Celebrity Life

To those whose whirlwind romance looks likely to become permanent, we've put together everything they'll need to know about that all-important token of everlasting love – the engagement ring.

If we didn’t know this already, 2021 definitely proved a certain point – that nothing can get in the way of love, not even a pandemic that knows no end. People may reschedule their weddings to 2022, even 2023, but proposals and engagements are still very much happening.

And with every proposal, there’s the ultimate prop: the ring to symbolise eternal love and commitment. It doesn’t have to be a diamond, but it sure needs to be something you know your partner will cherish. Whether you’re dropping hints to your partner about the ring of your dreams, or even shopping together for it, we’ve gathered all the advice from our favourite bridal jewellers to narrow down the top engagement-ring trends that we believe are here to stay.

Read on to discover all the engagement ring trends.

Trend 1: Keeping it Classic

The diamond engagement ring will forever remain a classic, even if it isn’t technically traditional – diamonds only became synonymous with bridal jewellery when copywriter Frances Gerety coined the phrase “A Diamond is Forever” for a 1947 De Beers campaign. Nonetheless, white diamonds remain a popular choice and numerous jewellery brands purport to offer the best of them.

For example, Graff, the king of diamonds, takes its diamond selection process extremely seriously, having spent generations perfecting the journey of a stone from mine to boutique, ensuring on the way that the cut, the setting and the craftsmanship behind each jewel are flawless. Diamonds are graded by the 4Cs, a universal standard set by the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) that refers to a diamond’s cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. At Graff, the diamonds are cut and polished to be perfect balanced with symmetrical mirror-like facets to display the optimum scintillation; you’ll also find that in terms of colour, Graff only uses diamonds ranging between D and G – the rarest and most sought-after grades.

At Hearts on Fire, cut is the most important of the 4Cs. A round, brilliant-cut diamond is arguably the most sparkling and radiant, as it displays the highest number of facets within to reflect light, and this is also the cut that Hearts on Fire exclusively specialises in.

Trend 2: Going for Fancy Shapes

Today, however, there’s definitely a rise in popularity for fancy shapes. Clients who go to Angie Marei in New York, aren’t looking for round brilliant-cut diamonds.. The Dominican-Egyptian designer takes inspiration from Ancient Egyptian decorative arts, architecture and the anti-traditional elegance of the Art Deco era to bring each piece a unique story. Her Ayla Bridal Collection for example, is inspired by the majestic open curves and fluidity of Arabic calligraphy and decorative arts, with a serpentine design that’s a spiritual symbol of rebirth, transformation, eternity and immortality.

“Most of my clients are requesting unique cuts over the traditional round brilliant cuts,” Marei tells us. “For example, our Ayla Engagement Ring featuring a marquise-cut diamond is in high demand now. They love the ultra-feminine look of the marquise shape. We’re also getting a lot of requests for pear and oval-cut diamonds.”

Similarly, De Beers has noticed the trend for fancy cuts, and has extended its offering of fancy-cut and fancy-colour solitaire diamond rings this year, offering its clients full control of their individual expressions. Marquise-cut, a modification of the round brilliant that maximises carat weight and gives the illusion of longer and slimmer fingers, dates back to the 1700s. According to legend, Louise XV of France requested a diamond cut to resemble the perfectly-shaped mouth of his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour.

Heart-shaped diamonds are also making a comeback among hopeless romantics. Their popularity dates back to the 16th century, when Mary Queen of Scots gave Queen Elizabeth a heart-shaped diamond ring as a gift of friendship.

Trend 3: Design-Forward

London-based designer Liv Luttrell, who excels in creating bespoke engagement rings for her clients, says she’s “found a real interest in dramatic design-led pieces.

“I’ve been exploring geometric shapes paired with detailed settings and simple curving architectural-inspired lines,” says Luttrell. “The challenge I relish is to take a bold brief and bring it to life, where the final design has the right balance of quality, uniqueness and timeless elegance that will be wearable for a lifetime.”

Intricate design is on the mind of Harry Winston’s designers, too. Inspired by the intricate details and elements of a bespoke wedding gown, the house has applied the same mindset and artistry to its new Bridal Couture collection of rings. Each ring highlights the various diamond cuts with signature elements that recall the wedding-day ensemble – such as the corset lacing of a couture gown, married with a pear-shaped diamond centre stone, or an emerald-cut diamond contrasting with the delicate open-weave fabric of Chantilly lace. For a more avant-garde take on an engagement ring, there’s also an exquisite ring designed with two marquise-shaped diamonds of approximately the same carat weight, resting asymmetrically side-by-side on a diamond and platinum band.

