Category: Jewellery

A dazzling De Beers blue diamond sells for HK$451 million at auction

An exquisite vivid blue diamond – The De Beers Cullinan Blue – has sold at Sotheby’s Hong Kong for HK$451 million (US$57.5 million). This is just shy of the current record for a blue diamond, achieved in 2016 when The Oppenheimer Blue (14.62 carats), sold for US$57,541,779.

De Beers blue diamond gafencu
The DeBeers Cullinan Blue, photo courtesy of Sotheby’s Hong Kong

A vigorous eight-minute bidding war ensued between four diamond lovers eager to secure the 15.1-carat prize took the price well above the HK$380 million reserve with the precious gem going to a telephone bidder. Possessing exceptional clarity, it is the biggest internally vivid blue diamond that the Gemological Institute of America has ever graded. Blue diamonds of such dimensions are incredibly rare, with only five 10-carat-plus examples having reached auction previously – none of which have exceeded 15 carats, making the existence of this peerless gem truly unique.

De Beers blue diamond gafencu

“The (diamond) captivated me from the moment I laid eyes on it. With its powerful vivid colour, and breathtakingly beautiful cut, it is truly a once-in-a-generation stone, and quite simply the greatest blue diamond of its size I have ever seen during my 31-year-career,” said Patti Wong, Chairman of Sotheby’s Asia of the sale.

Read our previous story on Blue Diamonds: A look at the world’s stunning coloured gems.

Nautical Charm: High jewellery pieces inspired by the ocean

For centuries, the allure of the deep sea has served as inspiration for many artistic creations – be it the undulating waves of the high seas or the marine life that inhabit the diverse watery depths. Its captivating beauty and awe-inspiring seascapes transport the senses to a world beyond the familiar. Yet its expanse remains an intriguing mystery. It is the vastness and lure of the ocean that allows the artistic mind to roam free – inspiring maisons of haute joaillerie to re-imagine life under the sea and create ocean-inspired motifs that pay homage to the charm of the nautical world.

From Chopard’s red carpet ring to Van Cleef & Arpel’s Seven Seas collection to Gübelin’s Grace of the Sea Anemone cocktail ring, these fine works of jewellery for the fingers, wrist and décolletage are masterfully crafted and set with the rarest and most dazzling of semi-precious gemstones and diamonds to reflect the essence of maritime beauty.

  1. Fawaz Gruosi High Jewellery Collection
  2. Fabio Salini Necklace
  3. Gubelin Grace of the Sea Anemone Cocktail Ring
  4. Chopard Red Carpet Collection
  5. Van Cleef & Arpels Seven Seas Caspiansea Clip Mysterieuses
  6. Van Cleef & Arpels Seven Seas Caspiansea Clip Trois Tortues
  7. Tasaki Eveil Ear Cuff
  8. Annoushka Hidden Reef Cuff
  9. Pomalleto Sabbia Ring
  10. Aurelie Bidermann Necklace
  11. Chanel Bo Precious Float Earrings
  12. Cindy Chao Art Jewel Collection Coral Earrings

JJ Abram on expanding the family brand’s vision at Ronald Abram

As JJ Abram steps up to plate to take charge of the family business he grew up in, he explains how his son is the apple of his eye and that Hong Kong is the place he wants to raise him.

interview_JJ Abram_family_business_Ronald_Abram_jewellery_gafencu_1

Your parents [Ronald and Joyce Abram] have been stalwarts of the jewellery scene for decades. Did you always know you wanted to join the family business?
The short answer? Yes. Ronald Abram has been at its current location in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for three decades now – and I literally grew up and spent my childhood here surrounded by these fantastic jewels. While I definitely had other passions, there wasn’t anything that had a strong enough attraction for me to pursue professionally. During my teenage and university years, I spent holidays and internships within the jewellery industry, so in a way, I was pretty much destined to end up where I am today.

Give us a little snapshot of what Ronald Abram is all about.
On the surface, it’s a high-end jewellery brand specialising in collectible rare jewels, but we like to think of ourselves as more than that. The main focus of our business is relationships. We look to build lasting relationships with both jewellery lovers and jewellery collectors – that’s really the core of our business.

interview_JJ Abram_family_business_Ronald_Abram_jewellery_gafencu_3

As your parents take a step back, what are your responsibilities at the family firm?
Currently, as Brand Director, I manage the day-to-day operations of the business. However, as my mum and dad move to the next phase of their lives, I’m looking to not just maintain the legacy my parents have built, but to grow it further. So understandably, a lot of my responsibilities revolve around expanding on the foundation they created and looking to the future to see how we can flourish further.

