Celebrity Life

As we welcome another year, we look back at some of the most notable fine jewellery collections unveiled in 2020. From completely new collections to fresh takes on beloved classics, here are some of our favourites, which most certainly will make worthy additions to your go-to everyday accessories.

Clash de Cartier XL

Cartier’s badass fine jewellery line Clash de Cartier has just gone even bolder with an XL-sized version, seeing its contemporary beads and studs forming generously proportioned rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Look closely and you will see how skilfuly each bead/stud is mounted and polished, and try it on and you'll love how the piece just moves with you, thanks to an articulated mechanism developed for this line. So chic!

Chopard Happy Hearts Wings

If you fancy something more feminine, Chopard has added a new and delightful variation to one of its most well-received and iconic fine jewellery lines with the Happy Hearts Wings. It comes in necklaces, bracelets, earrings and a ring, all made from ethically mined gold featuring dancing diamonds and red hearts arranged like butterfly wings.

Louis Vuitton Volt

One of the year’s most talked-about launches was Louis Vuitton’s new LV Volt fine jewellery collection. Created by its artistic director for watches and jewellery, Francesca Amfitheatrof, the collection puts the spotlight on the letters L and V, incorporating them in an architectural and graphic design that makes the pieces appealing to either gender. Made from in gold and set with diamonds, these pieces play with texture, volume and dimensions, and can be worn stacked, with your other favourite pieces or, by all means, on their own.

Chanel Coco Crush in sizes

Coco Crush is a collection that’s managed to appeal to a wide range of tastes – from minimalists to the overindulgent – and across age groups and genders. And because Chanel has grown the selection of its rings to include more sizes, you can now wear rings on your index finger and if you so desire, your thumb too, while making them look like they absolutely belong – adios ill-fitting rings. The Coco Crush fine jewellery pieces in a new Beige Gold alloy also stand out, but not necessarily clash with the rest of your jewellery, for its unique sheen and shade, as it’s neither pink nor yellow gold, but awesomely in between.

Bulgari B.zero1 Rock

The B.zero1 Rock is the latest B.zero iteration inspired by Bulgari’s Tubogas choker made famous for its ’80s studs. And who better than the fun and fierce American actress and singer Zendaya to promote this stylish line, lending her star power to Bulgari’s Mai Troppo campaign set against the scenic streets and villas of Rome, adorned with these versatile and sleek fine jewellery pieces.

Van Cleef & Arpels Perlee Tartelette ring

A bold Tartelette ring created by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1948 that remained popular through the 1950s makes a comeback of sorts as the latest addition to its Perlee collection. The ring has a robust body composed of gold gadroons that embrace the finger comfortably, while its crown features a gold dome paved with diamonds and executed with a relief effect, making it look more voluminous. Now that's one statement ring!

Fred Chance Infinie by Annelise Michelson

Known for her contemporary and feminine jewellery designs that play with proportions, Paris-based South-African-born designer Annelise Michelson was tapped by Fred to re-interpret one of the brand’s classics motifs, the Chance Infinie — its signature small loop interlaced with a large one — through an XL Capsule Collection that comprises a ring, torque, cuff bracelet and earring in yellow gold.

Dior Rose des Vents Open Rings

Dior’s ever so dainty Rose des Vents now has open ring options, giving your digits some breathing room while looking so stylish. The fine jewellery rings are edged in a twisted rice grain motif, framing the Rose des Vents and Rose Céleste medallions with a vibrant hard stone and set with a diamond.

Louis Vuitton Vivienne

Louis Vuitton’s adorable mascot, Vivienne, which has appeared in many of the maison’s decorative objects, has made its way to its fine jewellery line. Available in two sizes and in various styles, Vivienne’s small pendants come in three gold variations, and in gold and diamond with red or black lacquer. A medium version, on the other hand, comes in three gold variations or half-paved, and can also be worn as a brooch.

Tiffany & Co Victoria Vine

Tiffany & Co this year unveiled the Tiffany Victoria Vine collection, inspired by patterns found in nature and taking cues from its everyday rhythms, symmetry and fluidity. The selection of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and pendants are intricately crafted using a variety of diamond cuts and settings.

Boucheron Quatre in Bleu de Paris

We’ve seen a few iterations of Boucheron’s Quatre fine jewellery, playing on its contemporary style and exploring textures, colours and gold variations. It’s been presented in black, white and red, and this autumn it comes in Bleu de Paris, which brings a fresh, new look to its graphic motif. We might have found that one accessory that you can wear with every outfit, and occasion, and throughout the year.

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra in new stones

Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra collection welcomes four new long necklaces, with the famed motif presented in chalcedony, grey mother-of-pearl and blue agate. The fourth, the Magic Alhambra, comes with a yellow gold guilloche pendant.

The post 12 Hottest Fine Jewellery Launches in 2020 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Inspired by the rich patterns and chromatic palette seen in the artisanal tie-dye technique, Victoire de Castellane presents the Tie & Dior high jewellery collection comprising more than 100 jewels made with a cornucopia of stunning precious gemstones.

COMMISSIONING EDITOR CHARLENE CO / PHOTOGRAPHY BRIGITTE NIEDERMAIR 

The post Discover The Colourful Tie and Dior High Jewellery Collection appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Green gemstones have long been treasured as symbols of rebirth and abundance across cultures.

