Category: Jewellery

Choose a Chopard gift to drive an arrow through the heart this V-Day

Classic or quirky, a Chopard gift is designed to win hearts every single time.

Chopard Gift of Love

The ‘most romantic day of the year’ is fast approaching, so if you are still wondering what to gift your significant other, we have a fail-proof tip for you: You can’t go wrong with Chopard.

Swiss luxury brand Chopard has embraced the universal sign of love, the heart emblem, as their own. As Artistic Director Caroline Scheufele puts it, “If I were to associate Chopard with an object, it would be a Big Heart.”

Chopard’s latest odes to love are their jewellery collections: Happy Hearts and Happy Diamonds. The dainty designs are perfect V-Day gifts and the moving hearts on some designs add a touch of enigma so well-suited in matters of the heart!

Those looking to gift something a little different can check out Chopard’s watch collections. While the Happy Sport 36mm with changeable straps is designed for the many moods of a modern woman, the L.U.C XP is a must-have accessory for a gentleman’s wardrobe.

It’s not easy to predict affairs of the heart, but it’s safe to say that a Chopard gift will create the right impression anytime!

SNEAK PEEK: Rare gems coming to Hong Kong International Jewellery Show

Here's a sneak peek at the upcoming Hong Kong International Jewellery Show
Here’s a sneak peek at the upcoming Hong Kong International Jewellery Show

Leading industry associations from around the world will be showcasing a range of exquisite jewellery and gemstones at the 35th edition of HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show. From 1st to 5th March, The Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre will become home to some of the world’s most prized possessions.      

Whether you are on the look out for a statement piece or a timeless investment, keep your eyes peeled for these precious gems:

1. Art Creations

Known for sourcing the world’s most exceptional gemstones and with more than two decades of exceptional experience, Art Creations is a great investment opportunity for investors and collectors alike. Manufactured to the highest standards in New York City and in exquisitely crafted jewellery designs, the timeless “art creations” focus on unique gems set in platinum and gold.

Magnificent Colombian Emerald and Diamond ring from Art Creations to show at Hong Kong International Jewellery Show

Product details: Magnificent Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring, set with a cushion-cut emerald weighing approximately 16.78 carat, flanked on either side by 1.80-carat trapezoid diamonds and mounted in Platinum.
Product value: US$300,000
Country/Region: USA
Booth No: CEC GH-B32
Zone: Hall of Extraordinary
Website: www.artcreationsjewelry.com

2. Dawn Jewellery (HK) Limited

Dawn Jewellery brings beautiful necklace to Hong Kong International Jewellery Show

Dawn – suggesting sunrise from the East – represents a desire to refresh the definition of jewellery. Learning from craftsmen all over the world and making use of valued traditions from the past, Dawn create jewellery with stories that can be passed down to future generations. The diverse selection ranges from collector’s pieces to daily wearable to provide a variety of choices for those who wish to accentuate their personal style.

Product details: Natural Lavender Jadeite Necklace Set with Ruby, Pink Sapphire and Diamond.
Product value: HK$980,000
Country/Region: Hong Kong
Booth No: CEC GH-A20
Zone: Hall of Extraordinary
Website: http://www.dawnjewellery.com

3. Renee Jewellers

Creator Mr Neeraj Jain, a graduate in Jewellery Arts and Ms. Subhra Sen, a leading jewellery designer, deliver on their promise to produce unique, one-of-a-kind investments and couture pieces that stand the test of time, trends and market forces. Their creative pieces are inspired by the beauty and charisma of women.

Renee Jewellers is one of the exhibitors at the upcoming Hong Kong International Jewellery Show

Product details: 18K Diamond and Sapphire ring with 9.01 carats of royal blue sapphire.
Product Value: US$68,800
Country/Region: United Arab Emirates
Booth No: CEC GH-A15
Zone: Hall of Extraordinary
Website: http://www.reneejewellers.com

4. Belford Jewellery

Belford Jewellery – a Hong Kong based company – was founded in 1976. Today, it can be found in several international markets such as Japan, South East Asia, and the Middle East, to name a few. The innovative yet timeless style combines seamlessly, while their modern collections work in harmony with fashion trends and contemporary designs. Thus, it comes as no surprise that homegrown Belford Jewellery is a winner of numerous awards in design and craftsmanship.

