Category: Jewellery

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

Talented Hong Kong jewellery designers you simply must check out

If you’re looking for a unique piece of jewellery that stands out among bigger names such as Cartier and Tiffany & Co. These local Hong Kong jewellery designers offer dazzling elegant pieces that are as unique as its wearer.

 

HETING Jewellery by Carina Wong
Carina Wong showcases brilliancy and versatility of thoughtful designs that bring its wearers closer to nature through its earthy-inspired aesthetics. Crafted with precious metals, gemstones to jadeite and intricately carved pearls in an artful form of texture and shapes that resemble nature’s captivating landscape. 

L’Dezen by Payal Shah
This brand is no stranger to the red carpet, having dressed several A-listing celebrities from Hollywood. Payal Shah puts a fun and funky twist to haute jollier, suggesting a much needed creative spark in modern sophistication with sliced stones that are both elegant and vibrantly quirky.  

Sarah Zhuang
Functional elegance at its finest, Sarah Zhuang’s design offers contemporary women versatile and multifunctional pieces that are crafted to mix and match its collection of 18K gold and precious gemstones, each piece is designed to be worn in multiple styles to accommodate any modern women’s dynamic lifestyle.

Midoti by Sharong Cheung
Sculptural and decorative wearable art that evoke delicate, ethereal and minimalist aesthetic is designer Sharong Cheung’s vision. Crafting delicate yet detailed fine jewellery using high-tech weaving technology that make threading signature motifs such as delicate knots with malleable soft metals dazzlingly artistic.

PHERES by Narcisa Pheres
Not a stranger to the spotlight, Narcisa Pheres’s designs has had its fair share of red carpet features. Famed for being highly exclusive, this decade-old Italian fashion house puts a close focus on bold statement pieces of luxury that not only embody but elevate elegance beyond the setting and mould of contemporary styles 

Tayma Fine Jewellery by Tayma Page Allies
Living in colour since 2005 in the heart of Central’s Lan Kwai Fong, Tayma Page Allies’ offers nothing less than an exclusive bespoke experience and carefully thought-out designs that cater to its wearer’s unique taste and preference. Hand picking from her own collection of gems, from Paraiba to rare black opals, her fun, vibrant and bedazzling designs is one for the certainly fits a confidently bold and fun-loving woman.

Cuff Love: Gifts for the wrists…

Images: Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet; Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Bone cuffs

Few jewellery designs can hope to match the longevity of the cuff bracelet. Indeed, these open C-shaped creations first came to prominence some 7,000 years back, a time when they were worn by both male and female members of ancient Incan, Mayan, Roman and Egyptian royalty. Crafted from a variety of metals and set with precious gemstones, these accessories served as symbols of their undeniably lofty status.

Images: Gucci bracelet; FRED Collier bracelet; Chopard Precious Lace bracelet; Chaumet Perspectives de Chaumet yellow gold cuff; Jewelry by Marsha cuff; Diamond Scene wide diamond cuff.

In the intervening millennia since those long-ago days, cuff bracelets – those designed to adorn the wrist with nary a clasp or fastening in sight – remain a constant of the haute joaillerie world. Now largely favoured by the fairer sex, they can be worn on one hand as a solo piece or simultaneously on two in a style akin to the amulets of old.

Imaes: Fortunoff diamond and sapphire cuff; Takahiromiyashita Thesoloist silver single bone shaped cuff; Buccellati Ortensia cuff; Bahdos two-tone diamond cuff bracelet; Page Sargisson hand-carved bracelet; Nicole Rose Fine Jewelry cuff bracelet

Available in a myriad of hues and sizes, while being flexible to the extreme, the more minimalist designs – notably Cartier’s Juste un Clou creation or Chopard’s Precious Lace bracelet – can easily be worn on an everyday basis. When dressing up for special occasions, though, a more ostentatious look be guaranteed through the deployment of larger statement pieces, such as Fortunoff’s dazzling sapphire-and-diamond number or Buccellati’s Ortensia cuff.

