Category: Jewellery

Asymmetrical Necklaces: Jewels that are matchless in their asymmetry

Ever since an enterprising prehistoric cave-lass first found a way to tie pretty stones on a string and wear them around her neck, women throughout time have looked to natty necklaces as a means of enhancing their allure by not so subtly drawing attention to their décolleté.

Asymmetrical Necklaces opening

While the tradition of bedecking necks with beautiful jewellery has endured to times contemporary, the preferred pieces themselves have come in a variety of different shapes and sizes across the ages. In the ’70s, for instance, it was the more layered necklaces that the ladies loved, while the ’80s saw chunkier, oversized designs become the favoured sub-chin chintz. More recently, yet another statement trend has shifted centrestage – asymmetrical necklaces. Embraced as a style that boldly proclaims the wearer’s edgy independence, such designs have already graced the super-shoulder areas of such A-listers as singer-songwriter Gwen Stefani and actress Emmy Rossum.

The key to rocking this particular trend, apparently, is to keep it simple. Inevitably intended to be statement pieces, asymmetrical necklaces all but demand to go solo, virtually compelling you to pare back your other accessories. Be willing to go with the flow, however, as a streamlined silhouette and the exclusion of loud prints and bold colours will ensure the structural details of your haute joaillerie design both elevate your bone structure and leave you exuding an air of utter sophistication.

Text: Tenzing Thondup

Prada adds contemporary motifs to fine jewellery

Italian fashion maison Prada has pulled back the curtain on an all-new line of gold and white gold fine jewellery designs that deftly combine iconic creations with a wholly modern flourish. Sure to tempt any discerning haute joaillerie aficionado – both male and female – the new collection is all sleek sophistication and grace.  

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Crafted from 18K gold and diamonds, this bijouterie collection – consisting of earrings, bracelets, pendants and necklaces – features an array of outré motifs including rock guitars, robots, hearts, roses, rabbits and more. The brand’s triangular logo in gold and diamonds is also strongly in evidence.

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Perhaps even more importantly, the gold and diamonds used to make this fine jewellery line were sourced from suppliers who have a Responsible Jewellery Council certification, denoting that the aforementioned materials went through all the processes – from extracting to selling – in an ethical manner.

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Now available at select Prada stores worldwide – as well as via the Prada online store exclusively in Japan, USA and UAE – Hong Kong’s jewellery lovers can find them directly at the brand’s Alexandra House store in Central.

fine jewellery

Sinostalgia

Be it from the nature that surrounds us or the age-long myths from literature, there is no limit to the things that inspire bijouterie. That being mentioned – we at Gafencu have put together some eclectic jewelries that take inspiration from classic Oriental traditions.

Valentine’s Day Gift: Best ways to express an eternal love

If you’re at a loss for that perfect Valentine’s Day gift to wow that special lady in your life, fear not, for we at Gafencu have shortlisted some of the most dazzling, bejewelled gems that are sure to have them floored.

Cartier

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Cartier, that most exclusive of haute joaillerie brands, has launched several new creations as part of its Panthère de Cartier collection. With the panther being a style statement for over a hundred years, it is reminiscent of love’s   timelessness. The collection includes jewellery, accessories and perfumes that can be worn everyday making each a meaningful and practical addition to any fashionista’s collection.

Valentine's Day gift

Boucheron

If all Valentine’s Day jewellery were to be personified, the ones from the luxury brand Boucheron can be seen as an outspoken person. With each different collection – Quatre, Jack de Boucheron, Plume de Paon and Pivoine – created to express something unique, the bijouterie from the French maison reflects romance without question. For instance, the Jack de Boucheron collection which is made of flexible gold wires –  giving room to endless creations – represents indefinite freedom.

