Tag: Chaumet

Chaumet recreates a slice of Paris for its new Joséphine collection

As traditional jewellers to the French Royal Court, Parisian haute joaillerie house Chaumet has always been inspired by the legendary life and times of Empress Joséphine, the once-beloved wife of Emperor Napoleon.

Joséphine Collection

Emboldened by liberal movements of 18th century, Empress Joséphine cast off conventions and corsets, adopting the lightness of voiles, the theatricality of tulles and chiffons, layering them with pearl and diamond necklaces and tiaras.

Joséphine Collection

In keeping with Empress Joséphine’s trailblazing legacy, Chaumet has reinvented its iconic Joséphine collection, playing with colours and materials to create a range that is classic yet contemporary. From amethysts and citrines to peridots, aquamarines and garnets, the gemstones combine in joyous compositions with diamonds and pearls.

Joséphine Collection

To showcase the new collection, Chaumet has transformed its 1881 Heritage boutique into an intimate Parisian apartment where the very latest iconic pieces of the Joséphine collection are on display till 15 January 2019.

Joséphine Collection

Joséphine Collection at Joséphine’s Apartment by Chaumet

Dates: 26 October 2018 to 15 January 2019
Venue: Shop G17A, 1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Road TST

Chaumet’s Les Mondes de Chaumet collection celebrates all corners of the world

Paris-headquartered haute joaillerie house Chaumet recently raised the curtains on its much-anticipated Les Mondes de Chaumet high jewellery collection in Hong Kong. Divided into three chapters, the collection takes inspiration from all corners of the world – from the winter palaces of Russia and the famous cherry blossoms of Japan to the colourful flora and fauna of Africa.

Chapter 1 – Promenades Impériales
Paying homage to Russia, the Promenades Impériales collection captures the beauty of the Siberian winter.

Chapter 2 – Chant du Printemps

The Chant du Printemps expresses the very essence of the Land of the Rising Sun, evoking its beautiful cherry blossom season while also paying tribute to its enamel art.

 

Chapter 3 – Trésors d’Afrique

 Chaumet ventures into hitherto unchartered territory with its new collection. Inspired by the works of Kenyan artist Evans Mbugua, the Trésors d’Afrique collection captures the sheer vitality of sub-Saharan Africa.

Wholly watchable: Four brilliant watches this season

Any haute horology enthusiast looking to expand their collection should perhaps give Swiss watchmaker Breitling’s latest wrist candy, the Navitimer Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43 Boutique Edition, a once-over. The first design to spawn from its partnership with online men’s style portal MR PORTER, this eye-catching timepiece boasts a sleek silver fascia ringed by an anthracite contrast chronograph. Fitted with an in-house calibre B01 movement, it’s limited to only 1,000 pieces, making this an almost instant collector’s item. www.breitling.com

Navitimer Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43 Limited Edition

Swiss watchmaker Hublot celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival with four brightly coloured watches poetically called the Spirit of Big Bang collection. The open real estate of the watches reveal the HUB1770 hand-wound skeleton movement, charmingly enhanced by a quartz dial. The entire lunar cycle has been captured within the surface of these timepieces, thanks to two alternating moons visible through a semi-transparent, sand-blasted disc. A small seconds sub-dial sits pretty at 9 o’clock, with a large date display on a double analogue disc perfectly positioned between 12 o’clock and 3 o’clock accentuating its impression of depth and astronomy. www.hublot.com

Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase King – in pink

Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin has added another stellar watch to its Fiftysix collection – the Fiftysix Tourbillon. Just 6mm thick and equipped with a 22- carat gold peripheral rotor, the movement is entirely visible thanks to a transparent caseback. According to the makers, apparently the tourbillon alone demanded more than 12 hours of meticulous work, thanks to its minute hand-crafted detailing. Each element of its distinctive design is a knowing nod to the original iconic Fiftysix model created in 1956. www.vacheron-constantin.com

Fiftysix Tourbillon

French haute jewellery house Chaumet‘s latest offering to haute horology comes in the form of three eye-catching models of jumping hours Complications Créatives watches designed by Kenyan artist Evans Mbugua. Set in white gold with brilliant-cut diamonds, each of the watches evokes a lush picture of Africa. With giraffes, crocodiles, frogs, etc adorning the surface of the watches – each handcrafted and hand-engraved – the miniature real estate of the timepieces transforms us to a primitive world. www.chaumet.com

Tresors dAfrique – Éspiegleries – in blue

Neck’s Best Things: Our top selection of chokers to up your glam quotient

Check our our top selection of chokers sure to glam you up for the next gala or red carpet appearance:

3 Iconic transformable jewellery pieces

Passe-Partout, Van Cleef & Arpels
Patented in 1938, the Passe-Partout is one of the first examples of the transformative pieces pioneered by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Luxury brands such as Cartier, Chaumet and Van Cleef & Arpels have, since the beginning of the 20th century, created transformable jewellery pieces. These intricate pieces are some of the most inventive and technically complex jewellery ever seen in the history. 

