Celebrity Life

Autumn typically evokes romantic images of majestic trees crowned with vivid crimson, orange and gold leaves that gently flutter to the ground as the days pass.

Inspired by the season's bold and beautiful hues, British designer Amanda Clark has launched a new Autumn Colours jewellery collection featuring necklaces and earrings fashioned in shades of red, honey and cognac. These exuberant statement pieces are incorporated with amber, a translucent stone obtained from the fossilised sap of centuries-old trees in central Europe's Baltic.

[gallery ids="211438,211435"]

Dating back to as early as the Stone Age, amber was used by ancient civilisations as protective talismans and amulets, and was prized for its health benefits that included reducing stress and anxiety, and restoring energy levels. Even today, amber continues to be used in modern medicine and is believed to contain Succinic acid, which enhances immunity.

The Autumn Colours range, which is set in handcrafted 18k gold, pairs amber with elegant South Sea and baroque freshwater pearls, in various designs versatile for both casual and formal wear. Standout pieces include a single amber pendant embellished with delicate golden leaves and suspended from a gleaming gold chain, and a long necklace showcasing alternating chunky amber beads with milky baroque pearls. With their rich yellow, orange and auburn shades, these jewels couldn't be more apt for the fall season.

[gallery ids="211434,211437,211439"]

“I am moved by the beauty that nature creates for us, and love working with the natural forms of amber pebbles in all their lustrous colours. They mix so well with baroque pearls ranging in tone from cream to champagne and honey, while adding hand-worked gold to the mixed layers in an extra magical reflection of light,” says Clark.

The Autumn Colours range is part of the Wearable Jewels by Amanda Clark line, and is exclusively available at Altfield Gallery.

The post Usher in Autumn With Amanda Clark’s Fall-Inspired Amber Jewellery appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

De Beers ensures that every facet of its business is conducted to the highest possible ethical standards.

When you buy a De Beers diamond, you can be certain not only of its unsurpassed beauty, but also of the sustainability of its journey from deep inside the ground.

De Beers’ diamonds are sourced from its own mines in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Canada, meaning it can guarantee their ethical provenance – but the company also goes above and beyond to ensure that every one of its diamonds has a positive impact, with a four-point commitment known as Building Forever that puts social responsibility at the heart of everything it does.

[gallery ids="211340,211335,211342"]

De Beers’ efforts to protect the natural world include setting aside 200,000 hectares for conservation: an area six times the size of its mining operations. Known as the Diamond Route, it includes eight nature reserves hosting endangered species in South Africa and Botswana. Among the species to have benefited from De Beers’ conservation programmes are elephants, rhinos, cheetahs and giraffes.

The company is also committed to supporting local communities in the regions that host its operations. Apart from providing plentiful employment opportunities, it also assists programmes that improve healthcare and education, as well as helping to diversify those regions’ economies by investing in local entrepreneurs – to date helping 700 enterprises and 7,500 individuals in Botswana and South Africa.

[gallery ids="211341,211349,211348,211336,211350"]

Gender equality is another cherished value for De Beers, and the company supports projects that provide women and girls with opportunities. It has pledged US$3 million since 2017 to UN Women, investing in more than 700 female micro-entrepreneurs in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa; and it has sponsored scholarships for more than 750 girls in South Africa and 20 from indigenous communities in Canada.

The company also insists on the highest ethical standards both in its own operations and across the value chain. It ensures every diamond is natural, untreated and conflict-free, and is responsibly sourced and produced, to the highest environmental and labour rights standards, microscopically branding them with unique identifier the De Beers Marque as a guarantee.

[caption id="attachment_211607" align="alignnone" width="994"] The rough-to-polished journey of a 0.62-carat cushion-cut fancy intense purplish-pink diamond. (Image: De Beers)[/caption]

Those diamonds are among the most remarkable wonders of nature, formed inside the earth between 720 million and 3.5 billion years ago. Each of them reflects the conditions in which it was forged: South African diamonds are famous for coming in a rainbow of different colours; those from Botswana are found perfectly formed in the desert, while those from Namibia are similarly polished by the waters of the Orange River and the sea; and Canadian diamonds are found buried deep beneath the ice, and come with a naturally frosted surface.

