Celebrity Life

Who says luxury fashion has no sense of humour?

Not jewellery designer Nadine Ghosn, in any case, who for several years has been making offbeat creations, reinterpreting motifs and objects from popular culture without a hint of self-consciousness. The latest in line is a jewellery series of rings set with precious gemstones inspired by the long-time kids' favourite, Lego.

[caption id="attachment_212779" align="alignnone" width="996"] Nadine Ghosn's Building Blocks jewellery collection draws inspiration from Lego. (Image: Nadine Ghosn)[/caption]

From a necklace in the form of earphones, to earrings featuring mini can openers or protractors — not to mention a hamburger ring — Nadine Ghosn makes jewellery that is as refined and sophisticated as it is original, constantly surprising fans and collectors. Now, the designer has added a childhood throwback to her collections with the "Building Blocks" line, inspired by the art of assembling bricks, more precisely, Lego.

While this is in no way, shape or form a collaboration — although it could always become one — the collection is inescapably inspired by the famous brightly coloured building blocks. The designs are striking — sometimes boldly colourful, sometimes more understated — and each of the rings unquestionably evokes the top of a Lego brick. There's one key difference, however — these ones evidently can't be assembled and reassembled in near-infinite combinations.

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A post shared by ✏️N∀pINƎ פHOSN ™〽️🖇 (@nadineghosnjewelry)

The project took time to come about, since cutting the stones into these geometric shapes proved a meticulous process. "Although the collection concept was clear to me from the onset, it took two years to materialise, from digesting the components and perfecting the concepts to working closely and carefully with craftsmen refining the precious materials used," explains Nadine Ghosn on her Instagram account.

She adds: "Revisiting with childhood familiarity the first blocks that taught us how to rebuild. Bigger. Brighter. Better."

[caption id="attachment_212776" align="alignnone" width="960"] The Bon Bon Block ring is one of the designs in Ghosn's lego jewellery collection. (Image: Nadine Ghosn)[/caption]

Rubies, diamonds, topaz and sapphires are just some of the exceptional gemstones used in these original creations. And, rest assured that the prices have nothing in common with the classic kids' toy, ranging from US$4,480 to $23,380 (HK$34,729 to $181,243) for the first pieces unveiled on the designer's website here.

(Main and featured image: Nadine Ghosn)

The post A Young Designer is Creating Whimsical Jewellery Pieces Inspired by Lego Blocks appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Who says luxury fashion has no sense of humour?

Not jewellery designer Nadine Ghosn, in any case, who for several years has been making offbeat creations, reinterpreting motifs and objects from popular culture without a hint of self-consciousness. The latest in line is a jewellery series of rings set with precious gemstones inspired by the long-time kids' favourite, Lego.

[caption id="attachment_212779" align="alignnone" width="996"] Nadine Ghosn's Building Blocks jewellery collection draws inspiration from Lego. (Image: Nadine Ghosn)[/caption]

From a necklace in the form of earphones, to earrings featuring mini can openers or protractors — not to mention a hamburger ring — Nadine Ghosn makes jewellery that is as refined and sophisticated as it is original, constantly surprising fans and collectors. Now, the designer has added a childhood throwback to her collections with the "Building Blocks" line, inspired by the art of assembling bricks, more precisely, Lego.

While this is in no way, shape or form a collaboration — although it could always become one — the collection is inescapably inspired by the famous brightly coloured building blocks. The designs are striking — sometimes boldly colourful, sometimes more understated — and each of the rings unquestionably evokes the top of a Lego brick. There's one key difference, however — these ones evidently can't be assembled and reassembled in near-infinite combinations.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ✏️N∀pINƎ פHOSN ™〽️🖇 (@nadineghosnjewelry)

The project took time to come about, since cutting the stones into these geometric shapes proved a meticulous process. "Although the collection concept was clear to me from the onset, it took two years to materialise, from digesting the components and perfecting the concepts to working closely and carefully with craftsmen refining the precious materials used," explains Nadine Ghosn on her Instagram account.

She adds: "Revisiting with childhood familiarity the first blocks that taught us how to rebuild. Bigger. Brighter. Better."