What does that entail exactly?
This year, our main focus is on the rebranding of Ronald Abram. We’re relaunching the company in addition to revamping our corporate identity. This includes everything from evolving our logo to launching new collections that will appeal to a different audience, in addition to expanding our catalogue for existing clients.

We’re also working on several marketing activities to grow our brand awareness outside of Hong Kong, particularly since we’re looking to increase the international scope of our business, especially in markets with great potential such as the US and Middle East.
A third priority is to develop the electronic side of our operations, which we hope to accomplish by launching an e-commerce platform sometime this summer.

We’ve got things bubbling on many fronts, but the most important thing is to time them with the ongoing pandemic, the travel schedules it allows, and the situation in Hong Kong, which at our base is of utmost importance to us. Like many other businesses, we’ve been working with clients remotely via digital means to ride out Covid, but as soon as things open up, we’re ready to step on the gas.

“Professionally, we’ve had our fair share of special memories, but it pales in comparison to the birth of my son. To me that’s priceless”

Working alongside your parents, what’s the most memorable experience you’ve had?
Professionally, we’ve had our fair share of special memories and successes, but I think it pales in comparison to the birth of my son. During these difficult times, where people are unable to be with their families for such momentous milestones, both my parents were able to be there for the birth of my son and to see his earliest moments. To me that is priceless.

If you pushed me on a career highlight, though, that would definitely be the first time I ever made a sale. I remember it so clearly. An English gentleman came into the store and snapped up a bracelet from me, and I thought: ‘Hey, this isn’t so difficult!’ In a twist of fate, after not hearing from him for 18 years, that very man emailed me just last month to order a new ring. He even asked if I remembered him, which of course I did. We just completed the order and had it delivered two days ago. The entire experience kind of made me feel that things have come full circle. What’s more, in a family business, when you have a success it’s more meaningful, as you share it with those you love.

Has gemology and the jewellery industry always been your passion?
I understand jewellery very well from a professional standpoint, and I’m well versed in how to conduct myself in this industry. Having said that, is it my passion? To be completely frank, less so. What I love is working with talented people, whether they’re in marketing, sales or the creative team – people who bring out the best in others. For me, that’s the best part of my job.

interview_JJ Abram_family_business_Ronald_Abram_jewellery_gafencu_2

What is the most exclusive piece of jewellery you’ve ever worked on?
That’s a difficult question to answer, because we’ve had the opportunity to work on some truly stunning stones, be it emeralds, sapphires or pink diamonds. Having said that, large, untreated Burmese rubies – those that are 10 carats or larger – are probably the most indulgent pieces I’ve handled. These types of items are not readily available. They don’t come out of a mine anymore, they have to come out of someone’s safe or family collection, so understandably their provenance is of critical importance to the final design. Over the past few years, I’ve come across several such rarities. It’s almost like a badge of honour to be working on gems of that calibre.

You recently welcomed your first child. How has fatherhood changed you?
When I got married, I understood that life is not just about you, it’s about you and your partner. Then when I had my son, that evolved to where everything is about the baby [laughs]. All jokes aside, though, as cliché as it sounds, it gave me the epiphany that I really have to be the best version of myself so I can set a good example for him. Also, it gave me a newfound sense of maturity, because now I’m responsible for someone’s life – that’s something that really transforms the way you look at the world.

“I love working with talented people in marketing, sales or the creative team – people who bring out the best in others. That’s the best part of my job”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Oh, I definitely want to be in Hong Kong. Firstly, I firmly believe in the city, and I believe in its future. Then, when I think in terms of where I would like to raise a family, this place is it – particularly as I myself grew up here, and I’d like my son to experience the same happy memories that I had.

