Category: Jewellery

Flower Power: Sparkling high-end jewellery inspired by nature

Since time immemorial, humans have been enamoured with all things floral. Embraced as symbols of everything from new life and fertility to passion and romance, their natural beauty has entranced and enchanted at every turn. Small wonder, then, that they are a constant, never-ending source of inspiration behind the timeless creations of countless high-end jewellery brands.

Floral Trend 

In fact, so strong is this floral love affair that many iconic marques have actually adopted their own flower emblems. Take, for instance, Dior and Piaget, who have both selected the rose as their blossom of choice and unveiled entire collections dedicated to the thorny blossom. Elsewhere, there’s Chanel and the camellia, Chaumet and the hydrangea, and so forth.

Also read: Rainbow hues in high-end jewellery for the colourful customer

Featuring a startling array of colours, shapes and sizes, this nature-inspired leitmotif is flexible to the extreme. Some flower designs are subtle, demure, and perfectly suited for everyday wear. However, the other end of the spectrum accentuates precision jewellery-making at its very finest, using a smorgasbord of precious and semi-precious gemstones and skilled craftsmanship to portray all the inherent beauty of flowers in truly dazzling style.

 

Also read: Talented Hong Kong jewellery designers you have to checkout

Haute Joaillerie houses embrace stunning rainbow hues in their designs

In contemporary times, the rainbow has come to symbolise hope and new beginnings, so it’s no surprise that haute joaillerie houses the world over have embraced this motif during the current Covid-dominant times. Gone are the days when single-colour styles were in vogue, and in their place are a veritable treasure trove of prismatic designs, pieces that unabashedly embrace a multi-hued appeal.

Subtler creations are imbued with an ombré effect, one that utilises precious gemstones of similar colours to create a graduated look. A prime example of this is the stunning necklace from premium Japanese brand Tasaki’s latest High Jewellery collection, and Tiffany & Co.’s Colors of Nature necklace.

More outré designs that truly reflect the kaleidoscopic nature of rainbows, meanwhile, are also on offer from such luxury labels as Bulgari, with its vivid, gem-studded Multicolore necklace, and Boucheron’s multifaceted ring.

  1. Boucheron ring
  2. Bulgari Multicolore necklace
  3. Piaget Extraordinary Lights earrings
  4. Harry Winston Sparks earrings
  5. Robinson Pelham Synchronicity Rainbow Ray Inner ring
  6. Rosior multicolour earrings
  7. Tasaki High Jewellery necklace
  8. Tiffany & Co. Colors of Nature necklace

 

Engagement watches are the new engagement rings

Modern couples and forward-thinking individuals are setting the trend for engagement watches – breaking the mould of traditional engagement gifts.

Gafencu_engagement_watches_luxury_timepiece_piaget_couples watch- his and her watch
(Photo: Piaget)

Not unbeknownst to any watch aficionado, gifting a fine watch, especially to men, have long been a sentiment and symbolism to reflect a person’s taste, lifestyle and class. Timeless, versatile and meaningful in every form, it’s little wonder why engagement watches are on the rise. But as modern society would have it, women too, have taken a keen interests in the practicality of wearing chronographs over jewellery.  

Gafencu_engagement_watches_luxury_timepiece_omega_couples watch- his and her watch
(Photo: Omega)

Thankfully, watches today range drastically for both genders, from dress watches with classic vintage straps to high-jewellery timepieces for with diamond-set dials, each matching the unique personality and style of its owners. But which one makes for the perfect engagement watch to say “Yes” to and cement the kind of love worth celebrating? Here are a few of our recommendations…

FOR A CLASSIC SWISS 

For her: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust 
28mm, 18ct yellow gold set with a white mother-of-pearl dial, and diamond-set hour-markers and bezel; Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown, a scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date and a semi-circular three-piece links President bracelet. Powered by a Bidirectional self-winding movement calibre 2236 with a power reserve of 55 hours and is waterproof up to 100 meters.

For him: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36
36mm, 18ct white gold dial set with baguette-cut diamonds on the hour markers, Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown, featuring a fluted bezel with scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date on a semi-circular three-piece links President bracelet. Bidirectional self-winding movement calibre 3255 with a 70-hour power reserve and is waterproof up to 100 meters.