Here, we single out eight scene-stealing, verdant jewellery pieces festooned with green gemstones.

Van Cleef & Arpels

The Merveille d’Émeraudes necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels is modelled after a significant piece from the maison’s history: a diamond collaret necklace with 10 drop-shaped emerald pendants acquired for Princess Faiza of Egypt in 1947. This tribute creation features five pear-shaped Colombian emeralds totalling 70.4 carats, and they are set on a collar constructed with gleaming ribbons of diamonds. It is also a transformable necklace – the emeralds can be detached and replaced with three pear-shaped diamonds; or the emeralds and diamonds can be attached to a pair of earrings that come with this necklace.

Cindy Chao

The Taiwanese jewellery artist honours her grandfather with the 2019 Black Label Masterpiece VII Emerald Architectural Necklace. The highlight here is a pair of emerald-cut Colombian emeralds weighing 100 and 99 carats respectively. They are held in place by a multi-strand necklace chain composed of 10,000 vivid green emerald beads. Lending an interesting contrast are diamonds in various cuts, rare pink conch pearls, blue sapphires, a yellow diamond and baguette-cut emeralds.

Dior

The Tie & Dior collection translates the striking designs and chromatic palettes created by the tie-dye technique into high jewellery pieces. A superb example is this set of mismatched yellow gold and platinum earrings featuring a hypnotic gradation of green hues. Each side bears a central tsavorite garnet weighing 2.87 and 2.81 carats respectively. Pistachio-coloured cultured pearls add unexpected texture; emeralds and tsavorite garnets in various cuts enhance the colour intensity; and 197 white round diamonds impart brilliance.

Cartier

This white gold Orpheis necklace from Cartier's [Sur]naturel high jewellery collection showcases an exceptional 53.94-carat rectangular Zambian emerald cabochon that resembles a serpent’s head and inspired the design of this creation. Featuring an intense blue-green hue and hints of grey, the gemstone is lined with diamonds, including two larger rectangular-shaped ones totalling 5.42 carats and a 1.55-carat triangular-shaped piece right at the tip. Creating a snakeskin effect on the choker chain are diamonds and onyx triangles arranged in a staggered pattern.

Graff

Known for the unsurpassed quality of its emeralds, the British jeweller once again puts the spotlight on the gemstone with this elegant pair of tassel earrings. It features 182.85 carats of rectangular emeralds and perfectly polished emerald beads, as well as 6.67 carats of scintillating diamonds. What sets this statement piece apart is its fluidity and how it shadows the wearer’s movements, which are hallmarks of Graff creations.

Bulgari

This ornate Bulgari necklace from the Barocko high jewellery collection captures the grandeur and artistry of the Roman Baroque period. Set in platinum, it flaunts a central octagonal Colombian emerald of 7.45 carats and another 184 buff-top emeralds weighing 6.78 carats. Adding intense sparkle along the length and fringes of this collar-style necklace are a 1.55-carat pear- shaped diamond, 48 round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 22.1 carats and pavé diamonds totalling 9.34 carats.

Chopard

The Swiss jeweller turned to nature for its Red Carpet Collection 2020. Resembling a rambling garden of lush green foliage is this standout necklace set in Fairmined-certified ethical white gold and titanium. The drop pendant is a stunning 23.76-carat black opal cabochon, which is surrounded with topazes, tourmalines, sapphires, tsavorites and diamonds. Also flaunting a chain composed of 603.9 carats of emerald beads, this creation is a sight to behold.

Harry Winston

New York’s famed St. Patrick’s Cathedral – located in close proximity to Mr Winston’s atelier – was the source of inspiration for the Cathedral necklace. Showcasing five pear-shaped Colombian emeralds with a combined weight of 65.63 carats, the piece mirrors the perfect proportions and architectural elegance of the impressive neo-Gothic building. Highlighting the majesty of the central stones are 122 pear-shaped, baguette and marquise diamonds totalling 46.83 carats.

This story first appeared on Prestige Singapore.

(Main and featured image: Cartier/Prestige Singapore; Art direction: Aaron Lee)

The post Verdant Wonders: The Most Exquisite Jewellery With Green Gemstones appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Green gemstones have long been treasured as symbols of rebirth and abundance across cultures.

Here, we single out eight scene-stealing, verdant jewellery pieces festooned with green gemstones.

Van Cleef & Arpels

The Merveille d’Émeraudes necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels is modelled after a significant piece from the maison’s history: a diamond collaret necklace with 10 drop-shaped emerald pendants acquired for Princess Faiza of Egypt in 1947. This tribute creation features five pear-shaped Colombian emeralds totalling 70.4 carats, and they are set on a collar constructed with gleaming ribbons of diamonds. It is also a transformable necklace – the emeralds can be detached and replaced with three pear-shaped diamonds; or the emeralds and diamonds can be attached to a pair of earrings that come with this necklace.

Cindy Chao

The Taiwanese jewellery artist honours her grandfather with the 2019 Black Label Masterpiece VII Emerald Architectural Necklace. The highlight here is a pair of emerald-cut Colombian emeralds weighing 100 and 99 carats respectively. They are held in place by a multi-strand necklace chain composed of 10,000 vivid green emerald beads. Lending an interesting contrast are diamonds in various cuts, rare pink conch pearls, blue sapphires, a yellow diamond and baguette-cut emeralds.