Valentine's Day gift

Omega

Comparing love to wings that can help you reach new heights, Swiss luxury watchmaker Omega has ringed its iconic De Ville Trésor watches with a feathered motif. The 2020 Valentine’s Day iterations come in two avatars, including a blue co-axial master chronometer with 18K white gold markings on the dial for men and a Quartz 36mm with diamonds mounted on the bezel for women. What better Valentine’s Day gift than a timepiece to remind you that every moment with your loved ones is precious.

Valentine's Day gift

Blancpain

Every year without fail, Swiss watchmaker Blancpain has created feminine timepieces that celebrate Valentine’s Day, and this year is no exception. The “Valentine’s Day 2020” special watch is remarkable, featuring a white gold rectangular frame studded with diamonds and a mother-of-pearl dial embellished with diamonds and rubies. Limited to only 14 pieces, this celebratory timepieces takes its inspiration from a cocktail watch that was originally owned by the well-known screen siren, Marilyn Monroe.

Valentine's Day gift

Buccellati

Emblematic of an eternal romance, the Macri collection and the Opera Gold collection are the Italian luxury house Buccellati’s top picks for the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts this year. The Opera Gold collection that is highly influenced by the art of Italian Renaissance, highlighting the beauty of love with its floral pattern combined with the brand’s logo. The Macri collection, meanwhile, boasts, with flowing lines that embody the unbreakable bond of true love.

Valentine's Day gift

 

 

 

Freywille

The bijouterie brand Freywille is known for creating artistic jewellery collections that take inspiration from some of the most renowned artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Alphonse Mucha, Claude Monet and more. For this most romantic day of the year, the Viennese brand has put together a specially curated selection of pieces that celebrate love in all its myriad forms –  the Pepita Rose collection with floral patterns, the Poésie d’Armour collection, the Paris Pop collection and the Wedding Collection Fine Jewellery.

Valentine's Day gift

 

Chopard highlights rare gemstones

The recent Paris Couture Week was the chosen venue for renowned haute joaillerie house Chopard to unveil its stunning new Bijouterie Collection, which featured some truly arresting gemstones that wowed the crowed for all the right reasons.

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Chopard’s new collection debuted several rare solitaires for the very first time, among which the highlight was undoubtedly a 21.04 carat unheated sapphire. Pear-shaped pigeon’s blood ruby, Colombian emeralds and more exceptional stones were also on display. Another stunning stone came in the form of a dark grey greenish yellow diamond – referred to as Chameleon for its ability to change colours.

gemstones

According to Caroline Scheufele, the Co-President and Artistic Director of the fashion house, revealing the beauty of these fine stones is “a jeweller’s true vocation.” Likewise, all the pieces in the array of ornaments were crafted in such a way that the allure of all these one-of-a-kind gemstones became the main focus – a perfect showcase of Chopard’s flawless craftsmanship and its growth.

Givens: Must-give gifts for those special to you

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Be it elegant fine jewellery pieces or style defining watches. the gifting choices for this Valentine’s Day are just endless. Here are more options curated by Gafencu to gift to your loved ones.

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From left:

Two Butterfly earrings in white and pink gold with diamonds and sapphires, Two Butterfly Between the Finger ring in white and yellow gold with diamonds and tsavorite, Two Butterfly Between the Finger ring in yellow gold with lapis lazuli and diamonds, Two Butterfly Between the Finger ring in white and yellow gold with diamonds and sapphires, all by Van Cleef & Arpels

Constellation Manhattan watch in Sedna™ by Omega

Perlée™ Couleurs transformable long necklace in yellow gold with turquoise, Pierre Arpels Heure d’Ici & Heure d’Ailleurs watch in white gold case, Alhambra cufflinks in yellow gold with mother-of-pearl, all by Van Cleef & Arpels

Omega Flower bracelet in 18K white gold with diamonds and mother-of-pearl, Omega Flower bracelet in 18K white gold with turquoise, Omega Flower necklace in 18K red gold with carnelian cabochon, all by Omega

Guirlande de Cartier bag in calfskin by Cartier

givens

Clockwise from top left:

