Hermès Kelly Joaillerie

Created in 1975, the Kelly watch, whose padlock-shaped case is inspired by that of the eponymous handbag, is now unveiled in a new version offering a variety of wearability alternatives.  

Attired in gold and diamonds, Kelly Joaillière challenges the established order, wrapping a dazzling cuff around the wrist, worn as an elegant pendant on a gemset chain, or tied around the neck with a clochette and its leather cord-strap. 

Set with 430 brilliant-cut (round) diamonds and 57 princess-cut (square) diamonds, the Kelly Joaillière cuff bracelet stems from the meticulous expertise of the gemsetter, whose work begins by preparing the precious material that will host this array of diamonds: 242 white gold elements melted and polished for a first gemsetting phase.

The artisan begins by setting the outer sides and pushers of the bracelet using the bead setting technique: the diamonds are held in place by small beads carved out from the metal. This is followed by work on the central part of the bracelet, composed of three elements. The plate holding the padlock’s fastening ring is entirely snow-set, with diamonds of different sizes selected and accurately juxtaposed so as to cover the entire surface. 

Then come the princess-cut diamonds, applied using the bezel (collet) setting technique that consists of enveloping the stone in a sheet of metal, hammered around the edge of the diamond, which blends seamlessly into the gold surface. Once all the elements have been set and polished, they are carefully assembled to form the cuff to which the white gold padlock case is attached, itself adorned with 232 brilliant-cut diamonds and three princess-cut diamonds. At the heart of this sparkling jewellery composition, a natural white mother-of-pearl dial set with four diamonds marks off time in an elegantly companionable manner, to the rhythm of a quartz movement.

To keep the Kelly watch as close to the heart as possible, a white gold sautoir necklace also honours diamonds, with its fine links lit up by 111 bead-set brilliant-cut diamonds and 10 bezel-set princess-cut diamonds. Finally, for a more casual look, the Kelly watch slips into a clochette pendant in smooth black alligator, crafted in the finest traditions of Hermès saddlery and leather-making expertise