Tag: Cartier

Men’s jewellery is back in style – Top trends here!

The men’s jewellery renaissance is gaining momentum.  The creative sartorial pursuits of fashion sensations like Harry Styles, Timothée Chalamet (Cartier’s new friend), Joe Jonas (Chopard’s bud) are to be thanked but back home, all credit goes to the champions of Mirror boy band for fueling the rage in Hong Kong circles. 

From the past few seasons, we’re seeing boys in bling on fashion runways but the Spring 2022 collection of luxury houses, from Prada, Gucci, Versace to Ferrari and others, were all gleaming with gems… Below is our edit of the most fashionable men’s jewellery trends of the year. Notice the bling and the ring are getting voluminous in size.

Going Gold

In the photo: Fred Force 10 Collection; Bulgari B.Zero1 ring and Cartier bracelet; Tiffany & Co. T True ring and Maker’s narrow chain necklace; Gucci yellow-gold bracelet and ring with interlocking G

Adding stylish sartorial details to the typically minimalist gold ring and necklace, fine jewellery houses such as Fred, Chautmet, Gucci and Tiffany & Co. these classy collections elegant lines and a rich characteristic to accentuate the hands and wrists. 

Chains

In the photo: Dior chain necklace; Givenchy chain necklace and lock bracelet; David Yurman chain bracelet

For a flashy number, chain necklaces take on a pared back and more sophisticated appeal than its longer, oscillating iterations. Whether you’re putting together a minimalist look or a modish ensemble, chains offer the perfect accent to any outfit.

Brooches

In the photo: Vintage Cartier brooch and pin; Etro brooch; Maison Margiela brooch

Extravagant brooches and pins are making a fierce comeback. Fashioned on the red carpet by the likes of Timothée Chalamet and Regé-Jean Page, among many other A-listers are owning their softer sides and turning these traditionally feminine accessories into a unique statement piece for any black tie event. 

Pearls

In the photo: Pearl necklace by Éliou; Afternoon at the Ritz Pearl Story-ring by JLG

The preferred jewel of kings and pop-stars alike, are back in swag for men to don on any occasion. If a chain of pearls, de rigour for men in the 16th and 17th century feels a tad extra, the contemporary male can go the Harry Styles way – wearing minimalist, finest quality solitaire pearls for a subdued layer of style.

In the photo: Solitaire pearl on a gold chain; string of pearls Paradox collection by Arao

These natural wonders are often worn by the highest in royalty and if you’re looking for a place to start shopping – Mirabel Rosar’s sustainable and ethical jewellery outlet, Arao, curates modern yet timeless, gender fluid pieces. Her latest Paradox collection introduces two awe-inspiring lines – Sinag, a stunning single Keishi pearl in a 14k gold strand, and –Sikat, a classic string of pearls are a good place to start if you’re looking to make a statement. 

Modern art deco style

In the photo: John Hardy black jade ring and beaded bracelets; Northern Sky rings by JLG; Messika titanium ring and bracelet; Harry Winston cuff-links and pendant necklace

Luxury jewellers the world over are pushing out sartorial creations that oozes style, character and the essence of joie de vivre. The Northern Sky Story-ring in elongated ice blue spinel by JLG and John Hardy’s dual black jade in sterling silver ring and beaded bracelets among other standouts by Messika and Harry Winston are case in point.

Also Read: Talented Hong Kong Jewellery Designers You Need To Know About

Dialing It Up: Unusually shaped watches that bring a fresh perspective on timekeeping

Round or square dials with flat display cases are pretty much the norm in the world of high-end timepieces. A few daring watch manufactures, however, venture beyond these traditional forms, experimenting with domed displays, transparent cases and unusual timekeeping apertures that are as avant-garde as they are stunning.

Here, we cast a discerning eye over the latest crop of unusually shaped wrist adornments.

gafencu watches unusually shaped watches avant garde timepieces cloche-de-cartier-watch

Cloche de Cartier by Cartier
First on our list is the bell-shaped Cloche de Cartier. Inspired by luxury maison Cartier’s Cloche design of the ’20s, this idiosyncratic creation boasts a bell-shaped case with the dial’s hour markers rotated some 90 degrees from its usual orientation, giving it the aesthetic of a traditional desk clock.

Six different iterations of the new Cloche de Cartier have been unveiled. Versions encased in yellow gold, pink gold and platinum are equipped with a hand-wound 1917 MC movement, while three skeletonised models – available in pink gold, platinum or platinum with diamonds – feature a calibre 9626 MC movement.

gafencu watches unusually shaped watches avant garde timepieces Purnell Escape II Absolute Sapphire

Purnell Escape II Absolute Sapphire
Similarly boasting a see-through appeal is Swiss watchmaker Purnell’s Escape II Absolute Sapphire, which claims the honour of being the world’s first-ever double triple-axis tourbillon to be housed in a full sapphire case with movement bridges and a dial crafted from sapphire crystal.