But perhaps even more incredible is the journey they undergo in the hands of De Beers, which looks for the perfect alignment of facets and angles, transforming nature’s wonders into treasured jewels. The company’s expert diamond cutters search for the cut that will maximise the beauty of each stone, while De Beers’ commitment to traceability means that buyers can purchase them with peace of mind.

[gallery ids="211339,211332,211334,211333,211541,211540"]

Those diamonds are put to the most exquisite use in the brand’s high jewellery collections. They include Portraits of Nature by De Beers, inspired by the striking colours of wild creatures; Phenomena by De Beers, an ode to the mystique of water; Lotus By De Beers, which takes it cues from the serenity of the lotus flower; and Imaginary Nature, which explores a mythical world of natural wonders.

Shop G1-2, G/F, Landmark, Central
+852 2118 2321

Shop 2040A, 2/F, Elements, Kowloon
+852 2328 8895

bit.ly/prestige-natures-wonders

The post How De Beers is Leading the Way in Ethical Jewellery and Sustainability 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

[gallery ids="211510,211511"]

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

[gallery ids="211517,211516"]

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.

Distinguished by seven unique themes, Stellar Times encapsulates the beauty of the cosmos in a series of 90 individual pieces.

The post The Second Louis Vuitton High Jewellery Collection is an Exploration of Cosmos appeared first on LUXUO.

Founded in 2008, Jessica McCormack's eponymous jewellery brand is known for blending Georgian and Victorian-era elements that can be shared across the generations of women.

The daughter of an auctioneer, McCormack has led the way in providing wearable jewellery that can be customised and layered, depending on the wearer’s mood or outfit.

The New Zealand-born designer is inspired by art and antiques when designing her fine jewellery. Hailed as one of the most exciting fine jewellery designers out there, her fans include Victoria Beckham, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, who has been spotted wearing a pair of McCormack’s Gypsets earrings.

[caption id="attachment_211443" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Jessica McCormack has teamed up with Net-A-Porter on an ongoing fine jewellery pop-up.[/caption]

We caught up with the talented designer via an email interview to find out how she got started in jewellery design and what’s in the pipeline for her brand — including an ongoing pop-up in collaboration with Net-A-Porter.

What led you to the path of jewellery design?

Jessica McCormack (JM): I grew up around beautiful things in New Zealand, my dad was an auctioneer and was always bringing special pieces home. When I was younger, I’d buy boxes of jewellery at auctions and just spend time playing around with it all, transforming it into something new. I think that’s where my love for designing and creating began.

What is your philosophy when designing jewellery?

JM: I really believe that jewellery should be worn and loved. It shouldn’t be something that just sits on your nightstand or waits for special occasions. That’s what is at the heart of everything I create. I think “Would I wear this?” or “How would I wear this?”. Jewellery should be special, and emotional, and something that can stay in the family as an heirloom – but most importantly, it needs to be enjoyed.

[gallery ids="211444,211445,211446,211447"]

Have you seen a shift in your consumers’ requirements because of the pandemic?

JM: I think there’s a definite shift towards comfort. People want pieces they can wear with a sweatshirt and jeans, because we’re not dressing up so much at the moment. But equally, there’s still an appetite for pieces that standout, that sparkle, and can dress up an outfit because when we do get the chance to go out, it’s exciting!

What is your favourite piece from your collections that is available on Net-A-Porter and why?

JM: Gypsets (from the Signature collection) hold a special place in my heart. They’ve garnered a little cult following of their own because they are so easy to wear, and they just finish off an outfit in the most effortless way. To me, they’re a perfect piece of jewellery.

What can your fans look forward to in your future collections?

JM: I’ve a collaboration coming out soon with artists the Haas Brothers, whom I’ve known for a long time, so I’m really excited about that. I’ve really had fun with the collection and it actually came together during lockdown, so it feels particularly special because of that. I’m very excited to see my clients’ reactions to it!