FOR THE ADVENTEROUS TYPE

For Her: Omega Constellation Co-Axial Master Chronometer 29mm 
29mm, 18k Sedna gold, diamond-paved bezel, sun-brushed blue dial with diamond hour markers and a date window at 6 o’clock within a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal case. The bracelet, hands, OMEGA logo, Constellation star and diamond holders are also in 18K Sedna™ gold. Powered by OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8701 visible through the domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

For Him: Omega Constellation Co-Axial Master Chronometer 39mm
39mm, 18K Sedna gold on leather strap, engraved bezel with Roman numerals, silk-embossed blue dial and a date window at 6 o’clock. The hands, OMEGA logo, Constellation star and indexes are all in 18K Sedna™ gold. Powered by OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8801 visible through the domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

Also Read: How to choose the perfect engagement ring for your bride-to-be

FOR A STATEMENT PIECE

For her: Audemar Piguet Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie
42mm, salmon dial with  with “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, white gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating; Titanium case, glareproofed sapphire crystal, screw-locked crown with Titanium bracelet with AP folding clasp. Hand-Wound Minute repeater Supersonnerie, hours, minutes and small seconds with a 72-hour power reserve.

For him: Audemar Piguet Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie
42mm, Black dial with “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, white gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating; 950 platinum case, glareproofed sapphire crystal, screw-locked crown, hand-stitched “large square scale” black alligator strap with 950 platinum AP folding clasp. Hand-Wound Minute repeater Supersonnerie, hours, minutes and small seconds with a 72-hour power reserve

FOR A POLO WATCH

For Her: Piaget Polo Date High Jewellery watch
36mm, 18k white gold case set with 80 brilliant-cut diamonds (1.22 ct), 352 brilliant-cut (1.21 ct) diamond-paved-set dial,  crown set with 9 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.02 ct) and bracelet in 18K white gold set with 1315 brilliant-cut diamonds (5.69 cts). Powered by a Manufacture Piaget 500P1 self-winding mechanical movement, visible through its sapphire crystal case back. 

For Him: Piaget Polo Chronograph watch
42mm, 18K white gold case set with 178 brilliant-cut diamonds (2.70 cts), 286 brilliant-cut diamond pave (1.0 ct) set dial with blue counters, crown set with a brilliant-cut diamond (0.10 ct), buckle set with 15 brilliant-cut diamonds (0.10 ct) on an interchangeable strap. Powered by Manufacture Piaget 1160P self-winding mechanical movement with chronograph and date on Blue-coloured oscillating weight. 

FOR AN ICONIC TIMEPIECE

For Her: Cartier Tank Louis 
30mm, case in 18K white gold set with 254-brilliant-cut diamonds (2.20 ct), beaded crown in 18K white gold-set with brilliant-cut diamond (0.12 ct). Sword-shaped hands in blue steel on a skeleton sapphire dial on fuchsia or burgundy alligator skin and 18K diamond-set white gold double adjustable folding bucket (0.42 ct). Water resistant of up to 30 meters. Calibre 9616 MC, hand-wound mechanical movement with a power reserve of up to approximately three days. Complication fully visible under sapphire crystal and case back. 

For Him: Cartier Tank Asymétrique 
47.15 mm, platinum case on navy blue or black alligator skinstraps. Buckle and crown set with 251 brilliant-cut diamonds (2.21 ct). Blue-steel sword-shaped hands and Arabic numerals on the hour-markers on skeletonised dial. Manufacture hand-wound mechanical movement with manual winding, calibre 9623 MC (112 parts, 22 jewels) and 48-hour power reserve.

FOR A CLASSIC MATCH

For Her: Longines the record collection
26mm, 18k pink gold, white mother-of-pearl dial with pink hands, 12 Top Wesselton VS-SI diamond-set (o.034 ct) hour-markers, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass and case back on brown alligator strap. COSC self-winding mechanical movement with a power reserve of 45-hours. Water resistant up to 30 meters.

For Him: Longines Master Collection
40mm, 18 rose gold, anti-wear synthetic sapphier glass and case back, sukver “wheat grain” decoration with blue steel hands and lacquered Arabic numerals on brown alligator strap, L888 self-winding mechanical movement with a power reserve of 72-hours

Also Read: Create bespoke wedding moments in Hong Kong

FOR A BEDAZZLING NUMBER

For Her: Patek Philippe Twenty~4 7300/1450R
36mm, Rose gold Haute Joaillerie model. 384 diamonds are set on the dial “snow setting” while its bezel, crown and rose gold bracelet are paved with diamonds. Sitting underneath its rose gold case and sapphire-crystal case back is a self-winding movement Calibre 324 S.