[caption id="attachment_212776" align="alignnone" width="960"] The Bon Bon Block ring is one of the designs in Ghosn's lego jewellery collection. (Image: Nadine Ghosn)[/caption]

Rubies, diamonds, topaz and sapphires are just some of the exceptional gemstones used in these original creations. And, rest assured that the prices have nothing in common with the classic kids' toy, ranging from US$4,480 to $23,380 (HK$34,729 to $181,243) for the first pieces unveiled on the designer's website here.

(Main and featured image: Nadine Ghosn)

The post A Young Designer is Creating Whimsical Jewellery Pieces Inspired by Lego Blocks appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

As the saying goes, diamonds are a girl's best friend.

Here are some of the most breath-taking and irresistible jewellery pieces we're in love with.

The post Photo Shoot: Irresistible Diamond Jewellery to Covet appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Blossoming in Van Cleef & Arpels’ garden, the Frivole collection is faithful to the Maison’s creative tradition in expressing a Poetry of Time.

The post Van Cleef & Arpels Steals The Show At The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2020 appeared first on LUXUO.

Just as its illuminated facade blends stunningly with the vibrant and ever-bustling cityscape, the soothing interiors of the newly renovated Van Cleef & Arpels flagship boutique offer a momentary respite from it.

Only a year shy of marking its 10th anniversary, the Van Cleef & Arpels Hong Kong flagship boutique at 10 Chater Road has undergone a major renovation, reopening last month ready and raring to offer its clients a different but luxuriously familiar experience. And just as everything else is done at Van Cleef & Arpels, the revamp of the boutique’s 2,300-square-feet of space is meticulous and tasteful, staying ever true to the aesthetic tenets of the historic brand.

The French maison once again taps creative duo Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku of the Jouin Manku Agency, with whom it’s collaborated on numerous projects, most notably the overhaul of its Place Vendôme boutique. And for this two-storey Hong Kong store, the pair have gone for a nature-inspired concept and minimalistic, contemporary architecture that echoes both the modernity of Hong Kong and the lushness of its landscapes – and all while preserving the distinct elements they already put into place when they first designed the boutique in 2011.

[gallery ids="212635,212634"]

Jouin and Manku set the tone with an illuminated facade, which while resplendent is also subtly elegant. The grand entrance steers into us to an airy space that features some of the brand’s most notable jewellery and timepieces – a display aimed at showing the breadth and depth of the maison’s savoir-faire.

Then there’s the beautiful oak-wood staircase that leads to the second floor, where the bridal bar is located, as well as an area devoted to a selection of some of Van Cleef & Arpels’ heritage pieces. Tucked on the top floor, meanwhile, is an exclusive lounge where the brand’s most valued clients are entertained and offered personalised services, while being treated to stunning views of Central district.

“The design of each Van Cleef & Arpels’ maison calls for special care and attention,” says Nicolas Bos, the brand’s president and CEO. It must reflect the identity of Van Cleef & Arpels, while remaining anchored in the culture of the country or region.

The Jouin Manku Agency – which designed the original boutique nearly 10 years ago – carried out this renovation project, which enables all the maison’s collections to be presented in a setting that’s both welcoming and contemporary.”

The post A Look Inside Van Cleef & Arpels’ Revamped Hong Kong Flagship Boutique 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.
[/caption]

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.

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“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.

For its latest high jewellery collection, Van Cleef & Arpels looks into its archives to recreate three jewels of distinguished provenance. We discover these pieces and the passion behind their creation.

Epic jewels once owned by an Egyptian princess, a Hollywood legend and a former First Lady of the United States inspire Van Cleef & Arpels’ latest high-jewellery pieces, using three of what are perhaps the world’s most revered gemstones. We've always admired the manner in which Van Cleef & Arpels would weave beautiful narratives around its collections, and this is no exception.

By tradition, Van Cleef & Arpels has unveiled two high jewellery collections every year. One would revolve around a conceptual theme often inspired by a literary masterpiece, while the other would be focused on gemstones. In the case of this gemstone-oriented collection – called Homage to High Jewellery in Place Vendôme, as the jewels were made in its workshop located in this famous Parisian square – emeralds, rubies and diamonds take centre stage.