Dior

The Tie & Dior collection translates the striking designs and chromatic palettes created by the tie-dye technique into high jewellery pieces. A superb example is this set of mismatched yellow gold and platinum earrings featuring a hypnotic gradation of green hues. Each side bears a central tsavorite garnet weighing 2.87 and 2.81 carats respectively. Pistachio-coloured cultured pearls add unexpected texture; emeralds and tsavorite garnets in various cuts enhance the colour intensity; and 197 white round diamonds impart brilliance.

Cartier

This white gold Orpheis necklace from Cartier's [Sur]naturel high jewellery collection showcases an exceptional 53.94-carat rectangular Zambian emerald cabochon that resembles a serpent’s head and inspired the design of this creation. Featuring an intense blue-green hue and hints of grey, the gemstone is lined with diamonds, including two larger rectangular-shaped ones totalling 5.42 carats and a 1.55-carat triangular-shaped piece right at the tip. Creating a snakeskin effect on the choker chain are diamonds and onyx triangles arranged in a staggered pattern.

Graff

Known for the unsurpassed quality of its emeralds, the British jeweller once again puts the spotlight on the gemstone with this elegant pair of tassel earrings. It features 182.85 carats of rectangular emeralds and perfectly polished emerald beads, as well as 6.67 carats of scintillating diamonds. What sets this statement piece apart is its fluidity and how it shadows the wearer’s movements, which are hallmarks of Graff creations.

Bulgari

This ornate Bulgari necklace from the Barocko high jewellery collection captures the grandeur and artistry of the Roman Baroque period. Set in platinum, it flaunts a central octagonal Colombian emerald of 7.45 carats and another 184 buff-top emeralds weighing 6.78 carats. Adding intense sparkle along the length and fringes of this collar-style necklace are a 1.55-carat pear- shaped diamond, 48 round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 22.1 carats and pavé diamonds totalling 9.34 carats.

Chopard

The Swiss jeweller turned to nature for its Red Carpet Collection 2020. Resembling a rambling garden of lush green foliage is this standout necklace set in Fairmined-certified ethical white gold and titanium. The drop pendant is a stunning 23.76-carat black opal cabochon, which is surrounded with topazes, tourmalines, sapphires, tsavorites and diamonds. Also flaunting a chain composed of 603.9 carats of emerald beads, this creation is a sight to behold.

Harry Winston

New York’s famed St. Patrick’s Cathedral – located in close proximity to Mr Winston’s atelier – was the source of inspiration for the Cathedral necklace. Showcasing five pear-shaped Colombian emeralds with a combined weight of 65.63 carats, the piece mirrors the perfect proportions and architectural elegance of the impressive neo-Gothic building. Highlighting the majesty of the central stones are 122 pear-shaped, baguette and marquise diamonds totalling 46.83 carats.

This story first appeared on Prestige Singapore.

(Main and featured image: Cartier/Prestige Singapore; Art direction: Aaron Lee)

The post Verdant Wonders: The Most Exquisite Jewellery With Green Gemstones appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

The new Tie & Dior High Jewellery collection by Dior Joaillerie blends abstract motifs and textures with a medley of coloured gemstones and exotic pearls in a masterful interpretation of an artisanal textile dyeing technique.

Tie & Dior pays tribute to the maison’s inventiveness by reimagining the tie-dye. Comprising over 100 coloured pieces designed by Victoire de Castellane, creative director of Dior Joaillerie, the free-spirited collection reveals a new dimension in her creativity and showcases the maison’s savoir faire.

[caption id="attachment_212371" align="aligncenter" width="1022"] White gold earring with diamonds, white cultured pearl, tanzanites and sapphires; white gold ring with diamonds, white cultured pearl, tanzanites and sapphires; white gold necklace with diamonds, white cultured pearl, tanzanites and sapphires.[/caption]

Like a hypnotic trail of ink spreading out on paper, the gemstone colour gradient here evokes movement. Pearls in an array of hues – from candy pink to pistachio green – accentuate the intensity of the precious stones, while adding texture with their silky lustre.

[caption id="attachment_212372" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Yellow, white and pink gold earring with diamonds, white cultured pearl, pink sapphires, tsavorite and spessartite garnets, and yellow sapphires; white and yellow gold necklace with diamonds, purple cultured pearl, pink sapphires, tsavorite and spessartite garnets, and yellow sapphires.
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The audacious creations showcase a variety of exquisite gems in different sizes. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds and grey spinels in round, oval, pear and marquise cuts are artfully combined in alluring colour gradations – from blue to green, and pink to white.

[caption id="attachment_212373" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Platinum and yellow gold ring with diamonds, golden cultured pearl, emeralds, yellow and blue sapphires, and tsavorite and demantoid garnets.[/caption]

Akin to beautifully written prose, lines of diamonds and gemstones in graduated tones act like punctuation, lending rhythm to asymmetrical earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings set in platinum, and white, rose and yellow gold.

[caption id="attachment_212374" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Platinum and yellow gold earring with diamonds, golden cultured pearl, emeralds, blue and yellow sapphires, and tsavorite and demantoid garnets.
[/caption]

An expansion of the gem Dior and Dior Et Moi lines, the Tie & Dior range also features classically designed suites adorned with white diamonds in a multitude of shapes and sizes, highlighting de Castellane’s creative genius in combining volume and texture.

