Celebrity Life

Having two young children at home, Christmas is a big occasion in our household. We'd usually celebrate the holidays in the US but this year, as many families are, we're staying put. We've dusted the Christmas decorations and lights and they're all decked and lit up. And as is our tradition, we'd have the girls make a wish list and it's worked wonderfully so far. One would argue it ruins the element of surprise but these days, I'd much rather get them gifts they really want. Interestingly, I've never really thought of making one myself, nor has it ever been suggested - note to the hubby . So it was a delight making my 2020 Christmas wish list, which contained just that right amount of bling, items that are practical - and not quite so, as well a few things I came across I'd also love to gift the special people in my life.

Sauvereign

You got me at bespoke. Formerly R. Sanderson, Sauvereign provides a different retail experience where you can customise your shoes and in this case, your bag. My favourite feature? The “GEM” which you can pick to your preference to be used as the buckle that features a gold leaf - in real gold, mind you - intertwined with colours and dashed with gold powder. 

Van Cleef & Arpels

The French maison had just released its new Winter collection called Rose de Noël, which is ultra-feminine and dainty but can totally rock a jeans and white T-shirt ensemble. Crafted in n yellow gold, white mother-of-pearl and diamonds this pair can easily be your everyday go-to accessory.

Hermès

I’ve always preferred dressing in block colours, and often in dark shades so what better way to get a pop of colour than with this Hermès silk Exposition Universelle scarf designed by Jan Bajtlik. Surely it’s a fine, pastel-perfect accessory I’d love to get this Christmas.

Bvlgari

I saw this Bvlgari Serpenti diamond ring on a friend and it was quite a sight. I could not tear my eyes from it and I instantly knew it was gonna make it to my 2020 Christmas wish list. I suppose with anything Bulgari, that is always the point, is it? While it’s definitely a bold piece, it’s one you can pull off wearing casual clothes, and of course, needless to say also be perfect for that fancy night out. I also like that the ring has several articulations that make it expandable and really comfortable to wear.

Montblanc

I’m old school and still prefer jotting things down so I’ve included in my wish list Montblanc’s notebook with the Heritage Egyptomania cover - will you look at that brilliant colour combination - which is made with calfskin Saffiano leather and digital print pattern.

H. Moser & Cie

While I’m usually partial to watches that fit my wrist to a T, I will make an exception for H. Moser & Cie’s Streamliner watch. The watch is every bit sleek, reminiscent of 1920s locomotive designs. Its minimalist and steely appearance is nicely countered by the Funky Blue fumé dial.

Tiffany & Co

I don’t have a dog, not yet anyway, but I have many friends that do so when I came across this Tiffany & Co suite of dog accessories, which includes a leather pet collar, bowl in bone china, and a collar charm, I couldn’t help get that furry feeling.

Louis Vuitton

These Louis Vuitton Vivienne 4 Seasons goblets made from white porcelain and painted with LV’s Vivienne mascots in different locations around the world is just something I’d love to have on the table setting - and isn’t the silver-colour rim detail such a classy touch?

Dior

And for my 7-year-old girl who loves anything and everything feminine, who has included in her wish list "high heel shoos" this pair of Dior patent calfskin Miss B ballet flats with a woven ribbon is just perfect. I can imagine it will look just as gorgeous with one of her puffy party dresses or with trousers matched with a dainty pea coat.

Cartier

To keep my work desk organised but still decorative - and festive, I'd love this Cartier Panthère de Cartier trinket tray, where I can stash everything from my Airpod case, pens, loose change and accessories.

Lalique

Having a full household, there is almost always cooking going on so we usually have scented candles lit to counter the smell, and indeed, it's just such a wonderful, relaxing aroma to linger about so this Lalique La Nuit candle caught my fancy and definitely deserves a spot in my 2020 Christmas wish list, and it burns for as long as 60 hours. And it certainly does not hurt that it looks beautiful on the coffee table next to your books and ornaments.

The post 2020 Christmas Wish Lists: Charlene’s Picks appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Having two young children at home, Christmas is a big occasion in our household. We'd usually celebrate the holidays in the US but this year, as many families are, we're staying put. We've dusted the Christmas decorations and lights and they're all decked and lit up. And as is our tradition, we'd have the girls make a wish list and it's worked wonderfully so far. One would argue it ruins the element of surprise but these days, I'd much rather get them gifts they really want. Interestingly, I've never really thought of making one myself, nor has it ever been suggested - note to the hubby . So it was a delight making my 2020 Christmas wish list, which contained just that right amount of bling, items that are practical - and not quite so, as well a few things I came across I'd also love to gift the special people in my life.

Sauvereign

You got me at bespoke. Formerly R. Sanderson, Sauvereign provides a different retail experience where you can customise your shoes and in this case, your bag. My favourite feature? The “GEM” which you can pick to your preference to be used as the buckle that features a gold leaf - in real gold, mind you - intertwined with colours and dashed with gold powder. 

Van Cleef & Arpels

The French maison had just released its new Winter collection called Rose de Noël, which is ultra-feminine and dainty but can totally rock a jeans and white T-shirt ensemble. Crafted in n yellow gold, white mother-of-pearl and diamonds this pair can easily be your everyday go-to accessory.

