Category: Jewellery

Five jewellery inspirations from this year’s Fall Winter 2018-19 runways

This year’s fall-winter fashion trends prove, yet again, that some jewellery trends are here to stay. We take inspiration from five trendy – yet timeless – jewellery pieces, fresh from the Fall Winter 2018-19 runways.

Fall Winter 2018-19

When in plight, choose black and white

As this Chanel earring shows, monochrome colours are here to stay, no matter what season of the year it is. However, pick a chunky statement piece to tick the right boxes.

Fall Winter 2018-19

Let your rock talk

Choose a bracelet with big, dazzling diamonds or coloured stones like this Dolce & Gabbana bracelet and wear it solitary on an otherwise bare arm. The bigger the stone, the better, the more the attention.

Fall Winter 2018-19

Pin your hopes on brooches

There’s nothing like a bold brooch to make an original fashion statement. This tiger brooch, for example, from Gucci is sure to gets plaudits from fashion pundits. Wear your heart on your lapel and let your individuality shine through.

Fall Winter 2018-19

Dazzle with tassel

As this tassel earrings from Versace reveal, there’s no better way to channel your inner Bohemian spirit than with some tassel danglers waving in the mild breeze. Choose brightly coloured earrings or even black ones – really, you can’t go wrong with this trend.

Fall Winter 2018-19

Be a chocker-rocker

As Dior’s Fall-Winter 2018-19 runway proves yet again, chockers have never really gone out of fashion. Sport a bit of a Gothic look with a dark metallic chocker, or keep things subtle with this neutral piece from Dior Femme.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

3 Iconic transformable jewellery pieces

Passe-Partout, Van Cleef & Arpels
Patented in 1938, the Passe-Partout is one of the first examples of the transformative pieces pioneered by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Luxury brands such as Cartier, Chaumet and Van Cleef & Arpels have, since the beginning of the 20th century, created transformable jewellery pieces. These intricate pieces are some of the most inventive and technically complex jewellery ever seen in the history. 

Dating back to the late 19th century, the trend was originally invented for members of royalty who required jewels fit for coronations and balls. As pieces were worn on the rare occasion, innovative jewellers were hired to offer creations suitable for a number of occasions. The many changes of wardrobe required a change in jewellery and so designers produced creative pieces that could magically be taken apart and reassembled as different jewels. 

As jewellery houses embrace the concept once again, transformable pieces have grown in popularity. With the help of clips, clasps and brackets, jewellery buyers are able to change bigger pieces into smaller ones, ideal for less formal occasions. They can also be transformed from one type of jewellery to another.

This gaining trend allows buyers to wear one piece in more then one way and therefore, gaining a lot more for the investment paid. In addition to these benefits, transformable jewellery also makes for great investment pieces with Christie’s claiming that when sold at auctions, they can on average sell at a 20-30% premium.

The revival of transformable jewellery also represents the demands of the women of today. Living different lives and roles each day, they require jewellery that can be adapted to suit different occasions, outfits and moods.

If you are looking for some inspiration, check out our round up of three of the most iconic transformable jewellery pieces.

Chaumet: Les Mondes de Chaumet, Promenades Impériales Transformable necklace

3 Iconic transformable jewellery pieces

Inspired by the prestigious historical legacy sustained by the great clients of Russia’s imperial court, Chaumet’s Promenades Impériales Transformable necklace can be transformed into a brooch and earrings. 

 

Cartier: Résonances de Cartier – Eurythmie Bracelet

3 Iconic transformable jewellery pieces

The Eurythmie bracelet from the Résonances de Cartier high jewellery collection changes colour with a flick of the wrist. Set with lapis lazuli on one side and diamonds on the other, the two-faced, articulated discs flip over, allowing you to choose from two different looks. 

 

Van Cleef & Arpels: Le Secret, The Séraphîta ring

3 Iconic transformable jewellery pieces

Van Cleef & Arpels continues its tradition of creating transformable jewellery pieces with the Le Secret collection. The Séraphîta ring features an interchangeable centre so that it can be worn in four different ways. It can be worn with either a 16.46-carat Madagascan sapphire or a cluster of diamonds and mauve sapphires between its fanned sapphire sides. 

For more jewellery inspiration, check out the Rise of rose gold jewellery or How the prohibition-era statement-ring is making a comeback. 

 

Text: Hira Desai
Images courtesy of: Cartier, Chaumet and Van Cleef & Arpels

Prohibition-era statement rings make a modern comeback

With its origins dating back to the 1920s, statement rings – or “cocktail rings” as they were more seditiously known – were, initially, less of a finger adornment and more of a handy gesture of Prohibition disapproval that wearers wore to signal their lack of solidarity with the total teetotalness that was imposed across the US from 1920 to 1933. 

