Tag: Chopard

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.

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.

 
 

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

 

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. 

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

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.

gemstones

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.

Christmas Gifts for Her: Our top picks to present that special lady in your life

With only a few short weeks left to complete your Christmas shopping, the clock is ticking on picking up that perfect gift for your special ladies. To save you from the last-minute ‘what should I get?’ confusion, we have put together a list of beautiful and practical Christmas gifts for her from some of the world’s best-loved brands that the women in your life will cherish.

Rituals’ gift set

Christmas Gifts

Everyone loves themselves some self-pampering for the holidays, and it’s never been easier thanks to beauty brand Rituals’ elegant collection of gift sets. Some of everyone’s favourite Rituals collections – The Ritual of Ayurveda, The Ritual of Sakura and The Ritual of Samurai – are available as gift sets in different sizes – small, medium, large and extra large. Fortunately, the boxing can be used as an attractive storage space after the products have been used, giving the gift an extra life. Get your choice of the gift set from one of the Rituals stores in Hong Kong.

Senreve’s Midi Maestra

Christmas Gifts

A bag is a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. Thereby, one can never go wrong with a good bag, and San Francisco-based bag expert Senreve’s Midi Maestra is definitely a great choice. This multipurpose and multi-feature bag with eight interior compartments and four ways to be carried – as a backpack, cross-body, satchel or tote. This Italian-manufactured bag comes in different types of materials including luxury pebbled leather, mimosa to mixed leather and suede. Click on the link here to buy the bag.

Panthère de Cartier Jewellery

Christmas Gifts

Haute joaillerie maison Cartier’s Panthère de Cartier collection is elegant, iconic and timeless, offering the discerning femme fashionista with beautiful rings, bracelets, necklaces and more. Proudly burnished with the brand’s iconic panther motic, this collection will definitely top off as a stylish accessory that can be worn for on all occasions especially for its lightweight, slimness and of course the panther artwork on it . These exotic creations are available in the buyer’s choice of white, rose and yellow gold, and comes adorned with various precious stones including diamonds, emeralds and more. Click here to shop from the collection.

Chopard’s Happy Moon

Christmas Gifts

Taking inspiration from the night sky that is beautifully lit by the moon and the stars, the haute horology house Chopard’s Happy Moon is a watch with astronomical attributes. The first moon-phase featured timepiece from the Happy Sport collection, it showcases a distinctly starry motif, with shimmering constellations punctuating its deep blue dial. The Happy Moon is made from ethical 18K gold and is studded with diamonds for an added sparkle.

Nyetimber Classic Cuvee

Christmas Gifts

In addition to the sweet treats and delicious food, a bottle of bubbly is what completes the dinner table on a Christmas night. If you are confused about which sparkling wine to get, British sparkling wine-maker MV Nyetimber’s Classic Cuvee is the answer. Keeping up with the expectations of any Nyetimber wine, this beverage is a blend of 50-60 percent Chardonnay, 30-40 percent Pinot Noir and 10-20 percent Pinot Meunier..Toasty and spicy with hints of honey, almonds and pastry on the nose, t is available to buy on Watson’s Wine.

Shanghai Tang’ s 2019 Christmas Collection

Christmas Gifts

Luxury lifestyle label Shanghai Tang’s 2019 Christmas Collection is definitely a one step solution for any confusions one may have for what to get her for Christmas. However, the collection is sure to spoil you with a wide range of choices – Silver Jubilee, women’s ready-to-wear sets, accessories and scarves, lacquer boxes, trinket boxes, photo frames, fragrances and more. With red being a very prominent colour in the collection, it definitely holds the spirits of Christmas while still embodying a wholly Oriental appeal. Click here to shop from Shanghai Tang.

Day & Night of Vivid Pink Spinels

Christmas Gifts

Another piece of jewellery that would make a beautiful gift is the Day & Night of Vivid Pink Spinels from K.S. Sze & Sons Jewelers. Known for their reputation as one of the most sought-after jewellery shops in Hong Kong, the Day & Night of Vivid Pink Spinels is crafted with pink spinels and 18K white gold. For more jaw-dropping designs, check out its Sri Lanka Royal Blue Sapphires Collection, Pear Diamond Necklace, and Paraiba Tourmaline.