What’s your favourite way to relax?
I like to kick-start every day with an hour-long walk along Bowen Road while listening to music. It’s important to have that time for myself away from all my worldly responsibilities and the needs of my family. The exercise gives me the peace of mind to meet the day with my best foot forward.

interview_JJ Abram_family_business_Ronald_Abram_jewellery_gafencu

If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island (and all your basic needs were met), what three things must you have with you?
First: music. I listen to music across many genres every day, so I’d need to have some sort of music streaming service. Secondly, I’m assuming I’d be alone, so I’d like a picture of my wife and son. Finally, I guess this would be a tropical island, so I would want some sunglasses to ward off the rays.

What’s the biggest item on your bucket list?
It used to be skydiving, but I ticked that one off the list on one of the first dates with my wife. Now I’d say I want to become a space tourist with my son. I know it’s not very commercially viable right now and the technology is still relatively untried in terms of public travel. But once it becomes a possibility – and my son is old enough to appreciate it – that’s definitely a memorable experience we can share together.

Thank you.

(Interview by: Tenzing Thondup; Photographer: Jack Law; Art Direction and Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma; Videographer: Jackie Chan; Venue: Ronald Abram salon at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong)

Chopard celebrates the 2022 Cannes Film Festival with a new Palme d’Or

Swiss fine jeweller Chopard honours 75 years of the Cannes International Film Festival and 25 years of partnership with the prestigious institution with a new design of the Palme d’or, the highest award at the closing ceremony that celebrates the best film screened at the festival.

 

Chopard celebrates the 2022 75th Cannes Film Festival with a new redesigned Palme d'Or
(In this photo: The redesigned Palme d’Or by Chopard’s co-founder and artistic director Caroline Scheufele)

In honour of the coveted annual event, as well as the Maison’s quarter-century-long partnership with the festival, co-founder and artistic director of Chopard Caroline Scheufele revisited the Palme d’Or this year and gave the esteemed prize award a new look in celebration of the double jubilee.

Chopard celebrates the 2022 75th Cannes Film Festival with a new redesigned Palme d'Or ruben ostland best film
(In this photo: Swedish director Ruben Östlund wins the Palme d’Or for Best Film at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival)

Coined as a radiant symbol of unconditional love that binds the festival with cinema, as well as the Maison’s long-standing partnership with the event, the redesign of the iconic palm branch motif features two delicately crafted strands of gold leaves set with 75 and 25 diamonds to mark both the festival’s and the Maison’s long-standing presence in the world of cinema. Both the 18-carat yellow gold and diamonds were ethically sourced from certified suppliers and are mounted on a gorgeous rose quartz base, instead of its traditional rock crystal cushion.

Chopard celebrates the 2022 75th Cannes Film Festival with a new redesigned Palme d'Or (2)
(In this photo: 25 and 75 diamonds set on two gold leaves of the Palme in tribute of the 75th Cannes Film Festival and 25 years of partnership with the institution)

The stunning laurel has been an iconic prize that honours filmmakers from around the world. This year, the accolade, presented by Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón and Cannes president Vincent Lindon, had been given to Swedish director Ruben Östlund of satirical film Triangle of Sadness for Best Film.

Chopard celebrates the 2022 75th Cannes Film Festival with a new redesigned Palme d'Or song kang-ho rueben ostland Zahra Amir Ebrahimi
(In this photo: Song Kang-Ho, Ruben Ostlund, Viencent Lindon and Zahra Amir Ebrahimi)

That evening, the stage was also shared with Korean actor Song Kang-Ho who won Best Actor for Broker, while the award for Best Actress went to Iranian actress Zahra Amir Ebrahimi for her performance in Holy Spider, and the award for Best Director was received by Korean director Park Chan-Wook for his film Decision to Leave.

The memorable event marks Cannes’ 75th edition of its international film festival, and drew to a close on 28 May with a successful celebration of arts, cinema and craftsmanship.

All About Jadeite: A symbol of wealth and status

old has value but jade is invaluable, goes the Chinese saying. A revered Asian obsession since time immemorial, the ‘stone of heaven’ is prized for its hardness, resilience and purity, not to mention the belief that it can heal and ward off evil. 

In China, jade has long been viewed as a symbol of wealth and great privilege; during the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD), Chinese nobility were interred in jade suits as part of an opulent ceremonial burial tradition reserved for the privileged classes. In a ritual suggesting that the smooth gemstone had magical abilities to prevent physical decay and provide an auspicious after-life, hundreds of square jade plaques were stitched together with wire to cover the body in its final resting place.