Statement rings date back to the Prohibition era
Statement rings, or ‘cocktail rings’, date back to the Prohibition era

At a time when a G&T was seen as the crystal meth of the day, speakeasies – discreet dive bars – were the places to be seen at (except by the authorities) with this judiciously-displayed jewellery a covert sign that the wearer was an off-the-grid quaffer, one of a clandestine crew of high-fashion imbibers.  

Typically sported on the right hand, the cocktail ring was clearly no wedding band and had usually been bought by the bearer herself, a convention that lives on to this day.

Many of the rings boasted an unusually high setting, so as to ensure an unmissable sparkle, something further enhanced by the use of multifaceted stones. Their latter-day descendants range from the bold to the beautiful, taking in bling-worthy conversation starters en route. So, why not pay tribute to the secret society of suave soave lovers of yesteryears with a clandestine commemoration of top-secret tippling at its very finest?

Text: Hira Desai

Vintage revival: The rise of rose gold jewellery

Vintage revival: The rise of rose gold jewellery

A walk around the shopping malls will soon have you realising that rose gold jewellery is back on the scene. Illuminating rings, necklaces, earrings and even watches, we take a look at where this alluring soft pink metal originates from and why luxury jewellery designers are reviving it.

Traced back to Russia in the late 1880s, rose gold was originally known as Russian gold when famed jeweller Carl Fabergé – best known for his Imperial Eggs – began incorporating the copper-infused metal into his designs. It was later used in the 1920s by Cartier, while Tiffany & Co’s collaboration with designer Elsa Peretti in 1970s was also known to feature the pink-hued material.

Vintage revival: The rise of rose gold jewellery
The Imperial Coronation Egg, one of the most famous and iconic of all the Fabergé eggs.

Created by mixing pure gold with copper and a touch of silver, rose gold is ultimately an alloy, rather than a natural metal. Generally, the blend combines 75 percent gold with 21 percent copper and 4 percent silver. While the amounts can vary, the results are ultimately the same with a captivating cool pink alloy which is durable, versatile and compliments most skin tones.

With designers eager to introduce some variety into their otherwise gold and silver collections, rose gold is making an appearance in not only fashion and jewellery but even electronics such as the Apple Watch. From Blake Lively’s unconventional Lorraine Schwartz rose gold engagement ring to the stunning rose gold Cartier jewels worn by actress Priyanka Chopra at the Met Gala 2018, rose gold is well and truly making its presence felt again.

Alluring yet demure and mature yet youthful– rose gold is a medley of contrasts that work together in harmony. With its versatility and popularity, it would appear that rose gold jewellery is here to stay.

For inspiration, check out our roundup of beautiful rose gold jewellery pieces that will have you feeling classical and trendy, all at the same time.

 

Want to stay ahead of the curve? Check out our predictions for the Top 3 jewellery trends for Fall 2018.

 

Text: Hira Desai

Images courtesy of:

Bulgari
Chanel
Chaumet
Chopard
Graff
Van Cleef & Arpels
Piaget

Chopard Red Carpet Collection sparkles at Cannes Film Festival

Having been an official partner of the renowned Cannes Film Festival for nigh-on two decades, Chopard is an old hand at delivering exceptional jewellery designs to match the allure and glamour of Hollywood. And, unsurprisingly, the haute joallerie atelier’s latest Cartier Red Carpet Collection 2018 proves, yet again, why it is the favoured jeweller to the stars.

Chopard Red Carpet Collection is the brainchild of Creative Director Caroline Scheufele

This newest edition is the brainchild of Caroline Scheufele, Chopard’s Co-President and Creative Director, and pays homage to the mystique and femininity of the fairer sex.

Cate Blanchett wears Orchid Earrings from the Chopard Red Carpet Collection 2018
Cate Blanchett at the Cannes Festival wearing Orchid Earrings from the Chopard Red Carpet Collection

Perhaps the most famous (so far) pieces of the collection are the Orchid Earrings, worn by Cate Blanchett at the Cannes Festival earlier this year. The stunningly lifelike orchid motif features a wide array of sparkling gemstones, including diamonds, sapphires, tsavorites and more.