Trend 4: Attention to the Ring Band

Jewellery designer Rachel Boston has noticed a trend for more unusual band styles. “At the moment, we’re seeing a lot of interest in more unusual band styles, with people leaning towards wider statement bands,” she says.
“A chunky band is a perfect way to turn something that would otherwise be a much more classic-looking engagement ring into a piece with a really unique character,” says Boston. “Split bands are a popular choice as well, and much easier to wear and pair with a wedding band than you’d think. We’re also seeing a draw towards intricate, Art-Deco inspired halos.”

For popular British fine-jewellery brand Annoushka, which introduced its first bridal collection this year, it’s all about the ring jacket. Called Love & Commitment, the collection ranges from simple solitaires and delicate three-stone designs to more extravagant fine stone rings. What’s super interesting is the diamond ring jacket that clients can pair with an engagement ring. Available in yellow or white gold, the interchangeable ring jacket slides snugly around the solitaire ring for extra oomph and pizzaz. The ring jacket functions perfectly as a wedding band, or could even be added as a milestone gift in years to come.

Trend 5: Making a Statement with Colour

Every couple is different, and every proposal is unique. There’s definitely a growing number of people looking for something different – and coloured stones have never been more popular. According to London-based jeweller Michelle Oh, “We’re seeing a huge and growing demand for coloured stones to be used in engagement rings these days. Gone are the days when someone just wants a round brilliant-cut white diamond solitaire for an engagement ring.”

People today are looking for uniqueness. “More and more people try to be different and steer away from silhouettes and shapes that feel too commonplace,” says Oh. “I think this is all part of the zeitgeist of wanting to express individuality and uniqueness.”

Colour is an extremely personal way to display this sense of individuality, she adds. “Even those who still want some diamonds on their ring will opt for less traditional-looking diamonds, such as champagne or grey diamonds, or maybe an unusual cut or shape, to get that different look in their diamond ring.”

The post Engagement Rings: Here’s What You Need to Know About the Latest Trends appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

By now, your bosses and colleagues have probably seen more of your abode than you would've ever expected to show them.

With many of us working from home these days, meetings held over video conferencing apps the likes of Zoom and Microsoft Teams have become the new normal. Inevitably, this means letting colleagues into our residences — albeit virtually — and having them catch glimpses of it via our backdrop. Depending on where your workspace is located, this view could range from a boring blank wall to windows or cluttered bookshelves.

Your makeshift office may not be the most glamorous, but there are several easy interior design tricks that you can employ to quickly jazz up the background of your Zoom calls.

Textiles and cushions

If your workstation of choice is the couch or bed, all it takes is a few snazzy throw pillows wrapped in eye-catching fabrics and prints to provide visual interest in the space behind you. Consider dressing your cushions in the Armani/Casa Exclusive Textiles by Rubelli collection, which is inspired by modern art — specifically works by Henri Matisse, Vasilij Kandinskij and Paul Klee.

It showcases striking colour blocks embellished with embroideries, ikat details and intertwined motifs. These are available in various patterns and shades ranging from pastel to neutral hues. More details here.

Houseplants and greenery

Adding houseplants to your home office will help the space look less spartan and bland. Smaller plants like cacti, succulents and spider plants can be displayed on shelves or tables, while larger ones such as philodendrons, snake plants and ZZ plant (Zanzibar Gem) can be placed on the floor to break the monotony of blank walls.

Online plant retailer Flora Houses offers a wide variety of houseplants that will thrive indoors and are generally low-maintenance. Its range includes Japanese fir, fiddle leaf fig and Bird of Paradise. The store provides free doorstep delivery with a minimum spend.

Artworks and paintings

Perhaps houseplants may seem like too much of a commitment, or you simply don't have green fingers. This is where paintings and art pieces make an easier alternative. You can simply hang a couple of them on the wall that constantly forms your video call backdrop.

An Andy Warhol or Basquiat will certainly impress your co-workers, but your art doesn't necessarily have to be expensive or by big name artists. Consider procuring artworks instead from indie galleries such as Odd One Out, which boasts an array of creations by local and international printmakers and illustrators. We can't take our eyes off the above acrylic painting by Micke Lindebergh, which is titled 'Small Yellow Flower Pot' and features colourful blooms accented by quirky squiggles and bright hues.

Statement ornaments and furniture

Inject a dose of quirk into your meeting setup by peppering your background with assorted decorative items and statement furniture pieces. These can be anything from figurines to colourful tiles and dramatic room dividers.

Our go-to is Lala Curio, which is a whimsical wonderland of objets d'art such as brass monkey sculptures, cloisonné birds, and, one of our favourites — an adorable trio of cranes adorned with rock crystal feathers and perched on crystal balls.