Hermès

I’ve always preferred dressing in block colours, and often in dark shades so what better way to get a pop of colour than with this Hermès silk Exposition Universelle scarf designed by Jan Bajtlik. Surely it’s a fine, pastel-perfect accessory I’d love to get this Christmas.

Bvlgari

I saw this Bvlgari Serpenti diamond ring on a friend and it was quite a sight. I could not tear my eyes from it and I instantly knew it was gonna make it to my 2020 Christmas wish list. I suppose with anything Bulgari, that is always the point, is it? While it’s definitely a bold piece, it’s one you can pull off wearing casual clothes, and of course, needless to say also be perfect for that fancy night out. I also like that the ring has several articulations that make it expandable and really comfortable to wear.

Montblanc

I’m old school and still prefer jotting things down so I’ve included in my wish list Montblanc’s notebook with the Heritage Egyptomania cover - will you look at that brilliant colour combination - which is made with calfskin Saffiano leather and digital print pattern.

H. Moser & Cie

While I’m usually partial to watches that fit my wrist to a T, I will make an exception for H. Moser & Cie’s Streamliner watch. The watch is every bit sleek, reminiscent of 1920s locomotive designs. Its minimalist and steely appearance is nicely countered by the Funky Blue fumé dial.

Tiffany & Co

I don’t have a dog, not yet anyway, but I have many friends that do so when I came across this Tiffany & Co suite of dog accessories, which includes a leather pet collar, bowl in bone china, and a collar charm, I couldn’t help get that furry feeling.

Louis Vuitton

These Louis Vuitton Vivienne 4 Seasons goblets made from white porcelain and painted with LV’s Vivienne mascots in different locations around the world is just something I’d love to have on the table setting - and isn’t the silver-colour rim detail such a classy touch?

Dior

And for my 7-year-old girl who loves anything and everything feminine, who has included in her wish list "high heel shoos" this pair of Dior patent calfskin Miss B ballet flats with a woven ribbon is just perfect. I can imagine it will look just as gorgeous with one of her puffy party dresses or with trousers matched with a dainty pea coat.

Cartier

To keep my work desk organised but still decorative - and festive, I'd love this Cartier Panthère de Cartier trinket tray, where I can stash everything from my Airpod case, pens, loose change and accessories.

Lalique

Having a full household, there is almost always cooking going on so we usually have scented candles lit to counter the smell, and indeed, it's just such a wonderful, relaxing aroma to linger about so this Lalique La Nuit candle caught my fancy and definitely deserves a spot in my 2020 Christmas wish list, and it burns for as long as 60 hours. And it certainly does not hurt that it looks beautiful on the coffee table next to your books and ornaments.

The post 2020 Christmas Wish Lists: Charlene’s Picks 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.

In celebration of August's gorgeous green birthstone, the gem of the sun, Peridot.

If there ever was an underdog of gemstones, peridot -- pronounced pear-a-dot (or doe if you want to sound French) -- would be it. Overshadowed by more famous gemstones in recent years, the August birthstone has a remarkable history and formation process. Typically coloured lemony-green, its value depends on its intensity and size. The peridot boasts a rich history that harks back to ancient Egypt, and was once highly celebrated for its many mystical virtues.

Peridot Background

As Egypt's national gem, the peridot is steeped in the country's legends. It's said that Pharaoh Tutankhamen wore a pendant of the gemstone while many historians believe that Cleopatra's emeralds were actually peridots. The peridot is also prominent in Christianity and is repeatedly mentioned as "chrysolite" in the Bible; scholars theorise that Aaron, brother of Moses, wore a peridot on his breastplate. Also, it's been confirmed that it's actually 200-ct peridots, and not emeralds, which decorate the shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral.

The peridot is also well-known for its healing properties. People consumed medicine from peridot goblets, believing that doing so would boost its potency. It's also seen as the feel-good crystal with extraordinary powers. Many see it as an antidepressant that shields its wearers from negative energy and acts as a tonic for heartaches; others see it as a "study stone" that blesses its wearers with mental focus. Popularly, it's believed to give its wearers the strength and vision to achieve one's deepest desires.

Precious Peridots

The peridot is one of only two gems — the other being the diamond — that's not created in the earth crust. Most are formed deep in the earth's mantle and brought to its surface through earthquakes and tectonic activity. Dubbed the "gem of the sun", peridots have an extraterrestrial edge: Some of the oldest of its kind have been found in palasite meteorites, derived billions of years ago during the formation of the solar system.

The August birthstone is also one of the few gemstones that only exists in a single colour. What gives it its rich green colour is fine traces of iron. The more iron exists in the stone, the deeper the shade and the higher the value of a peridot. Peridot is typically sold in three to 5ct while those between 10 to 15ct are rare. The largest peridot in the world currently weighs at 310ct and sits at the Smithsonian museum.

Check the gallery below for our favourite four pieces of jewellery featuring the August birthstone, which don't just make big and bold accents for your jewellery collection, but act as fantastic conversation starters.

[gallery ids="209278,209276,209277,209279"]

This story first appeared on Prestige Online Singapore

The post Celebrating the Birthstone for August: Peridot appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.