A highlight of the Chopard Red Carpet Collection is this elegant diamond-emerald necklace

Other showstopper pieces include a platinum necklace set with alternating diamonds and ‘no oil’ emeralds culminating in a large, pear-cut diamond weighing over 20 carats, and a feathered necklace in 24K yellow gold and titanium, inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Mongolia. The latter, designed in conjuction with feather guru Nelly Saunier, boasts a gold cameo accented with blue apatites, red jasper and violet garnets, and cushioned majestically by heron, ostrich, black pheasant and rooster feathers.

Inspired by Mongolian culture, the Chopard Red Carpet Collection features a unique feathered necklace

Beyond the beautiful designs of the Chopard Red Carpet Collection 2018, the high jewellery brand also crafted the beautiful Palme d’or award, the Cannes Festival’s highest honour, along with other awards presented for its closing ceremonies, all from Fairmined-certified ethical gold.

Larger than life: Top 3 jewellery trends for Fall 2018

Larger than life: Top 3 jewellery trends for Fall 2018

When it comes to Autumn/Winter jewellery, get ready for an extension of the ‘bigger is better’ trend. From unique earrings to ’80s revival, the jewellery trends for Fall 2018 are all about statement-making, head-turning jewellery pieces. Before we dive into a selection of our favourite jewellery pieces for the coming season, remember ladies, one piece of statement-making jewellery at a time, is just what the stylist ordered!

Statement-making earrings

A pair of gorgeous earrings (or a single one!) can not only distract attention from a bad hair day but can also elevate a simple outfit. For ornate earrings, pair with sharp tailoring such a crisp white shirt with high waisted pants. Throw your hair up into a messy bun and allow your earrings to help you look effortlessly put together. For evening looks, combine a pair of gemstone earrings with your favourite little black dress or evening gown and allow your earrings do the talking.

Bold necklaces

For those smart casual days, a bold necklace is the perfect way to dress up an outfit.  While a shirt can be dressed up by pairing with a sparkling necklace and red lipstick, adding a pop of colour to a plain coloured tee or denim can make all the difference. Match a colour of your necklace to one of the colours in your outfit, for a simple but effective touch.

’80s-inspired jewellery

The 80’s were all about mix and matching materials and playing with bold and beautiful colours. People used jewellery as a way to express their individuality and while the elite were able to showcase their wealth by wearing large and stylish fine jewellery, most other people wore costume jewellery of their choice. From large hoops and brightly coloured bracelets to brooches and cocktail rings, there are many types and styles of jewellery that defined the 80’s. Pick a style that suits your personality best, and get ready to strut the streets. 

 

For more jewellery inspiration, check out our guides to the most stunning animal-inspired or carved gemstone jewellery pieces.

Text: Hira Desai

Images courtesy of:

Buccellati
Chanel
Chopard
Dior
Charriol
Chaumet
Swarovski
De Grisogono
Bulgari
Piaget
Mikimoto
Van Cleef & Arpels

Into the wild: 10 animal-inspired jewellery pieces

10 animal-inspired jewellery pieces

Jewellers have long been inspired by wild animals when creating unique designs. In more recent years, however, the trend has grown rapidly, witnessing everything from beautifully embellished swan earrings to statement-making lion necklaces.

The movement has seen luxury brands add special animal-inspired collections to their display windows, with some even adopting a signature icon. For example, Cartier, uses the panther as a symbol of strength and playfulness while the iconic serpent in Bulgari’s Serpenti collection represents transformation, vitality and seduction.

Recalling designs from the Art Deco era, animal lovers can revel in choosing a jewellery piece which matches their personality and spirituality. From the seductive serpent to the dainty butterfly, these incredibly intricate pieces will not only add a unique touch of style to your ensemble but are guaranteed conversation starters.

So if you are looking to take a break from traditional jewellery pieces, listen to your animal instinct and tap into your wild side with our roundup of animal-inspired jewellery pieces.

 

If you are looking for alternative jewellery trends to elevate your evening ensembles, check out our roundup of stunning jewellery pieces with carved gemstones. 

10 stunning jewellery pieces with carved gemstones

10 stunning jewellery pieces with carved gemstones

Jewellers, the world over, have perpetually been inspired by artists of a bygone era. Carved gemstones are a great example of what can be created when the two worlds collide. While the technique has been around since ancient times, carved gemstones can add an incredible new dimension to the realm of contemporary jewellery.

Historically, gem cutters have carved gemstones with mystical symbols or with inscriptions. The intricate marble carvings on temples such as the Taj Mahal, also provided a great source of inspiration for jewellers. In ancient Greece, stone engraving became popular in the form of deep-cut intaglios while the Romans, Persians and Egyptians turned rough gemstones into carved jewels which were then worn by members of the royal family.   