For Him: Patek Philippe Calatrava 4978/400G-001
36.5mm, Diamond Ribbon Joaillerie model. 679 diamonds of graduated size forming a spiral is embellished on the dial, while the bezel, crown and bracelet are paved with diamonds. Featuring a white gold case and sapphire-crystal case back that encloses its ultra-thin self-winding mechanical movement Caliber 240.

FOR THE SOPHISTICATED PAIR

For Her: Jager LeCoultre Reverso Classic Duetto pink gold
21mm, Pink gold, silvered grey dial with vertical satin-brushed and guilloché, black transferred numerals and Bâton hands on the front and frosted numerls with Dauphones hands and frosted numerals on the back dial, finished with diamond settings on the top and bottom edges. Manual-winding movement Jaeger LeCoultre Calibre 844 (223 parts, 19 jewels).

For Him: Jager LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Moon
29.9mm, Stainless Steel with leather strap, silverd grey dial with appliqued hour-markers and dauphones hands with a moon phase and date indicator at 6 o’clock at the front; and dauphoines hands, appliqued hour-marker on Blue, guilloché, velvety Clous de Paris dial at the back. Manual winding movement, Jaeger LeCoultre Calibre 853A (100 parts, 18 jewels).

FOR SOMETHING WITH HISTORY

For Her: Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Cocktail 2-Hand
25.6mm, 18k rose gold, White guilloché dial, black satin strap with a diamond buckle, case set with round brilliant cut diamonds (1.53 ct), Quartz movement. Water resistant up to 30 meters.

For Him: Tiffany & Co. Tiffany 1837 Makers 27mm Square Watch
27mm, 18k rose gold with a rose gold soleil dial, limited edition applied gray Arabic numerals, gray alligator strap, hand-wound mechanical movement with power reserve of 42 hours. Water resistant up to 50 meters.

 

Also Read: Asia’s most stylish traditional wedding gowns

Boucheron’s magestic Wladimir Le Chat takes centre stage

Wladimir, the majestic feline emblem from French high jewellery house Boucheron’s first high jewellery creations, retakes centre stage.

Boucheron Wladimir_le-chat_the cat ring_gafencu

The Wladimir Le Chat Ring is a subtle blend of green and sparkling white. Set with diamonds and tsavorites on a white gold band, the captivating cat is delicately sculpted with an edged nose and black sapphire eyes, and wears a necklace of eight rounded tsavorites centred by a pear-cut stone.

Boucheron Wladimir_le-chat_the cat pendant_gafencu

The yellow and white gold Wladimir Le Chat Pendant, on the other hand, is studded with champagne diamonds and a pair of vivid green agates. Tsavorite eyes and a diamond necklace with a central pear-cut diamond complete the gem-loving puss’ look.

 

For more information, please visit boucheron.com.

Ring It In: Attention-grabbing cocktail rings for that special occasion

The Roaring Twenties heralded a time of enormous change, with women of the world over fighting for equality and freedom as never before. Reflecting this changing mindset, the traditional norms of jewellery-wearing were also turned on its head. Replacing the demure designs of yesteryear were a plethora of attention-grabbing creations that were as unapologetically bold as they were beautiful – and none more so than cocktail rings.

  1. Harry Winston Dancing Flames ring
  2. Harry Winston Sweet Heart ring
  3. Chopard Red Carpet Collection 2021
  4. Chanel Collection No.5 Diamond Stopper ring

These items of haute joaillerie first came into being during the US’ Prohibition Era, when trailblazing women attended illegal cocktail parties and soirées dressed to the nines. Jewellery, of course, played its part in announcing the status of a lady, and fashionistas would purposely don large gem-studded rings on the hand they used to sip their illicit tipple of choice. This, unsurprisingly, birthed the term ‘cocktail ring’.

  1. Piaget Extraordinary Lights ring
  2. Chaumet Torsade de Chaumet ring
  3. Van Cleef Arpels Iwamoto ring
  4. Bulgari Ruby Metamrphosis ring

Today, these gorgeous bijouterie may not have the same political significance as during its inception, but they nevertheless remain a surefire method of ensuring you snare any passing gaze. Adorned with oversized diamonds, rubies, sapphires and other precious stones, these conversation starters will never go out of style, be it as unabashed symbols of wealth and power or simply an easy ice-breaker at your next fancy do.