Rose Gold Watches: Timepieces that embody a perfect rosy blush

Ever since Patek Philippe, watchmaker extraordinaire, crafted the world’s first wristwatch – an ornate yellow gold affair with a baguette-shaped, key-wound movement – for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary back in 1868, the use of this rare, valuable metal pretty much became the calling card of haute horology houses for crafting high-end timepieces.

Today, despite the encroachment of more affordable silver and stainless steel materials in the art of horlogerie, yellow gold remains one of the most popular metals to be used in manufacturing sophisticated statement watches. However, the past decade has seen a new challenger rise in the luxury segment, the subtler, gentler rose gold. First brought to the world’s attention in the early 19th century when famed jeweller Peter Carl Fabergé utilised it to create his renowned Fabergé Eggs, rose gold – an alloy crafted from 24K yellow gold, copper and silver – is now seen as a luxurious alternative, one that appeals to both genders in equal measure. Below, we highlight six superlative new designs that use this blushing metal.

Rose gold watches - Breguet Marine Dame 9518

Discerning female collectors could do far worse than start their perusals with Breguet’s new Breguet Marine Dame 9518. Attractively fitted with white alligator leather straps, its rose gold case and fluted case band are further enhanced with a diamond-studded bezel. A glistening opaline mother-of-peal dial with rose gold hour, minute and second hands graces its 33.8mm fascia, while the self-winding 591A calibre movement is visible on its transparent caseback.

Rose gold watches - Bulgari Serpenti Seduttori

A more unusually shaped timepiece comes courtesy of haute joaillerie brand Bulgari, with the dial of the latest iteration of its Serpenti Seduttori watch embodying the triangular head of the brand’s iconic Serpent emblem. Crafted almost entirely from rose gold – including its hexagonal-patterned bracelet, case, bezel, crown and folding buckle – the serpentine design is at once beguilingly feminine and beautifully functional. Here, its minimalist white opaline dial is lovingly ringed with diamonds, with the cabochon-cut rubellite on its crown adding a charming touch of red.

Rose gold watches - Chopard Happy Moon

Starry-eyed femme fashionistas, meanwhile, may also give Chopard’s all-new Happy Moon a thorough look-over. Part of a 250-piece limited release and crafted from ethically-sourced 18K rose gold, it unabashedly showcases the marque’s precision engineering and aesthetic expertise. Fitted with a COSC-certified 96.25-C calibre movement and taking the stars as its central motif, its blue aventurine dial is dotted constellations as visible from the Northern Hemisphere, with the North Star taking pride of place at 6 o’clock. The snow-set diamonds set on the bezel bestow an aura of delicacy to the timepiece.

Rose gold watches - Baume and Mercier Clifton Baumatic

Gentlemen collectors are also spoilt for choice when it comes to rose gold specimens of every imaginable timepiece category. Minimalist-inclined enthusiasts, for instance, would understandably be drawn to Baume & Mercier’s new Clifton Baumatic 18K Pink Gold Automatic. Understated elegance is the central appeal here, its white-on-rose gold fascia is enticingly simple, with only a date aperture at 3 o’clock and pink gold hour markers punctuating its dial. The star in its crown is undoubtedly the Baumatic BM13 calibre, its mechanical self-winding movement that offers a  staggering 120-hour reserve and innovative antimagnetism features.

Rose gold watches - Omega Divemaster 300M

Foregoing minimalism for a more athletic appeal is renowned watchmaker Omega in the form of its blue / rose gold / stainless steel interpretation of its Seamaster Diver 300M, fictional superspy James Bond’s preferred wrist adornment (a preference shown in several instalments including Goldeneye and Tomorrow Never Dies). This modern update of the classic dive watch features a crown burnished in Omega’s proprietary rose gold – Sedna gold – with its blue ceramic dial embracing its aquatic motif by featuring laser-engraved waves that mimic the sea. Measuring 42mm in diameter, blue rubber straps round out its sporty sophistication.

Rose gold watches - Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-thin

Perhaps the ultimate rose gold statement timepiece, though, comes in the form of haute horology marque Vacheron Constantin’s super-slim Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-thin. Measuring just 8.1mm thick, this intricate design not only comes equipped with a moon phase indicator at 6 o’clock, but also boasts a perpetual calendar visible on its blue lacquered dial, all housed in a fetching 18K 5N pink gold case. Powered by a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it 4.05mm-thick Calibre 1120 QP/1 movement, the perpetual calendar mechanism needs no adjustment until the year 2100, ensuring that its rose gold appeal will endure through generations.

