Louis Vuitton’s latest fine jewelry collection, Le Damier de Louis Vuitton, brings a new dimension to the brand’s legacy, offering a stunning fusion of heritage, innovation, and modernity. Crafted under the expert direction of Francesca Amfitheatrof, the Maison’s Artistic Director for Watches and Jewelry, this collection introduces an entirely fresh take on the iconic Damier check, a design originally conceived by Louis Vuitton himself more than 130 years ago.
Created out of necessity to protect against counterfeiters, Louis Vuitton’s famous Damier checkerboard pattern made its first appearance in 1888, cementing its place in luxury history. Today, the pattern is instantly recognizable, not just as a symbol of Louis Vuitton’s heritage but as a bold statement of innovation. “The Damier pattern was created out of necessity, and it has become instantly recognizable as part of the Maison’s DNA,” Amfitheatrof notes. This rich legacy of craftsmanship and timeless appeal serves as the bedrock of Le Damier de Louis Vuitton, the latest fine jewelry line.
Amfitheatrof, known for her dynamic vision, says her starting point for every collection is always “the Maison of Louis Vuitton and its rich history.” For her, the Damier is not just a design motif; it’s the foundation for reinterpreting classic jewelry forms into something completely new, modern, and unisex.
At the heart of the Le Damier de Louis Vuitton collection are sleek, geometric pieces that combine yellow and white gold with dazzling diamonds, creating a collection that feels both contemporary and timeless. The collection’s namesake, the checkerboard Damier pattern, is reimagined into exquisite rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets that will appeal to both men and women alike.
Among the standouts are the Damier Rings – available in three distinct widths – with variations featuring two or four rows of alternating gold and diamond squares. These rings offer a striking visual impact while remaining versatile enough to wear on any occasion. “We have taken the classic diamond band and the tennis bracelet and turned them into a modern, unisex collection that is both bold and contemporary,” says Amfitheatrof. “Yet, it remains instantly recognizable as Vuitton.”
The Le Damier aesthetic leans into clean, graphic lines that transform diamonds – a gemstone that can often feel traditional – into a contemporary design statement. Amfitheatrof, who spearheaded Louis Vuitton’s iconic LV Monogram Star diamond cut, explains, “Diamonds are the only objects we can hold in our hands that represent the beginning of our planet. They were formed in the Big Bang and represent life itself.”
Amfitheatrof is passionate about versatility in jewelry. “I love mixing jewelry,” she says, and this philosophy shines through in the Le Damier collection. Whether stacking rings or combining pieces from different collections, Le Damier de Louis Vuitton is designed to seamlessly integrate with Louis Vuitton’s broader fine jewelry universe, allowing wearers to express their unique style.
Another highlight is the Damier Bracelet, which takes inspiration from the iconic tennis bracelet famously worn by former tennis star Chris Evert. In 1978, Evert’s diamond bracelet was so beloved that when she lost it mid-match at the US Open, the match was paused to find the precious piece. Amfitheatrof has taken this classic design and turned it into a modern, genderless piece that is both dainty and edgy.
“We’ve taken the tennis bracelet and turned it into a modern, everyday, ageless piece of jewelry,” says Amfitheatrof. The Le Damier bracelet, with its supple, tactile design, captures the timeless elegance of the classic piece but with a contemporary twist, making it suitable for any occasion – from casual outings to more formal events.
Le Damier de Louis Vuitton is not just another fine jewelry collection; it is a statement of the brand’s continued evolution in the world of luxury. Through a modern lens, Francesca Amfitheatrof has successfully translated Louis Vuitton’s heritage into an offering that appeals to the contemporary jewelry lover.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the brand or discovering its fine jewelry for the first time, Le Damier de Louis Vuitton promises to make a statement with its bold, sophisticated designs, refined craftsmanship, and timeless appeal. The collection is now available, offering a new way to celebrate Louis Vuitton’s legacy – one diamond and square at a time.
Read more:
