This exquisite rose gold jewelry set from Hermès’ “Black to Light” collection explores the poetic transformation from darkness to light. Designed by Pierre Hardy, Hermès’ Creative Director for Jewelry, the pieces reinterpret the Maison’s classic motifs — including the horse, anchor chain, and crocodile skin pattern — through a captivating play of shadows and reflections.
To express the concept of “darkness”, Hardy employs two black gemstones: black spinel, known for its brilliant hardness and metallic luster, and onyx, finely polished to reveal a leather-like softness. “Light” is represented by brilliant-cut diamonds and mirror-polished rose gold, which contrast dramatically against the dark stones to create a dynamic visual tension.
The Alchimie bracelet is composed of six interlocking bangles, each incorporating iconic Hermès design codes — bit motifs, anchor links, studs, bag clasps, metal chains, and the openwork “H” logo. Alternating between black spinel pavé and mirror-polished rose gold, the bracelet achieves a striking rhythm of texture and tone.
The Niloticus Lumière necklace, inspired by crocodile skin, features custom-cut onyx scales, with round diamonds delicately set in the gaps, evoking the embossed texture of Nile crocodile leather. Its counterpart, the Niloticus bracelet, replaces onyx with black spinel, the gem’s angular brilliance mimicking the reptilian pattern in a sleek, articulated form full of visual power.
The Chaîne d’Ancre necklace offers the purest expression of the collection’s theme. Nearly 40 anchor-shaped links are joined together, each individually decorated with gemstones. The links incorporate rotating mechanisms, combining ornamental beauty with technical ingenuity.
Finally, the Galop Hermès bracelet, inspired by the equestrian spirit, features two sculpted horse heads at each end of the cuff, intricately detailed to capture the noble expression of the animal. One side of the bangle is pavé-set with black spinels, while the other is mirror-polished, creating a powerful chiaroscuro contrast that encapsulates the collection’s central idea — the journey from shadow into light.