 

The Neck’s Generation: Jewellery that’s got your throat’s vote

Necklaces, those most delightful of décolleté-decorating devices, have long been symbols of a particular potency. In the case of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, for example, they all habitually wore charms around their necks to ward off evil many thousands of years ago.

Image: Boucheron Lavallière Diamants necklace; FRED necklace; Cartier Gharial necklace; Pomellato Sabbia Flamingo necklace

During the Middle Ages, they then got something of an upgrade, becoming indisputable emblems of authority, as kings and clergymen alike bedecked themselves with huge gem-studded gold collars in order to make manifest their lofty positions.

Image: Piaget Wings of Light necklace; Graff Bullseye necklace; The Alkemistry Colette Galaxia necklace

In times more contemporary, the dangly necklace variants have evolved once more, becoming totems of true femininity. Indeed, the varying shapes and sizes of the many designs served up by the world’s best-loved high jewellery houses afford fashionistas flexibility and freedom of choice for pretty much every imaginable occasion.

Image: Mikimoto necklace, Carolina Bucci Superstellar lariat, Autore Gatsby lariat necklace

For those seeking subtly svelte looks, for instance, simple lariat designs – such as Australian-based South Sea pearl brand Autore’s Gatsby necklace – pair wonderfully with any smart-chic outfit. Those in search of jaw-dropping bijouterie, meanwhile, could do far worse than enhance a daringly bared décolleté with such statement pieces as Boucheron’s sparkling Lavallière Diamants creation or Cartier’s emerald-and-diamond Gharial necklace. Whatever your choice, the key to truly dazzling via this particular haute joaillerie trend is confidence, confidence, confidence… And more confidence.

 

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

An engagement ring isn’t just a symbol of love, it is a gift of a lifetime that becomes an extension of a woman’s taste and values. Though engagement rings have long been rooted in traditional designs such as solitaire and cathedral settings, nowadays the range of designs stretch out to modern and contemporary iterations that speak volumes about a lady’s personality. If you’re having trouble navigating the myriad of options to narrow down the perfect engagement ring to profess your love with, here is a list of styles to consider for your bride-to-be.

Image: Love solitaire 1895 and Love solitaire from Cartier; Harry Winston Tryst emerald cut; Peonia Bridal cathedral setting and Joy ring; Tiffany & Co. Harmony ring in rose gold; Van Cleef & Arpels Bonheur solitaire in platinum

For a traditional lady
A classic solitaire setting that showcases a single diamond in the centre is the most popular design for an engagement ring. This comes as no surprise as its simplicity offers a timeless elegance that highlights the main attraction – the gorgeous central diamond – and is easy to wear in any occasion.

Image: Baunat ring; Enticelle de Cartier ring; Graff Flame square emerald cut and Promise heart shape diamond ring; Harry Winston Lily cluster; Peonia Bridal ring; 

For a fashionable lass
Pavé-set diamonds commonly found on wedding bands feature smaller diamonds on the sides or all around the ring. It gives the ring a dash of sparkle if she enjoys that extra dazzle of glamour. You can also consider a setting that holds her diamond higher such as a cathedral design for a classic touch. 

Image: Chopard For Love ring; Baunat Trilogy ring; Tiffany & Co. Bow Ribbon ring; Van Cleef & Arpels Socrate Flower ring

For a nature and adventure lover 
Organic elements are nothing new to modern designs and can be a reflection of the type of lady your beloved is. Carvings or designs such as leaves, vines, and floral motifs can be a style could become close to your lady’s heart if she enjoys nature or being outdoors. For adventurous women, a setting that holds the diamond lower or with a bezel setting that rings the diamond can also be a practical way to protect the ring while she partakes in sporty or outdoor activities.

Image: Baunat ring; Buccellati Isotta ring; Harry Winston diamond ring; ring from Ryder Diamonds; Tiffany & Co. Soleste pear shaped halo ring; Graff Twin Constellation oval diamond ring

For a high society dame
As the old adage goes, diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and for the fashionable socialite, there’s nothing that screams ‘I love you’ better than an over-the-top, ostentatious diamond ring. Whether it comes with a halo setting that features smaller precious stones surrounding a much larger outstanding one, or a radiant-cut diamond sitting on a bed of precious stones that layer a thick band, only a woman with the confidence of a high-society woman could carry off such a grandiose design.