As jadeite appreciates, so do the numbers of collectors who admire its quiet, translucent charm gafencu (4)

Archaeologists assumed tales of jade burial suits were the stuff of legend until two whole examples of said shrouds were unearthed in 1968 in the tomb of Liu Sheng, son of Emperor Jing, and his wife, Dou Wan. Replete with a total of 2,498 tiles of solid jade weighing two and half pounds and bound by the gold wire reserved for imperial lineage, their magnificence had excavators in awe.

While being bedecked in green at death is no longer the fashion, jade is still widely beloved as a status symbol, a valuable collectible and an investment option. A walk along any commercial street in China, Hong Kong or Vietnam affords the opportunity to admire jade jewellery worn by many in varied forms, from pendant to bracelet to prized cabochon ring.

Rising Fortunes

As jadeite appreciates, so do the numbers of collectors who admire its quiet, translucent charm gafencu (3)
Jade trumps gold in value today – at about US$3,000 per ounce compared to bullion’s US$1,900. The mineral certainly outshone the metal in 2016 when auctioneers at the Shanghai World Jewellery Expo raised the opening bid for a jadeite to more than US$160 per gram (about $4,500 an ounce). It’s no wonder collecting jadeite (high-quality jade) is often viewed as offering greater investment return than buying real estate.

“There’s been an upward trend in jade’s prices over the last few years; China’s rising wealth has seen prices go through the roof,” says Chiang Shiu-fung, Vice-President and Senior Jewellery Specialist at Christie’s Hong Kong. A necklace that once belonged to American heiress Barbara Hutton comprising 27 vivid green jadeite beads – believed to have hailed from the Qing Dynasty court – and a Cartier clasp of rubies and diamonds sold at Sotheby’s in 2014 for an eye-watering US$27.44 million, roughly twice the estimated price.

As jadeite appreciates, so do the numbers of collectors who admire its quiet, translucent charm gafencu (6)

When collectors part with millions of dollars for jade jewellery, what drives the market: the quality of the stone or its exquisite setting? “Always the quality, not so much the design,” noted Eddy Hui of iconic jade jewellery brand Edward Chiu Jewellery Art. In an interview with CNN in 2016, Hui remarked that sentiment and a stone’s value are inherently important to his traditional Asian clientele. “While Westerners pick more modern, beautifully carved jade pieces, the quality of the stone – the simplicity, originality and ability to make one feel calm – is the allure for most Chinese customers.”

Green Envy

As jadeite appreciates, so do the numbers of collectors who admire its quiet, translucent charm gafencu (2)
One of the purest, hardest and most translucent minerals, jadeite presents itself with gleaming lustre and an array of colours – stunning apple green, lavender, white, even black. Its toughness allows for fine carving and polishing to increase its luminosity and create stunning jewellery and decorative objects. The best jadeite comes from Myanmar (Burma), and the most precious is the translucent emerald-green allure of so-called imperial jadeite. Nephrite, jadeite’s low-grade cousin, is a weaker, cloudier mineral.

Since the type and quality of jade differs enormously, having an eye for a fake is critical. Indeed, colour or polymer is often added to low-grade green stones to augment their visual appeal and make them look like the real deal.

Carving Class

As jadeite appreciates, so do the numbers of collectors who admire its quiet, translucent charm gafencu (5)
Once the choice of the imperial court and then an elder generation of Chinese who covet its colour and protective powers, jade’s tranquil, glossy beauty is slowly spreading westwards. In 2008, former BBC journalist Andrew Shaw took an early retirement from the world of international news to learn jade carving in Suzhou, China.

Coming across a jade hawker stall in Thailand, the Londoner happened to pick up a quiet lavender jade Buddha. “It’s as if the beautiful stone sang to me. I fell in love, didn’t haggle, didn’t bargain, just bought it. The stone’s beauty and serenity were second to none,” says Shaw in his internationally acclaimed book, Jade Life: An Englishman’s Love Affair with China’s National Treasure.

From that moment he was pulled into the vivid intensity and energetic history of the stone. He learned the language and the delicate skills of carving the stone to become the only non-Chinese master jade carver in the world. “One in 20 Chinese wears some form of jade – yet no one in the West knows about this industry,” he notes.

