Octopuses are such marvelous creatures, it’s a wonder they aren’t celebrated more in jewelry. Come to think of it, the most I’ve seen of octopus was last summer when everyone was posting the requisite photos of that evening’s dinner catch on a Greek isle.
Tasty as it may be, octopus as food is a heartbreaking thought if you consider the animal’s extreme intelligence and almost otherworldly features. There aren’t many other animals on this planet like octopuses, with their blue blood, three hearts, enviable long-term memory, and ability to change skin color for camouflage.
As a theme in jewelry, the octopus gets its due in three new one-of-a-kind pieces from Danish jewelry brand Elhanati, in collaboration with Botswanamark, a diamond provenance program founded by former De Beers executive Nicholas Moltke.
The Octopus Diamond Temple collection’s 18k gold sculptural rings and earrings tell the story of a mother octopus and her two daughters living in a mystical underwater world. This limited series (all prices on request) marks the first partnership between the jewelry brand and Botswanamark. Elhanati says it aims to source all diamonds over 0.1 ct. from Botswanamark by the end of 2025.
“Working on this project with Nicholas Moltke and Botswanamark took me to another place and dimension,” said Elhanati founder Orit Elhanati in a statement. “Knowing the soul and ethos that fuels the Botswanamark mission adds an extra dimension to my work that makes me love natural diamonds more than ever.”
Octopus Diamond Temple was introduced at the Elhanati atelier during Copenhagen Fashion Week in late January.
Top: Octopus Diamond Temple ring in 18k yellow gold with 5 ct. Botswanamark cushion-cut diamond; Elhanati