Leather bracelet with wolf-head closure in sterling silver by Montblanc

Sailing bracelet in brushed titanium by Omega

Time Walker bracelet by Montblanc

Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer watch in Sedna™ gold case by Omega

Onyx-bead bracelet with serpent detail in silver by Montblanc

Aqua key holder by Omega

Alpine Eagle large watch in Chopard lucent steel by Chopard

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Clockwise from top left:

Green Carpet evening bag in calfskin by Chopard

Chaumet Liens Evidence bangle in 18K pink gold with red lacquer by Chaumet

Happy Hearts Twist bangle in 18K rose gold with diamonds and red stone, Happy Hearts Twist ring in 18K rose gold and diamonds, both by Chopard

Extrait de Camélia hoop earrings in 18K pink gold and diamond by Chanel Fine Jewelry

Chaumet Bee My Love bracelets in 18K yellow and white gold with diamonds, both by Chaumet

Extrait de Camélia transformable ring and long necklace in 18K pink gold with diamonds, both by Chanel Fine Jewelry

Chaumet Jeux de Liens Harmony pendant necklace in 18K pink gold with diamonds, Chaumet Jeux de Liens Harmony pendant necklace in 18K pink gold and red lacquer, both by Chaumet

Happy Hearts watch in stainless steel case with diamonds by Chopard

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Clockwise from top left:

Lucky Animals cat clip in yellow gold with tiger eye and onyx

Cosmos Between the Finger ring and Cosmos ring in rose gold with mother-of-pearl and diamonds

Lucky Animals dog clip in yellow gold with mother-of-pearl and onyx

Lucky Animals hedgehog clip in yellow gold with mother-of pearl, tiger eye and onyx

Lucky Animals owl clip in yellow gold with mother-of-pearl and onyx, all by Van Cleef & Arpels

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Clockwise from top:

Montblanc Heritage Monopusher Chronograph watch by Montblanc

Historiques American 1921 pair watches in 18K 5N pink gold case by Vacheron Constantin

Chaumet Bee My Love rings in 18K yellow, pink and white gold with diamonds, all by Chaumet

Out of the box: Sophistication and emancipation unleashed

The term “box” really doesn’t do justice to the sophistication of the vanity cases, jewellery receptacles and lipstick containers of times bygone. Artfully fashioned from gold or platinum with enamel-set precious stones or mother-of-pearl, such admirable accommodations were as finely-crafted conceits as any of the items of haute joaillerie sported by the most discerning ladies of the day.

While, aesthetically, these distinctly ladylike accessories were veritable masterpieces of creativity and technique, their origins are intriguingly enmeshed with one of the great turning points in feminist history. First coming to the fore during the Art Deco movement of the ’20s and ’30s, they made manifest the growing sense of independence among the more modish ladies of the day. Throughout World War I, after all, a huge number of women had answered their country’s call in a variety of roles. Once hostilities ceased, it was all but impossible to persuade them to adopt solely their more homely responsibilities.

Along with the acceptance that expectations and roles had been forever changed came a sense of joie de vivre, an exuberance that permeated many aspects of the lives of the women of the day. As they started to enjoy their newfound freedom, it became de rigueur to wear make-up and even to smoke in public. It was around this time that bejewelled boxes and cigarette holders made their debut, becoming a symbol of social enfranchisement and sophistication in pretty much equal measure.

 

*The jewellery boxes shown here are exhibited at L’ECOLE at K11 Musea until 9 February 2020. Free    Admission.

Life Shared: Romance, relax, Rolex

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Since Valentine’s Day is on its way, why not have some style inspirations, with a Rolex timepiece to accessorise, for the perfect date look.  