Choose Wisely

As jadeite appreciates, so do the numbers of collectors who admire its quiet, translucent charm gafencu (8)
As with all things precious, there is a dark underbelly to the world of jade. The most valuable jadeite mined in the Himalayan foothills of Myanmar remains shrouded in a trail of blood, crony capitalism and lack of labour laws. While blood diamonds attracted international attention and Hollywood scripts, the jade journey remains largely unscrutinised. There is only a basic, broad classification of jade and no certification process, which means the end customer has to rely on instinct or blind faith that the piece they’re paying very dearly for has been ethically sourced.

Christie’s Chiang shares important insight into what a layperson should look for in a stone before flexing their wallet. Texture, light and hue are the three most important factors when picking a piece. You should be able to feel the smoothness and appreciate the gloss of the stone. Colour is a key determiner of price: “Go straight for green, pure green; not bluish or sea green, just green,” he advises.

Translucency is paramount, so as far as possible see if light radiates from the stone and passes through it. Finally, bigger isn’t always best. “Large is good in bricks, not in a gemstone,” he quips. “If you have the option of buying a bigger, commercial-grade jade and a smaller, finer-quality stone – it’s better to go for the quality.”
Methodology aside, Chiang concurs with jade master Shaw. Love at first sight is the best way to connect with jade: “When you know, you just know.”

 

(Text: Nikita Mishra)

Neck’s Best Thing: Stunning décolleté dazzlers for this season’s soirées

There’s no stronger way to make a statement than to adorn your neck with a stunning, sparkling necklace. Whether it’s a thick choker-style design like Bulgari’s Mediterranean Queen necklace, open-worked creations like Van Cleef & Arpels’ Trésor Astral number or dangling dazzlers like Chanel’s Allure Céleste necklace, there are attention-grabbing bejewelled bijouterie for every special occasion.

To ensure your statement necklace does all the talking, opting for the right neckline is key. Strapless, off-the-shoulder or v-neck gowns or tops are a must when it comes to showing off your chosen accessory to perfection. Avoid clashing with strong patterns or detailing. Rather, monochromatic ensembles can pair perfectly with a strong necklace, provided that it is form-fitting and one colour throughout. However you choose to match your stunning piece of jewellery, with these gorgeous creations, all eyes are sure to be on you.

In the photos:

  1. Van Cleef & Arpels Trésor Astral
  2. Graff New Dawn
  3. Buccellati Étoilée
  4. Bulgari Mediterranean Queen
  5. Harry Winston Blue Python
  6. Chanel Allure Céleste
  7. Gübelin Dancing Dunes 

(Text: Tenzing Thondup)

 

Also Read: The sensual dual-appeal of transformable jewellery

It List: Spring fashion accessories to invest in right now

Headscarves and shades are alright, but you cannot ignore the season’s style must-haves – swing bags and clutches, jewellery   like a flash of bright lights, luxury shoes, and more. Accessories are your secret style weapon. The top rule though – make it bright and get it from the best (hint: Ferragamo to Valentino, Roger Vivier among others)

Look 1

A wrap-up of spring’s hottest women's fashion accessories gafencu 1

Trifolio Swing bag, Elaphe clutch by Salvatore Ferragamo and F-heel sandal by Salvatore Ferragamo

Also Read: Razzle Dazzle: Flamboyant neon accessories

Look 2

A wrap-up of spring’s hottest women's fashion accessories gafencu 2

Locò calfskin cross-body, Small One Stud handbag and One Stud bag with chain by Valentino Garavani

Look 3

A wrap-up of spring’s hottest women's fashion accessories gafencu 3

À La Rose 70ml eau de parfum and À La Rose 200ml eau de parfum by Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris

Also Read: Heavenly scent: Unique, exquisite and rare facts about perfumes

Look 4

A wrap-up of spring’s hottest women's fashion accessories gafencu 4

Viv’ Rangers Stitch Strass Buckle leather bootie by Roger Vivier; Miu Wander Matelassé Regenerated Nylon Hobo bag by Miu Miu; Polycarbonate black cross-body clutch bag by Rimowa

Also Read: Easy and breezy your style? There’s a curated list to amp your ensemble

Look 5

A wrap-up of spring’s hottest women's fashion accessories gafencu 5

Printed Canvas shoulder bag, Canvas Triangle bag, Saffiano Triangle bag and Brushed Leather slingback pump by Prada