Image: Tiffany Buds from Tiffany & Co.; old European cut diamond halo ring from Ashley Zhang; Baunat ring with side diamonds; Graff Promise emerald cut diamond ring and Laurence ring; Peonia Bridal ring

For a hopeless romantic
If your significant other is a hopeless romantic then there’s a high possibility of her going weak in the knees for well-thought-out details. A ring setting that feature milgrain details, filigree, scrollwork patterns or intricate galleries tells a story and reflects the time, effort and craftsmanship that goes into the design. Any woman who enjoys a romantic gesture would appreciate the effort and consideration put into selecting such a ring with a unique and exclusive design.

Image: Cartier Trinity Ruban ring; Tiffany Rope from Tiffany & Co.; Van Cleef & Arpels Couture solitaire ring; Ryder Diamonds’ Sharon ring and three stone emerald and diamond ring; Tiffany & Co. Heart halo ring

For a modern & contemporary woman
A common style that is becoming a fashion statement for modern women is having rings that eschew more traditional stylings. Here, exploring unusual options could yield huge dividends, with coloured precious stones, unique settings and sculptural rings all top choices for avant-garde designs. 

Well Red Jewels: Scintillate in scarlet

With the Year of the Ox here, it’s the perfect time to revisit the vermillion haute joaillerie creations that best capture the truly festive spirit of Chinese New Year. Indeed, red – that most celebratory of colours – has long been synonymous with good fortune in Chinese culture, while being embraced as a mark of distinction the world over for countless centuries.

Amrapali necklace; Bayco ring; Cartier Destinée ring; Christian Dior Cupidon Heart ring; Selim Mouzannar Beirut Ring; Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger Five Leaves earrings.

Today, this scarlet hue remains the first choice of many luxury jewellery labels, seeing it frequently highlighted in a range of gems, including spinels, garnets and carnelians. By far the most sought-after precious stones embodying this striking shade, however, are rubies. With the word derived from the Latin term for red, ruber, they have been variously dubbed ‘drops of the heart blood of Mother Earth’ in the Orient, as well as being proclaimed ‘the lord of gemstones’ in India. 

Ruby de la Cruz ring; Boucheron Quartre red edition ring; Chopard Happy Hearts wings earrings and ring; Piaget bracelet

Unlike other precious stones, the values of rubies are determined by colour rather than clarity, an aspect that ranges from orangey reds to shades so deep they actually appear violet. The most prized of these, though, tend to be uncovered in Myanmar’s Mogok Stone Tract mine, a seam that has delivered a string of stunning ‘pigeon’s blood’ stones for more than 800 years.

Bina Goenka earrings; Chanel Rouge Incandescent; Chopard Happy Hearts wings necklace; Gucci necklace

Choose a lucky charm to complement your zodiac sign

Every year, luxury jewellery houses and watchmakers pay homage to the tale of the Chinese zodiacs with animal motifs that decorate pendants, jewelries and watches. But as Chinese beliefs would have it, keeping a close contact with these 12 zodiac animals can bless one’s year with great fortune and protection, provided that the right charm is worn to match his or her sign. Not just to adorn one’s features and add a touch of style to an outfit, lucky zodiac charms complement one’s personality and and ward off bad luck. Here’s how to pick out a lucky zodiac charm to match your sign. 

gafencu magazine chinese zodiac lucky charm piaget year of the ox watch
Piaget Year of the Ox watch

Established by feng shui masters, the compatibility of each sign is categorized by two grouping methods: The ‘six-harmony’ and ‘trine’ signs. They follow the theory of Five Elements and the concept of Yin and Yang to determine which zodiac animals complement each other the best.

gafencu magazine chinese zodiac lucky charm Paloma’s Chinese Zodiac Rooster Charm tiffany & co.
Paloma’s Rooster charm by Tiffany & Co.

The most compatible matches in terms personality, values and temperament are within the six-harmony groups. The bonds between the pairs in these groups are strongest and is the ideal match to boost one’s luck all-around.