[caption id="attachment_212375" align="alignncenter" width="1024"] Yellow gold earring with diamonds and golden cultured pearl; yellow gold necklace with diamonds and golden cultured pearl; yellow gold bracelet with diamonds and golden cultured pearl.[/caption]

This story first appeared on Prestige Singapore

(All images: Dior)

The post Tie-Dye Gets a Glittering Reinvention in Dior Joaillerie’s Tie & Dior High Jewellery Collection appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Subtlety was never one of Bulgari’s stronger suits and this boldness would come to define the brand’s distinct aesthetic. Its heritage curator Lucia Boscaini explains to us how the maison has remained faithful to its roots while keeping its sights trained on the future.

Show-stopping, unapologetic and magnificently audacious – such were Bulgari’s high jewellery pieces in the past and so they remain today. The Italian brand is known for going where many established and historic jewellery maisons dare not, as we see in its use of vivacious colour combinations and daringly unconventional designs, with the ultimate objective of achieving maximum impact.

We had a glimpse of this brilliance at the recent Master of Colours Heritage & High Jewellery Exhibition held in Hong Kong in August, where Bulgari brought in some of its most prized and storied jewels from its archives. Many of the pieces displayed were from the 1950s to the 1960s, a period that proved to be a turning point for the brand in establishing its unique aesthetic.

Lucia Boscaini, brand and heritage curator for Bulgari, explains that it was in the mid-1950s that the brand began to truly forge its unmistakeable – and unapologetically Italian – style, such that designs were big, daring and, unlike most jewellery at the time, used yellow gold and a copious amount of cabochon-cut stones in a variety of colours. “These were the founding elements of what we love to call ‘Bulgari’s revolution’ in the jewellery universe,” she says. “At that time, the dominating French school of jewellery dictated that only a single coloured stone could be mounted on a jewel – and mostly on platinum and, almost always, paired with diamonds.

[caption id="attachment_212214" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Part of the Bulgari Heritage collection, which to date has more than 800 pieces from the late 19th century to early 200s. (Image: Bulgari)[/caption]

“As years went by, Bulgari’s passion for colour experimentation included semiprecious and hard stones. Regardless of the intrinsic value of the gems, Bulgari’s aesthetic research was focused on impactful yet very balanced juxtapositions that expressed a joyful and effortless elegance. Hence also the predilection for yellow gold – less pompous and more wearable than platinum – which perfectly embodies the warm, sunny and colourful facet of Bulgari’s Italian style.”

Bulgari’s love for colour was evident, even in its earlier pieces. “The larger-than-life attitude and the colours’ energy just takes over the jewel. The pieces are incredibly vivacious yet balanced, in the unmistakable alchemy that only Bulgari can bring,” Boscaini says. There were magnificent examples of these vibrant pieces at the exhibition, such as the 1967 necklace and earring set made in gold and platinum, and set with emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds. It showcases one of Bulgari’s most favoured colour combination: red, green and blue.

The set was once part of the collection of Brazilian socialite Carmeno Mayrink Veiga, who in the mid-1950s was considered one of the most elegant women in the country; in a 1981 issue of Vanity Fair she appeared on a list of the most stylish women in the world. This attention-grabbing parure was later worn by Keira Knightley at the Academy Awards ceremony in 2006.

[caption id="attachment_212216" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Gold and platinum necklace set with emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds (1967), once owned by Brazilian socialite Carmen Mayrink Veiga. (Image: Bulgari)[/caption]

There was also the spectacular yellow-gold necklace set with a medley of gemstones, including emeralds, diamonds, amethysts and turquoises, which once belonged to American socialite and It-girl Lyn Revson, a one-time wife of the founder of the make-up giant Revlon. “This was testament to our belief that, regardless of the intrinsic value, we would combine semiprecious and high-value stones for the sake of an impactful chromatic effect. This is the colour revolution introduced by Bulgari that subverted the rules in jewellery and marking a watershed in the decades to come,” Boscaini says of this piece.

To date, the Bulgari Heritage collection has more than 800 creations from the late 19th century to the early 2000s, which aside from jewellery includes watches and objects made in gold – cigarette cases, vanity cases and evening bags. And because Bulgari’s objective is to illustrate the evolution of the Bulgari style and craftsmanship over the decades and in the most complete way possible, its heritage department has more than 60,000 documents, vintage photographs and original sketches, as well as editorials and historical advertising campaigns in its archives.

[gallery ids="212218,212215"]

“An archive traces the history of a company, because only with a deep knowledge of our past can we build an aware future. There are some sketches or jewellery creations in the archives that represent unexpected experimentations – and they’re crucial, too, to better understand how the style evolved to finally achieve Bulgari’s strong identity. Moreover, the thousands of sketches we have are fundamental to state the authenticity of the pieces we find at auctions or from private collectors. In some cases, we only have the sketch in our archive but, as you can imagine, a sketch is a hypothesis of a jewel and we can never be sure that jewel has been produced until we see it in front of us. This is true in particular for jewels from the 1920s and 1930s, when often the mark wasn’t present.”