Dating back to the late 19th century, the trend was originally invented for members of royalty who required jewels fit for coronations and balls. As pieces were worn on the rare occasion, innovative jewellers were hired to offer creations suitable for a number of occasions. The many changes of wardrobe required a change in jewellery and so designers produced creative pieces that could magically be taken apart and reassembled as different jewels. 

As jewellery houses embrace the concept once again, transformable pieces have grown in popularity. With the help of clips, clasps and brackets, jewellery buyers are able to change bigger pieces into smaller ones, ideal for less formal occasions. They can also be transformed from one type of jewellery to another.

This gaining trend allows buyers to wear one piece in more then one way and therefore, gaining a lot more for the investment paid. In addition to these benefits, transformable jewellery also makes for great investment pieces with Christie’s claiming that when sold at auctions, they can on average sell at a 20-30% premium.

The revival of transformable jewellery also represents the demands of the women of today. Living different lives and roles each day, they require jewellery that can be adapted to suit different occasions, outfits and moods.

If you are looking for some inspiration, check out our round up of three of the most iconic transformable jewellery pieces.

Chaumet: Les Mondes de Chaumet, Promenades Impériales Transformable necklace

3 Iconic transformable jewellery pieces

Inspired by the prestigious historical legacy sustained by the great clients of Russia’s imperial court, Chaumet’s Promenades Impériales Transformable necklace can be transformed into a brooch and earrings. 

 

Cartier: Résonances de Cartier – Eurythmie Bracelet

3 Iconic transformable jewellery pieces

The Eurythmie bracelet from the Résonances de Cartier high jewellery collection changes colour with a flick of the wrist. Set with lapis lazuli on one side and diamonds on the other, the two-faced, articulated discs flip over, allowing you to choose from two different looks. 

 

Van Cleef & Arpels: Le Secret, The Séraphîta ring

3 Iconic transformable jewellery pieces

Van Cleef & Arpels continues its tradition of creating transformable jewellery pieces with the Le Secret collection. The Séraphîta ring features an interchangeable centre so that it can be worn in four different ways. It can be worn with either a 16.46-carat Madagascan sapphire or a cluster of diamonds and mauve sapphires between its fanned sapphire sides. 

For more jewellery inspiration, check out the Rise of rose gold jewellery or How the prohibition-era statement-ring is making a comeback. 

 

Text: Hira Desai
Images courtesy of: Cartier, Chaumet and Van Cleef & Arpels

Vintage revival: The rise of rose gold jewellery

Vintage revival: The rise of rose gold jewellery

A walk around the shopping malls will soon have you realising that rose gold jewellery is back on the scene. Illuminating rings, necklaces, earrings and even watches, we take a look at where this alluring soft pink metal originates from and why luxury jewellery designers are reviving it.

Traced back to Russia in the late 1880s, rose gold was originally known as Russian gold when famed jeweller Carl Fabergé – best known for his Imperial Eggs – began incorporating the copper-infused metal into his designs. It was later used in the 1920s by Cartier, while Tiffany & Co’s collaboration with designer Elsa Peretti in 1970s was also known to feature the pink-hued material.

Vintage revival: The rise of rose gold jewellery
The Imperial Coronation Egg, one of the most famous and iconic of all the Fabergé eggs.

Created by mixing pure gold with copper and a touch of silver, rose gold is ultimately an alloy, rather than a natural metal. Generally, the blend combines 75 percent gold with 21 percent copper and 4 percent silver. While the amounts can vary, the results are ultimately the same with a captivating cool pink alloy which is durable, versatile and compliments most skin tones.

With designers eager to introduce some variety into their otherwise gold and silver collections, rose gold is making an appearance in not only fashion and jewellery but even electronics such as the Apple Watch. From Blake Lively’s unconventional Lorraine Schwartz rose gold engagement ring to the stunning rose gold Cartier jewels worn by actress Priyanka Chopra at the Met Gala 2018, rose gold is well and truly making its presence felt again.

Alluring yet demure and mature yet youthful– rose gold is a medley of contrasts that work together in harmony. With its versatility and popularity, it would appear that rose gold jewellery is here to stay.

