamond and further fringed with around 100 custom-cut diamonds. The brilliant blend of white gold and custom-cut diamonds continues in a set of rings and a pair of standout double-hoop ear cuffs, while a 3.84-carat oval fancy-cut Paraiba tourmaline tops a two-strand ring of over 240 diamonds.

Fossils necklace in 18k yellow gold and platinum with one cushion-cut sapphire of 5.18 carats and diamonds, from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

Fossils necklace in 18k yellow gold and platinum with one cushion-cut sapphire of 5.18 carats and diamonds, from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

  Bones necklace in 18k white gold with one LV Monogram Star-cut diamond of 1.02 carats and further diamonds from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

Bones necklace in 18k white gold with one LV Monogram Star-cut diamond of 1.02 carats and further diamonds from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

Plants & Flower

In the ‘Plants’ suite, we find a transformable necklace set with leaves that are crafted from over 400 custom-cut emeralds and diamonds, as well as a ring in white and yellow gold with a 1.62-carat emerald, 25 custom-cut rubies for 2.86-carats and diamonds. The former features three leaves, two of which can be detached and worn as elegant brooches, amidst 302 custom-cut diamonds and 132 Zambian emeralds with a rare blue hue. Next, we return to the theme of flowers, which emerged in Chapter I through golden fuschia blooms. The Chapter II iteration is more paired-back, paying tribute to the Louis Vuitton Monogram with a ring of petals radiating from a star-cut diamond. The remainder of this suite includes a striking medallion suspended from a diamond chain, with over 1,300 diamonds and 90 custom-cut stones.

A photograph of the Plants necklace with 302 custom-cut diamonds and 132 custom-cut Zambian emeralds with a rare blue hue, from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

A photograph of the Plants necklace with 302 custom-cut diamonds and 132 custom-cut Zambian emeralds with a rare blue hue, from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

 More creations from the Plants chapter of the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection, photographed at Paris Haute Couture Week

More creations from the Plants chapter of the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection, photographed at Paris Haute Couture Week

 A pair of earrings from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection, photographed at Paris Haute Couture Week

A pair of earrings from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection, photographed at Paris Haute Couture Week

 An emerald and diamond ring from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection, photographed at Paris Haute Couture Week

An emerald and diamond ring from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection, photographed at Paris Haute Couture Week

Seeds

Seeds – the grains of life – and pearls, the original symbol of fruitful fertility, combine in this thematic facet of Deep Time. The story focuses on the tubular Seeds double-strand necklace in white gold, with LV Monogram Star-cut diamonds, 1,200 diamonds, and 43 luminous grey Tahitian pearls. The kite-shaped cut-out motif, which repeats around the circumference of the necklace, “echoes a signature design code of the Maison” and also appears in a matching bracelet with 32 pearls.

Seeds necklace (left) in 18k white gold with Tahitian pearls and diamonds, and the Seeds necklace with one LV Monogram Star-cut diamond of 1.10 carats, both from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

Seeds necklace (left) in 18k white gold with Tahitian pearls and diamonds, and the Seeds necklace with one LV Monogram Star-cut diamond of 1.10 carats, both from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

Skin 

Finally, our favourite mineralogical treat in Deep Time Chapter II is the Skin necklace in pink gold with 83 Umba sapphires of 19.45 carats and diamonds. Ultra-modern, convex and collar-bone skimming, this necklace recalls the skin of a snake but also the Maison’s Damier pattern. The deep brown-orange-pink gems hail from the area around the Umba River in Tanzania and make a refreshing change from the starkness of blue sapphires and the cool intensity of bluish emeralds. Across the Skin suite, there are 300 Umba sapphires, all individually custom cut as the layouts and designs dictate, from square and lozenge shapes to orderly baguettes. Interestingly, this is also the first time that Amfitheatrof has dedicated a full high jewellery suite to rose gold, complete with a matching bracelet, a ring and a pair of delicate ear cuffs.

Skin necklace in 18k pink gold and platinum with 83 Umba sapphires for 19.45 carats and diamonds, from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

Skin necklace in 18k pink gold and platinum with 83 Umba sapphires for 19.45 carats and diamonds, from the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

 Plotting the placement of 83 Umba sapphires in the Skin necklace, part of the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

Plotting the placement of 83 Umba sapphires in the Skin necklace, part of the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

 A closer look at the pink, orange and brown tones of the Umba sapphires used in the Skin necklace in the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

A closer look at the pink, orange and brown tones of the Umba sapphires used in the Skin necklace in the Louis Vuitton Deep Time Chapter II High Jewellery collection

I am sure you will agree that this is a fitting continuation of the Deep Time story, one that throws a few curve balls our way. We’d predicted that warm-toned minerals would sneak their way into high jewellery collections in 2024, and when pieces are this good, we’re so glad to be correct!

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