Boscaini and her team have a mandate to locate and buy back heritage pieces from major auction houses and private collectors around the world. “The buy-back process never stops. Of course, we have budgetary constraints and we can’t buy whatever we want! Following an accurate gap analysis, every year, we decide how to focus our research. Having said this, the ‘surprise factor’ is always around the corner, so it might happen that a jewel we’ve been searching for over decades suddenly appears – and in this case we’re set to ‘fight’ to have the jewel ‘back home’. It always comes with great emotion whenever we have a much-coveted jewel joining the Heritage Collection, and excited and happy for the people who will admire it.”

[caption id="attachment_212219" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Legendary model Verushka shot by Vogue US in 1969 wearing the 860mm-long Bulgari sautoir featuring a 127.35-carat, heart-shaped emerald pendant and a chain set with rubies, amethysts, citrines, topazes, turquoise, emeralds and diamonds (1969). (Image: Bulgari)[/caption]

One of the exciting finds Boscaini is referring to was included in this exhibition – a 1969 sautoir that features an astounding 127.35-carat, heart-shaped emerald pendant, with a chain set with cabochon rubies, amethysts, citrines, topazes, turquoise and emeralds, and enhanced with brilliant-cut diamonds. “This magnificent sautoir is a jewel so representative of the house’s unbridled creativity in the late 1960s and 1970s; it’s an explosion of colour and so exuberant also in terms of size, as the chain is 860mm long,” she says.

After years of searching for the piece – and just when hope started to wane – it emerged at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva in 2018. An intense bidding war ensued and Bulgari acquired the piece, which was once owned by an affluent woman called Patricia Bemberg, who’s now 93 and lives in Switzerland. The extraordinary piece was a gift from her husband while they were in Rome to celebrate their 23rd wedding anniversary. In 1969, it was worn by legendary model Verushka for a shoot that was published by Vogue US.

[caption id="attachment_212221" align="aligncenter" width="709"] Elizabeth Taylor wears her Bulgari 23.44-carat step-cut emerald brooch (1958) on the set of the film The VIPs. (Image: MGM/ Photofest)[/caption]

Craftsmanship and design aside, provenance also gives the jewel its very special charm and value. The Bulgari Heritage collection does include several pieces that belonged to stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Anna Magnani, Gina Lollobrigida, Anita Ekberg and Audrey Hepburn. “It’s a kind of magic, as these jewels really reflect the charisma of their owners.”

Case in point, Elizabeth Taylor’s spectacular emerald necklace, which was given to her by actor Richard Burton in 1964 at their wedding in Montreal. The exceptional piece is mounted with 16 step-cut octagonal Colombian emeralds totalling 60.50 carats, each surround by brilliant-cut and pear-shaped diamonds. The pendent, meanwhile, is a jaw-dropping 23.44-carat step-cut Colombian emerald, which was incorporated by Bulgari in 1958 as a brooch that Burton gave to Taylor on their engagement in 1962. The actress would be seen in this extraordinary piece on many occasions, such as at the 1967 Academy Awards when she accepted an Oscar, and on the set of the film The VIPs in 1963.

[caption id="attachment_212220" align="aligncenter" width="909"] Exceptional necklace mounted with 16 step-cut Colombian emeralds totalling 60.50 carats and a 23.44-carat step-cut emerald pendant once owned by Elizabeth Taylor (1962). (Image: Bulgari)[/caption]

While at the very heart of Bulgari’s conscientious archive-keeping is documenting the evolution of the brand’s style throughout its 130-year history and establishing how the brand has come to a design aesthetic that’s distinctively theirs, it’s also very much about continuity. “Our style is perpetually evolving, and our designers still constantly look back to our past and are inspired by our hallmark pieces, such as the 1960s ‘bib’ design for the necklaces, or the 1970s sautoirs, but they interpret them in a contemporary way, so while they’re in a sense ‘new’ they’re still distinctly Bulgari.

The post Lucent Legacy: Examining Bulgari’s Predilection for Heritage and Flamboyant Jewels appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Mother Nature is a muse that never goes out of style.

Jewellers are flexing their creative muscles by immortalising nature’s fleeting moments and interpreting them into abstract or realistic creations. Here are our favourite nature-inspired jewellery designs for 2020.

Tiffany & Co

One of the 20th century’s most gifted artists, Jean Schlumberger is famous for spectacular bejewelled objects that reference flora and fauna. His genius is evidenced here in this platinum-set Baguette Fringe necklace from Tiffany’s latest high jewellery collection – Legendary Designs of Jean Schlumberger.

Inspired by the elegant fluidity of seaweed, this creation features the juxtaposition of angular lines and soft circles realised through the use of over 23 carats of baguette diamonds and round brilliant diamonds weighing more than 62 carats. This piece is crowned with an elegant blue sapphire clasp.

Van Cleef & Arpels

The Tendresse Étincelante earrings are one of three recently released high jewellery pieces paying homage to creations that belonged to some of the maison’s leading patrons. Inspired by the Van Cleef & Arpels earrings gifted by Aristotle Onassis to Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis in 1968 as a wedding gift, this pair features, on each side, a blossoming corolla that unfurls around a precious pear-shaped diamond.

Set in white gold, they are completed by a pair of detachable pear-shaped diamond pendants. Cut from the same rough stone, both gems weigh a total of 20.21 carats.

Bulgari

Barocko, the maison’s latest high jewellery collection, captures the magnificence and beauty of Rome’s Baroque period of artistic and architectural heritage. Recurrent elements of the iconography of the time, such as plumage (a symbol of hope and faith), take centre stage in this platinum-set Precious Feathers necklace. A regal 10.27-carat pear-shaped Colombian emerald steals the spotlight, while brilliant-cut diamonds accentuate it. Additionally, the pendant can be detached to transform the piece into a discreet choker.

