Uniform Object Unveils 'Carbon Form' Collection Blending Industrial and Precious Materials

A Fusion of Durability and Opulence

Uniform Object has launched its latest jewelry collection, Carbon Form, a striking series of 36 pieces that explores the duality of materials, juxtaposing industrial elements with precious gems and metals. The collection, developed since Summer 2024, centers on the concept of carbon as both a medium and a material, emphasizing restraint and durability.

Design Philosophy: Contrast and Tension

The Carbon Form collection is characterized by its deliberate contrast between high and low materials, creating a unique tension. This is exemplified in pieces that pair Italian-made elastic cords with 18-karat gold hardware and rare, natural gemstones. The brand's creative director, David Farrugia, noted his long-standing fascination with combining significant stones with materials that feel industrial and casual, stating, 'Through much trial and error, we found the perfect balance of substance and statement.'

Key Pieces and Materials

A significant aspect of the collection includes the 'Carriage' pendants, which feature various gemstones such as champagne diamonds, Paraíba tourmalines, emeralds, and white diamonds. These stones are presented in diverse cuts including Asscher, old mine round, cushion, and triangular brilliant.

The 'Carbon' bracelets showcase this contrast, utilizing structured rubber cords as a base for substantial diamonds. One notable example features a 3.71-carat novelty-cut pear diamond set in 18-karat rose gold with black rhodium plating, accented by smaller diamonds on yellow gold hardware, retailing at $90,000. Farrugia explained that the rubber cord serves to offset the stone’s organic character.

The collection also introduces 'Carbon' torque necklaces, often styled with the 'Carriage' pendants. These necklaces, made primarily from rubber, are finished with an 18-karat yellow gold clasp accented by diamonds. One such piece, the rubber torque necklace with diamond accents on the gold clasp, is priced at $14,950. These can be paired with pendants like a 3-carat shield-cut champagne diamond set in 18-karat rhodium-plated rose gold, priced at $85,000.

Innovative Use of Blackened Gold

A hero piece is a 'Carriage' pendant featuring a 3-carat shield-cut champagne diamond set in 18-karat rose gold with black rhodium plating. Farrugia expressed his long-held interest in this treatment, noting its ability to intensify the diamond's color when used with darkened gold. 'Typically, it gives contrast to white diamonds, but when I saw the opportunity for blackened gold to enhance the color of a colored diamond, I knew we discovered something new,' he said.

The 'Power Metal' Line

Complementing the mixed-material designs, the 'Power Metal' line focuses on solid, substantial 18-karat gold forms. This range includes rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets that employ rhodium plating. In this series, gemstones are bezel-set in darkened metal to manipulate light interaction and enhance the depth and tone of the stones.

The 'Power Metal' hoops, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold with round diamonds totaling 1 carat set in rhodium-plated gold, are priced at $19,500. The 'Power Metal Necklace' starts at 80 grams for a 14-inch chain.

Availability and Pricing

The Carbon Form collection, encompassing necklaces, pendants, bracelets, earrings, and rings, ranges in price from $6,900 to $90,000. The collection is available through Uniform Object's website and select retailers, including Net-a-Porter, Elyse Walker, Bergdorf Goodman, and Hirshleifers.