Category: Jewellery

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.

Gifting Made Easy: Gafencu’s 2020 Christmas Gift Guide

With Christmas just around the corner and the requisite gift-giving season soon to be upon us, have you ticked off all the items on your shopping list? If not, don’t worry, because the Gafencu team has curated an expansive Christmas gift guide with fantastic gift ideas for your loved ones. Read on to discover more… 

2020 christmas gift guide gafencu magazine montblanc muses marilyn monroe meisterstuck le petit prince the planet

For the sophisticated writer

Meisterstück Le Petit Prince & The Planet and Marilyn Monroe by Montblanc

For the writer in your life, Montblanc has added its third and final Meisterstück Le Petit Prince writing instrument to its collection, a three-part series inspired by one of the most read works of literature beloved by adults and children alike, Le Petit Prince. The German luxury goods manufacturer also has introduced a new Montblanc Muses Edition inspired by the forever iconic cultural icon, Marilyn Monroe.

2020 Christmas gift guide gafencu magazine rolex sea dweller deepsea dive watch

For the watch lover

Rolex Sea-dweller

One of this year’s must-have item to include onto every watch aficionado’s Christmas shopping list is the Rolex Sea-Dweller. An ultra-resistant divers’ watches engineered for deep-sea exploration, the 60-minute graduated, unidirectional rotatable bezel enables divers to precisely and safely monitor their dive and decompression times.  Designed to endure depths of up to 4,000 feet, this impressive for self-winding timepiece is a legend among dive watches and reflects the Swiss watchmaker’s decades of collaboration with diving professionals. 

2020 Christmas gift guide gafencu magazine cartier [Sur]Naturale The Hemis

For the jewellery lover

Cartier’s [Sur] Naturel collection 

For high-end jewellery maison Cartier, the creation of exceptional savoir-fair is in the connection between creativity and technique, as evidenced in its latest [Sur] Naturel Collection. Taking inspiration from nature and the supernatural, the Hemis necklace – one of the highlights of this new line – is the French luxury brand’s reinterpretation of panther fur around a lattice in kunzite, opals and diamonds. An alluring mastery of gem-setting and jewellery making indeed. 

2020 christmas gift guide gafencu magazine OSIM udream

For the massage aficionado

uDream massage chair from OSIM

Spoil a loved one with some much-needed relaxation right in the comforts of their own home with the uDream massage chair by OSIM. With the design inspired by the metamorphosis of a butterfly, users will come out of this ‘cocoon’ with revitalised and rejuvenated. With its 5-sense stress relief programmes aim to relieve the tired body and mind, the massage chair monitors body tension through biosensors and a tracking feature accessible via uDream App records the long-term trend of body tension. The chair also features a light installation that emulates the colours of the northern lights. Built-in with speakers and an aromatherapy device, this chair will truly bring cheer this festive season.

2020 Christmas gift guide gafencu magazine ORCHIDÉE DECANTER lalique

For the oenophile

Orchidée decanter by Lalique

Raise the Christmas spirits of that special wine lover in your life with the Orchidée decanter by Lalique. Designed with wine collectors and  connoisseurs in mind, its form is designed to enhance the flavours of the finest vintages. Made from French handcrafted crystal, a set of crystal orchid flowers bloom atop the stopper of the satin-finished carafe add a touch of luxury for the discerning vino lover.

2020 christmas gift guide gafencu magazine bang & olfsen

For the music enthusiast

Beosound A1 2nd Gen speakers by Bang & Olfsen

A compact music box for any music enthusiast is the upgraded Beosound A1 2nd Gen by luxury audio technology company, Bang & Olfsen. The CNY special-edition item comes with a darker, more polished maroon exterior than its predecessors, replete with and leather straps. The portable speakers plays up to 18 hours on a full charge, and is truly one for the audiophile on the go. If that weren’t enough, it also boasts speakerphone functionality and a fully waterproof design that is also dust- and sand-resistant. 

2020 christmas gift guide gafencu magazine roche bobois designed by Joana Vasconcelos bombom collection

For the budding interior decorator

Bombom Sofas by Roche Bobois

For ample comfort and a touch of art, the Bombom Collection from French furniture brand, Roche Bobois in collaboration with Portugese designer Joana Vasconcelos, known for her large-scale quirky and flamboyant art installations, offers a flagship collection of sofas in vividly contrasting shapes and colours to decorate your living space. Designed to be part of a modular system, each piece is available in small, medium and large sizes, and can be merged with other pieces and flexibly rearranged in various forms to suit your comfort. 

Drop Down Gorgeous: Dangling designs that enhance your décolleté

It’s no secret that choosing the right pair of earrings can enhance or detract from your overall style. There is one particular category of these gem-studded jewellery, though, whose versatility and dazzling nature have been embraced for its ability to elevate pretty much any look – dangling earrings. 
 

Gucci Hortus Deliciarum earrings; Bulgari Serpenti earrings; Buccellati Cocktail Collection earrings; Chaumet Perspectives de Chaumet earrings; Peonia Gala Collection earrings; niin Vida amazonite drop pendant earrings; David Yurman Novella Chandelier earrings; Boucheron Plume de Jour earrings

Thanks to their elongated appeal, these flowing designs are known for their ability to create the illusion of a slimmer face and enhance the neckline. Embracing this inherent flexibility, a plethora of the world’s leading haute joaillerie maisons have served up a staggering array of these designs to suit any occasion. 

