De Beers introduced the Knysna Chameleon Ring in its 2019 high jewelry collection Portraits of Nature, inspired by the chameleons inhabiting the forests near Knysna, South Africa. The designer boldly set yellow, pink, and green diamonds to mimic the iridescent surface of a chameleon’s skin.
Crafted in white gold, the ring features three stacked bands. The central band showcases a 4-carat yellow diamond in an emerald cut, graded Fancy Dark Grey-Yellow, evoking the muted tones most commonly seen on chameleons hidden in the jungle. Its shank is set with step-cut diamonds, harmoniously complementing the square-cut centerpiece.
The other two bands are adorned with nearly 20 rough-colored diamonds, representing the chameleon’s ability to change color with its environment. These rough diamonds retain their natural octahedral crystal forms, complete with triangular etchings and natural surface textures. Each stone is prong-set to maximize the three-dimensional effect of the raw diamonds.
A key feature of this piece is its removable, modular design, offering two wearing options. The central band can be worn alone as a minimalist single-diamond ring for a clean, modern look, while the full three-band version creates a luxurious, eye-catching statement piece suitable for formal occasions.