Peony diamond brooch on a diamond bangle from Belford Jewellery is a highlight at the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show

Product details: Peony diamond brooch on a diamond bangle in 18K Gold. Marquise and pear shaped diamond, 4.16 carats. Rose cut diamonds, 6.53 carats. Round brilliant diamonds, 9.20 carats.
Product Value: HK$306,000
Country/Region: Hong Kong
Booth No: CEC GH-L01
Zone: Hall of Extraordinary
Website: http://www.belfordhk.com

5. Sarah Zhuang Jewellery Limited

Recreating the beautiful skyline of Hong Kong using famous landmarks such as Tsing Ma Bridge, Bank of China Building and Chi Lin Nunnery, this bangle not only represents as a masterpiece of innovative design and skilled craftsmanship, but of a city where “East meets West”. Sarah Zhuang, the designer of this unique piece, received the Best of Show Award at the 19th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition, hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

Intricate diamond and white gold craftsmanship from Sarah Zhuang Jewellery

Product details: 18K white gold 193.05 grams, Diamonds 18.47carats
Product value: HK$549,900
Country/Region: Hong Kong
Booth No: CEC 1CON-036
Zone: Designer Galleria
Website: http://www.sarahzhuang.com

And the choice doesn’t end there. For the ultimate jewel devotees, the concurrent Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show will make your heart stop and your eyes sparkle.

Event details:

Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, 1-5 March
Venue: Hong Kong Convention Centre & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai.
Tickets: HK$100
For more information: hkjewelleryshow.hktdc.com

Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show, 27 February – 3 March
Venue: AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau Island
Tickets: HK$100
For more information: hkdgp.hktdc.com

Buyers with validated badges for either show; can also visit the concurrent for free of charge. 

Text: Hira Desai

 

 

Mystical Amulets: Feminine talismans to carry around for good luck

An amulet, by definition, is a magical ornament or piece of jewellery thought to ward off evil, danger or disease. Throughout history, countless civilisations have relied on good luck charms – such as the Celtic four-leafed clover or the ancient planetary symbols used in alchemy – in hopes that they will procure positive outcomes.

Drawing inspiration from the rich traditions of astrology, folklore, religion and tarot, a number of haute joaillerie labels have infused their latest collections with magic and mysticism.

De Beers’ Wondrous Sphere is the crowning jewel of the lot. The origins of this three-dimensional sphere date back to the early celestial charts that people used to map the stars. The piece contains nearly 64 carats worth of rough and polished diamonds, with several jewel-encrusted rings orbiting around a green rough diamond.

Chopard’s Good Luck Charms line, meanwhile, features the Hand of Fatima – also called hamsa, meaning “five”, in reference to fingers – a popular symbol found throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Depicting an open right hand, the symbol is said to protect against the “evil eye”, a malicious stare believed to cause illness, death and misfortune.

To anyone who took up maths in school, the infinity symbol – as seen in Tiffany’s new range – is an easy one to spot. The sign stems from omega, the last letter in the Greek alphabet, and it’s occasionally reinterpreted as the ouroboros symbol – a serpent eating its own tail.

Whether or not you buy into the magical juju that underpins these collections is neither here nor there. These elegant amulets can instead be viewed as important anthropological symbols, or merely worn for their unique allure. And maybe – just maybe they’ll bring you a bit of luck as a bonus.

Chopard hosts Happy Hearts exhibition to celebrate store opening at Elements

Swiss high joaillerie brand Chopard has just opened a new boutique at Elements. Chopard threw a star-studded cocktail reception on 12 January to announce the grand opening. 