Chopard

Another conversation piece from Swiss jeweller Chopard’s nature-inspired Red Carpet jewellery collection for 2020 is this Swan ring, set in Fairmined- certified ethical 18k white gold. Intricately crafted in ceramic with diamond pavé wings, the lifelike birds cradle a stunning 9.1-carat white opal cabochon sourced from Mexico.

Cartier

Nature is interpreted as an abstract blend of wilderness and fantasy in the Parisian house’s latest high jewellery collection, [Sur]naturel. One of the standout pieces is the white gold-set Tillandsia Necklace – named after a perennial flowering plant with exposed roots. A highlight here is a pair of rare oval-shaped beryls – weighing 83.23 and 81.09 carats respectively – that seem to hover above a lattice of pavé diamonds. The plant’s rosettes are presented in pink rutilated quartz, and yellow and earth-toned diamonds.

Harry Winston

Harry Winston's Water Collection is an elegant take on the forms of the precious element as it interacts with the natural world. Showcasing 53.98 carats of gleaming marquise and pear-shaped diamonds, the striking platinum-set River Necklace mimics the fluidity and flow of water cascading elegantly down the wearer’s neck.

Cindy Chao

The 2020 Black Label Masterpiece VI “Reflection Bangle” has two interpretations: Jewellery artist Cindy Chao’s reflection on her family heritage and the reflection of nature’s landscape on water. The creation draws inspiration from Impressionist art, capturing the moment when light hits the water’s surface. Seven bright non-heated Ceylon sapphires with hints of purple are stunningly reminiscent of Impressionist indigos. They are juxtaposed with rose-cut sapphires to create a mirror effect, while brilliant-cut and Fancy Coloured diamonds spread across the bangle evoke the imagery of rippling water.

Representing Chao’s family legacy is the central branch-like vein that features six flexible articulations, and is set with 1,500 yellow diamonds from light yellow to deep brown. Forged in 18k white and yellow gold, the piece dazzles with the brilliance of 1,881 stones weighing 321.79 carats.

Graff

The British jeweller’s latest Pavé Butterfly Collection reimagines one of its cherished motifs in creations that capture the delicate creature’s ethereal beauty. Set with 17.98 carats of diamonds, the necklace features butterflies highlighted by dazzling marquise diamonds. Their sculpted wings are accentuated by pavé diamonds that gleam with intense luminosity.

This story first appeared on Prestige Singapore

(Art direction: Aaron Lee for Prestige Singapore)

The post The Most Beautiful Nature-Inspired Jewellery Pieces in 2020 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Opal and tourmaline — two marvellous stones to choose from, to gift your autumn-born friends.

First of the October birthstones is the opal, a mysterious stone that symbolises intelligence, clarity and spiritual awareness; and secondly, the tourmaline, which is cherished for its vast range of colours.

Here are some words and expert explanations about these fascinating gems, by Danilo Giannoni, founder of Singapore jewellery label Arte Oro:

Opal

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Opal, one of October’s birthstones, remains an enigma. Is it, as the ancient Greeks believed, the tears of Zeus when he was defeated by the Titans. Or the Goddess of Rainbows when she was cursed to stone, as the Hindus maintain. Or was it first formed, according to Arabic lore, as the result of a lightning strike that turned the desert sands into stone? After thousands of years, the enchanting mysteries of the opal still make people wonder.

Uses of opal

Pulsing with luck, the opal was viewed by many ancient cultures as a powerful stone that fills the whole colour spectrum with its flashes, sparks and flames, depending on how the light plays across its surface.

In the fourteenth century, it was known as the “ophthalmius”, or “eye stone”, as it was believed to sharpen and strengthen the eyesight. In India, where the Sanskrit upala, meaning “jewel”, gives us the root of the modern word, the passing of an opal across the brow is believed to clear the brain and strengthen the memory.

While the opal is considered, along with tourmaline, a traditional Libra birthstone and a pledge of friendship, be warned: Some find them less fortunate for anyone having Venus afflicted in their horoscope.

[caption id="attachment_211512" align="aligncenter" width="415"] A black opal with a rare star pattern. (Image: Cody Opal/ GIA)[/caption]

This is typical of the conflict that rages within the opal, which can be visualised through the range of vivid colours that shine outwards from it. On one hand, it can enhance one’s cosmic consciousness, inspire originality and boost creativity.

On the other, some people believe it brings bad luck, a theory brought to life in Sir Walter Scott’s 1829 novel, Anne of Geuerstein, when the leading character passes away shortly after a drop of holy water accidentally falls on her opal and destroys its colour. Incidentally, the story succeeded in crushing the European opal market for nearly 50 years until it was revived through a discovery in Australia.

Why opals are so precious

In 1877, a stunning black opal was discovered in New South Wales, leading to a rush away from European opals and towards Australian black and white varieties, which are still in greatest demand.

The stone is made from hydrated silica and its hardness goes from 5 to 6.5 according to the Mohs scale of hardness. The most reasonable explanation for the way it is formed is through rainwater filtered through rocks mixing with silica to become a gel. When the water evaporates the silica then forms into small crystals.

