Celebrity Life

Art Jewels to Feast your Eyes On

by Charlene Co July 06, 2020

I've become rather familiar with the work of jewellery artist Cindy Chao having covered her for years, but it’s amazing the kind of effect seeing her pieces in the flesh still has on me. The images we see on paper--or on the screen for that matter--regardless of how sharp and true to their form as they are, really don’t do them justice.

Last week, Chao brought four of her Black Label Collection pieces to her private showroom in Central, to give select media and prospective buyers a chance to see them up close. Three of those pieces, if not for the pandemic, would have been across the globe in the United Kingdom for Masterpiece London, a highly prestigious exhibition Chao has been participating in for the last two years. This year, the exhibition was not entirely cancelled but went online from 22-28 June instead.

For the occasion, Chao's showroom located at a building in Central that offered sweeping views of the Victoria Harbour, was filled with fresh foliage that opulently decorated every corner of the space, and crept up the glass displays that held the jewels. Chao also presented a selection from her White Label Collection, or jewels that can be reproduced and in some instances are smaller, subtler versions of her usually larger-than-life Black Label pieces. These White Label pieces are considered Chao's entry-level jewels, which would cost upwards of US$50,000 (or approximately HK$385,000).

There was much to take in at the exhibition but below are three of my highlights that stood out.

2019 Black Label Masterpiece X Emerald Ribbon Brooch

The 2019 Black Label Masterpiece X Emerald Ribbon Brooch is set with an extremely rare 38.68-carat vivid green Colombian emerald. The octagonal-cut emerald sits at the centre of four, multi-dimensional, organically shaped ribbons encrusted with over 2,600 gems, and its edges set with sapphires and colour-changing alexandrites. As seen in many of Chao’s previous Black Label Masterpiece jewels, the Emerald Ribbon Brooch’s upper layer is fitted with a flexible mechanism, allowing the piece to have a trembling effect when worn.

2020 Black Label Masterpiece VI Reflection Bangle

It’s in pieces like the 2020 Black Label Masterpiece VI Reflection Bangle that we see Cindy Chao live up to her jewellery artist label. Here, she skilfully combines her vision, innovation and craftsmanship. The Reflection bangle is inspired by Chinese landscape paintings and pays homage to her heritage while looking to the gracefulness and agility of water for inspiration. The piece is set with seven 8- to 18-carat purplish, non-heated Ceylon sapphires, which are set alongside a cluster of rose-cut sapphires, creating a mirror effect. Water ripples are made with white and fancy-coloured diamonds sprinkled on either side of the bangle, while a branch-like motif is set with over 1,500 yellow diamonds.

White Label Collection Branch Bangle

Hailing from Chao's White Label Four Seasons Collection, the Branch Bangle is a wrist-worthy piece that's elegant, sophisticated, and for those who favour more subtle pieces, is just the perfect jewel to have. The bangle is encrusted with 1,114 white and yellow diamonds totalling over 52 carats, and made in 18K white gold and rose gold.

The post Art Jewels to Feast your Eyes On appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Posted in CINDY CHAO, CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel, high jewellery, Jewellery, masterpiece london

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Jewellery Artist Cindy Chao Brings Masterpiece London to Hong Kong

by Charlene Co June 26, 2020

Coravin, the wine lover's dream device that lets you pour wine without uncorking, is back with brand new models.

As fans of the smart wine preservation system, we have observed Coravin for some time and seen the brand expand with new technology every year. Now, they have extended their product lineup with the launch of new systems -- Models Three and Six. What's more, all new and existing models have been equipped with SmartClamps™, which, prior to the launch, was only available on Model Eleven. The new easy-on and easy-off clamps are designed to go over the neck of the bottle and push down firmly on the handle in one fluid motion, making the system even easier to use.

Coravin's wine access technology is all down to the hollow needle that is inserted through the cork, before the system pressurises the bottle with Argon (an inert, colourless and odourless) gas, to pour the wine out. Once poured, and the Coravin is taken off the bottle, the cork reseals naturally -- allowing wine to stay fresh for months on end, and years if needed.

The new systems also comes with a Coravin Screw Cap which allows users to enjoy new world wine (with screw caps) the same way as old world wine (cork) bottles, preserving them for up to three months.

So, with four Coravin Models in total, Model Three, Five, Six and Eleven, which model is the right one for you? Well, let's find out shall we.

Coravin Model Three

Details: Model Three is an upgraded version of Coravin's Model One and features a clean and simple, user-friendly and functional design in matte texture.
Perfect for: the everyday wine drinker.
Price: HK$2,080

Coravin Model Five

Details: Model Five is not available for retail as it has been made specifically for trade. The design is simply elegant but durable.
Perfect for: those in the industry who favour classic design with metallic accents.
Price: email for trade price

Coravin Model Six

Details: Model Six is the upgraded version of the popular Model Two Elite edition, it also features vibrant colours with chrome accents.
Perfect for: luxury style and fashion lovers.
Price: HK$3,580

Coravin Model Eleven

Details: Model Eleven is the smartest device of the Coravin family. It is the first bluetooth connected and fully automatic system. It comes with LED display, glass pour optimisation, and connection to the Coravin Moments app, which tracks system statistics and advises on wine pairings with food, music and more.
Perfect for: technology and gadget enthusiasts who love a varied wine experience.
Price: HK$6,880