Renowned actress Cherie Chung officiated the ribbon-cutting and lion dance ceremony, along with Chopard’s Artistic Director and Co-President Caroline Scheufele, Chopard Asia-Pacific’s CEO Stephan Ritzmann and MTR Corporation’s top brass Theresa Leung. The event also saw footfall by socialites such as Jessica Cambensy, Antonia Li, Veronica Lam, Elly Lam, Victoria Tang, Jason Chan and many others. 

To mark the occasion, the jewellery house is also hosting a Happy Hearts exhibition at the mall’s Metal Zone atrium from 12 to 21 January.

Featuring Chopard’s iconic heart’s collection, the exhibition is a tribute to the brand’s key motif of love. On display are long sautoir necklaces, pendants, bracelets, bangles, rings and earrings from the Happy Hearts collection. The showstopper of the exhibition was definitely the giant bangle tunnel, which provides great photo opportunities for guests!

Sunlight Journey: Piaget blends signature style with intriguing materials

Piaget’s newly unveiled Sunlight Journey collection presents high jewellery aficionados with beautifully designed accessories inspired by the vibrant colours of Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

As one might expect from a jewellery house of Piaget’s calibre, Sunlight Journey features some truly stunning precious gems. There’s the unassumingly named one-of-a-kind Piaget Blue Ring, which features a staggering 53.45-carat Burmese blue sapphire atop a bed of brilliant-cut diamonds. Another showstopper is the Sunlight Journey Necklace, whose complementary rings of rubies, yellow diamonds and white diamonds evoke images of a glorious sunset.

But beyond the suitably impressive gemstone-based pieces in the Sunlight Journey collection, Piaget has also come up with some truly innovative designs. Take, for instance, the Covazzura Diamond Ring. Designed by famed feather artisan Nelly Saunier, this ‘hidden’ ring boasts a secret compartment with impeccably paired gemstone and feather marquetry.

Watches in Piaget’s Sunlight Journey collection also utilise a whole host of unusual materials. The Infinite Waves Watch dial features three separate materials, wood, mother-of-pearl and parchment, arranged over 224 intricate layers. Meanwhile the Schiuma Di Ora Watch boasts a delicate gold leaf dial and a smattering of eggshell particles reminiscent of wispy clouds across a bright summer’s day.

All in all, the Sunlight Journey collection plays to all of Piaget’s strengths while also putting an almost playful spin on classic designs. It is a study in complementing gemstones and contrasting materials, and guaranteed to delight any high jewellery lover.

Text: Tenzing Thondup
Images: Gigi Ip

Put a Ring on It: A simple guide to finding the perfect engagement ring

An engagement ring isn’t just a symbol of love. It’s a gift that will last a lifetime. But with so many choices available, it’s hard to get a grasp on finding the right one for The One. But if you’re in a ring daze, we’re here to make life a little bit easier with these simple pointers.

Present your loved one with the perfect engagement ring

1) Set a budget

Before we even delve into the business of gem selection, the very first step is to set a budget. You’ve probably heard the saying that an engagement ring should cost about two months’ salary. Don’t give it too much credence. It was part of a massive marketing campaign in the 1940s by diamond retailer DeBeers (the company also coined the phrase ‘a diamond is forever’). A better guideline is to set a budget that won’t drive you to bankruptcy. Your future fiancée will probably prefer a reasonably-sized ring and a solvent partner rather than a bigger stone and an indebted husband-to-be.

Think carefully about the setting of your engagement ring

2) Select the right stone

When it comes to an engagement ring’s centrepiece, the most sought-after gemstone by far is the proverbial ‘girl’s best friend’: a diamond. If you’re sticking to this classic, make sure you balance the 4 Cs – colour, clarity, cut and carat weight. (Flummoxed? Check out our guide to diamonds here.) If you inclined to be a bit more adventurous, your partner’s favourite gemstone or actual birthstone might also be avenues to explore. 

