By Maria Doulton in London
One of David Morris' most successful ranges of jewels is the Rose-Cut, which has an alluring vintage air thanks to the Victorian-style diamond cut that gives the collection its name. Lily Allen, Kim Cattrall and Kate Winslet are all fans of the David Morris Rose-Cut and have been snapped wearing the iconic hoops, rings and bracelets on the red carpet and at awards ceremonies. But this favourite range did not start life as a commercial undertaking.
Like many great designs, it came straight from the heart as the very first Rose-Cut ring was in fact the wedding band that Jeremy Morris, second generation of the London jewellery family, created for his wife Erin exactly a decade ago. Jeremy had a hunch that Erin, whose background is in vintage jewels, would warm to the soft glow of the old-cut diamonds that punctuate the otherwise simple design of the collection.
"Rose-cut diamonds were popular in the Victorian era," explains Jeremy. "They are named for their resemblance to the petals of a rose bud. The beauty is in its many facets, giving it a delicate, romantic and almost translucent feel. I was sure they would be perfect for Erin's wedding band as I could combine her love of antique and old-cut stones with my love of unique and contemporary designs in an eternity band."
The gently shimmering rose-cut diamonds, with their large facets and clear depths, were set into a white gold band for a simple and timeless look. It is the cut and quality of the diamonds that added that extra-special dimension to the first design. Once on Erin's finger, friends and clients so admired it that, together, Jeremy and Erin decided to develop the idea into what we know today as the David Morris Rose-Cut collection.
Since then, the collection has grown to include hoop earrings, flexible bangles, bracelets and a choker as well as rings. The latest additions move on from the original white gold look and include yellow and rose gold versions. I tried on one of the new sprung bangles with 15 sizeable diamonds each surrounded by a micro-pavé of smaller diamonds. The bracelet slips on as easily as an elastic band and sits quite flat against the wrist, making it comfortable and easy to wear every day. The diamonds were clear as dewdrops and totally encircled the wrist, with the diamond pavé adding a little extra sparkle.
The simplicity of the design is perhaps what attracted pop diva Beyoncé and actress Michelle Rodriguez to David Morris' Rose-Cut collection. The clean, unfussy lines of the Rose-Cut allowed them to wear a whole lot of diamonds in a contemporary and stylish way without distracting from their elaborate dresses.
And if you want to see the original Rose-Cut band, pay a visit to David Morris on Bond Street, where you might be lucky enough to spot Erin wearing it. Ask this friendly American lady and she will proudly tell you the very romantic story behind it.