[caption id="attachment_211515" align="aligncenter" width="492"] Named 'The Path of Enlightenment', this necklace showcases 180 opals from Lightning Ridge, Australia. (Image: Cody Opal/ GIA)[/caption]

The play of colour comes from opal’s formation process, which is different from many gemstones. This comes from the reflection of the scattering of light from the minute, uniformly sized and closely packed silica spheres within it. The most familiar examples are nearly translucent white, though some have a black or reddish background, often with red, green, yellow and blue lights burning within. One of the rarest examples is named the Harlequin opal, which displays colour patterns that resemble a checkerboard.

Famously worn by global luminaries — Queen Elizabeth II is one of the most notable wearers of the stone — the opal’s luminescence and eternal palette of colours lends itself perfectly to jewellery with no two pieces the same.

The opal’s explosive combination of rarity and beauty leads to values of over US$11,000 per carat for black opals, though this depends on the body tone, brilliance, pattern and play of colour. The most valuable, known as the fire of Australia, is valued at more than US$675,000, and is the largest-known high-grade opal in the world. Ninety-five per cent of the world’s valuable opals are mined Down Under, though they are also found widely across the Americas.

Tourmaline

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Another of October birthstones is the tourmaline. It is the perfect meeting of minds, blending as it does faithfulness and confidence in a rainbow of exceptional colours. For many people, it is the favourite stone of all as it can enhance any jewellery collection, and for others, its ability to be charged helps it repel negative forces and ward off evil. Whatever your views, tourmaline’s versatility and beauty, along with its history, makes it stand out as one of the greatest.

Uses of tourmaline

One of this gem’s most notable traits is the way it can become electrically charged through heat and pressure — pyroelectricity and piezoelectricity, respectively. When this occurs, tourmaline can act as a magnet by oscillating, and so attract or repel particles of dust.

From this, ancient magicians saw the black form of the stone as an effective means to protect against evil energy, while today it is often used shield against radiation, pollutants and toxins, as well as protection against negative thoughts.

[caption id="attachment_211518" align="alignnone" width="994"] Tourmalines in a variety of colours. (Image: Menahem Sevdermish, GemeWizard/ GIA)[/caption]

One of the stone’s premier adherents, the Empress Dowager Cixi, a powerful force in Chinese government during the Qing dynasty, was so in love with pink tourmaline that she scoured it from the four corners of the world. Finding the finest in San Diego, she triggered a Californian boom in the early 1900s, as chronicled in an exhibit by the Smithsonian. Indeed, the Chinese market was so critical to tourmaline, that when the Peking government collapsed in 1912, it took the entire tourmaline trade down with it.

The empress was one in a long line of Chinese who have engraved and carved figures with tourmaline for many centuries. Ancient examples that are still on display in museums are a testament to the durability of the stone, which registers at 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Collectors of Chinese antiquities covet in particular the intricately carved snuff bottles made from pink tourmaline.

Why tourmaline is so precious

According to Egyptian legend, the stone found its famed spectrum of colours when it passed through a rainbow on its journey up from the bowels of the earth. Tourmaline lives up to its name, which means “mix of colours” from the old Sinhalese words tura mali — its enormous range of hues allows it to complement any jewellery for every taste.

October’s birthstone was first discovered by Dutch traders off the west coast of Italy in the late 1600s or early 1700s. At the time, gem dealers were unable to differentiate tourmaline from other stones — in fact, at one point, pink and red tourmaline were thought to be rubies.

[caption id="attachment_211519" align="aligncenter" width="742"] Tourmaline may sometimes resemble ruby or pink sapphire if it's red or blush-hued. On the left is a cushion-cut rubellite and on the right is a pink tourmaline. (Image: GIA)[/caption]

Found all over the world, the stone is actually a mineral family that encompasses 30 individually unique varieties, thus giving it so many different colours. Every tourmaline stone has the same crystal structure, but the elements within the crystal vary.

It is produced in pegmatites, or areas deep underground that are filled with a rich hot liquid that is full in different minerals. When the liquids begin to cool, the minerals crystallise and form tourmaline crystals. The host rock around these pegmatites is generally granite, though some species will also grow in metamorphic rock such as marble.

The legendary American jeweller, Tiffany & Co., was among the first company to use tourmaline for its pieces. It did so after mineralogist George Frederick Kunz presented an exceptional tourmaline crystal to Charles Lewis Tiffany — the first the great designer had seen, prompting the beginning of a friendship and a beautiful business relationship.

[caption id="attachment_211520" align="aligncenter" width="371"] Some tourmalines may display different colour zones within a single crystal. (Image: Jeff Scovil/ GIA)[/caption]

Most expensive of all tourmaline is from Paraíba Brazil, which may reach tens of thousands of dollars per carat. Elsewhere, chrome tourmalines, bi-colours, rubellites and fine indicolites may sell for as much as US$1,000 per carat or more.

This story first appeared on Prestige Singapore

The post All You Need to Know About Opal and Tourmaline, the October Birthstones appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Crafted with intriguing materials spanning meteorite, malachite and black jade, these best stone-dial watches make fabulous statement accessories.

Precious ornamental stone dials are true testaments of a maison’s savoir faire. Here are our favourites.