This delightful open-worked motif affords direct views of the intricately engineered double Spherion movement, as well as the six barrels that power it. Just one piece will be made, so this exceptional 48mm watch is a guaranteed collector’s edition.

gafencu watches unusually shaped watches avant garde timepieces Vacheron Constantin American 1921 Pièce Unique

Vacheron Constantin American 1921 Pièce Unique
Another one-of-a-kind model with an unusual case is Vacheron Constantin’s American 1921 Pièce Unique, which the marque has painstakingly recreated from the 1919 original. When that vintage timepiece debuted, it was the world’s first-ever cushion-shaped design, and this unique feature has been revived for its 21st-century descendant.

In keeping with the historic nature of its legacy, almost every component of the watch has been constructed exactly as it would have been a century ago, with even the logo reading a period-accurate ‘Vacheron et Constantin Geneve Suisse’.

gafencu watches unusually shaped watches avant garde timepieces Greubel Forsey GMT Sport

Greubel Forsey GMT Sport
Injecting an element of 3D sophistication, meanwhile, is Greubel Forsey’s updated GMT Sport. Certain to appeal to jetsetters, its three-dimensional blue dial is punctuated with a second time zone indicator, a rotating globe with universal time and day-night indicator, and a tourbillon at the 2 o’clock position.

Limited to a release of just 33 pieces in titanium, it sports a distinctive ovoid case that gently curves at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock for a more streamlined look.

Unusually shaped timepieces Louis Vuitton Tambour Carpe Diem Minute Repeater

Louis Vuitton Tambour Carpe Diem Minute Repeater
Not to be outdone, high-end fashion house Louis Vuitton has pulled back the curtain on the Tambour Carpe Diem Minute Repeater, a fantastical horological creation featuring a dominant relief sculpture of a skull on its dial, replete with an intertwining snake. A legion of moving mechanisms stud this truly stunning piece of engineering, be it the snake’s tail that acts as a retrograde seconds indicator, the skull’s jaw gaping open to reveal the words ‘carpe diem’ or the moving lattice that changes the brand’s floral emblem into a star. In short, this is one minute repeater and ‘time on demand’ timepiece that elevates dial art to a whole new strata.

gafencu watches unusually shaped watches avant garde timepieces Christophe-Claret-X-trem-1-brown-3pp

Christophe Claret X-TREM-1
Taking the number one spot on our list of unusually shaped dials is independent Swiss watchmaker Christophe Claret’s X-TREM-1. Having debuted in 2012, this latest edition comes burnished in an eye-catching blue hue. Turning traditional timekeeping completely on its head, it eschews hour and minute hands entirely, instead displaying the time via two orange steel spheres moving up and down demarcated hour and minute displays. Seconds, meanwhile, are indicated by the flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock, which rotates every 30 seconds. Powered by a hand-wound FLY11 mechanical movement that takes place of pride on its open-worked fascia, this remarkable creation represents innovative haute horology at its very best.

 

Feature image: Vacheron Constantin’s American 1921 Pièce Unique movement assembly

Wrist Candy: Five dazzling high jewellery watches to add to your collection

Although the world of haute horology is, today, a male-dominated sphere, the industry actually owes the rise of wristwatches to demand from the fairer sex. During the late 19th century, when pocket watches were still the norm, it was women who had began adorning their wrists with fashionable gem-studded timepieces. Today, high jewellery watches blend the best of haute horology and high jewellery traditions in utterly stunning expressions that make for captivating timepieces that ensure all eyes are firmly on you…

gafencu magazine luxury lifestyle Five show-stopping high jewellery watches to add to your collection jaeger lecoutre reverso purple arums

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Purple Arums 
The line between art and watchmaking is often blurred when it comes to high jewellery watches, and renowned Swiss horologist Jaeger-LeCoultre plays with this amalgam exceptionally well with its latest Reverso, Purple Arums. Taking inspiration from decorative jewellery worn in the ’20s, the 40mm self-winding wristwatch, powered by the watchmaker’s patented Calibre 846 movement, introduces a truly unique Reverso iteration replete with the model’s iconic double-sided rectangular case. Its vivid floral design seamlessly flows across the rotatable case front, exhibiting a high level of  craftsmanship that required a painstaking 95-hour process of gem-setting, enamelling and engraving to create.

