Conceptual artwork by New Zealand artist Jonathan Cameron and jeweller Ian Douglas
Installation view – The Engine Room, Wellington, NZ 2013
Immortal Diamonds Catalogue, Edition of 5.
‘Immortal Diamonds by Vamp’ is a conceptual artwork by New Zealand artist Jonathan Cameron. This art project is inspired by contemporary vampire fiction and presents an exclusive suite of virtual engagement rings along with a series of video works. The project has been designed to engage with and unpack notions of toxicity and romance – a contrasting juxtaposition within vampire fiction.
In order to offer integrity to the narrative Jonathan worked with The Inspired Collection to create a suite of rings that accurately reflected his vision.
Immortal Diamonds by Vamp presents an exclusive suite of charming Edwardian inspired diamond rings. The diamonds have been sourced from this period and re-crafted into a platinum setting for a new wearer. This lavish collection captures the fragility of human life with a secret cavity inside each band to preserve a single drop of human blood, a symbol of the bride’s prior form. Each embellished platinum band also bares sharp thorns like that of a rose, allowing only a true vampire bride to be adorned with such beauty.
The Flora Diamond Ring, our most detailed and valuable design, was borne out of a desire to create a lush collection of rings to mark the love that blossomed between vampire and human. The flawless central diamond sits elevated among a bed of flowers. Contrasting the frailty and fleeting nature of flowers with the strength and permanence of diamonds and platinum this elegant ring sets the tone for an eternal romance.
This ring is crafted in platinum, a highly durable and precious metal. Inside the platinum band is a cavity to preserve 0.05ml of human blood. The 10.25ct cushion cut diamond is of the highest colour (D) and Internally Flawless clarity. This centre stone is adorned with another ten small round diamonds and two pear shape diamonds that weigh 0.41ct in total, the replacement value of this ring today would be $3.4 million.
The Effloresce Diamond Ring speaks of luminosity and sheer beauty. The rings delicate structure is laced with intricate beading and clustered diamonds. The intimate detailing spans upward, flourishing at its crest. Fitted with long flowing spikes tracing the band with razor sharp precision, this ring is complete.
This ring is crafted in platinum, a highly durable and precious metal. Inside the platinum band is a cavity to preserve 0.05ml of human blood. The ring features a central round 6.80ct diamond of the highest colour (D) and Internally Flawless clarity. Embellished with another sixty-five diamonds that total 0.40ct, the replacement value of this ring today would be $1.8 million.
The Ethereal Diamond Ring consists of a highly decorative weave of creeping vines spiraling across the platinum band and delicately clutching the centre stone. The organic structure is embedded with gleaming diamonds and small thorn-like spikes, blending and twisting together in harmonic fluidity. This ring is an everlasting symbol of the moment when two fates are inextricably entwined.
This ring is crafted in platinum, a highly durable and precious metal. Inside the platinum band is a cavity to preserve 0.05ml of human blood. The ring features an 8.70ct round diamond of the highest colour (D) and Internally Flawless clarity. Set with another twelve small round diamonds and two pear shape diamonds that total 0.26ct, the replacement value of this ring today would be $2.2 million.
The Amaranthine Diamond Ring features a unique hexagonal setting, which acts as a platform to showcase and lend greater emphasis to the central diamond. This ring celebrates the distinctive qualities of platinum; its fortitude, rarity and purity, a perfect match for the diamond held within. This distinctive and dangerous shoulder pattern contrast with the delicate Edwardian inspired floral embellishments, which echoes a love that defies all others.
This ring is crafted in platinum, a highly durable and precious metal. Inside the platinum band is a cavity to preserve 0.05ml of human blood. The ring features a 5.30ct round diamond of the highest colour (D) and Internally Flawless clarity. This ring would have a replacement value today of $1.2 million.
The Inamorata Diamond Ring has been designed to embody the characteristics of the newly transformed vampire bride. The oval cut of the central diamond maximizes its presence due to its multitude of facets. The ring is complete with platinum hearts on each side; serving as a visual reminder of her heart, which was once beating. Strategically placed spikes, barely visible to the human eye, portray the beautiful yet deadly characteristics of the vampire.
This ring is crafted in platinum, a highly durable and precious metal. Inside the platinum band is a cavity to preserve 0.05ml of human blood. The ring features an oval cut, weighs 8.20ct and is of the highest colour (D) and Internally Flawless clarity. This ring would have a replacement value today of $2.3 million.
See Jonathan Cameron's website to view the Immortal Diamonds video series and read more about the artist.
