Style Edit: Linneys’ ritzy tribute to the charming quokka and Argyle pink diamonds is a love letter to Western Australia
- A lovable marsupial is the inspiration for the Australian jeweller’s latest limited edition creation – just 3 pieces will be available
- The Argyle Pink Quokka is part sculpture and part necklace, blurring the lines between art and jewellery
The closing of the Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia was a significant moment for many passionate about jewellery. For Linneys, an Argyle Pink Diamonds Icon Partner, only a special creation was appropriate to commemorate its decades-long collaboration with the mine. The family-run jeweller therefore modelled its latest limited edition pink diamond creation – The Argyle Pink Quokka – after another of Western Australia’s icons, the adorable quokkas of Rottnest Island.
“Jewellery often captures a moment in time, and The Argyle Pink Quokka really captures a moment with Argyle and our brand, and with the owners who will acquire the pieces,” says Justin Linney, a second-generation member of the family and creative director of the luxury jewellery brand.
The Argyle Pink Quokka features a total of 3.39 carats of Argyle Pink diamonds, 10.62 carats of white diamonds and 0.34 carats of Argyle champagne diamonds set in 18k yellow and rose gold. The cheery animal, sculpted in yellow gold and accented with white diamonds on its belly, clutches an 18k rose gold leaf set with 2.99 carats of Argyle Pink diamonds which can be detached and worn as a pendant. Only three pieces will be made.
“I like the idea that it can be viewed and enjoyed as a piece of art, but an element can be worn as well,” Linney explains, adding that it is also an opportunity to showcase probably the rarest and most collectible of all gems in a unique form.
“There’s that distinction between jewellery presented in an art gallery and that you can buy in the shop. My father wanted to be in between those,” says Linney of the philosophy that guided his father, Alan Linney, a trained goldsmith when he founded the brand in 1972. Half of the creations that come off the jeweller’s bench at Linneys are custom creations, with many today still designed and crafted under the guidance of its founder.
Tapping into the precious natural resources of Australia, the house was among the first local brands to use Broome South Sea baroque pearls to create handcrafted and organically formed jewellery pieces at a time when most of these lustrous gems were exported to Japan. Kalgoorlie gold is also used in Linneys’ creations.
The region is a source of design inspiration for the house too. “Living in a place as beautiful as Western Australia, it’s impossible not to be inspired by its natural wonders. Many of our designs pay tribute to iconic landmarks and native flora,” Linney says.