An immersive experience exploring the origin of nature's greatest works of art

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 October 2026 - Formed billions of years ago deep within the Earth's mantle, natural diamonds are among nature's most extraordinary creations. For thousands of years, they have fascinated people not only for their rarity, exceptional physical properties and beauty, but for the symbolism and meaning they have carried across cultures and generations. 

Returning to Frieze Masters for a second year, De Beers presented the second chapter of Voyage Through the Diamond Realm, Chapter II: On The Birth of a Diamond new immersive installation that reconnected audiences with the -metaphysical- origins of natural diamonds. To celebrate the opening, De Beers welcomed guests including Sabrina Elba, Cleo Sol, Ayra Starr, Sebastian Croft, Saffron Hocking and Lola Clark, who embarked on a journey of a diamond from deep within the Earth to a work of art, while shining a light on Botswana's rich tradition of craftsmanship and creativity.

Across three rooms, the installation explored different elements of natural diamond's origin story: from the earliest formation of carbon in the stars, and the birth of diamonds deep within the earth, to the transformation of rough diamonds into treasured objects through creativity and craftsmanship. The story of their birth connects us to the origins of the cosmos, our planet and life itself, inviting audiences to see something of our own remarkable story of origin reflected in the journey of a natural diamond.

Visitors encountered a monumental five-metre handcrafted tapestry created by Shifron Mercury Studio, woven from natural fibres from Botswana's Okavango Delta to evoke the geological layers of the Earth. The tapestry incorporated ceramic 'stellar fragments' inspired by the forms of rough natural diamonds, and ostrich eggshell beads that connected the earthly formation of natural diamonds with their cosmic origins.

Within the space stood a new commission of hand-crafted amulets by Botswana-based design collective Peter Mabeo Studio, created in collaboration with basket weavers, potters and wood carvers from across Botswana. Drawing on generations of craft traditions, the works celebrated the enduring relationship between people, place and natural materials. De Beers' natural diamonds were set within these handcrafted amulets.

While developed through distinct practices, Shifron Mercury Studio and Peter Mabeo shared a philosophy rooted in respect for natural materials, simplicity and the role of human hands. Across their work, materials retained their inherent character, with craftsmanship used to reveal their potential.

The experience then moved into an immersive cinematic space, where visitors watched how carbon formed within the earliest stars became diamonds deep beneath the Earth. Science and wonder came together to reveal one of nature's greatest creative acts; the birth of a natural diamond, with soundscape narrated by Lucian Msamati and Kristin Winters, bringing together voices and original wark from artists including Mumsy Themba and Ecka Mordecai.

The journey concluded in a space designed for reflection. De Beers' rough natural diamonds were illuminated by ultraviolet light, inviting visitors to encounter these creations before they were cut or polished. Some revealed a hidden blue fluorescence, a fascinating natural phenomenon often described as 'the secret within the stone,' offering a rare glimpse into the remarkable geological journey held within each diamond.

In their earliest form, each natural diamond reveals its unique character before beginning another chapter in their journey passing into the hands of skilled craftspeople who will reveal their potential.

Voyage Through the Diamond Realm, Chapter II built on the global success of Voyage Through the Diamond Realm's first edition, which toured from London to Mumbai to New York exploring the myths, legends and stories inspired by natural diamonds. Following Frieze Masters, this next chapter will also tour internationally.

Lynn Serfaty, General Manager - Natural Diamonds, De Beers, says: " Voyage Through the Diamond Realm, Chapter Two explores the extraordinary origin story of natural diamonds through the twin concepts of creation and creativity. Working with talented artists, craftspeople, actors, musicians from Botswana, United Kingdom and France, we are delighted to return to Frieze Masters to bring the story of these natural works of art to life."

Shifron Mercury Studio says: "For Voyage Through the Diamond Realm - Chapter Two, we wanted to create a scene that tells the story of origin. The tapestry brings together natural fibres from Botswana and ceramic fragments to connect the Earth's interior with the cosmos, reflecting the colours of the Earth and pieces of the stars. It was important to us that we keep the materials in their simplest state, trying not to transform them too much, but to let them express their own character."

Peter Mabeo and Beullah Serema, Mabeo Studio, say: "For this work, basket weavers, potters and wood carvers from across Botswana bring different crafts and materials together. Each amulet carries the particular skill of the person who made it, and each skilled person carries within them the capacity to relate with the natural world, simply, through the senses. The making remains visible - the hand, the technique and the relationship each maker has with the material. The amulets are an expression of convergence - different materials, skills and people coming together."

The relationship goes further. Across cultures and geographical distances, craftspeople can arrive at similar ways of working with materials, even without contact with one another. The potter, the basket weaver, the tapestry weaver and the wood carver all work through an innate, sensory understanding of materials:"

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