Fresh from the Field — Godavari Diamonds, Osborne Shiwan
This Fresh From the Field showcases Osborne Shiwan’s highly celebrated work for Godavari Diamonds, which lead to the Auckland-based brand agency awarded by Fast Company in their 2020 Innovation by Design accolades. “We need innovative design more than ever, and the 2020 honorees have brought creativity, inventiveness, and humanity to address some of the world’s most pressing problems, including the global pandemic, racial injustice, and economic inequality. Together these entries offer a glimpse into a future that is more inclusive, more accessible, and more just,” said Stephanie Mehta, editor-in-chief of Fast Company.
The Brief:
Godavari is proud to be a luxury brand, based in the culturally diverse city of Auckland in Aotearoa, New Zealand. This is a nation of pioneers, questioning traditional viewpoints and processes. Godavari jewellery is designed and crafted by artisans in New Zealand. The Godavari jewellery case and gift packaging is hand-crafted by local suppliers, providing a gifting experience that is unique. The Godavari commitment to local suppliers means that ethical and sustainable practices are constantly monitored and maintained to the highest possible standards.
Godavari diamonds are chosen for their naturally unique splendor and luminosity. Each diamond has been analysed, examined and selected with meticulous attention to detail. Every Godavari diamond is accompanied by Godavari’s own report detailing each unique characteristic. Global partners carefully select diamonds from fair-trade organisations and sustainably-producing mines.
Godavari Co-Founders Jane Bell and Shannon Diamond have a unique vision; to disrupt the loose diamond market by designing human connectedness into every touchpoint. Godavari commissioned strategic brand agency Osborne Shiwan to develop a gifting experience that is truly unique. “We wanted a fresh approach that celebrates individuality whilst embodying a true luxury experience.”
The Response:
Osborne Shiwan founders Lloyd Osborne and Shabnam Shiwan have worked with some of New Zealand’s most influential brands. Their creative direction throughout the Godavari project is led by quality and individuality rather than fashion while still being super stylish.
Everlasting beauty is at the core of the brand and considered throughout the creative direction. The scope of this project was significant extending to brand identity, typographic craftsmanship (and the Godavari Diamonds Typeface), product design, campaign, styling and packaging. Each element has impact, premium finishes, exceptional detailing and execution, to set new standards in Luxury.
The sharp cuts of the letterforms are highly polished, while being stylish, irreverent and unique. The typographic shape grammar echos the facets of a brilliant cut diamonds form.
The focus of the gifting experience is as much on the moment as it is on the diamond. “People get the most joy from life when giving, whether it be of themselves or gifting something special and unique. The gift of a Godavari diamond is a mindful personalisation in togetherness, a moment in time to be remembered forever. This is about making everlasting human connections.”
Set within a carefully designed Godavari coral resin or customisable precious metal globe, which themselves contain enough gold to make one engagement ring and two wedding bands. It means a couple can start their journey in life together by designing the rings together. Each vessel is a lavish product so carefully considered it is equally as cherishable as the diamond it contains.
