RAPAPORT... Following the success of his Qui Shape diamond and the fact that he had won the De Beers Diamonds International Award in 2000, jeweler and designer Peter Quijo decided to accept the challenge launched by De Beers for its new project.
De Beers, via Diamdel, wanted to analyze the whole diamond market from mining, through grading and cutting, to the creative process and the final sale to the retail customer. For that purpose, Quijo created a brand new diamond: the Qui Vive.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CUTTING ISSUESThe Qui Vive diamond is square-shaped with slightly rounded edges and is constructed like a princess diamond. It was designed with naturally colored diamonds in mind. The Qui Vive has 64 facets plus the table — 32 on the crown and 32 on the pavilion.
Due to the special positioning of the pavilion facets, which, viewed from the table, give an image of a Maltese cross, the hue of colored diamonds is enhanced much more than with a more traditional cut. Most of the Qui Vive diamonds are cut from yellow or brown roughs, but there are excellent results with white stones as well.
MARKETS AND MARKETINGQui Vive diamonds are available exclusively in Peter Quijo jewelry sets. These can be found in the Quijo store in Bruges, Belgium.
Peter Quijo’s idea was to create a jewelry line including rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. These are unique, handmade pieces that are more in the modernistic architectural style, described Quijo.
Qui Vive diamonds are protected by international patents and trademarks.
PRICING AND SUPPLYQui Vive diamonds sell for approximately the same price as princess stones. Of course, yellow or brown diamonds are less expensive than whites.
WHAT BUYERS SHOULD LOOK FORLook for bespoke jewels, set with Qui Vive diamonds, where the contrast between white and colored stones is really well pronounced.
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - November 2008. To subscribe click here.