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Look 1

On Her

Jacquard jacket and wide-leg pants, chiffon shirt with bow, big-loop earrings with rhinestones, all from Dolce & Gabbana’s Cruise collection Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 watch in oystersteel with Everose gold and diamonds by Rolex

On Him

Flannel jacket and slim fit pants, tartan shirt with jewelled collar pins, all by Givenchy Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 watch in yellow gold by Rolex

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Look 2

On Her

Lace top, balloon high-waist pants, logo buckle belt with rhinestones, satin pumps with rhinestones, all from Dolce & Gabbana’s Cruise collection

On Him 

Silk printed wool sweater and pants, both from Dolce & Gabbana’s Cruise collection

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Look 3

Embroidered chiffon dress with shorts, both by Shiatzy Chen Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 watch in oystersteel with Everose gold and diamonds by Rolex

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Look 4

On Her

Short-sleeved jacket and lace blouse, both by Shiatzy Chen Leather pants and earrings, both from Givenchy’s Pre-Spring collection

On Him

Jacket, poplin shirt, leather shorts and leather collar strap, all by Prada

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Look 5

On Her

Jacquard knitted jacket and white shirt, both by Etro Patent leather platform pumps from Prada’s Resort 2020 collection Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 watch in white gold and diamonds by Rolex

On Him

Patterned jacket, white shirt and pants, all from the BOSS x Meissen Holiday Capsule Collection Sea-Dweller watch in oystersteel and yellow gold by Rolex 

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Look 6

Flannel double-breasted jacket and trousers, knitted turtleneck, all from Bottega Veneta’s Pre-Spring collection GMT-Master II watch in oystersteel by Rolex

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Look 7

On Her

Silk patterned jacket and cropped pants, high-neck pullover, all from Prada’s Resort 2020 collection Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 in oystersteel with white gold and diamonds by Rolex 

On Him

Checked jacket and black shirt by Prada GMT-Master II watch in oystersteel by Rolex

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Look 8

On Her

Silk ribbed knitted dress, padded Cassette bag and square-toed sandals, all from Bottega Veneta’s Pre-Spring collection

On Him

Checked suit with sweater, lace-up shoes, all from BOSS’ Pre-Spring collection

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Look 9

On Her

Oversized jacquard sweater, leather pants, ID flap bag and earrings, all from Givenchy’s Pre-Spring collection Studded booties by Etro

On Him

Draped knot pullover and wool pants, both from Bottega Veneta’s Pre-Spring collection

Ultra-fine Valentine’s Gifts for 2020

While the ultimate gift you can give that special person in your life is your undying adoration, no-one is likely to get upset if you add a high-end watch or a little haute joaillerie into the mix, especially with Valentine’s Day less than a month away…

Omega

Valentine's

Finding true love inevitably takes both parties higher than they’ve even been before, making Omega’s fine, feathered De Ville Trésor timepieces prudent accessories to have to hand. With the company’s 2020 Valentine’s day series including two watches from this particular collection – a blue co-axial master chronometer with 18-carat white gold markings on the dial for chaps and a Quartz 36mm with diamonds mounted on the sides for the ladies – what better time to let your relationship truly take off?

Freywille

Valentine's
Luna Piena Pendant from the Paris Pop collection

Bijouterie brand Freywille is rightly synonymous with highly creative jewellery collections that take inspiration from some of the world’s foremost artistic talents – Vincent Van Gogh, Alphonse Mucha, Claude Monet….Neither has inspiration eluded them in the run-up to the most romantic day of the year, with the Viennese brand having curated a singular selection of pieces that aptly celebrate amour – the highly-floral Pepita Rose collection, the Poésie d’ armour collection, the Paris Pop collection and the Wedding Collection Fine Jewellery. When it comes to putting the art into affairs of the heart, you really couldn’t do better.

Bvlgari

Valentine's
Serpenti Diamond Blast cross-body micro bag

Special for Valentine’s Day 2020, Bvlgari, that most fabulous of Italian fashion houses, is debuting a unique capsule collection, all coalescing around the brand’s emblematic Serpenti Forever motif. With its iridescent colours taking their cues from some of the world’s most glistening gems, each hue is said to resonate with one aspect of romance or another, with unadulterated white agate, for instance, exemplifying love in its purest form.

Tiffany & Co.