The Jessica McCormack pop-up on Net-A-Porter is on now until November 28 here and showcases all of the brand’s key collections including Signature, Ball n Chain, Tattoo, Chi Chi, Gypsets, Hex and Wings of Desire.

This story first appeared on Prestige Singapore

(All images: Jessica McCormack)

The post Jessica McCormack Joins Forces With Net-A-Porter on a Fine Jewellery Pop-Up appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Chanel brings Place Vendôme to Hong Kong as it stages a brilliant display of spectacular pieces hailing from some of its most notable high jewellery collections.

For nearly two decades, Chanel by tradition would present a themed high jewellery collection once a year and in Paris, no less. It has grown to become a highly anticipated annual event – one that clients and journalists would fly from all corners of the world to see and experience, where the pieces are presented in a themed exhibition that would be a treat to the senses.

This year, as we’re unable to travel to Paris, Chanel brings a piece of the magical city to Hong Kong as it transforms a space at PMQ into Place Vendôme, the famed square Mademoiselle Coco Chanel crossed hundreds of times between her residence at the Ritz, to her high jewellery atelier at 18 Place Vendôme, and boutique and one-time home at 31 Rue Cambon.

Strewn within this imagined space that featured “French windows” overlooking the square’s famed bronze obelisk and lined by those charming Paris street signs, are spectacular pieces from some of its most iconic collections, including the 1.5 1 Camelia 5 Allures, L'Espit Du Lion, Café Society and 1932.

Discover some of the pieces that were featured at Chanel's aptly named exhibition, "18 Place Vendôme" – referencing to Chanel's high jewellery atelier – held last week. We begin with the 1.5 1 Camelia 5 Allures, a collection comprised of 50 jewels – 22 of which transformable pieces – offering the wearer a multitude of ways to wear them. It features Coco Chanel’s favourite flower, the camellia, which she adored for its austerity, geometric aesthetic and the subtle but elegant manner with which it complemented her clothing.

[gallery columns="1" size="full" link="file" ids="211397,211398,211399,211400,211401"]

Then there’s the L'Espit Du Lion, which pays tribute to Mademoiselle Chanel’s zodiac sign, Leo, and a city that’s captured her heart and spirits in more ways than one – Venice. The lion would come to adorn many of her creations – from buttons, bags to yes, jewels.

[gallery size="full" columns="1" link="file" ids="211402,211403,211404,211405,211406"]

To mark the 80^th anniversary of the Bijoux de Diamants collection, Coco Chanel’s first foray into the world of jewellery, Chanel creates an 80-piece line named after the year she launched it: 1932. This exceptional collection draws inspiration from the many motifs and symbols that permeated Coco’s imagination – from constellations, comets, stars, to fringes, ribbons and feathers — which were crafted using a dreamy combination of white, yellow and black diamonds, blue and pink sapphires and of course, a generous helping of luscious pearls.

[gallery columns="1" link="file" size="full" ids="211407,211408,211409,211410,211411"]

Last but certainly not the least, the Café Society collection, a testament to Chanel’s willingness to deviate from the brand’s classic, time-and-tested motifs and references to explore novel designs and further widen the diversity of Chanel’s high jewellery offering. Café Society take up a geometric approach by means of assembling beautiful stones in rhythmic patterns, and introducing intriguing  combinations of rigid and jagged lines. It is arguably Chanel’s most up-to-the minute high jewellery collection yet.

[gallery columns="1" link="file" size="full" ids="211412,211414,211415,211416,211417"]

The post Chanel’s Exhibition is as Much a Stunning Homage to its Classics as it is a Shift From it appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Major auction houses have recorded staggering results from watch and jewellery sales this year so far, and in the midst of a pandemic.

This is, in large part, due to the swift and effective manner in which auction houses such as Sotheby’s, Phillips and Bonhams have adapted their business models to an online format, if not further strengthening and expanding the digital platforms they already had in place. At least within the realm of the secondary market, the appetite for watches and jewellery is stronger than ever.

