As a Global Ambassador for the Natural Diamond Council (NDC), Lily James has not only had the opportunity to wear some truly stunning diamonds on the red carpet (more on that later), but has also traveled the world to witness first-hand how the dazzling stones are mined .
Her most recent trip with NDC took her to Canada’s Northwest Territories (the third largest diamond producing region in the world) to film the new film “Real. Rarely. Responsible.” campaign and learn more about their sustainable missions, conservation efforts and support for the communities where diamonds come from.
Here, the actress talks to PEOPLE about her experience, which included posing with a 33-carat round brilliant-cut natural diamond.
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Lily James Natural Diamond Council Campaign Exclusive image.
Courtesy of the Natural Diamond Council
PEOPLE: What was the best part of shooting the Diamond campaign?
James: One of the most amazing things about filming a diamond campaign is doing it with the Natural Diamond Council and going straight to where natural diamonds were formed, billions of years ago.
Fascinated by my trip to Botswana with the Natural Diamond Council in 2022, I really wanted to learn more about the positive impact of the natural diamond industry around the world, which is why I visited the Northwest Territories (NWT) of Canada. I traveled to the far Sub-Arctic in February to shoot the campaign in -40 degrees Fahrenheit. While there, I witnessed firsthand how the vast majority of the value of rough diamonds remains within local communities in the form of local employment, training, procurement of products and services, health and education programs. It was truly extraordinary.
I too loved visiting Diamonds de Canada and seeing how they keep everything local from mining, cutting and polishing natural diamonds to maximize local benefit. They are the only producer of polar bear diamonds that can only be found in the Northwest Territories of Canada and all are sold with a certificate of authenticity to prove their origin.
Having the opportunity to visit one of the world’s largest diamond production areas and meet the women at the head of mining operations, the educators who are shaping the future generation, everywhere I look I am reminded that natural diamonds are indeed real, rare and responsible.
Lily James’ most notable film and TV roles, from ‘Cinderella’ to ‘Pam & Tommy’
PEOPLE: What is your favorite piece that you wore in the campaign?
James: This campaign was unique in that I didn’t wear a lot of ready-made diamond pieces, but I actually lived in these beautiful one-carat diamond earrings during the shoot, from dawn to dusk. We also spent several days shooting with this amazing 33 carat round brilliant natural diamond. It is so special to visit the birthplace of natural diamonds, and at the same time get a rare opportunity to hold them and feel their energy.
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PEOPLE: What’s the most memorable piece of jewelry you’ve worn on the red carpet and why?
James: I recently wore the most spectacular natural diamond feather earrings and rings from Boucheron to the Met Gala. These are from their ‘Plume de Paon’ collection, aptly named after the peacock feather design. They had such an incredible glow when the light hit them, it was a real pleasure to wear them for the evening.
PEOPLE: The Erdem dress you wore to the Met Gala was a style favorite of the PEOPLE team. What did you like most about him?
James: Not only was the gorgeous blush pink dress my absolute dream Erdem dress, but Erdem Moralioglu is such a brilliant designer and happens to be a dear friend of mine. Having the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dream up this piece of art alongside the incredibly talented Erdem team is an experience I feel so blessed to have had. A moment in time, I will cherish forever. His creations belong to the Met Costume Institute. I am endlessly inspired by every bit of detail woven into his designs.
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Lily James in Custom Erdem at the 2024 Met Gala.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty
PEOPLE: What pieces of jewelry do you wear every day?
James: My everyday jewelry can vary depending on where I am and what I’m doing. I often wear small, delicate hoop earrings. One piece that I wear every day and is my favorite diamond piece is a diamond locket. To me, family heritage seems eternal, sentimental and ancestral. When I hold them, I know it’s something that will stay in our family forever. Not only are diamonds unique and rare, they are also the oldest heritage on Earth.
PEOPLE: You said you love that “feel-like-it-and-wellness” beauty. What are some beauty products or treatments that you are currently loving and what makes them so great?
James: I really love taking care of myself, especially with such a busy schedule, it’s important to find time for yourself. Something I consider a form of self-care is being in nature, it focuses me.
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Source: HIS Education