If you recall from our original feature story about the Tequila Diamond—the central 5-carat emerald cut that sits in the middle of a very large sapphire brooch—we shared everything we knew at the time. That also included our research on how a diamond could actually be made using tequila, even going so far as to calculate how much tequila might be necessary.
But we still had questions.
So we reached out once again to 1800 Tequila to find out more.
And—we heard back!
Some Very Interesting Notes
🎶🎷da-DA-dada-DA-da-DA, Tequila!
1800 Tequila tells us that it was their Ultra-Premium 1800 Cristalino Tequila that was used to create the 5-carat emerald cut synthetic diamond. As they say, “this was pushing the boundaries of taste in ways never before seen!”
The Perfect Date
The 1800 Tequila diamond was unveiled on fashion’s most memorable Monday – the Met Gala, which also just happened to be Cinco de Mayo, adorning Grammy-nominated musician, actor, and producer, Janelle Monáe, in a custom brooch.
Maison Raksha’s Thoughts on Design
Designed by renowned Toronto jewelry designer Jonathan Raksha of Maison Raksha, the 1800 Tequila diamond brooch was inspired by the iconic 1800 Cristalino bottle and the blue Weber agave plant, from which all 1800 Tequila is made. The inverted rows of synthetic round brilliant cut diamonds mirrors the sharp, striking form of the agave plant, while the central Tequila diamond captures the clarity and quality that defines 1800 Cristalino Tequila! Crystal Clear!
Also sharing some responses attributed to Jonathan Raksha of Maison Raksha:
What inspired you when creating the design of the tequila diamond?
Every detail of the 1800 Tequila diamond brooch was designed to bring the spirit of the tequila to life in solid, wearable form. Just like diamonds are formed through time, pressure, and precision, 1800 Cristalino undergoes a similar process – from raw blue Weber agave to an exceptionally smooth and crystal-clear añejo tequila. That clarity and sense of movement inspired the use of sapphire and diamond – materials that capture the idea of liquid, frozen in time.
The sapphire framing of the diamond was directly inspired by the 1800 Cristalino bottle, its clean lines and reflective quality really guided the design. I also wanted to honor the agave plant itself, since it’s at the heart of tequila-making. That’s where the inverted setting for the supporting stones comes in. It’s a subtle nod to the plant’s shape and structure. In many ways, the piece reflects the same spirit as 1800 tequila itself – pushing the boundaries of taste, both in flavor and in style.
All the details of the diamond – carat weight, cut, numbers, etc
The central Tequila diamond weighs 5.5 carats. It is an emerald cut, G color, VS1 clarity.
Set in a white gold border surrounded by smaller synthetic diamonds set upside down.
The setting itself rests in a 70+ carat white sapphire, which itself is then set in a white gold border, again with upside down synthetic diamonds on the front and side border.
The spiky texture of the upside-down synthetic diamonds is an expression of the pointy nature of Agave.
1800® Tequila, the world’s most awarded tequila brand, continues to push the boundaries of taste, debuting the first-ever tequila diamond on the most-watched red carpet event of the season. On a night when million-dollar jewels adorn celebrities and fashion makes its boldest statements, 1800 Tequila claimed its place as the evening’s most unexpected luxury.
By blending science with luxury, the brand unveiled a one-of-a-kind diamond not mined from the Earth but crafted from its award-winning 1800 Cristalino, introducing an innovative and sustainable take on a timeless symbol of elegance.
“To shine, and to create something truly iconic, you have to think differently,” said Janelle Monáe. “It’s all poetic when you think about it – just like diamonds form under pressure, reimagining how diamonds are made takes a future-focused vision and dedication. And to wear an ethical diamond from 1800 Tequila on the red carpet, with this year’s theme, felt like a fitting tribute to that.”
“Every detail of the 1800 Tequila diamond brooch was crafted to embody the spirit of liquid in solid form,” said Jonathan Raksha. “On a night when all eyes are on the red carpet, it was exciting to translate my design language into something more than just a jewel, but a bold statement that introduced the brand’s first tequila diamond.”
Building on the exceptional foundation of 1800 Añejo, 1800 Cristalino is aged for 16 months in both new American and French oak barrels before being finished in port wine casks for an additional six months, resulting in a smooth, crystal-clear, and complex añejo tequila. Like diamonds, 1800 Cristalino is transformed through time, pressure, craftsmanship, and care. And just as a diamond’s value is defined by the 4Cs – Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity – 1800 Cristalino embodies each through its own liquid journey. The result is a tequila that mirrors the transformation of a gem, where raw potential becomes rare brilliance.
Rooted in quality and tradition, 1800 Tequila is crafted from the finest ingredients and distilled to perfection. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or to elevate your favorite cocktail, it’s the perfect way to celebrate life’s special moments with taste. For more information about 1800 Tequila, visit 1800Tequila.com.
About 1800® Tequila
1800 Tequila, the world’s most awarded tequila and the #1 super premium tequila brand in the U.S.1, is made with 100% blue Weber agave harvested at its peak in Tequila, Mexico. Now, as the best taste in tequila, 1800 Tequila has reached category leadership through its liquid superiority and creation of the first Añejo tequila, deep-rooted Mexican heritage and culture-driving collaborations with musicians and artists. The iconic bottle is also recognized for its trapezoidal shape, reminiscent of the centuries-old Mayan stone pyramids found throughout Mexico. Please visit 1800Tequila.com and follow us on Instagram @1800tequila to learn more about the 1800 Tequila portfolio.
Special Thanks to Shirley Cheng, Senior Account Executive, reddish, New York, New York.