  1. Buccellati Iris ring
  2. Cartier Parhelia ring
  3. De Beers Namib Wonder open ring
  4. Hermès Lignes Sensibles ring

The very best of the year’s high jewellery bracelets…

In spite of combating perhaps one of the most challenging periods in history, the world’s leading jewellery brands have served up a truly arresting array of high jewellery collections this year, inspired by everything from the celestial bodies of outer space to the flora and fauna found on planet Earth itself.

Adorned with diamonds, sapphires, rubies and a veritable treasure trove of other precious gems, there are bracelets in the latest High Jewellery 2021 collections for every occasion. Those in search for something subtler, for instance, could do far worse than give David Morris’ sleek yellow and pink diamond bangle or Chaumet’s pure white Torsade de Chaumet number a thorough perusal.

For truly show-stopping creations, haute joaillerie aficionados are absolutely spoilt for choice. To start, there’s De Beers’ desert dune-inspired Namib Wonder cuff, with its dual-tone yellow and white diamond layers fringed with dangling white rough diamonds that swish to and fro.

Then there’s the ruby and diamond-laden Ison bracelet from Van Cleef & Arpels, named for the eponymous comet that exploded after coming into contact with our sun.

Rounding out the list of standouts is luxury label Chopard’s stunning Red Carpet Collection 2021 cuff, whose bright kaleidoscopic hues will surely ensnare any passing gaze.

Turquoise Temptations: Dazzling azure jewellery creations

In the modern world, diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds pretty much dominate the haute joaillerie sphere. However, in times more ancient, there was another gem that represented wealth and influence – the turquoise. Indeed, these bright blue stones captivated cultures across the globe, who often believed they embodied supernatural powers.

The Persians, for example, believed they could ward of unnatural deaths, while ancient Aztecs and Egyptians thought them symbols of power and wisdom that could provide protection even in the afterlife.

Although many believe its name is derived from the stone’s unique hue, turquoise’s etymological roots lie in the French word for Turkey (“turquois”), as early belief held that the gem originated in that country. Turquoises are actually phosphate minerals that are best formed in arid conditions, with the most valuable specimens often mined in Northern Iran.

Flexible to the extreme, the colour of a turquoise depends on its place of origin and mineral make-up, with a higher proportion of copper yielding a bluer hue while the presence of any iron impurities is reflected by a greenish tinge. Given the semi-precious stone’s soft, porous natural state, many such pieces are treated and hardened with a clear epoxy resin before being transformed into sundry bijouterie designs. The result, as instanced by the stunning creations on this page, are well worth the effort.

How to choose the right birthstone for you

A birthstone is a gemstone that represents a person’s period of birth. They were historically believed to hold mythical powers that benefit the wearer, whether in terms of healing, protection or promoting joyfulness. Contrary to popular belief, picking a gemstone doesn’t have to be limited to one stone or colour, rather one can choose a birthstone according to zodiac signs, or their month, day and season of birth. Worn alone or in combination, these gemstones are often fashioned as a jewellery or as a pendant on a necklace. Here are a few different ways you can choose the right birthstone for you…

gafencu magazine A guide to choosing the right birthstone for you different characteristics

What each stone means
According to ancient astrologers, wearing birthstones were believed to deliver good luck, good health, and protection against bad energy. Certain gemstones were attributed supernatural powers such as mindfulness, concentration and magnetism for positivity in love and friendships. For example, ruby stones offered its wearers vitality while amethysts increased wisdom and pink tourmaline promoted healing.

gafencu magazine A guide to choosing the right birthstone for you by month of birth

Choosing a birthstone based on the month of birth
For every month of the year, there is one or multiple gemstones attributed to it. For months with different birthstones, the have the option to choose between traditional birthstones and modern birthstones, standardised by the US National Association of Jewellers. For example bloodstones were traditionally attributed to those born in March, though according modern birthstones, it is Aquamarine.

gafencu magazine A guide to choosing the right birthstone for you by horoscope zodiac sign

Choosing a birthstone according to zodiac signs
Other than choosing a birthstone based on the month of birth, birthstones can also be selected based on the western astrological sign of the person, also known as their zodiac sign  or horoscope sign. For example, Leos match well with onyx stones while Pisces are compatible with amethysts.

gafencu magazine A guide to choosing the right birthstone for you by day of birth

Choosing a birthstone based on the days of the week
Alternatively, birthstones can also be selected based on the days of the week of which the person is born.

gafencu magazine A guide to choosing the right birthstone for you by seasons

Choosing a birthstone according to seasons
In addition, to the days and months, the seasons also play a role in attributing a gemstone for each season of the year, more particularly, the four big gemstones: emerald, ruby, sapphire and diamond.

