It is rare for jewellery to transcend its category and become true art, yet this is precisely what Calleija Jewellers has achieved over the past four decades. Founded by John Calleija, the Australian high jewellery house’s creations have graced the most celebrated stages, from high fashion to royalty and even automotive, thanks to its revered talent for design and use of only the finest gemstones.
One such iconic moment came in 2000 when Calleija’s ‘Virtual Eros’ headpiece – featuring 219 dazzling diamonds – was showcased in Alexander McQueen’s now-legendary runway collection. In 2008, the brand broke records, crafting the world’s most expensive champagne glasses, encrusted with hundreds of Argyle Pink and White Diamonds.
Then, in 2012, Calleija was invited to contribute to the Queen’s Jubilee celebration, marking the jeweller’s first foray into sculpture with ‘Majestic Light’. Displayed at Kensington Palace during the Out of the Vault – Pink Diamonds and Royalty exhibition, the breathtaking piece – consisting of 749 Argyle Pink and White Diamonds – was John Calleija’s heartfelt tribute to Her Majesty’s longevity and grace, as well as the special role these beautiful jewels have played in Royal occasions.
Calleija continued to deepen its connections to British Royalty with the launch of Saddle Suite, a collaboration with Zara Tindall MBE. Born from a shared vision between Zara and John to create refined pieces that embody the modern woman’s strength and beauty, the collection was crafted from 18ct Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, and Platinum, with each piece showcasing stunning diamonds.
But perhaps the most iconic collaboration in Calleija’s 40-year history came when it joined forces with Aston Martin to create one-of-a-kind pieces that merged the worlds of high performance and fine jewellery. This partnership inspired founder John Calleija to develop a brand-new cut of gemstone called ASTAR, based on the iconic front grille of Aston Martin. Featured throughout the collection, which was limited to just 77 pieces in homage to the Aston Martin One-77, the exceptional cut and design of ASTAR has proven to be an innovation in the jewellery industry, reflecting the innovative spirit that continues to define Aston Martin today.
Given such ties to British luxury, it is fitting that Calleija’s London boutique is situated in the prestigious district of Mayfair. The only Australian-owned jeweller in this exclusive location, Calleija occupies the coveted No. 7 spot in the iconic Royal Arcade, which has connected Old Bond Street with Albemarle Street since its construction in 1879. Here, visitors are invited to witness Calleija’s Master Jewellers in the workshop, where exquisite gemstones are transformed into masterpieces to be cherished for generations.
Among the exceptional stones Calleija works with are the extraordinarily rare Argyle Pink Diamonds™, for which the jeweller has been appointed as one of only two Icon Partners™ globally. Following the closure of the world-renowned Argyle Diamond Mine in 2020, these precious gems have become rarer than ever. Calleija is now collaborating directly with Argyle to create celebrated masterpieces that feature some of the last diamonds produced from the mine.
Honouring the rare beauty and remarkable heritage of Argyle Pink Diamonds™ is no easy feat. Each bejewelled creation from Calleija that showcases these diamonds carries with it a natural Australian history of over 1.6 billion years. One standout piece to emerge is the ‘Argyle Fluente™’, which captures their ethereal beauty. Crafted with meticulous precision, ‘Fluente’ features a breathtaking 0.51ct pear-shaped 1PP Argyle Pink Icon Diamond™, chosen for its unparalleled hue and brilliance, set in 18ct Rose Gold – a nod to the mine itself. This exquisite centrepiece is beautifully complemented by a scintillating 2.07ct pear-shaped White Diamond and surrounded by flowing lines of shimmering White and Argyle Pink Diamonds™ artfully arranged to represent the journey of Argyle Pink Diamonds™ emerging from beneath the earth. As well as reflecting the fluency of nature and the ceaseless flow of time, ‘Argyle Fluente™’ offers remarkable versatility, transforming from a brooch to a pendant or even as a hair adornment.
The vibrant history of the Argyle Diamond Mine has significantly enriched the world of gemstones and left its mark in the jewellery sector, as Calleija strives to do so in an ethical and environmentally friendly manner. The brand is one of only a few Australian jewellers to have received the Butterfly Mark certification from the world-renowned sustainability platform Positive Luxury, the only global trust mark recognising luxury brands for their dedication to positive social and environmental impact.
The certification recognises Calleija’s use of ethically sourced materials, including conflict-free diamonds, and exclusive partnerships with suppliers that adhere to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). Calleija also proudly adheres to the Golden Rules and is a member of the No Dirty Gold Alliance. With its use of Argyle Pink™, Red, and Blue Diamonds, the brand can trace each gemstone back to its origin, ensuring complete transparency.
In this way, Calleija continues to build a brilliant legacy that intertwines innovation, creativity, and responsibility.
