Massimo Gismondi, Creative Director and CEO of Gismondi 1754 received the Couture Design Award for his of-a-kind diamond necklace, La Fenice, [The Phoenix], inspired by the majestic, mythical creature rising from the ashes, connected both Egyptian and Greek mythology.  The Phoenix took over 500 hours to complete with a team of master jewelers bringing the jewel to life from sketch to wax mold, casting and hand setting over 100 cts of diamonds in the atelier in Genoa. 

On a family vacation to St. Barths, Massimo spent hours under the incredible Latimer Palm trees, enthralled by the expanse of blowing leaves creating a peaceful canopy and perfect splendor on the tropical island when the images of The Phoenix, the nest and the temple of sun came to mind. Before the resplendent rising, each Phoenix chooses a beautiful, secluded place to weave her extraordinary nest preparing for the cycle of immortality. His idea for this exceptional jewel came from descriptions in the mythology of a massive, radiant bird rising with incredible plumage gleaming in the sunlight, a brilliant feathered crest and magical abilities. 

He was also inspired by the sacrifice La Fenice Maestosa makes as she creates the nest on top of the Palm for her successor to rise “In addition to exceptional beauty, each Phoenix rising is the immortal knowledge and experience of the challenging circumstances of the past and a symbol of renewal, hope, and possibilities of our destiny,” said Massimo Gismondi, CEO and Creative Director of the house.

Massimo built the necklace around one exceptional stone, a D Color 5.05 ct white pear shaped diamond. Two strands of diamonds, one round and one pear shaped, fasten the necklace. The plumage or branches surrounding the neck cascade from the center stone across and down the decollete representing both the feathers and the flowing palm leaves where she creates her nest. Intentionally disarranged, the 38 ‘feathers’ or ‘branches’ are placed at varying lengths and in different directions; some straight, some curved, some stationary, some with movement and some overlapping. Over 64 cts in pear shaped diamonds and 31 cts in round diamonds are set in the massive piece measuring over 15cm. La Fenice made its debut at Couture 2024 in the Design Awards Category of Diamonds above $20,000 and will travel to Gismondi boutiques around the world.