Text: Tenzing Thondup

Right Dangle: Geometric jewellery greater than the sum of their parts

When Euclid, the famed classical Greek scholar, first stumbled upon the concept of geometry in ancient Athens, it was such a revolutionary breakthrough in the field of science that no subsequent feat of engineering or architecture could have been ever possible without the use of this particular mathematical discovery.

But while geometry is all but an academic pursuit for the maths-minded scholar, thankfully, the reach of geometric design has spread well beyond the groves of Academia. Not only are geometric patterns instrumental in shaping almost every possible modern structure, it suffices to say that these designs have been equally adaptable to apparel, accessories and even jewellery.

Their appeal, specifically in the world of haute joaillerie, has proved to be timeless. While outré, exceptional, eye-catching pieces are perhaps more suited to special occasions, it is the simple, classic geometric patterns of everyday jewellery that we can rely on time and again. Not only do their minimalist lines lend themselves well to every occasion, be it formal dinners or casual soirées, their basic shapes – ovals, squares, triangles – combine harmoniously to create jewellery items that are far greater than the sum of their parts.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

All Time Highs: Clock these evergreen classic timepieces…

1. Happy Sport watch in 18K rose gold with diamonds by Chopard
2. Lady Jour des Fleurs watch in white gold with pavéd diamonds, spinels, tsavorites and sapphires by Van Cleef & Arpels 
3. Charms Romance Parisienne Rencontre watch in rose gold with diamonds, spessartites, mother-of-pearl and sapphires by Van Cleef & Arpels
4. Baignoire Allongée watch with 18K pink gold case by Cartier
Four-piece porcelain tray set by Hermès
Round porcelain dish; metallic vide poche in porcelain; silver vide poche with hand-painted finishing, all by Tiffany & Co. 
All lipsticks by Gucci

1. Emperador Coussin XL 700P watch with diamond-set 18K pink gold case by Piaget
2. Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date watch with 18K 5N pink gold case by Vacheron Constantin
3. Seamaster Diver 300M watch in 18K Sedna™ gold with ceramic bezel by Omega
Dalian chess board game in bullcalf leather; lacquered small box with wood cover, both by Hermès 
Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended Scotch whisky

1. Arceau 78 watch with stainless steel case by Hermès
2. Portofino Chronograph watch with 18K 5N gold case by IWC
3. Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II watch in Oystersteel by Rolex
Lacquered wood tray with leather handle; Celebes lacquered small bowl with wood cover, both by Hermès 
Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended Scotch whisky

1. Hortensia Bolero watch with diamond-set 18K yellow gold case by Chaumet
2. Possession watch in 18K white gold with pavéd diamonds by Piaget
3. Montblanc Bohème Automatic Date watch
4. J12 watch in white ceramic and steel by Chanel
Bear and Block three-piece China set; Everyday Objects crystal glass apple box with sterling silver lid; Tiffany x Steiff Return to Tiffany Lover teddy bear in mohair; all by Tiffany & Co. 
Beauty products by Chanel

1. De Ville Trésor watch with 18K Moonshine™ gold case by Omega
2. Overseas Self-Winding watch with diamond-set stainless steel case by Vacheron Constantin
3. Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 watch in 18K yellow gold with diamonds by Rolex
4. Portofino Automatic 34 watch with diamond-set 18K 5N gold case by IWC 
Tartan Dye cashmere; Fenetres Sur Ciel boxes in hand-painted lacquer, all by Hermès
Round porcelain dish; metallic vide poche in porcelain; Bear and Block frame in sterling silver, all by Tiffany & Co.

1. Midnight Landscapes White Creek watch in white gold with mother-ofpearl by Van Cleef & Arpels
2. L.U.C XP watch with stainless steel case by Chopard
3. Panthères et Colibri watch in 18K rhodium-finished white gold with diamonds by Cartier
Celebes lacquered small, medium boxes and centrepiece, all topped with wood covers, all by Hermès                    

 

          

Photos: Jack Law
Art Direction & Styling: San Wong