The aggregate of jewellery sales at Sotheby’s Asia, for instance, totalled more than HK$470 million year-to-date, with all its three online jewellery auctions held earlier in the year selling 100 percent of its lots. “These results effectively made Sotheby’s the leading jewellery auction market in Asia. The jewellery segment has been resilient in spite of the challenge of Covid, and clearly our strategy of focusing on top-quality jewellery, coupled with quick actions in expanding our online auction program, the effort in curating themed sales and exploring new auction formats, paid off,” Wenhao Yu, deputy chairman, jewellery for Sotheby’s Asia, told Prestige.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Magnificent Jewels live auction in Hong Kong held in July recorded HK$438 million (about US$56 million) in sales, making it the highest-value jewellery sale worldwide across all auction houses to date.

At Sotheby’s, its online watch sales have also seen a notable jump from January to July this year. According to Sam Hines, worldwide head of Sotheby’s watches, sales “quintupled in volume” with a combined value of more than HK$217 million or US$28 million — seven times more when compared to the same period last year.” Hines explained that along with the increase in sales, there’s been “a surge in demand” for great- quality watches. “The lockdown period has given many collectors time at home to research watches and study the market, and therefore resulting in an increase in passion among them. And under the travel restrictions, there’s been a massive increase in online business,” he says.

[caption id="attachment_211267" align="aligncenter" width="769"] A rare 102.39-carat D-colour flawless oval diamond was offered "without reserve" at a single-lot auction at Sotheby's recently.[/caption]

Jewellery at Phillips is also significantly ahead compared to this time in 2019. By the end of 2020, the auction house will have held six online jewellery sales in New York and Hong Kong, compared to only two in 2019, Graeme Thompson, worldwide head of jewellery at Phillips, revealed, adding that its Hong Kong July sale of Jewels and Jadeite registered a 54-percent increase over the previous year’s sale. The auction also saw a record number of online bidders from 20 countries/regions, with a 163 percent increase on the previous year.

While collectors traditionally make up majority of bidders in these segments, there’s been in the last year an increase among those who purchase for investment purposes. Thompson from Phillips tells us: “The motivation of buyers has transformed. Today, buyers are looking to purchase jewels, diamond and gemstones as a store of wealth and as a hedge against possible future inflation.” In Asia, more than 50 percent of Phillips’ jewellery buyers of lots over US$100,000 buy primarily for investment purpose. The same is true on the watches front, with investors comprising the bulk of its watches clientele (40 percent), while “avid collectors” and connoisseurs each make up 30 percent.

Sotheby’s Asia is seeing the same trend, noting that while there’s a healthy balance of avid collectors and new buyers at their jewellery auctions, there seems to be more people looking at jewellery as a form of alternative investment. Hines weighs in, saying that while Sotheby’s Asia encounters many collectors who want to buy a nice watch that they can wear and enjoy — and, they hope, increase in value — a lot of them prefer to invest in “a tangible asset and try to avoid the volatile, complex financial markets”.

Asked which watch brands have consistently generated good results at auctions, unsurprisingly big names top that list, including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Audemars Piguet and Richard Mille, but making the cut, too, were more niche brands like FP Journe, Philippe Dufour, MB&F and Urwerk. When it came to jewellery, as expected, renowned houses like Bulgari, Cartier, Graff, Van Cleef & Arpels and Harry Winston have shown strong results time and again, and notably smaller jewellery designers like Belperron, JAR and Wallace Chan, to name a few, with non-mainstream names like Edmond Chin, Taffin, Lauren Adriana, Hemmerle and Bhagat increasingly getting attention in recent years.

[caption id="attachment_211269" align="alignnone" width="716"] Van Cleef & Arpels is believed by some experts to be the most sought-after 21st-century jeweller because production was more limited in the 20th century and thus harder to come by. This is a Van Cleef & Arpels zip necklace sold for HK$4.35 million at a Phillips auction in 2019.[/caption]

Brand prestige aside, provenance also plays a huge part in ascertaining the value of these pieces. Case in point, an antique diamond and enamel bracelet given to Princess Margaret as a 21st birthday present went under the hammer for significantly more than its high estimate at a Sotheby’s spring sale this year, selling for over HK$1.6 million or US$209,674. “We’ve seen jewellery sold over 10 times their pre-sale estimates due to impeccable provenance,” Yu explains.