Cartier [Sur] Naturel High Jewellery Liliale earrings; Chopard Red Carpet Collection drop earrings; Graff multi-coloured diamond earrings; Boucheron Bleu Inifini earrings; Sarah Zhuang Mermaid earrings; Harry Winston The New York Collection earrings; Piaget earrings

If you’re seeking to add a subtle flourish to your daytime outfit, you could do far worse than don the sleek Bleu Infini earrings from French luxury label Boucheron. If a monochrome outfit is more your style, the multi-coloured aesthetic of Graff’s diamond-studded design is just the ticket to add a splash of colour. Finally, for the perfect statement piece to round out your glam gala look, opt for larger, bejewelled creations, such as Cartier’s [Sur] Naturel Liliale earrings or the gorgeous sapphire-and-diamond Harry Winston danglers.

 
 

Precious gemstones worth investing in

Precious gems are not only a decorative jewel but is also a discrete investment and an ideal asset to pass down as a family inheritance. Among the myriad of gemstones available, there are only a handful that are really worth the investment. Precious stones that have not been treated with chemical inclusions or heated to enhance clarity, and have been carefully cut to retain as much value in weight as possible command the highest prices at major auction sales. Market value of precious gemstones are determined by the 4Cs (cut, carat, colour and clarity) but also valued for their origins. These are the most valuable gemstones worth investing in: 

Precious gemstones worth investing in gafencu magazine pink diamond
The spirit of the rose, a rare purple-pink diamond, image from Sotheby’s

Pink diamonds

Though the common adage states that a diamond is a girl’s best friend, coloured diamonds are indeed anyone’s best investment. Pink diamonds are high-end precious gems and are very rare. They have a broad range of colours but top investments are commonly put into fancy, fancy intense and fancy vivid. Though diamonds are known to be a volatile assets as appreciation can be difficult to predict, pink diamonds have been growing exponentially in value as well as popularity. Such is the case recently when a rare 14.83 carat purple-pink diamond mined from western Australia’s Argyle mine, a region said to produce premium quality pink diamonds. The precious stone astounded spectators when it realized HK$163 million at a major auction house this month. However, it is extremely rare for colour diamonds to be found in large sizes, so it isn’t unknown for people to purchase as low as a quarter of a carat,  although experts recommend to start from at least half a carat to a carat-and-a-half which could cost up to at least HK$775,064. 

 

Precious gemstones worth investing in gafencu old burmese ruby
The Jubilee Ruby, image from Christie’s

Burmese ruby

 An almost mythical gem for its scarcity and one of the most finest jewel to exist in the world, Burmese rubies, also known as ‘old Burmese rubies’, have a deep red pigeon blood colour with superior clarity. The stones are mined from districts surrounding Mogok and Mong Hsu regions in Northern Burma which are known to produce 90% of this type of purple-red coloured gem with impeccable clarity because of the highest level of chromium minerals in the ground, resulting in extremely saturated rubies. However, it is common for stones to be heated even before exiting the caves, which makes scarcity of untreated Burmese rubies extremely rare and command one of the highest price per carat among other gemstones at around HK$140,000. The most expensive coloured gemstone ever sold at auction in the US is a burmese ruby named The Jubilee Ruby. Weighing in an amazing 15.99 carat, the jewel set its record in 2019 at HK$69 million per carat.

Precious gemstones worth investing in gafencu magazine colombian emerald
A magnificent pair of emerald, diamond and pearl ear pendant. Image from Christie’s

Colombian emerald

Famously adored by Cleopatra, emeralds possess a magnetism that makes this caprivating gem an undoubtedly beautiful and popular precious stone. Though when it comes to investing in emeralds, buyers are advised to be cautious of the properties of the gem. Emeralds are commonly known to have several imperfections due to the high level of iron minerals in the stone, leading many stone cutters and jewellery makers to improve its clarity and colour with heat and chemicals. Although a flawless emerald with pronounced clarity is important, the significance of choosing a certified gemstone that has not been treated with any enhancers to alter its original form is essential in retaining the gem’s value. The reason why emeralds from Colombia are worth more than emeralds from other countries is because they contain less iron and fewer impurities and fractions. Some of the rarest and most expensive emeralds in the world come from the Colombian mines and have a stunning blue-green medium tone with a vivid saturation — an ideal characteristic when purchasing emeralds. The price per carat for an untreated Colombian emerald can reach up to over HK$116,259. 

Precious gemstones worth investing in gafencu magazine imperial kashmire sapphire
An Imperial Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring featuring a 17.16ct intense cornflower blue coloured sapphire. Image from Sotheby’s

Kashmir sapphires

A legend among gemstones, the Kashmir sapphire’s value peaks high above its other blue-hued brethren for its origin and properties. This gemstone contains only the best specimen and is beyond comparison proven by the outstanding cornflower blue colour that is unique to the location of its origin. Mined from the remote Zanskar range along the Himalaya Mountains, an area known for its bright blue sapphires, the allure of its velvety-blue stone has been known to kings since the early 1880s and continued to be mined since. Its long standing reputation and history has resulted in fewer productions today due to its scarcity. Many of the known existing Kashmir sapphires of the highest value are locked away in museums making the already rare gemstone even harder to obtain. The cost of this sapphire can reach up to HK$85,000 per carat though it has been regularly hitting the HK$1.2 million mark at major auction sales and will continue to rise in value.