Messika's Akh-Ba-Ka Diamond Necklace

Akh-Ba-Ka by Messika is an epic journey of an extraordinary diamond. The narrative unfolds as the Messika Maison embarks on a captivating chapter in its history, led by the brilliance of a remarkable 33-carat diamond. This extraordinary gem takes center stage, illuminating the heart of the 2022 High Jewelry collection in an exquisite display of craftsmanship.

Valérie Messika, daringly, ventures into uncharted territory, giving birth to Akh-Ba-Ka, a mesmerizing jewelry set inspired by ancient Egypt, resplendent with diamonds and white gold. What sets this creation apart is the origin of its 15 main diamonds, all hailing from the same 110-carat rough stone – a fusion of magnificence and divine radiance.

In the realm of ancient Egypt, where the soul danced between the forces of KA, representing life, and BA, symbolizing transformation and the journey to the afterlife, Akh-Ba-Ka emerges. It transcends mere jewelry; it becomes the odyssey of a rough diamond, a tale of transmission, family, and unparalleled expertise.

Valérie Messika's ode to ancient Egypt materializes in a unique set comprising a plastron necklace, a pair of earrings, and two architectural-style rings – each adorned with diamonds meticulously cut from the extraordinary 110-carat rough stone.

The year 2022 witnesses Valérie Messika's pioneering spirit in High Jewelry, driven by the desire to showcase exceptional stones. Collaborating closely with her brother Ilan, a luminary in diamond trade and cutting, Valérie meticulously oversees the journey of the 110-carat stone. After years of analysis, mapping, and cutting, Ilan presents her with 15 magnificent diamonds, including a sparkling 33-carat cushion-cut diamond. In a bold and heartfelt move, Valérie chooses to acquire all 15 diamonds – a rarity in the world of high-end jewelry.

The renaissance of this extraordinary rough stone materializes in a masterpiece – a necklace boasting over 2,400 diamonds, totaling 71.49 carats. Its modern, visionary design reinterprets the mythical Egyptian-winged beetle, seamlessly blending diamonds and faceted white gold. At its core, the 33-carat diamond, a natural miracle born billions of years ago, dazzles with its noble D color classification and Internally Flawless purity, emitting an almost incandescent glow.

Crafting a necklace of such magnificence demands not just vision but technical prowess rooted in exceptional craftsmanship. Akh-Ba-Ka comes to life through over 1,000 hours of dedicated work, involving 4 to 5 jewelers working full time for six months and the meticulous placement of 800 pavé diamonds exclusively for the 33-carat centerpiece. These staggering figures underscore the unique expertise housed in Messika's Parisian atelier.

Designing this extraordinary necklace required ingenuity and the ability to overcome numerous challenges. Nicolas Lodolo, Head of the Messika workshop, elaborates on the first challenge: combining all the different stones of the 110-carat rough without distorting their radiance. The family of diamonds, each of exceptional purity, presents unique cuts with assertive facets.

The journey begins at the Lucara mine in Botswana, where very few diamond cutters gain access to such exceptional stones. Sourced from only two mines globally, Gem Diamonds in Lesotho and Lucara, the purchase of this extraordinary rough stone was orchestrated by Ilan Messika, Valérie's brother, just before the 2020 lockdown – a daring masterpiece in the early stages of his career, fueled by a passion for raw diamonds.

Akh-Ba-Ka by Messika is not merely jewelry; it is a testament to the mastery, artistry, and dedication that breathe life into every facet of this exceptional diamond's epic journey.

This diamond necklace defines Miss World Botswana Lesego Chombo, our Diamond Queen her elegance, poise, allure, and mystique.