 

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Rose Hip: The lasting allure of rose gold jewellery

With spring subsiding into full on-summer sun, it’s the perfect time to review this season’s chicest hue – rose gold. This most alluring of alloys never fails to grant your skin the subtlest of blushes, ensuring you of a sun-kissed halo glow wherever you go. While, today, this unique pink shade is all the rage in haute joaillerie circles, it actually originally rose to fame some two centuries ago, largely on account of the influence Peter Carl Fabergé, that most renowned of Russian jewellers.

Image: Messika Paris Released Sun necklace; Chaumet Josephine Collection ring; Piaget Wings of Light ring; Suzanne Kalan Audrey ring; Selim Mouzannar Mina necklace; Daniela Villegas Chameleon ring; De Beers Enchanted Lotus ring

This innovative craftsman was the among the first to incorporate rose gold, at the time a somewhat novel material, into his designs, most notably in the shape of his iconic Fabergé eggs. So famous did these accessories become that the material initially came to fame as ‘Russian Gold’, before wider international use saw the current more general term adopted 

Image: Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet; Buccellati Aubade cocktail earrings; Ileana Makri Grass Seed ring; FRED ring; Repossi Antifer ring; Pomellato Fantine ring; Versace Trésor de la Mer choker

The actual colour of the material can vary from an orange-tinted yellow to a deep red depending on the ratio of yellow gold to copper, with an increased proportion of the latter bestowing more of a scarlet tinge to the alloy, Malleable to the extreme, it serves as the perfect counterpoint to a plethora of precious gemstones, as perfectly evidenced by both Piaget’s multi-hued Wings of Light ring and Versace’s ocean-inspired Trésor de la Mer necklace.

A gift of magic: Qeelin’s Wulu collection gives mothers a timeless symbol of love

Although a vibrant bouquet of flowers or a box of sumptuous chocolates are no doubt lovely gestures of love and appreciation for any special lady, jewellery— timeless and intimate adornments that dazzle and encapsulate its wearer’s personality and taste — is a beautiful statement on its own.

gafencu jewellery A gift of magic Qeelin's Wulu collection gives mothers a timeless symbol of love (6)

In time for the perfect occasion to treat mum to an awe-inspiring taste of luxury and artistry, Chinese fine jewellery brand Qeelin has released the new Wulu Legend series, a series under Wulu collection steeped in Chinese heritage and puts a modern twist to tradition. It is a beguiling symbol of unconditional love and resounding beauty to gift the leading lady in your life this Mother’s Day.

gafencu jewellery A gift of magic Qeelin's Wulu collection gives mothers a timeless symbol of love (2)

A blend of artistic renaissance and contemporary interpretation of majestic figures of Chinese legends in times past, the Wulu Legend series comprises of a series of necklaces, earrings and bracelets all presented with an elegant balance of lines and curves inlaid with 18K rose gold and diamonds and further embellished with a captivating red ruby centring each piece, as if to express the inherent prosperity and youthful spirit of its wearers.

gafencu jewellery A gift of magic Qeelin's Wulu collection gives mothers a timeless symbol of love

Inspired by the oldest section of the legendary Silk Road, the exotic patterns and contemporary appeal of the series derives from Creative Director Dennis Chan’s personal experience along the ancient traveller’s path where East met West. The designs are embedded with distinctive qualities that bring forth a unique and multi-cultural quality to the collection

gafencu jewellery A gift of magic Qeelin's Wulu collection gives mothers a timeless symbol of love (5)

Not limited to just the allure and creative aesthetics of the pieces within the series, the design was also made with everyday wear and motion in mind. Evermore freeing and liberating, the collection allows its wearers the graceful and unrestricted expression whether it be in static style or movement.

 

See more of Qeelin’s collections at qeelin.com