Presented as part of Chanel’s 2019 high jewelry collection Le Paris Russe de Chanel, the Folklore set — composed of a bracelet, ring, and earrings — draws inspiration from traditional Russian embroidered textiles. The designer reinterprets the intricate floral motifs of folk embroidery, weaving in Chanel’s iconic camellia emblem and using gemstone inlays and lacquer techniques to evoke the vivid hues of handcrafted fabrics.
Each of the three Folklore pieces is crafted in white gold, its surface engraved with a delicate grid pattern that recalls the intersecting threads of embroidered cloth. The outer rim of the bracelet is coated with a translucent red lacquer, one of Gabrielle Chanel’s favorite colors, lending the piece a bold and passionate character.
The camellia motif is outlined with pavé-set diamonds, its rounded, domed silhouette made even more striking against the red lacquer background. Scattered across the bracelet’s surface are brightly colored gemstones: spessartite garnets and pink sapphires form the flower centers, while pearls, sapphires, and tsavorites adorn the petals. The use of cabochon cuts with bezel settings enhances the design’s three-dimensional texture.
Each jewel in the Folklore set is distinguished by its own centerpiece gemstone:
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The bracelet features a broad, sculptural design, set with a 7.34-carat cushion-cut sapphire along its rim.
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The ring showcases an oval pink sapphire as its main stone, echoing the hue of the camellia’s core.
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The earrings take the form of softly concave discs, each topped with a pair of oval tsavorites that appear to float effortlessly above the surface.
Together, the pieces blend Russian artisanal tradition with Chanel’s signature elegance, transforming the vibrancy of folk embroidery into a luminous expression of haute joaillerie craftsmanship.
