WatchesApr 06, 2022
See 5 New Tudor Watches for 2022WatchesApr 11, 2022
TAG Heuer Unveils Timepiece with Lab-Grown Diamonds
The Swiss watchmaker takes advantage of the technology’s unique capabilities in the Carrera Plasma.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma features lab-grown diamonds, including an entirely diamond crown at 3 o’clock.
Geneva—TAG Heuer has entered the lab-grown diamond game.
Capping off its 2022 Watches & Wonders Geneva debuts is the new Carrera Plasma timepiece, which utilizes diamonds grown via the chemical vapor deposition process, or what TAG is marketing to consumers as “Diamant d’Avant-Garde.”
“Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technology, which we refer to as ‘Diamant d’Avant-Garde’ at TAG Heuer, enables us to explore the versatility of carbon in the form of lab-grown diamonds—to create a stunning timepiece where diamonds are used in very unique shapes and textures,” explained TAG Heuer and LVMH Watches and Jewelry Division Chief Innovation Officer Edouard Mignon.
“Lab-grown diamonds allow us to innovate and experiment with this exceptional material, and this opens up a new realm of possibilities for designers, watchmakers, and engineers.”
The Carrera Plasma features CVD-grown diamonds from manufacturers Lusix, Capsoul, and Diamaze.
The stones feature most creatively in two areas. The first is the polycrystalline diamond dial, in which diamond crystals are grown as one entity on a specially created plate, an effect that isn’t naturally occurring. The total plate diamond weight is about 3.9 carats.
It creates a sparkling visual effect across the entire dial.
There are also two black polycrystalline diamond plates at the 3 o’clock minute chronograph counter and the 9 o’clock chronograph hours counter.
Baguette-cut diamonds (also lab-grown) mark the hours.
Another unique lab-grown diamond aspect is the diamond crown at 3 o’clock. The entire element is a uniquely crown-shaped 2.5-carat diamond, made by the start-up Capsoul.
The 44 mm timepiece has a lightweight watchcase rendered in sandblasted anodized aluminum. It has a black ceramic polished bezel.
The Carrera Plasma is powered by the H02 Tourbillon Nanograph movement. The in-house automatic chronograph is Swiss-made with a 65-hour power reserve.
In total, the Carrera Plasma features 11.7 carats of lab-grown diamonds from the dial, hour markers, crown, and 48 baguette-cut diamonds set in the case.
This novelty is a showpiece for innovation, but don’t expect to see it in stores—there’s only one edition, and it’s priced at approximately $375,000.
Related stories will be right here …
Capping off its 2022 Watches & Wonders Geneva debuts is the new Carrera Plasma timepiece, which utilizes diamonds grown via the chemical vapor deposition process, or what TAG is marketing to consumers as “Diamant d’Avant-Garde.”
“Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technology, which we refer to as ‘Diamant d’Avant-Garde’ at TAG Heuer, enables us to explore the versatility of carbon in the form of lab-grown diamonds—to create a stunning timepiece where diamonds are used in very unique shapes and textures,” explained TAG Heuer and LVMH Watches and Jewelry Division Chief Innovation Officer Edouard Mignon.
“Lab-grown diamonds allow us to innovate and experiment with this exceptional material, and this opens up a new realm of possibilities for designers, watchmakers, and engineers.”
The Carrera Plasma features CVD-grown diamonds from manufacturers Lusix, Capsoul, and Diamaze.
The stones feature most creatively in two areas. The first is the polycrystalline diamond dial, in which diamond crystals are grown as one entity on a specially created plate, an effect that isn’t naturally occurring. The total plate diamond weight is about 3.9 carats.
It creates a sparkling visual effect across the entire dial.
The Carrera Plasma
There are also two black polycrystalline diamond plates at the 3 o’clock minute chronograph counter and the 9 o’clock chronograph hours counter.
Baguette-cut diamonds (also lab-grown) mark the hours.
Another unique lab-grown diamond aspect is the diamond crown at 3 o’clock. The entire element is a uniquely crown-shaped 2.5-carat diamond, made by the start-up Capsoul.
The 44 mm timepiece has a lightweight watchcase rendered in sandblasted anodized aluminum. It has a black ceramic polished bezel.
The Carrera Plasma is powered by the H02 Tourbillon Nanograph movement. The in-house automatic chronograph is Swiss-made with a 65-hour power reserve.
In total, the Carrera Plasma features 11.7 carats of lab-grown diamonds from the dial, hour markers, crown, and 48 baguette-cut diamonds set in the case.
This novelty is a showpiece for innovation, but don’t expect to see it in stores—there’s only one edition, and it’s priced at approximately $375,000.
More on Watches
The Latest
SourcingDec 02, 2022
Alrosa CEO Sergey Ivanov to Step Down, Report SaysAccording to Russian news sources, the sanctioned head of the diamond company is leaving to take a job with an investment group.
SourcingDec 02, 2022
Lucapa Sells 170-Carat Pink Diamond Unearthed This SummerSaid to be the largest pink diamond found in hundreds of years, “The Lulo Rose” was sold for an undisclosed sum.