Hermès

Featuring a simultaneous display of moon phases in both northern and southern hemispheres, the Hermès Arceau L’Heure de La Lune is an invitation to enter another dimension through an offbeat expression of a classic horological complication. The whimsical 43mm model features two mobile counters, displaying the time and date, that turn weightlessly over a dial made from Black Sahara meteorite. A pair of mother-of-pearl moon discs are inlaid here as well.

At 12 o’clock is a Pegasus designed by “dreamer-designer” Dimitri Rybaltchenko to symbolise Hermès’ origins, while a view of the moon from the northern hemisphere lies at 6 o’clock. Doubling up as a lunar crater of sorts is the Arceau case in white gold with its asymmetrical lugs, a 1978 design by Henri d’Origny. Driving the 30-piece limited and numbered creation is the Manufacture Hermès H1837 mechanical self-winding movement.

Omega

For a touch of luxury, the iconic Seamaster 300 is adorned with the most captivating South African malachite. Revered and used widely in the decoration of temples, palaces and churches in ancient times, it boasts a rich array of verdant tones and distinctive band markings.

Cast in yellow gold, the 41mm case also features a green ceramic bezel with an Omega Ceragold diving scale. The hands are also rendered in yellow gold and filled with “vintage” Super-LumiNova. Presented on a matching green leather strap, the watch is driven by the Omega Master Chronometer Calibre 8913, certified at the industry’s highest standard by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS).

Chaumet

The Les Pierres de Rêve de Chaumet (French for “stones of dreams”) collection is inspired by the ancient Chinese tradition of stone symbolism. It comprises 12 unique timepieces showcasing ornamental stone dials with motifs as singular as they are poetic. Once cut and polished, the precious minerals – including rhodonite, pietersite, and azurite, among others – reveal graphic representations of a fantastical nature, evoking landscapes of deserts, forests and lagoons.

A perfect specimen is this chrysocolla dial, which recalls an aerial view of the azure ocean with hidden treasures beneath. Equipped with an automatic winding Swiss mechanical movement, the elegant 38mm timekeeper is further enhanced by a rhodium-plated white gold bezel set with 76 briiliant-cut diamonds.

Dior

The ultra-feminine La D de Dior Satine timepiece showcases an exquisite stone dial of luminous tiger eye, which highlights the poetic universe of Dior Fine Jewellery. Hour markers are stripped away to show off the beautiful natural state of the precious stone in all its glory, while its magnificence is highlighted by an elegant diamond-set yellow gold bezel and crown. The steel bracelet in Milanese mesh on the 25mm quartz watch is so supple and shiny that it looks like the satin ribbon it was designed to resemble.

Jaquet Droz

The maison gives pride of place to one of its most emblematic skills – the masterful use of minerals – for the Grande Seconde Off-Centered Black Jade model. At the heart of the limited 88-piece edition is a dial made from black jade, an extremely hard stone that requires lengthy polishing to reveal tiny hidden silver inclusions. Almost imperceptible to the naked eye, they enrich the stone with a unique reflection that only knowledgeable collectors can distinguish from onyx. Deftly worked by hand as a mineral sheet just 1mm thick, it is paired with a case, two off-centre circles and fine hands in red gold. The intriguing 43mm timepiece is powered by the Jaquet Droz 2663A.P self-winding mechanical movement with a power reserve of 68 hours.

Piaget

The Secret Cenote Cuff Watch from Piaget’s latest nature-inspired high jewellery collection, Wings of Light, echoes the cool blues and greens of tropical foliage. Stealing the spotlight is the majestic black opal that adorns the dial and various parts of the timepiece. Found in Australia, the world’s finest black opal has been cherished as an ornamental stone by Piaget for over 50 years, since it made its first appearance in the maison’s iconic watch designs of the 1960s. While asymmetry was the aesthetic of the time, it is handled with skilled uniformity here. The white gold cuff watch is set with 151 baguette-cut sapphires weighing 25.67 carats, along with baguette- and brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 15.69 carats. The unique creation is equipped with a Piaget manufacture 56P quartz movement.

Chopard

The first ladies’ sports watch to combine steel with loose diamonds that dance across the dial freely, Chopard’s iconic Happy Sport watch has seen over 1,000 iterations since its 1993 launch. Adding to the extensive collection is this 30mm model with a dial of rare pearly nacre – a noble material with aurora-like motifs obtained from the heart of shells.

The stainless steel case and lugs, as well as the diamond- set rose gold bezel accentuate the luminosity and subtle colour nuances of the dial. The watch is equipped with the self-winding 09.01-C movement produced in Chopard’s manufacture and boasts a 42-hour power reserve.

Bulgari

Bringing the Roman jeweller’s touch to watchmaking, the Divas’ Dream watch with an intense blue lapis lazuli dial embodies the maison’s love of colour and use of unexpected materials. The 30mm timepiece, with a Bulgari-personalised quartz movement, showcases one of the most emblematic motifs of the house – the Diva fan shape. A total of 90 diamonds add sparkle around the rose gold bezel and lug edges, and are set as indices on the rare semi-precious stone dial. The matching brilliant blue alligator strap adds the perfect finishing touch.

(All images: Art direction by Aaron Lee; watch images by respective brands)

The post Rock Stars: Stone-Dial Watches to Make a Statement With 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 All About Sapphire, the September Birthstone appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

There's an entire world of rare, valuable gemstones outside the big four of diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires.

The post Savvy collectors are gravitating towards lesser-known gemstones appeared first on The Peak Magazine.