Today, the jewellery industry taps into the legendary carving technique with the assistance of modern tools to produce an array of high quality contemporary pieces.  From jadeite and emeralds to sapphires and tanzanites, our roundup of stunning jewellery pieces with carved gemstones will inspire you to add a touch of classicism to your modern day ensembles.

 

When it comes to summer fashion, florals never fail us. Check out our roundup of summer jewellery picks to help inspire your style this season.

Text: Hira Desai 

Pouty petals and flirty foliage: Spruce up your summer ensembles with floral jewellery

Spruce up your summer ensembles with floral jewellery

When it comes to Spring/Summer fashion, florals never fail us. And this year, adorning the face, body and hair with floral themed jewellery is one of the hottest trends.

It would be folly; however, to assume that floral jewellery and accessories was a thing of was the contemporary world. Dating back to the ancient years, floral jewellery and adornments have traditionally been worn in Indian weddings, as well as being used as part of the ceremony itself. In more recent years, this trend has been adopted by the West, with summer brides opting for floral headpieces in line with the bohemian chic style.

Due to extensive depiction of flower jewellery by celebrities, the trend has slowly made a come back with luxury jewellery brands experimenting with a variety of shapes, styles and materials.

From the ethereal and feminine designs of Piaget’s Rose collection to Swarovski’s contemporary and statement-making styles, we have pulled together a roundup of our favourite jewellery picks to help inspire your style this season.

 

To read more about this seasons hottest jewellery trends, check out our guide to drop earrings or statement-making cuffs

Text: Hira Desai 

The Big Match: If you want to look great, coordinate…

Gafencu’s style team has shortlisted the hottest summer looks, be they brazenly bold or flirtatiously feminine. So go ahead and get those heads turning. Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise!

Gafencu's round-up of the hottest summer looks

Playful and princess-like pastels

Flirt with your feminine side with this playfully pastel look, with just the right dash of boldness from Bulgari’s Serpenteyes Serpenti sunglasses.

Playful, princess-like pinks

Products:

John Nollet’s A Star is Born hair comb for Atelier Swarovski
Bulgari Serpenteyes Serpenti sunglasses
BVLGARI-BVLGARI 18K rose gold flip bracelet with mother-of-pearls
Fendi Mon Tresor bag
Etro flat sandal with ribbons

Go bold or go home

Throw caution to the wind and go bold this summer! This orange-yellow-black ensemble will surely draw some eyes your way.

Go bold or go home

Products:

F is for Fendi gold earrings
Louis Vuitton Las Vegas Parano sunglasses
Delvaux high-pin taurillon soft paprika bag
Versace Wild Baroque print silk square scarf
Bottega Veneta sandal in Nero Sunset Intrecciato patent calf

An homage to love

From bedazzled red lips of Giuseppe Zanotti’s Harmony Bouche heel to the heart-printed Fendi Red Python Heart Mini Kan I bag, pay homage to love and channel your inner Queen of Hearts with this gorgeous selection of accessories.

An homage to love

Products:

BVLGARI-BVLGARI Gelati pink gold ring with corallum rubrum and diamonds
Fendi Red Python Heart Mini Kan I bag
Matsuda Sun sunglasses
Giuseppe Zanotti Harmony Bouche heel

Understatedly elegant blue hues

Spruce up your summer attire with these fun blue-themed accents for an understatedly elegant look.

Understated yet elegant blue hues

Products:

Pomellato New Nudo Collection sunglasses
Kate Spade A New Leaf slider necklace
Tag Heuer Formula 1 Lady watch
Tory Burch Anette pumps and Abbey Floral printed clutch

Mix-and-match at its best

From Valentino’s Garavani Rockstud Spike Butterfly shoulder bag to Chanel’s beautiful pink and yellow resin bracelet, this mix-and-match selection is sure to set tongues wagging.

Mix-and-match at its best

Products:

BVLGARI-BVLGARI necklaces in 18K rose gold
Oversized square-frame metal sunglasses by Gucci
Valentino Garavani Rockstud Spike Butterfly embroidered shoulder bag
Chanel bracelet in metal with pink and yellow resin and strass
Chloe Lauren flat sandal

Unleashing your inner animal

Embrace your inner animal in a playful way with these fun and feminine accessories, and wow your friends with these hottest summer looks.

Unleash your inner animal

Products:

Louis Vuitton Essential V light pink earrings
Printed scarf by Maison Scotch
Kate Spade Flamingo Sam bag
Louis Vuitton Daily Monogram white bracelet
Malone Souliers Maureen flat pump