Six-harmony compatible signs:

Rat & Ox

Tiger & Pig

Rabbit & Dog

Dragon & Rooster

Snake & Monkey

Horse & Goat

gafencu-magazine-chinese-zodiac-lucky-charm-Louis-Vuitton-In-The-Sky-Zodiac-Bracelet-2
Year of the Ox necklace by Louis Vuitton

However, according to Chinese astrology, people in their zodiac year are believed to offend Tai Sui (the God of Age) leading to an unfortunate year ahead if you were born in the year of the Ox. It is also known by Chinese astrologists that there are five zodiac signs in conflict with the Tai Sui this year: Ox, Goat, Dog, Horse, and Dragon.

gafencu magazine chinese zodiac lucky charm tessa packard mr pig earrings
Tessa Packard ‘mr pig’ earrings

In this case, if any of these five signs are in your “six-harmony” pairing, it’s best to opt for another animal within the “trine” group. A trio of signs that get along well with one another in areas of habits and interests, and can boost one’s luck and happiness in life.

Trine Signs:

Rat, Dragon, Monkey

Ox, Snake, Rooster

Tiger, Horse, Dog

Rabbit, Sheep, Pig

gafencu magazine chinese zodiac lucky charm from boucheron Laïka, Le Husky’ ring
Boucheron’s Laïka-Le-Husky ring

Besides knowing your lucky animals, there are also charms that are best avoided. Following the Five Elements theory, creation and destruction are complementary processes in which the ultimate goal is harmony. Meaning that while some signs come together to create life, other signs with contrasting elements tend to be in conflict with each other. For instance, water (Rat) puts out fire (Horse), which can explain why the two are always butting heads with one another.

gafencu magazine chinese zodiac lucky charm chopard monkey ring from red carpet collection
Chopard monkey ring from Red Carpet collection

On the other hand, though Ox and Goats are both earth elements, their designated years are always six years apart. Coinciding with what feng shui states as the ‘circle of conflict’. Knowing the element of your sign, it’s safest to stir clear from wearing charms that feature zodiac signs that belong to elements that conflict with yours, as well as those that are three, six and nine years apart from you.

Conflicting pairs: 

Rat (Water) vs Horse (Fire)

Ox (Earth) vs Goat (Earth)

Monkey (Metal) vs Tiger (Wood)

Rabbit (Wood) vs Rooster (Metal)

Dragon (Earth) vs Dog (Dog)

Snake (Fire) vs Pig (Water)

 

Feature image from Fabergé

Azure Bet: Magnificent Sapphires

Ever since the intrepid Etruscans first happened upon sapphires back some time around 700 BC, these lustrous blue-hued stones have been, for many, the most precious of jewels. Throughout history, various cultures have been convinced these dazzling gems possess qualities of a mystical nature. The Ancient Romans, for instance, sported them as a means of warding off evil, while the medieval Europeans swore by them as a way of curing eye maladies and even as a means of preserving chastity. 

(Peonia Starlight ring and necklace; Chopard Red Carpet Collection 2020 Heart necklace; Hirsh London bracelet; Roberto Coin Princess Flower bracelet)

Derived from corundum – the world’s second hardest mineral after diamond – they take their name from the Latin word for blue: “saphirus”. This, though, despite being seemingly apt, is actually something of a misnomer, as although they are most frequently associated with that particular pastel, they can be found in a wide variety of colours depending on the specific combination of impurities within the mineral. Traces of iron, for instance, can render the stone yellow or green, while a combination of iron and titanium results in more of an azure hue. Interestingly, rubies are also a corundum varietal, with their red bodies directly down to flecks of chromium in the corundum. 

(Cartier [Sur]Naturel High Jewellery Sinopé necklace and earrings; Cartier Destinée ring; Graff sapphire and diamond earrings and bracelet)

Today, sapphires remain at the heart of many of the most celebrated jewellery items. Both versatile and breathtaking, they shine in Cartier’s [Sur]Naturel High Jewellery Sinopé elegant diamond-and-sapphire combination, yet manage to retain an aura of understated sophistication in haute joaillerie maison Graff’s bracelet-and-earring set.