It was while strolling past the jewellery shops on Fifth Avenue that George Balanchine found the inspiration for a new piece, Jewels, created at New York City Ballet in 1967. In this three-part ballet, reflecting his love of women, the Russian choreographer associates a distinct style of dance with each precious stone.

The opening piece, Emeralds, evokes the romanticism of the French school to the delicate music of Gabriel Fauré. Rubies, unfolding to the syncopated rhythms of Igor Stravinsky’s Capriccio, offers playful nods to music hall and Broadway, before Diamonds pays tribute to the great Russian imperial ballet to the strains of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Third Symphony.

Since entering the Paris Opera’s repertoire in 2000, Jewels has been graced with sets and costumes by Christian Lacroix, which further enhance this sumptuous ballet, as timeless as diamonds themselves.