Diamonds come in all shapes and sizes

3) Pick the right shape

Diamonds and other precious stones come in all shapes and sizes ranging from the classic round cut and square-shaped princess cut to oval, heart, triangle and pear cuts. Ultimately, choosing a suitable shape depends heavily on your loved one’s personal tastes. But if you’re unsure, opt for the ever-popular round- or princess-cut gemstones.

Coloured diamonds could be the perfect engagement ring centrepiece

4) Choose the right band

White gold, rose gold, yellow gold, platinum. Choosing the material can be pretty straight-forward if you pay attention to your partner’s tastes in jewellery. Keep an eye out for her favourite pieces and match the material!

Good luck on your proposal

5) Size the ring correctly

There’s nothing more disheartening than proposing with the perfect engagement ring, only to discover that it doesn’t fit on your new fiancée’s finger. Though it may not be a complete deal breaker, nip any potential awkwardness in the bud by getting the right size before you go down on one knee. Discreetly borrow one of her less-used rings and take it to a jeweller to get an accurate measurement.

An engagement ring is the gift of a lifetime

Ultimately, picking the perfect engagement ring will take a goodly amount of time and thought. But with proper planning, it can be a manageable and even educational journey. Explore all options carefully. High-end jewellery ateliers like Tiffany & Co. or Bvlgari will have plenty of ready-made designs, but if you have something specific in mind, don’t be afraid to approach a custom jeweller. Or explore both sides of the family for an heirloom to give your engagement an added dimension. Good luck!

Text: Tenzing Thondup

Buying Diamonds: Navigating the 4 Cs of the diamond world

There was once a time when buying diamonds meant embarking into a time-consuming and often confusing journey through incongruent metrics and sizing charts. The process became infinitely easier when the Gemology Institute of America (GIA) universalised international gemstone measurements. Now, becoming an amateur diamond expert is only as difficult as familiarising yourself with the 4 Cs – clarity, cut, colour and carat weight.

Stone cutting is one of the qualities to look at when buying diamonds

Carat Weight

The old adage ‘bigger is better’ definitely holds true when it comes to gemstones, and carat weight is perhaps the most basic measurement to look at when it comes to buying diamonds. Prices increase exponentially as carat weight increases. Why? Because larger stones are rarer, more desirable and infinitely more challenging to design. While it’s tempting to go for the largest rock you can afford, always remember to balance it with cut, colour and clarity. 

Clarity

Did you know that naturally-occurring diamonds are formed when carbon in the planet’s crust is exposed to extreme heat and pressure? It probably comes as no surprise, then, that minerals in close proximity also get added to the process. These additional blemishes, known as inclusions in the gemology world, significantly reduce overall appearance. So if you’re aiming for a top-quality stone, opt for ‘flawless’ or ‘internally flawless’ clarity.

When buying diamonds, pay attention to clarity

Cut

Although one might assume that cut refers to the shape of the diamond (round, oval, square, etc), it is, in fact, a grading that reflects how well a gemstone’s facets reflect light. Of all the 4 Cs, this is the only one influenced by man rather than Mother Nature. A professional cutter shapes the rough diamond for the best possible symmetry and shine. Any cuts that are too shallow or deep will create a dull, lacklustre finish, while a well-cut stone can appear larger than its true size!  

Colour

When it comes to buying diamonds, the term ‘colour’ is something of a misnomer, as they are actually prized for the lack thereof. At the top of the charts are completely colourless D-grade stones, while at the other end of the spectrum, Z-grade gems have a distinctly yellow tinge. If you’re really looking for a dazzling showstopper, D diamonds are the way to go.

Diamonds range from D to Z grades

While each of the 4 Cs directly influences any diamond, it is the combined interplay between them that creates the ultimate look and appeal. Talk to a reputable jeweller about your budget and gem requirements for the best results. When buying larger stones, always make sure to ask for the accompanying GIA certificate to ensure authenticity.

If you’re interested in learning more about diamond grading, GIA offers some exclusive courses in Hong Kong. Find out more details on their website here. 