Bonhams’ head of jewellery Leslie Roskind agrees, saying that while one cannot pre-determine the value of provenance when it comes to appraising a collection or a jewel with a historical or celebrity history, and therefore an auction estimate is based on what the jewel is — the quality of gemstones, signature, time period, etc — provenance plays an enormous role in the results of the sale. “I was fortunate to have worked on the collection of Elizabeth Taylor, and there were several instances where the final sold price was over 10 times the pre-sale estimate,” Roskind shares.

Antique and period jewels from a previous eras have been replicated and copied for centuries, according to Thompson from Phillips, and today, he says, is no different. “Provenance is paramount because it allows us to date a jewel before 1970 with confidence, therefore adding value. Known provenance pertaining to an important family, or celebrity, such as the sapphire and diamond brooch owned by Elton John, which we have coming up for sale this November, can also add significant value.”

When it comes to watches, while rarity and condition are of prime importance, provenance, too plays a huge role. And this is especially true when it comes to vintage pieces, according to Hines at Sotheby’s. “Knowing how the timepiece has been acquired tells the authenticity and the history of the timepiece. Also, as demonstrated in many sales, if the watch has been worn/collected by well-known figures, it would usually draw a lot more attention to the sale and hence help adding value.”

It would be remiss, in this discussion, not to mention that eye-watering sale of the 1968 Rolex Daytona owned by Paul Newman at a Phillips auction in New York in 2017, where the watch sold for a staggering US$15.5 million (the final price amounted to US$17,752,500 after the buyer’s premium). “Coming from an original owner, or previously sold at auction, or if it has been worn by an important figure/celebrity — for example those that used to be owned by Paul Newman, Marlon Brando, Elvis Presley — all fetched high price at Phillips’ auctions,” Thomas Perazzi, head of watches, Asia, at Phillips, says.

“Some collectors look mostly for a watch in pristine condition, others maybe will focus on purchasing unique pieces or examples made in extremely small numbers, but for some it’s all about the story behind the watch or the person who previously owned it. If we look at some of the greatest watches ever sold, many of them highlight a significant history.”

[caption id="attachment_211268" align="alignnone" width="515"] Cluster pendant earrings by Graff featuring 4.65 carats of emeralds and 8.05 carats of diamonds that sold at a Bonhams auction this year for HK$288,125.[/caption]

Increased online sales activity has also given rise to a more diversified clientele. Roskind, head of jewellery at Bonhams, says that online sales proved to be an effective way to both engage its existing clients under the stay-at-home policy, and to attract new clients, especially the younger, digitally savvy collector. Seeing the potential in this market segment, Bonhams launched the Luxury Online series in May, a new initiative that combines jewellery with other luxury categories, including watches, handbags and wine and whisky, to offer a “one-stop shopping experience”. The series saw more than 40 percent of buyers new to Bonhams, and about a third of the bidders under 40 years old.

Perazzi at Phillips agrees that the manner in which they communicate with clients has changed. Phillips Jewels’ Instagram followers has increased by 181 percent from 5,333 in June 2019 to over 15,000 today, and the number is still rapidly increasing. “Social media, the internet, vintage timepieces are being represented and talked about on a daily basis, with experts from the industry and collectors transcending their passion and knowledge to the next generation,” he says. There’s definitely an increasing number of first-timers or participants who are relatively new to auctions. For example, we held two cross-category online sales this year (mixing contemporary art, watches and jewellery), each has 56 percent of buyers who were new to Phillips.”

And because the demographic of collectors has somewhat shifted, Phillips’ Thompson argues that while there continues to be a consistent demand for pieces by famous houses, individual jewellery designers are definitely getting more attention in the market. He says: “Younger collectors nowadays treasure craftsmanship that takes time to refine. More and more individual jewellery designers are challenging the limit of jewellery design.”

And at Phillips, as we move into the new decade, we have been partnering with more independent jewellery designers.”

From this year, Phillips is looking forward to bringing more precious gemstones to the market while fostering young, contemporary talent among jewellery designers around the world to drive up the interest among the next generation of bidders.