Wallpaper

Why settle for one specially curated work area, when you can turn your whole room into an Instagram-worthy space? Wallpaper is a bold and easy solution — if every wall in your room is clad in beautiful prints, you can essentially park yourself in any corner and still have an envy-inducing Zoom backdrop.

Designer wallpaper has seen a resurgence in recent years, and we're obsessed with Christian Lacroix's exquisite Oiseau Fleur vinyl wallpaper, which depicts vibrant botanical and bird motifs against a silk effect embossed base. It comes in two colourways of pink and grey.

(Main image: Brina Blum/ Unsplash; Featured image: Christian Lacroix)

The post Everlasting Love appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Graff's latest Bridal Campaign is nothing short of breathtaking given its current selection of bridal jewellery.

Choosing an engagement ring and wedding band is not like selecting any other piece of jewellery. Much like choosing your significant other, it is a careful decision that will be everlasting and particularly meaningful. For the bride, it is a dream come true to be graced in the brilliance of fabulous jewels on her big day and the love of a lifetime should be celebrated in the most opulent way. Graff has honored this sentiment by launching its latest #FallInLoveWithGraff bridal campaign featuring the finest diamonds in a series of stunning designs that have been perfected by the House since 1960.

Presenting a range of styles from signature wedding bands and engagement rings to scintillating tiaras, necklaces, earrings and bracelets, Graff’s latest campaign captures the blissful glow of a bride as she starts a new chapter with her one and only. Each diamond is hand-picked by a member of the Graff family and handcrafted by experienced artisans in Graff’s London workshop. Aside from classic designs, novelties such as the Threads and Bow collections are also featured, giving the classic bridal look a feminine touch with British flair.

[caption id="attachment_206539" align="alignnone" width="1133"] A beautiful bride wears an oval shaped engagement ring in Graff's promise setting.[/caption]

The ancient romans believed that the vein running through the fourth finger of the left hand led directly to the heart and wore a ring over this ‘vena amoris’, which is Latin for ‘the vein of love,’ to symbolize their commitment. Graff’s latest campaign presents seven exclusive engagement ring settings that are each inspired by legendary diamonds passed through the House and Mr. Laurence Graff OBE’s passion for diamonds, providing plenty of choice for the modern couple. From the Promise, Flame, Icon, Constellation, Paragon and Legacy settings that pay tribute to history-making diamonds, to the Laurence Graff Signature setting honouring the diamantaire’s passion for the world’s finest diamonds, every distinctive engagement setting embodies Graff’s signature stone-led craftsmanship. Graff’s craftsmen take many years to hone their ability in order to enhance and complement the innate beauty of a stone, allowing every ring to cradle a diamond’s unique silhouette, with maximum amount of light to reflect and amplify its natural brilliance.

[caption id="attachment_206674" align="alignnone" width="1133"] A couple wearing Laurence Graff's signature wedding bands and engagement ring.[/caption]

To build on its role as a guardian of love, Graff is also pleased to delight couples with a special surprise - from now until the end of June, couples will be able to enjoy a complimentary dining voucher from a partnering world-acclaimed restaurants upon purchase of a pair of Graff wedding bands and a classic solitaire white diamond ring, savouring the delectable touch of their Graff experience.

The post Be Dazzled by Graff’s Latest Bridal Campaign appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Shopping for an engagement ring is one of the most daunting and serious purchases one can make – it is after all to commemorate a lifetime commitment. Considering the magnitude of this gesture, the importance of the engagement ring warrants thorough consideration. To make life (and life decisions) a little simpler, we break down the reasons why a classic diamond ring is what brides-to-be dream of.

For as long as rings have existed, the Solitaire setting has been around. Still the most popular style of engagement rings today, the solitaire design emphasises on the beauty of the stone – the same deeply rooted values ingrained at the luxury jeweller, Graff, who has dedicated over half a century in revealing the fullest potential of every stone.

As the most fabulous jeweller in the world, Graff has always been driven by a passion for diamonds. Renowned for the prowess in bringing out the natural beauty of gemstones through cutting and polishing, Graff comes to mind when in search for the perfect diamond. This is why their Laurence Graff Signature Collection continues to be one of the most sought-after designs desired by modern women.

Each and every piece from the Laurence Graff Signature Collection is handcrafted by master artisans to highlight the finest diamonds. The design features intricately crafted facets (in either polished gold or pavé diamond studded in varying widths) to echo the brand’s everlasting dedication to the love of precious gemstones. The minimalism and uniqueness of the band allows for flexibility when selecting the stone – from more traditional cuts such as the round, cushion and emerald, to more contemporary shapes such as the marquise, pear-shape and heart-shape; to the colour, clarity and carat that caters to the budget and preference of each individual.

The post The Many Facets of the Classic Engagement Ring appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.