Look 6

A wrap-up of spring’s hottest women's fashion accessories gafencu 6

La Greca Signature platform boot by Versace; Star Fringe necklace by Jimmy Choo; Women’s Hacker scarf in beige by Balenciaga; Medusa chain bracelet by Versace; JC Multi Pearl ring by Jimmy Choo; JC Monogram cuff by Jimmy Choo

(Photographer: Jack Law; Art Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma; Videographer: Andy Wan)

The sensual dual-appeal of transformable jewellery

Since the early days of the last century, transformable jewellery has been the staple of many of the world’s foremost luxury brands. This has seen such luminaries as Cartier, Chaumet and Van Cleef & Arpels create some of the most technically complex items in their long histories.

Boucheron New Maharajah transformable necklace
Boucheron New Maharajah transformable necklace

While popularised in the 20th century, such items first appeared almost 100 years ago, at a time when such inventive jewellery was strictly the province of royalty. With many weighty items worn solely on specific occasions, it fell to a number of regally-approved jewellers to tweak several royal favourites, allowing them to be worn across a variety of different engagements.

Cartier Imperio transformable necklace
Cartier Imperio transformable necklace

This saw items created with mix-and-match reassembly as a fundamental part of the design. It was a conceit that was soon to enter the mainstream. With the aid of clips, clasps and brackets, today’s jewellery-adept buyers can easily transform a large item into several complementary smaller ones, frequently cross-matching them with other styles or marques.

Van Cleef & Arpels ZIP transformable necklace

Given their facility for a chameleon-esque shift from mood to mood, occasion to occasion and role to role, it’s not difficult to see why the contemporary woman has such an affinity with these fluid adornments. After all, what better symbol could there be for her own multi-faceted engagement with the demands of 21st-century life?

Blue Diamonds: A look at the world’s stunning coloured gems

A remarkable discovery of one of the largest and most valuable blue diamonds in the world was recently unearthed and will be gracing the auction block at Sotheby’s Hong Kong this month. With much excitement expected to ensue, the De Beers Cullinan Blue Diamond, mined in 2021 in the Cullinan Mine in South Africa (one of the few sources in the world for extremely rare blue diamonds), is expected to captivate the crowd with its astonishing colour, cut, clarity and carat.

The DeBeers Cullinan Blu The most beautiful and expensive blue diamonds in the world gafencu
The DeBeers Cullinan Blu, photo courtesy of Sotheby’s

Weighing at 15.10-carat, the internally flawless, fancy vivid blue diamond will be presented to bidders on 27 April as a single-lot auction with an estimated value of more than US$48 million (HK$380 million). In the spirit of admiring this scintillating azure hue, we look back at some of the most beautiful and expensive blue diamonds that have captured the attention and heart of collectors and the world over time.  

Hope Diamond (US$250 million)

Hope Diamond The most beautiful and expensive blue diamonds in the world gafencu
Hope Diamond

The Hope Diamond, which also goes by several aliases such as, Le Bijou du Roi (The King’s Jewel), Le bleu de France (The French Blue), and the Tavernier Blue, is one of the most famous jewels in the world. Its origin dates back almost four centuries – possibly from India – and is one of the earliest mentioned blue diamonds.

Weighing at an outstanding 45.52-carat, it is classified as a type IIb diamond with a fancy dark grayish-blue clarity. The diamond had several prominent owners – which explains its name nicknames – and was well travelled before finally settling in the hands of American luxury jeweller Harry Winston in 1949. Almost decade later, the New York-based jeweller donated the gem to the National Museum of Natural History in the United States, where it remains as a permanent exhibition for all to admire.

The Blue Heart Diamond (US$60million)

The Blue Heart is a 30.62-carat, heart shape, brilliant-cut, fancy deep blue diamond that was found at the Premier Mine in South Africa in 1908, and obtained by French jeweller Pierre Cartier. It is approximately two-thirds the size of the Hope Diamond and one of the most popular blue diamonds known to the world. After several exchange of hands, the stone was sold to American business woman, socialite and philanthropist Marjorie Merriweather by previous owner American luxury jewellery Harry Winston. Merriweather was the last private owner of the diamond, who gifted the gem to the National Gem Collection in 1964. 