Looking back at Van Cleef & Arpels’ archives, the maison has owned some of the most important and remarkable gemstones in history. The Arpels brothers’ journeys to Asia between the 1950s and the ’70s – “jewel safaris” as they called them – in search of gems were the stuff of legend. Claude Arpels’ frequent trips to India, in particular, were widely talked about in social circles, earning him the moniker “Diamond King of Bombay” or the “Friend of the Maharajas”, alluding to his access to royal courts, where it’s said he discovered magnificent stones and jewels.

“The courtyard was covered with jewels of every hue. They lay glistening in the sun against the background of the old velvet cases in which they had lain for hundreds of years. I was momentarily blinded by their brilliance. Emeralds of every shape and size lay side by side with diamonds that reflected the colours of sapphires and rubies,” Arpels wrote, describing one of his visits to a Mughal palace.

One of the extraordinary stones Van Cleef & Arpels would come to own is the Blue Heart, a 30.82-carat heart-shaped blue diamond that the maison bought in 1953. It would later be set on to a necklace and sold to a German baron; today it’s the property of the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. Then there’s the extraordinary Thibaw ruby, named after and once owned by King Thibaw of Burma, which was re-cut into a 24.82-carat cushion-cut gem to be set on a ring. And, of course, the 95-carat pear-shaped yellow diamond once owned by opera singer and socialite Ganna Walska, which was later set on a gold flying bird that’s now known as the Walska brooch.

These are but a few of the numerous precious stones the maison would come to possess, which were set in bespoke pieces and, in more recent years, in its two incredible annual collections.

This year’s Homage to High Jewellery in Place Vendôme collection draws inspiration from three famous pieces made for three prominent historical figures: Princess Faiza of Egypt, Marlene Dietrich and Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis.

First, the Merveille d’émeraudes necklace, which is inspired by a magnificent collaret necklace once owned by Princess Faiza of Egypt that dates to 1929. It features 10 drop-shaped emerald pendants suspended from a geometric mount set entirely with diamonds, and was added to the Van Cleef & Arpels collection in 2014.

This astounding necklace is commemorated in this new piece, which is set with five Colombian emeralds totalling 70.40 carats cut in slender pear shapes. Look closely and you’ll see the emeralds’ tips with subtle notches on the culet – signs of its previous life. These pendants were once split into two pear shapes to show more of the delicate and unique make-up of the emeralds. Van Cleef & Arpels preserves its pear shape, which is now punctuated with diamond- encrusted ribbons. Staying true to the Faiza necklace, where its clasp hangs down at the back, this piece features a diamond train that rests on the nape of the wearer.

The architectural, voluminous design approach and bold setting of the Rubis en scène bracelet, meanwhile, is reminiscent of one of Marlene Dietrich’s favourite pieces of jewellery, the ruby- and diamond-encrusted Jarretière bracelet. Dietrich bought this piece from Van Cleef & Arpels in 1937, and was often photographed wearing it; most famously, she wore it in Alfred Hitchcock’s movie Stage Fright.

A 2020 recreation of this famous piece is set with 72 Burmese rubies weighing more than 84 carats. The rubies are set on two asymmetrical moon-shaped clasps that hug the wrist, and are supported by an openwork structure made from white gold, intended for both aesthetic impact and comfort. The rest of the cuff is encrusted with round, square-shaped and baguette-cut white diamonds.

Remarkably, rarely in the maison’s history has it brought together so many rubies of such quality. Each stone has been re-cut into a cushion shape, and was chosen for its deeply saturated colour, that ranges from
bright red to purple. The result: A synchronised display of intense, vibrant crimson flares.

Last but definitely not the least is a piece made after a pair of earrings Aristotle Onassis gave Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis in 1968 as a wedding gift. These stunning floral-motif earrings set with diamonds and ruby cabochon pendants are recreated through the Tendresse étincelante earrings, with each diamond-encrusted petal – made realistic with veins – unfurling around a pear-shaped diamond. Dangling on these floral earrings are detachable pendants made of two pear-shaped diamonds, each more than 10 carats.

And so with these new high-jewellery pieces, Van Cleef & Arpels perpetuates the passion set forth by the Arpels brothers, as well the house’s mission to honour its past and further enrich its legacy with creations that are faithful to its canons but cognisant of the fact that it must remain relevant.

The post Van Cleef & Arpels’ New High Jewellery Collection Breathes Life Into Archival Designs 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.

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