Laings unveils diamond and sapphire necklet for charity

Laings has unveiled a 2ct carat diamond and sapphire necklet created to help raise funds for Sir Jackie Stewart’s charity, Race Against Dementia. 

The one-off piece features over 100 diamonds and two blue sapphires – which represent the Saltire. It was crafted to pay homage to Stewart’s prestige as a two-time shooting champion for Scotland before he became involved in motor racing.

Stewart worked closely with Laings on the bespoke design, which also includes a hand engraving to mark the event, and he commissioned Laings to create this piece.

Influenced by the Scottish landscape, the handcrafted white gold necklet was commissioned as a prize for the clay pigeon shooting event held as part of the Sir Jackie Stewart Classic Festival of Motoring at Thirlestane Castle.

The event was held in aid of Race Against Dementia – the charity founded by Stweart to raise money for research into prevention and treatment for dementia, a disease that affects 50 million people worldwide.

Sarah Alexandar, lead designer at Laings who conceptualised the piece, said: “It was an honour to have been asked to work with Sir Jackie Stewart to produce a beautiful piece of jewellery for an amazing couple and such a worthy cause.

“We repurposed the round sapphire which had previously taken pride of place in Laings’ 175 necklet made to celebrate Laings’ 175-year anniversary and impressive feat as Scotland’s oldest family jeweller. It felt right that this special stone should be the centrepiece for this bespoke commission.”