 

Also Read: Bloomin’ Marvellous: A cornucopia of spring-inspired jewelleries

Oppenhiemer Blue Diamond (US$58million)

Oppenheimer Blue' Diamond Sells at Auction for $57.5 Million The most beautiful and expensive blue diamonds in the world gafencu
Oppenheimer Blue Diamond, photo courtesy of Christie’s

The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond is a sensational coloured diamond ring set with a 14.62-carat fancy vivid blue rectangular-cut diamond, flanked by a pair of trapeze-shaped diamond. In the summer of 2016, it broke the record of most expensive expensive blue diamond ever sold at auction after an intense budding war that consequently ended with the ring going under the hammer for a whopping US$58 million, setting a new auction record for he most expensive blue diamond. Its name derives in honor of Sir Philip Oppenheimer, the man who previously controlled the De Beers Mining Company.   

The Blue moon of Josephine (US$48.5 million)

The Blue Moon of Josephine, previously known as the Blue Moon Diamond of South African origin, smashed records in 2015 for world auction price-per-carat for a diamond or gemstone at Sotheby’s Geneva. Selling for over US$4 million per carat, the cushion-shaped fancy vivid blue 12.03-carat diamond exchanged hands at a record-setting price of US$48.5 million. The winning bidder, none other than Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau, renamed the gem after his daughter, Josephine. The sale came just one day after the businessman purchased a rare 16.08-carat pink diamond for US$28.5 million.

 

Also Read: The sensual dual-appeal of transformable jewellery

Apollo Blue Diamond (US$41.3 million)

Apollo Blue Diamond The most beautiful and expensive blue diamonds in the world gafencu
Apollo Blue Diamond, photo courtesy of Sotheby’s

The Apollo Blue is a Fancy Vivid Blue, 14.54-carat, Internally Flawless, Type IIB diamond earring that arrived at the auction block of Sotheby’s Geneva in 2017 as a pair to the The Artemis Pink, a Fancy Intense Pink, 16.00-carat, VVS2 clarity, Type IIA earring. Together, they were billed as the most valuable pair of diamond earrings every to appear at auction. According to the auction house, both are amongst the purest of all diamonds, with “an alluring limpidity”. In 2017, an anonymous buyer outbid the crowd, exchanging the stones for US$42.1 million for the Apollo Blue and US$15.3 million for the Artemis Pink, and renamed them “The Memory of Autumn Leaves” and “The Dream of Autumn Leaves”. 

Mouawad Blue Diamond (US$40 million)

Once known as the Tereshchenko diamond, named after the prominent Russian family of the same name that once owned this Fancy Blue 49.92-carat jewel. It is the largest blue diamond in the world, following the Hope Diamond. While the precise location and date of which it was mined remains unknown, it is believed to be of Indian origin. It was first sold in 1916 prior to the Russian revolution and last sold at Christie’s Geneva to Saudi-Arabian dealer Robert Mouawad for US4.6 million, the highest price ever paid for a diamond at auction. It was then that the stone was rechristened as the Mouawad Blue Diamond.

 

Also Read: Pink Pride: Fancy pink diamond shines bright at Sotheby’s auction

Bloomin’ Marvellous: A cornucopia of spring-inspired jewelleries

As cool weather gives way to warmer climes and the seductive scent of spring begins to emerge, it’s time to turn our attention once more to that most consistently alluring of seasonal trends – floral jewellery.

Indeed, Mother Earth has long inspired the leading haute joaillerie maisons of the world, leading to the creation of some truly stunning garden-themed creations – Chopard’s decadent Red Carpet Collection 2021 choker and the Manhattan Party necklace by Bulgari, to name but two.

It would be folly, however, to assume that such flower-inspired jewellery has only recently become in vogue. Indeed, such adornments date back to many ancient civilisations, and have traditionally been worn in such elaborate ceremonies as Indian weddings. More recently, this trend has been adopted by the West, with summer brides opting for veils adorned with floral headpieces in a bohemian chic style.

Today, however, the floral fad is used not just for weddings but for every imaginable occasion, great or small. What’s more, they come in a riot of hues, shapes and sizes, making them just the perfect addition be it to subtly enhance your outfit of the day or grab attention at your chosen soiree.

Also Read: Flower Power: Sparkling high-end jewellery inspired by nature