Valentine's
Tiffany T Wire Bangles in 18 carat yellow gold

It goes without saying that everyone only ever wants to furnish their forever friend with the very finest gifts possible. Thankfully, the ever-terrific Tiffany & Co. has made that breathtakingly easy with its compendium of peerless present options – most notably its Tiffany T Colours range and its selection of signature Elsa Peretti Open Heart Pendants. Just because it’s convenient, it doesn’t make it any less heartfelt.

Cartier

Valentine's

A sure way to find just the perfect gift for your most Significant Other is to opt for something emblematic of eternal regards – and what could state that more compellingly than Cartier’s contemporary-yet-classic Panthère de Cartier collection? With its prowling panther being a style statement with a vintage of more than 100 years, nothing could symbolise your enduring commitment more memorably.

Best dressed men at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards

Hot on the heels of our pick of the best dressed ladies at the 77th Golden Globe Awards, we did not forget about the best dressed men at the event. Be it a classic black and white tuxedo or a custom-made outfit, the men of Hollywood sure know how to make a fashionable statement on the red carpet. Below, we review the best dressed men at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards. 

Ansel Elgort

Best dressed men at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards
Photo Credits © Kevork Djansezian

Like Ansel Elgort’s impromptu singing, when he presented the award for Best Original Song – Motion Picture, his outfit also caught our attention at the Golden Globes. For the event, the Baby Driver actor ditched the usual black and white colour scheme and went for a dark blue velvet suit with a pale blue evening shirt by the American fashion brand Tom Ford, pairing it with navy William Tassel loafers. Moreover, the Tiffany Enchant® butterfly brooch made of diamonds and sapphires elevated his look further.  

Nick Jonas

Best dressed men at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards

When celebrity power couple Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra went on stage to present the Best TV Series – Musical or Comedy award, their collective ensembles were both minimalistic and on point. The Jonas Brother opted for a black silk dinner suit by the Italian fashion maison Prada and completed it with a Saffiano necklace in place of a regular tie. He accessorised his look with an Octo watch decorated with diamonds and a ring made of sapphire and tanzanite – both designed by the high-end jewellery brand BVLGARI.  

Nicholas Braun

Best dressed men at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards

‘Less is more’ is the right way to describe Nicholas Braun – the actor of Succession, the show which won the Best Television series award – on the red carpet. Donning a navy two-buttoned tuxedo along with a black satin bow tie by the fashion house Prada, his sartorial style was appealingly clean-cut. Moreover, he is another celebrity who made it to our list of best dressed men at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards for not choosing to wear the old school black tuxedo. Besides, the toned down colour contrast of his outfit was one of our favourite things about his look.

Taron Egerton 

Best dressed men at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards

While we may have stressed on choosing a colour other than black, we still can’t deny that a perfectly tailored black and white suit is more classy and timeless. Similar to other famous celebrities like Brad Pitt and Leonardo Caprio, the winner of the Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical Or Comedy award, Taron Egerton, also went for this classic look. Egerton, who won the award for his amazing acting in the film Rocketman, finished his look with a Montblanc Star Legacy Full Calendar watch.

Billy Porter

 

 
 
 
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Saving the best for the last, we have the Best Performance by an Actor – Television Series nominee Billy Porter. Since the time he went viral for wearing a dress to the 2019 Oscars, we’re always on the lookout to see what he wears on the red carpet next. This time too, he became one of the most stylish men at the event with his all-white custom made Alex Vinash suit that he paired with white Jimmy Choo boots. According to an Instagram post made by the Pose actor, the theme of his look was “BLAQUE SWAN” and his colour of choice symbolised “peace, hope, and new beginnings.” He completed his look with accessories from the American jewellery brand Tiffany & Co. – a Tiffany diamond necklace, a Tiffany Dragonfly Brooch and Tiffany T rings. The fashionista elevated his look further with a Ludlow clutch by the New York based designer brand Emm Kuo.