gafencu magazine luxury lifestyle Five show-stopping high jewellery watches to add to your collection vacheron constantin egerie

Vacheron Constantin Égérie
Staying with manual-winding chronographs, Vacheron Constantin celebrates the multiple facets of femininity through its new Égérie self-winding diamond-pavé models. Presented at the Watches & Wonders 2021, the ultra chic and elegantly versatile 35mm jewellery watch is truly worth of being added to the collection of any discerning fashionista. Featuring the maison’s signature off-centre display and asymmetrical geometry (artfully interlace two circles), a total of 574 round-cut diamonds punctuate the dial as well as the watch’s bezel, flanks and lugs, imparting an added sparkle to proceedings. 

gafencu magazine luxury lifestyle Five show-stopping high jewellery watches to add to your collection piaget limelight gala precious

Piaget Limelight Gala Precious Sunrise
The next entry on our list of stunning high jewellery watches comes courtesy of Swiss luxury watch and jewellery maker Piaget. The Limelight Gala Precious Sunrise is an automatic movement that features an eye-catching 32mm 18K white gold case and a bezel set with 32 brilliant-cut blue sapphires and 10 brilliant-cut diamonds, all of which were carefully sifted through to create the seamlessly flowing gradient that outlines the snowy, diamond embellished dial mixed with different-sized gemstones — a true beauty for the modern-day woman. 

gafencu magazine luxury lifestyle Five show-stopping high jewellery watches to add to your collection fank muhller double mystery peony

Franck Muller Double Mystery Peony
Next up, a marriage between haute horology and haute couture comes through a combination of technical innovation and the art of watchmaking – the intricately detailed Double Mystery Peony from Swiss horology brand Frank Muller. The 42mm mechanical complication, powered by a 42 DM PEONY D 2R CD movement, boasts a gorgeous gem-studded dial replete with 662 brilliant-cut diamonds and precious stones, all of which were painstakingly hand-set. Further accentuating its avant-garde aesthetics are the hour and minute indicators, which are placed on rotating discs at its centre. 

gafencu magazine luxury lifestyle Five show-stopping high jewellery watches to add to your collection cartier libre

Cartier Libre Baignoire Turtle
Rounding out our list of high jewellery watches is luxury maison Cartier’s limited-edition Libre Baignoire Turtle watch. Taking inspiration from its 2019 Baignoire predecessor, just 30 pieces of this masterclass in jewellery watchmaking will be produced. Playful, sophisticated and all-but-guaranteed to ensnare any passing gaze, its geometric motif is punctuated with anthracite, buff-topped sapphires and pavé diamonds that together call to mind the scaling of a turtle’s shell. 

Auction Highlights: The most desirable and highest commanding collectible items to go under the hammer

Featuring some of the most desirable and highest commanding collectibles that realised outstanding (and record-breaking) sums, at auction recently, from a stunning diamond bracelet, a historic Rolex Daytona, a beautifully illustrated medieval prayer book, and Kanye West’s record-breaking sneakers, these are the top bids that recently hit headlines…

gafencu Auction Highlights The most desirable and highest commanding collectible items to go under the hammer book of hours Master_of_the_paris_bartholomeus_anglicus_paris

An illustrated prayer book scores top bid
The Book of Hour is a medieval Christian prayer book organised by the time of day and comprised of beautifully illuminated texts, sumptuous page decorations, and portrait panels that reflected the wealth and discernment of well-to-do men and women. Recently a Parisian Book of Hours on vellum circa the 1440s went under the hammer for an outstanding US$3.6 million at Christie’s. Illustrated by the Master of the Paris Bartholomeus Anglicus, the tome remains complete and in pristine condition and is said to be the most richly illuminated work of its enigmatic creator.

gafencu Auction Highlights The most desirable and highest commanding collectible items to go under the hammer rolex daytona

A historical Rolex Daytona races into the money
The first iteration of the highly desirable Rolex Cosmograph Daytona can be traced back to 1963. Designed with the racing driver in mind, the chronograph become one of Rolex’s most-loved and hard-to-find models. This year, a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 16516, found its way to Sotheby’s Important Watch sale, where it realised more than HK$24 million. Sporting a one-of-a-kind lacquered ‘Stella’ dial in turquoise, the 40mm timepiece remains in working condition with only minor blemishes and visible surface wear. According to the auction house, it is one of five models made that year nicknamed ‘Zenith’ for their Zenith calibre 4030 movements. 

gafencu Auction Highlights The most desirable and highest commanding collectible items to go under the hammer cartier Diamond and Rock Crystal Bangle-Bracelet

