‘Working with all Natural, Reclaimed, and Recycled Materials’

Jewellery by Kimberly McDonald, a designer based in New York, is famous for its asymmetrical gem-setting, in which the stones are placed at various heights and angles, lending each piece a unique and whimsical look. Her signature design, which she calls "letting the natural speak for itself," is a wonderful fit for the Zambian emeralds showcased in a recent mini-collaboration with Gemfields.

A verdant explosion, the new Emerald Suite by Kimberly McDonald x Gemfields is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. Gemfields, the primary owner and operator of Kagem mine in Zambia, has been the source of some of the world's most remarkable emeralds. The emeralds featured in Kimberly's Irregular Shaped Emerald Drop Earrings and Irregular Shaped Emerald Tennis Necklace are responsibly mined.

In keeping with Kimberly's signature whimsical style, these drop earrings feature almost 26 carats of meticulously colour-matched emeralds—pear-shaped beauties suspended from a chain of smaller emeralds in a scattered irregular design—for maximum impact. The pendant-style necklace features a pear-shaped stone that is over 34 carats in total weight, suspended from an asymmetrical, scatter-style emerald chain that showcases the same, colour-matched hue.

Emeralds from Zambia have been existing for over 500 million years, making them older in formation than emeralds from Colombia. The Zambian emerald reserves were found much later, which is why they were slow to make an entrance and receive praise from around the world. Because of the presence of iron, chromium, and beryllium in their crystal structure, Zambian emeralds have a vivid green hue. However, because they are typically deficient in vanadium, they have a bluish-green hue, are sharp, and are frequently clean to the eyes. Because iron strengthens the bonds between the elements, the crystal is less likely to be broken and more comfortable to wear. It would have taken years for clients to colour match jewellery suites before Gemfields' unique auction and grading system made it easy to classify gems found in the mine into over 200 grades.

Kimberly is famous for making unique jewellery that tells a narrative and invites a profound connection; she started her eponymous firm in 2007 after working as a private client jewellery curator. Cameron Diaz, the former First Lady, wore one of her creations to the second Inaugural Ball; other notable clients include Michelle Obama, Cindy Crawford, and many more.

“I hope that when people experience one of my pieces, not only are they transfixed by the beautiful gem and craftsmanship; I hope that they are also inspired to be more mindful and protective of the planet that provides these magnificent little treasures that we wear as talismanic symbols of beauty and transducers of energy,” says Kimberly, whose responsible mindset makes her an ideal brand partner for Gemfields, who share this value. Working with all natural, reclaimed, and recycled materials, Kimberly describes her brand ethos as “creation without destruction.”

“In marvelling at Kimberly McDonald’s designs, we are able to appreciate the impact of colour. The fresh, verdant green is a calming oasis for the eye, while the playful asymmetrical settings allow light to dance through each gem, heightening the impact of these beautifully colour-matched pieces,” said Emily Dungey, Gemfields’ Marketing and Communications Director. “It is a delight to celebrate the emerald in this manner, truly letting the gemstones tell their story.”

Gemfields is devoted to the notion that coloured gems should have a beneficial influence for their nation of origin, and it is a world-leading responsible miner and marketer of coloured gemstones. In addition to its ownership and operation of the Kagem mine in Zambia, Gemfields also holds a majority stake in the Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique. By supporting initiatives in healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, Gemfields hopes to make a positive impact on local communities in both nations.

You can view the Kimberly McDonald x Gemfields collection at New York's Bergdorf Goodman.