Category: Jewellery

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.  

Be Ringed: Jewelled symbols of eternal love

Precious stones of every hue adorn engagement rings as symbols of eternal love.

Bequeathing engagement rings to your beloved as a symbol of your undying love is really nothing new, but the custom actually originates from a much less romantic practice. Indeed, during ancient Roman times, wives wore rings as a marker of their husbands’ ownership.

Be Ringed Jewelled symbols of eternal love gafencu magazine jewellery

Thankfully, this rather unsentimental convention has given way to more tender leanings in 1477, when Austria’s ruling Archduke Maximillian commissioned the very first recorded diamond ring for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy, sparking a long-lasting love affair with these bejewelled creations amongst Europe’s elite. 

(Chaumet Joséphine Splendeur Impériale ring / Qeelin Wulu solitaire ring / Harr Winston Golconda diamond ring)

Fast forward 470 years, and diamond merchant De Beers launched its now-iconic slogan “A Diamond is Forever” in a successful marketing campaign that saw sales surge, making diamond rings the go-to engagement gift across every corner of the globe. 

(Yeol Deil diamonds ring / Piaget Treasures Collection ring / Chopard Red Carpet Collection 2020 ring / Cartier Destinée Ring)

In recent decades, however, a new trend has emerged, one that sees precious stones of every imaginable hue adorn these sought-after pieces. One particularly memorable example of this was the ring gifted to Kate Middleton by Prince William, which starred a gargantuan 12-carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds.

(Piaget Treasures Collection ruby ring / Tiffany & Co. True engagement rings / Stenzhorn Candy Collection ring) 

But whether topped with sapphires, rubies, emeralds or more traditional diamonds, engagement rings remain the most coveted symbol of potential wedded bliss.

Go Wild: Unleashing your inner animal spirit

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High-end jewellery brands have long veered towards animal-motif jewellery to showcase a dazzlingly wild appeal. We highlight several standouts that will ensure all eyes are on you. 

 

Anna Hu Blue Magpie brooch gafencu magazine jewellery animal motif

Anna Hu – Blue Magpie Brooch

This jewellery house draws from the exotic allure of Eastern arts in its designs. A case in point is this poetic adornment that showcases a combination of Chinese culture and Western colours. The Blue Magpie brooch set with circular-cut sapphires, brilliant-cut diamonds and onyx signed by Anna Hu is designed with a pair of blue magpies that share a kiss atop a branch adorned with circular-cut Paraíba-type tourmalines and brilliant-cut diamonds where a delicately threaded golden nest sits with a precious conch pearl egg. The brooch weighs 18 carats in pink and yellow gold mounted on titanium.

Boucheron Serpent Bohème ring Anna Hu Blue Magpie brooch gafencu magazine jewellery animal motif

Boucheron – Serpent Boheme Ring

The Serpent Bohème ring,  which commemorates love between founder Frédéric Boucheron and his wife Gabrielle, reflects deep affection for the beloved. In the likeness of the snake necklace gifted to his wife in 1888, this particular animal motif symbolises protection while the crossover of the dual serpent heads represents eternal bind between two lovers. The ring radiates with 32-round cut pavé diamonds and features magnificent white gold scaling which showcases superb detailing and precision. 

Cartier Panthère de Cartier Bracelet Anna Hu Blue Magpie brooch gafencu magazine jewellery animal motif

Cartier – Panthère de Cartier Bracelet

This global brand debuted its panther motif in 1914, marking the first fashion house to craft such a masterful pattern. Now the iconic design prances from one jewellery collection to the next with a play on different feline personalities from predatory to languid. The Panthère de Cartier bracelet in particular glimmers elegantly in 10.81-carat diamonds set in 18K white gold and onyx spots and nose, and fashions a pair of mesmerising emerald gem set eyes.

Chanel Bague Lion Rugissant Onyx ring

Chanel – Bague Lion Rugissant Onyx Ring

The lion represents designer Gabrielle Chanel in her triumph over heartache in 1920, Venice. The design continues to provide inspiration in Chanel’s jewellery collections such as the Sous le Signe du Lion collection which includes the roaring 764-brilliant cut diamond-encrusted Bague Lion Rugissant onyx. The rugissant 18-carat white gold and 26.4 carats sculpted onyx is a magnificent symbolism of strength and independence.

Chopard Red Carpet Collection 2020 ring1 Anna Hu Blue Magpie brooch gafencu magazine jewellery animal motif

Chopard – Swan Ring

Highlighting Chopard’s latest Red Carpet Collection is the 18-carat white gold magnificent Swan Ring set with a 9.1-carat white opal cabochon, and ceramic with brilliant-cut diamonds and sapphires. Crafted from Fairmined ethical white gold, this attention-grabbing ornament stands out from Chopard’s 73-piece nature-themed jewellery collection.

 

Graff dragonfly brooch Anna Hu Blue Magpie brooch gafencu magazine jewellery animal motif Anna Hu Blue Magpie brooch gafencu magazine jewellery animal motif

Graff – Dragonfly Brooch

Graff’s legacy for stunning symbolic-designed brooches continues to draw from the natural beauty of flora and fauna with this illuminating 70.60 carats yellow and white mixed diamond Dragonfly Brooch. Portraying grace and elegance with an exuberant display of vibrancy that equates to the natural life that enlivens nature. 