A magnificent jewel snapped up at showpiece sale
Hong Kong remains the precious heart of Asia when it comes to valuable diamonds and gems. The region’s insatiable appetite for large, high-quality stones proved to be unabated when a show-stopping Diamond and Rock Crystal Bangle sold for an astounding HK$46.9 million at auction on 21 April. A hot ticket item in Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale, this rare and phenomenal 63.66-carat pear-shaped internally flawless white diamond bracelet was rightly acclaimed as an architectural masterpiece by its creator, French luxury jeweller Cartier.

gafencu Auction Highlights The most desirable and highest commanding collectible items to go under the hammer kanye west nike air yeezy 1 prototype

Kanye West’s record breaking sneakers
Recently, Kanye West’s 2008 ‘Grammy worn’ Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototype sneakers went under the hammer at a private sale at Sotheby’s. The 13-year-old sports shoes fetched US$1.8 million, the highest publicly recorded price for a pair of sneakers, tripling the auction house’s record for being the most valuable sneakers ever sold. Nike Air Yeezy was the first collaboration by a major footwear label with a non-athlete. It was, at the time, Nike’s top-secret project that became “one of the most brilliant reveals in sneaker history and a pillar in the advent of modern sneaker culture”, according to Sotheby’s. 

 

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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.

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.

 

Wrist Candy: A sneak peek at the latest 2021 novelty watches

Each year, the world’s leading haute horology brands unveil a slew of new designs, tempting timepieces that will set the trend for the industry and its legions of fans in the months to come. Below, we highlight some of the most outstanding 2021 novelty watches to feast your eyes on…

gafencu 2021 Novelty Watches corum admiral 45

Corum Admiral 45 Automatic Tourbillon
First to make the cut is the Admiral 45 Openworked Flying Tourbillon by Swiss watchmaker Corum. An arresting marriage between avant-garde stylings and precision engineering, the automatic chronometer proudly blends classic design with a modern nautical motif that is sure to win over the hearts of ocean-going watch connoisseurs around the world. The dynamic 45mm carbon and 18K gold-glitter case affords view on both sides of the dial, including the artisanal mastery that went into meticulously finished components of the rotating flying tourbillon escapement C0 298 taking place of pride at 6 o’clock. 

gafencu 2021 Novelty Watches Longines Aviation BigEye

Longines Avigation BigEye
Next up is the Avigation BigEye by Swiss luxury watchmaker Longines, which impresses with a striking grained and shaded petrol blue dial burnished with Arabic numeral hour markers. Multifunctional to the extreme, it boasts a small-seconds counter at 9 0’clock, a 12-hour measure at the bottom half of its fascia, and an intriguing 30-minute scale at 3 o’clock. Unabashedly boasting vintage pilot-watch appeal, this 41mm titanium case houses a self-winding calibre L688 mechanical movement with a silicon balance-spring and sits handsomely on any gentleman’s wrist.

gafencu 2021 Novelty Watches audemars piguet

Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Chronograph 41mm
Intertwining uncompromising craftsmanship with bold aesthetics, world-renowned mechanical watchmaker Audemars Piguet has pulled back the curtains on a new41mm self-winding iteration of its iconic Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Chronograph 41mm. Powered by a self-winding calibre 4401 movement replete with a column wheel and a flyback function, its black-on-rose gold aesthetic presents an undeniably sleek appeal. Here, the middle case is crafted from black ceramic for a great lighweight feel, while atop its smoked grey lacquered dial lie three recessed subdials. Also available in a white gold iteration, the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Chronograph 41mm comes fitted with black textile straps that temper its overall look with a subtle casual flair. 

gafencu 2021 Novelty Watches Omega Seamaster 300

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra
Turning to watches for the ladies, the Seamaster Aqua Terra by Swiss luxury watchmaker Omega is a timepiece that embodies lushious feminine elegance at its very finest. With a dazzling diamond-set bezel and hour markers crafted from precious rubies, this blushing wrist adornment’s dial is further enhanced with a wave-patterned pink dial. Presented in a 34mm stainless steel or 18K Sedna gold case, this delightful homage to womanhood is powered by a Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8800 movement. 

gafencu 2021 Novelty Watches Cartier Panthère Songeuse

Cartier Panthère Songeuse
Long renowned for creating the finest timepieces for discerning female collectors, Cartier’s new Panthère Songeuse does not disappoint. A dazzling statement piece in every sense of the word, this ostentatious gem-laden creation features the brand’s emblematic feline draped across the top of its fascia, replete with a pair of pear-cut emerald eyes, black onyx nose and sapphire spots. The multi-ringed motif of this sparkling 28.4mm timepiece draws attention to the pave-set diamonds, ensuring all eyes will undoubtedly be on its sophisticated wearer. 

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