Diamonds Are A Dog’s Best Friend

At Baccarat Hotel New York, where precision craftsmanship has long defined the house, a new collaboration brings that same level of artistry into an unexpected realm. In partnership with The D Diamond New York, the Petit Salon sets the stage for a collection of fine jewelry designed not for the wearer, but for their most devoted companion.

Founded by Racheli Waters Shamir, The D Diamond New York is known for its bespoke approach to fine jewelry, rooted in personal storytelling and meticulous design. This collaboration extends that philosophy into canine couture, with collars crafted from precious metals and finished with diamond pavé and refined detailing. Each piece is made with the same techniques and materials found in traditional high jewelry, reimagined through a distinctly personal lens.

What connects the two houses is a shared commitment to craft as both discipline and expression. Baccarat’s legacy of precision and The D Diamond New York’s intimate, made-to-order approach come together in a collection that is both technically exacting and emotionally driven. The result is a series of pieces that move beyond novelty, positioning canine accessories within the world of true fine jewelry.

To explore the thinking behind the collection, we spoke with founder Racheli Waters Shamir on the origins of the concept, the craftsmanship involved, and the emotional connections that shape each design.

Tailored for Companionship with Racheli Waters Shamir, Founder of The D Diamond New York

How did the idea for the Canine Couture Diamond Experience first come to life, and what made Baccarat Hotel New York the right partner for this collaboration?

The idea came from a desire to bring true fine jewelry craftsmanship into the world of canine luxury and create something deeply personal, bespoke, and experience-driven. At The D Diamond New York, every piece is rooted in the bond between an owner and their dog, and we wanted the design process itself to feel just as meaningful and elevated.
Baccarat Hotel New York was a natural partner, given their commitment to refined, highly personalized hospitality. Their private, residential-style experience perfectly complements our approach to customization, allowing clients to design in an intimate, in-suite setting. Together, we created something that feels both luxurious and personal, with thoughtful details, like the signature ruby tying the collaboration back to Baccarat’s iconic heritage.

Can you walk us through the design process of a bespoke canine collar, from the first conversation to the final piece?

Every bespoke piece begins with a conversation. I take the time to understand the dog, their personality, proportions, and daily life, as well as the owner’s style and what they want the piece to represent. It’s a very personal process, rooted in storytelling as much as design.
From there, I guide clients through material selections, diamond placement, and custom details, whether that’s engraving or meaningful charms. Each decision is intentional, balancing beauty with comfort and wearability for the dog.
Once the design is finalized, the piece is handcrafted with the same level of precision as fine jewelry. The final result is something deeply personal, an heirloom-quality collar that feels as special and unique as the bond it represents.

What inspires the aesthetic of the collection and are there subtle references to Baccarat’s heritage or the hotel’s design language?

The aesthetic is inspired by a balance of timeless elegance and playful sophistication honoring the refinement of fine jewelry while celebrating the personality of each dog. We focused on clean, classic silhouettes elevated through exceptional materials and craftsmanship, allowing each piece to feel both luxurious and personal.
There are also subtle nods to the heritage woven throughout the collection. The signature ruby detail references the house’s iconic red crystal, while the overall sensibility that’s rich, polished, and quietly opulent, reflecting the hotel’s design language. The goal was to create something that feels cohesive with Baccarat Hotel New York’s world, while still staying true to our own identity.

The D Diamond New York is rooted in a love for animals, with a portion of proceeds supporting rescue efforts. How does giving back shape the way you approach this work?

Giving back is truly at the heart of everything I do. The brand was born from a genuine love for animals, so supporting rescue efforts isn’t separate from the business—it’s part of its purpose. It grounds the work in something more meaningful than luxury alone.

It also shapes how I design and connect with clients. Each piece represents not just beauty and craftsmanship, but a deeper appreciation for the lives we’re honoring and protecting. Being able to contribute to rescue efforts through something so personal makes the work feel intentional and incredibly fulfilling.

Baccarat Hotel New York is known for creating highly personalized, sensory-driven experiences. How does this collaboration extend that philosophy to guests and their companions?

This collaboration extends Baccarat Hotel New York’s philosophy by bringing the same level of personalization and sensory detail to every aspect of the experience, including guests’ canine companions. From the private, in-suite consultations to the tactile process of selecting materials and designing each piece, it’s designed to feel intimate, immersive, and highly tailored.
It’s not just about the final object, but the experience itself; the setting, the service, the champagne, and the thoughtful details that engage all the senses. By including dogs in that world of care and customization, the collaboration naturally expands Baccarat Hotel New York’s approach to luxury to feel even more personal and complete.