Tiffany Paper Flowers firefly rings Anna Hu Blue Magpie brooch gafencu magazine jewellery animal motif

Tiffany & Co. – Paper Firefly Rings

Adorned as part of the Tiffany Paper flower collection are the Paper Firefly rings. Refined in an ultra-feminine design that encompasses modernity, the Paper Firefly rings are set with round brilliant white diamonds and oval coloured gemstones that sits on a platinum ring. The variety of gemstones in the collection includes rubellite, tanzanite, aquamarine and rare yellow gems. 

Luxury jeweller Fabergé launches new Hilal Crescent Collection

Fabergé, the renowned jewellery maison long favoured by celebrities and royalty alike, has just drawn back the curtain on an all-new jewellery line dubbed the Hilal Crescent Collection. Taking its inspiration from “hilal” – the Arabic term for a crescent moon – and the stars that dot the night sky, the collection comprises pendants, earrings and rings. 

Faberge Hilal Crescent Collection Ring

The trio of stunning accessories have all been lovingly handcrafted from 18K yellow gold, accentuated by Fabergé’s iconic decorative fluting. Each crescent moon design in the Hilal Crescent Collection also comes lovingly pavéd with glistening diamonds, enhanced further with a gorgeous Gemfields Zambian emerald that is sourced ethically from Zambia’s Kagem mine.

Faberge Hilal Crescent Collection Pendant and Earrings

Buccellati unveils gorgeous, geometrically inspired new Mini Rombi Collection

For over a century now, Italian haute joaillerie label Buccellati consistently wowed the world’s high jewellery aficionados with its masterful handcraftsmanship and stunning gemstone designs. The latest chapter of this story now unfolds in the form of its all-new Mini Rombi Collection. 

Buccellati Mini Rombi Collection 3

A new and refreshingly minimalist take on the brand’s iconic Rombi line, the Mini Rombi Collection transforms those emblematic designs into comfortable yet undeniably chic everyday-wear creations, without ever once eschewing on painstaking attention to detail or reducing the effect it has on wearers and viewers alike. 

Buccellati Mini Rombi Collection 2

The dominant motif of this collection is the use of unique geometric elements to enhance the gemstones on every piece. Take, for instance, the ‘20s-era rhomboidal lozenges, calling to mind the intricacies and beauty of ancient Persian tapestry. 

Buccellati Mini Rombi Collection

From rings to pendants to earrings, every piece of Buccellati’s Mini Rombi Collection is a work of art, blending old and new in a wholly appealing fashion. An eye on flexibility is also inherent here, with the designs coming in either white or yellow gold to suit your mood, all, of course, embellished with a glittering array of sparkling diamonds. 

Buccellati Mini Rombi Collection 4

Golden Hearts: Chopard’s stunning 007-inspired collection

Luxury jeweller Chopard is celebrating its partnership with UK-based EON Productions’ upcoming 25th James Bond Film, No Time To Die, with an all-new collection of haute joaillerie – Golden Hearts. With the heart symbol as the main motif, this collection featuring bracelets, earrings, pendants and sautoir necklaces crafted from ethical 18K rose gold. The diamond embellishments that punctuate these designs only serve to further elevate its allure.

golden hearts

Similar to the label’s previous bijouterie line Happy Hearts – from which the collection takes inspiration – Golden Hearts is complete with alternating big and small hearts that hold a dancing diamond in the centre. On days when you need a more exquisite option, there is the alternative version of the aforementioned design that has diamonds studded on the borders of the larger heart.

golden hearts

Taking its movie-inspired motif to heart, this limited-edition collection is engraved with the words “007”, a move that’s all but guaranteed to find favour among the many fans of the James Bond film series. And, once you’ve suitably accessorised yourself with pieces from the Golden Hearts collection, if you’re keen to watch the movie first-hand, No Time To Die is set to be released in Hong Kong on April 30, 2020.

golden hearts

Sparkling highlights from the Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels Sale

Hong Kong’s reputation for being one of the pre-eminent hubs for high-end auctions was confirmed once again with the outstanding results of the recent Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels Sale held earlier this week. 

Action at the Sotheby's Hong Kong auction

The event, which raked in nearly HK$437.7 million, held several undeniable highlights. Perhaps the most eye-catching of these were two exceptionally rare fancy vivid coloured diamonds. The first – a 5.04 carat Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Ring – achieved HK$81.8 million, while a 4.49 carat internally flawless Fancy Vivid Pink Diamond sold for HK$63 million. 

Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels Sale headlights

Another focal point of the Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels Sale was an Imperial Green Jadeite Bead Necklace, which sparked a bidding war that finally culminated in a bid of over HK$80 million, and a bejewelled bracelet once belonging to Princess Margaret of Great Britain that raked in HK$1.6 million. 

Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels Sale - Princess Margaret's 21st birthday gift

Precious Pink Jewels: The delicate hue that’s just right for you…

In recent years, an undeniable new trend has risen to the fore of the world of haute joaillerie – the use of coloured precious stones in luxury jewellery designs. Indeed, the more common white diamond seems to have taken something of a back seat to its more colourful brethren, gems embodying vibrant blues, reds, yellows and more. In particular, precious pink jewels have become something of a byword for understated elegance, a fact that the high-end brands have embraced wholeheartedly…