The Most Notable Watch and Jewellery Auction Sales in 2020

The post In the Midst of a Pandemic, Jewellery and Watch Auction Sales Have Never Been Better appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

While classic white diamonds and pearls always rank at the top of our list for their timeless appeal and versatility, we can't help but be drawn to multicoloured jewellery designs that exude fun and flamboyance.

It's perfect timing then, that prominent names including Bulgari and Piaget have introduced resplendent new collections festooned with vividly-hued gemstones. Several fine jewellers have also followed suit by pairing stones in a variety of shades to create sparkling statement pieces.

Read on for our picks of the most magnificent multicoloured jewellery designs you'll want to incorporate into your wardrobe.

This story first appeared on Prestige Singapore

(Main image: Bulgari; Featured image: Piaget)

The post Fall in Love With These Glorious Multicoloured Jewels appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

The new HourUniverse aims to connect the entire watchmaking, jewellery and gems community by combining digital and physical events with increased accessibility.

For the watchmaking world, the coronavirus pandemic hit especially hard as it began in earnest during the early months of the year when the industry’s major trade fairs are traditionally held. The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) responded by rebranding into Watches and Wonders Geneva and relocating — for this year at least — into the digital sphere. Baselworld, on the other hand, was eventually postponed. The string of high-profile departures by major exhibitors certainly didn’t help.

At the end of September, however, came news of a new platform for the watchmaking, jewellery and gemstone industries to be held in Basel: HourUniverse.

[caption id="attachment_211037" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Artist's impression of HourUniverse. (Image: HourUniverse)[/caption]

Described as a “digital networking, business, information and content platform” that would be “active 365 days a year,” HourUniverse will launch in February 2021. From April 8 to April 21, 2021, there will also be a five-day live show, held in line with other watchmaking events in Geneva. At that time, industry professionals, retailers, media and visitors will once again convene at the city’s famous Hall 1.

HourUniverse’s 2021 event promises to include “open spaces, pop-up stores, pavilions, multiple experience zones, initiation workshops, themed exhibitions, collectors’ corners and sales area, a forum with a programme of conferences and debates streamed live available to brands and exhibitors, start-ups and suppliers of new technologies, to reflect on the major challenges and demands of the industry.” There is also greater emphasis on networking opportunities through themed breakfasts, aftershow parties and so forth.

[caption id="attachment_211038" align="alignnone" width="1024"] HourUniverse. (Image: HourUniverse)[/caption]

Another notable aspect of HourUniverse—both for its digital platform and life event—is that exhibitors are not limited to watch, jewellery and gem brands, but also those engaged in distribution, marketing, points of sale and other related elements. For example, CPO (certified pre-owned) platforms will have their place in the watch sector while manufacturers of synthetic stones can join the gems sector.

Finally, a lot of effort has gone into making HourUniverse much more accessible, most notably with a redesigned reception structure and a drastically-adjusted pricing policy. So, all in all, Basel appears to be set to join in 2021’s comeback of the watchmaking and jewellery industries. More details about the show here.

This story first appeared on Prestige Indonesia

The post HourUniverse Watch and Jewellery Show to Launch in Basel Next Year appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Marion Cotillard collaborates with Chopard to create the Ice Cube Capsule, embodying her style and perception of ethical jewellery.

Marion Cotillard’s dedication to environmental activism and support of Chopard on its Journey to Sustainable Luxury is no closely guarded secret. Inspired to create a jewellery set that encapsulates her style and penchant for ethical jewellery, the actress shared her vision for a capsule collection with Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Artistic Director of Chopard.

The Ice Cube Capsule was birthed from Cotillard’s desire to expand her environmental and social concerns to the world of jewellery. Raising the idea during a discussion with her long-time friend Scheufele, she asked for assistance in realising her vision. Scheufele was pleased to devote Chopard’s savoir-faire to the project.

[caption id="attachment_210841" align="alignnone" width="8000"] The Ice Cube Capsule jewellery collection is designed by Marion Cotillard in collaboration with Chopard. (Image: Elliot Bliss)[/caption]

The Co-President of the Maison gave full artistic license to the actress while ensuring Chopard sourced the ethically mined materials. The specialist support of Chopard’s artisans were also essential to the creation of the enduringly exquisite jewellery.