AuctionsDec 02, 2022
Here’s How 2 Royal Jewels Performed at Auction in DenmarkA princess’s tiara fell within its pre-sale estimate while an Art Deco bracelet from a queen doubled it.
Brought to you by
Knowledge and Skills for Today’s Hot TopicsFrom laboratory-grown diamonds to design to country-of-origin, GIA's Alumni Collective™ has a seminar to suite your needs.
CollectionsDec 02, 2022
Piece of the Week: Foundrae’s Chain A closer look at the bold links reveals a subtle, surprising detail.
Weekly QuizDec 01, 2022
This Week’s QuizTest your knowledge of the latest jewelry news with this quick test.
Supplier BulletinDec 01, 2022
Take Your Jewelry Design Process Digital with the GIA Alumni Collective™Sponsored by GIA Alumni Collective™
CollectionsDec 01, 2022
Kendra Scott’s New Collection is for Barbie GirlsThe capsule collection combines the brand’s classic styles with Barbie’s signature pink color.
Brought to you by
Diamond Shoppers’ 2022 Holiday Wish ListGive your customers the best diamond buying experience this holiday season.
AuctionsDec 01, 2022
13-Carat Pink Diamond Withdrawn From Christie’s Auction The auction house is not offering any details on why the fancy vivid pink stone was pulled from its upcoming “Magnificent Jewels” sale.
SourcingDec 01, 2022
Nomad’s Is Selling Its Stones to Raise Money for Ukraine AgainIn the spirit of an advent calendar, “Gems to Help Ukraine” will sell a stone a day through Dec. 24 on the Nomad’s Instagram account.
GradingDec 01, 2022
PhotoScribe Granted Patent for Method that Verifies a Stone’s IdentificationThe secure mark combines an overt mark with a covert data set to provide assurance on a gem.
SurveysNov 30, 2022
5 Things Retailers Should Know About the Start to the Holiday SeasonPlus, what a potential rail strike would mean for retailers.
MajorsNov 30, 2022
Pomellato Buys Into Italian GoldsmithThe brand has purchased a minority stake in Costanzo & Rizzetto.
SourcingNov 30, 2022
Firestone Restarts Operations of Lesotho Diamond MineLiqhobong has been in a care-and-maintenance period since the start of the pandemic.
MajorsNov 29, 2022
LVMH Acquires Jewelry Manufacturer Pedemonte GroupThe strategic acquisition will bolster the luxury titan’s production capacity in its watch and jewelry division.
CollectionsNov 29, 2022
Alex and Ani Founder Carolyn Rafaelian Has Launched a Fine Jewelry LineThe new brand, Metal Alchemist, focuses on unisex, classic jewelry designs.
IndependentsNov 29, 2022
Reinhold Jewelers’ Holiday Book Is an Ode to an Important Beverage The 2022 edition of the retailer’s annual publication pays homage to the coffee farms and shops of Puerto Rico.
CollectionsNov 29, 2022
Gabriel & Co.’s ‘Fashion Book’ Is OutNot a catalog, the magazine is a tool for Gabriel & Co. retailers to connect with their customers.
MajorsNov 29, 2022
Claire’s to Open Shop-in-Shops in Select U.S. Macy’s Stores The partnership brings Claire’s jewelry and accessories to 20 Macy’s locations in time for the holiday season.
MajorsNov 28, 2022
Pomellato’s New Videos Raise Awareness of Violence Against WomenStarring CEO Sabina Belli and other celebrities, the videos emphasize the importance of supporting women who have experienced abuse.
IndependentsNov 28, 2022
Bert Kalisher, an Industry Veteran Who Loved Making Connections, Dies at 97 Kalisher started out manufacturing watch bands and later got into publishing, authoring two books and serving as publisher of Chronos.
Events & AwardsNov 28, 2022
Registration Is Open for AGA’s Annual Tucson Conference Scheduled for Feb. 1, the event will feature six gemological education presentations and three hands-on sessions.
MajorsNov 28, 2022
The Kingswood Co. Is One of U.S.’s Fastest-Growing Companies AgainThe jewelry cleaner manufacturer jumped up to No. 3066 on the Inc. 5000 list.
AuctionsNov 23, 2022
This Sapphire Tiara Once Owned by a Danish Princess Is Going to AuctionThe Dec. 1 jewelry sale at Bonhams-owned Bruun Rasmussen will have several other pieces of royal jewelry on the block.
FinancialsNov 23, 2022
Movado Lowers Guidance Amid ‘Uncertain’ Retail EnvironmentIts Q3 sales dipped as inflation took its toll on shoppers in the U.S. and Europe.
MajorsNov 23, 2022
De Beers Jewellers Is Popping Up in ConnecticutThe temporary store is the result of a collaboration with Betteridge.
CollectionsNov 23, 2022
Piece of the Week: Rembrandt’s Turkey CharmCharm fans will gobble up this festive “Piece of the Week” pick.