Text: Tenzing Thondup

 

Miss Jewelry Hong Kong pageant dazzles in its fifth edition

Hong Kong Manufacturer’s Jewelry Association (HKJMA) recently hosted the fifth Miss Jewelry Hong Kong pageant at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Convention Hall. Held every two years, the pageant invites models with jewellery knowledge and self-confidence to be ambassadors of Hong Kong’s thriving jewellery industry.

This year, the theme of the pageant was ‘Dream with Hope’ – a theme that carries the message of positive aspirations. The dream did come true for Kimmy Low of Malaysia who was crowned the winner from all the contestants who came from Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Canada.

Jessica Fong, chairperson of the fifth edition of the pageant, spoke about the objective of the event, “Hong Kong is an international city which, at the same time, carries the heritage of rich Chinese tradition. That’s why Hong Kong’s jewellery designers can mix the best of two worlds to produce outstanding designs with international vision. We organise Miss Jewelry Hong Kong pageant every two years to promote Hong Kong’s jewellery industry through these beautiful and confident models.”

The event was attended by Miss Hong Kong Kate Tsui, celebrity makeup artist Gary Chung, evening gown designer Kev Yiu, actress Ankie Beilke and top models like Mikki Yao, Bobo Li and Zoey Sham.

Photo: HKJMA

Donnersmarck Diamonds: Opulent gemstones with a saucy history

Donnersmarck Diamonds were commissioned by Prussian Count for courtesan La Paiva
The Donnersmarck Diamonds were commissioned by a Prussian Count for infamous courtesan La Païva

As part of its Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels auction, Sotheby’s is offering a pair of cushion and pear-shaped diamonds weighing in at 102.54 and 82.47 carats, respectively. Colloquially known as the Donnersmarck Diamonds, the duo was estimated to fetch between US$9-$14 million when it went under the hammer in November.

Physical properties aside, they possess a unique provenance, having previously belonged to the Russian-born French courtesan La Païva. A legendary socialite who arrived in Paris at 18, La Païva was infamous for throwing decadent soirees at her hotel particulier on the Champs Elysées. After a trifling marriage to a Portuguese marquis, she settled on the Prussian industrialist Count Henckel Von Donnersmarck – among the wealthiest of Europe’s 19th century aristocrats.

Historians report that the Count was so besotted with La Païva that, after they were married in 1871, he commissioned the Donnersmarck Diamonds. Imaginatively classified by Sotheby’s as “Jewels of Noble Provenance”, they are the latest in a slew of lots dedicated to gemstones owned by aristocrats. The stones remained in the Donnersmarck family long after La Païva’s death, appearing at auction for the first time in 2007.

Images: Sotheby’s

Peace Diamond: Graff acquires massive 709-carat rough diamond

Graff announces acquisition of 709-carat Peace Diamond
Graff announces acquisition of 709-carat Peace Diamond

Hot on the heels of purchasing the gargantuan Lesedi La Rona rough diamond earlier this year, luxury jewellery atelier Graff just announced its acquisition of yet another behemoth – the 709-carat Peace Diamond. Mined in the tiny village of Koryardu, this rough diamond is the second largest of its kind to be found in Sierra Leone.

Continuing the jewellery brand’s charitable legacy, all proceeds from the Peace Diamond sale will be funnelled back into to help the people of Sierra Leone. Laurence Graff, chairman of Graff Diamonds, said, “It is an honour to have acquired this magnificent rough diamond – and that its sale will directly benefit a country in desperate need. It is always special to be able to give back to the places that provide us with these beautiful stones.”

Peace Diamond is just the latest acquisition by Graff

The luxury diamond manufacturer is an old hand at transforming large uncut stones into glittering masterpieces. The Golden Empress, a 132.55-carat fancy intense yellow diamond, and the 118.78-carat heart-shaped Graff Venus are just two such examples. There’s no word yet on what the ultimate look of Peace Diamond will be, but if Graff’s previous works are anything to go by, it’s guaranteed to be a showstopper.

Images: Graff