The collaboration reflects a kinder side of luxury, demonstrating a genuine interest in the livelihoods of the men and women who mine raw materials.

[caption id="attachment_210842" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Marion Cotillard wearing the Ice Cube Capsule jewels. (Image: Elliot Bliss)[/caption]

“Marion Cotillard is very creative and all our discussions on this project have been extremely inspiring. By bringing her interpretation to our Ice Cube collection, she is inventing a contemporary and relaxed way to wear diamonds. It is a great pleasure to combine her ideas with our expertise in the realm of ethical jewellery,” Caroline Scheufele remarks.

About the Collection

From an aesthetic standpoint, the Ice Cube Capsule by Marion Cotillard is inspired by the graphic forms and edgy rocker spirit of Chopard’s Ice Cube collection. A total of seven Haute Joaillerie creations and a ring comprise the newest collection, crafted in Fairmined-certified ethical gold and diamonds that meet the best global standards.

[caption id="attachment_210843" align="aligncenter" width="724"] Assorted jewels from the Ice Cube Capsule by Marion Cotillard for Chopard. (Image: Chopard)[/caption]

The actress’ designs most notably reiterate the alignment of small, faceted cubes while facilitating the relaxed way the jewellery can be worn as individual statement pieces or stacked. Though renowned for its geometric style, the collection succeeds in imbuing a touch of asymmetry that cements its contemporary edge. Marion Cotillard’s designs are unapologetic in their disruption of traditional aesthetic codes for stunningly bold pieces.

[caption id="attachment_210844" align="aligncenter" width="819"] An eye-catching Ice Cube Capsule ring. (Image: Chopard)[/caption]

In nature, the only consistency is inconsistency. As a result, the earrings in the Ice Cube Capsule are all different, complementary, and designed to be worn as a part of a mix and match situation.

One side features a series that consists of two connected gold rings to wear on the top of the ear, followed by a diamond-set counterpart. Finally, on the earlobe is a princess-cut solitaire diamond. The square shape refers to the small faceted cubes of the rings.

On the other ear, a new combination of three rings connect via the back of the ear, each set with a diamond, then another diamond set piece; and lastly, on the lobe, flows a cascade of generous princess-cut diamonds that entirely obscure the underlying gold setting.

All the earrings have been made in a clip-on style to suit non-pierced ears such as the actress’ own. To complete the series of earrings that may be worn solo or stacked, she has also designed a ring. It is composed of two rings, joined by a princess-cut solitaire diamond.

The Journey to Sustainable Luxury

[caption id="attachment_210845" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Marion Cotillard. (Image: Elliott Bliss)[/caption]

Since 2018, all watch and jewellery creations by Chopard are made of ethical gold. The Ice Cube Capsule by Marion Cotillard collection is no exception. The 18-carat yellow gold used for these pieces is certified by the Fairmined label, ensuring they adhere to the best social and environmental practices. The gold is then smelted in Chopard’s workshops. One of few Maisons to have its own in-house foundry, this enabled the jewellery and watchmaker to commit to using 100% ethical gold.

In terms of diamonds, Chopard only sources from suppliers who are members of the Responsible Jewellery Council. Chopard has the distinction of becoming the first luxury jewellery and watchmaker to educate clients on the origins of its raw materials. More details about its Ice Cube Capsule collection here.

This story first appeared on Prestige Malaysia

The post Marion Cotillard Designs the Ice Cube Capsule Jewellery Collection for Chopard appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Showcasing a perfectly symmetrical, six-petaled flower inclusion, this naturally-formed diamond originates from the jungles of Minas Gerais.

The post Sterling Promise Inc., Presents The World’s Rarest Flower Diamond appeared first on LUXUO.

These precious yet oh-so-chic brooches will add oomph to any attire.

And we mean anything, from romantic Bohemian dresses or smart coats to trusty T-shirts and everything in between.

The post Photo Shoot: Exquisite Brooches to Jazz up Any Ensemble appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.