For inspiration, check out our roundup of beautiful rose gold jewellery pieces that will have you feeling classical and trendy, all at the same time.

 

Want to stay ahead of the curve? Check out our predictions for the Top 3 jewellery trends for Fall 2018.

 

Text: Hira Desai

Images courtesy of:

Bulgari
Chanel
Chaumet
Chopard
Graff
Van Cleef & Arpels
Piaget

Larger than life: Top 3 jewellery trends for Fall 2018

Larger than life: Top 3 jewellery trends for Fall 2018

When it comes to Autumn/Winter jewellery, get ready for an extension of the ‘bigger is better’ trend. From unique earrings to ’80s revival, the jewellery trends for Fall 2018 are all about statement-making, head-turning jewellery pieces. Before we dive into a selection of our favourite jewellery pieces for the coming season, remember ladies, one piece of statement-making jewellery at a time, is just what the stylist ordered!

Statement-making earrings

A pair of gorgeous earrings (or a single one!) can not only distract attention from a bad hair day but can also elevate a simple outfit. For ornate earrings, pair with sharp tailoring such a crisp white shirt with high waisted pants. Throw your hair up into a messy bun and allow your earrings to help you look effortlessly put together. For evening looks, combine a pair of gemstone earrings with your favourite little black dress or evening gown and allow your earrings do the talking.

Bold necklaces

For those smart casual days, a bold necklace is the perfect way to dress up an outfit.  While a shirt can be dressed up by pairing with a sparkling necklace and red lipstick, adding a pop of colour to a plain coloured tee or denim can make all the difference. Match a colour of your necklace to one of the colours in your outfit, for a simple but effective touch.

’80s-inspired jewellery

The 80’s were all about mix and matching materials and playing with bold and beautiful colours. People used jewellery as a way to express their individuality and while the elite were able to showcase their wealth by wearing large and stylish fine jewellery, most other people wore costume jewellery of their choice. From large hoops and brightly coloured bracelets to brooches and cocktail rings, there are many types and styles of jewellery that defined the 80’s. Pick a style that suits your personality best, and get ready to strut the streets. 

 

For more jewellery inspiration, check out our guides to the most stunning animal-inspired or carved gemstone jewellery pieces.

Text: Hira Desai

Images courtesy of:

Buccellati
Chanel
Chopard
Dior
Charriol
Chaumet
Swarovski
De Grisogono
Bulgari
Piaget
Mikimoto
Van Cleef & Arpels

10 stunning jewellery pieces with carved gemstones

10 stunning jewellery pieces with carved gemstones

Jewellers, the world over, have perpetually been inspired by artists of a bygone era. Carved gemstones are a great example of what can be created when the two worlds collide. While the technique has been around since ancient times, carved gemstones can add an incredible new dimension to the realm of contemporary jewellery.

Historically, gem cutters have carved gemstones with mystical symbols or with inscriptions. The intricate marble carvings on temples such as the Taj Mahal, also provided a great source of inspiration for jewellers. In ancient Greece, stone engraving became popular in the form of deep-cut intaglios while the Romans, Persians and Egyptians turned rough gemstones into carved jewels which were then worn by members of the royal family.   

Today, the jewellery industry taps into the legendary carving technique with the assistance of modern tools to produce an array of high quality contemporary pieces.  From jadeite and emeralds to sapphires and tanzanites, our roundup of stunning jewellery pieces with carved gemstones will inspire you to add a touch of classicism to your modern day ensembles.

 

When it comes to summer fashion, florals never fail us. Check out our roundup of summer jewellery picks to help inspire your style this season.

Text: Hira Desai 

Asymmetrical earrings: A mismatch made in heaven

Asymmetrical earrings: A mismatch made in heaven

Move over matching earrings, mismatch is the hottest new trend!

This year, the fashion runways and streets alike have proven that asymmetrical ear candy is here to stay. Although it’s unclear where the quirky style originates from, we can guess it may have something to do with the dozens of once-couple solo earrings we are all guilty of having scattered around of homes.

While the thought of an unconventional, non matchy-matchy pairing may have you quivering, there are endless ways to pull of this seemingly bold trend.

Whether you colour-coordinate earrings from different pairs or pull together a combination of different sizes or shapes, rest assured that you can make this fashion statement as big or as small as you would like.

So go ahead ladies, make the most of those sad-single earrings. Mix and match with mismatch earrings – we knew they’d come in use one day!

If you are looking to dip your toes into a trend that is likely to forge into the year ahead, check out our roundup of some the most luxurious mismatch earrings around.

 

Have you ever wondered why you naturally gravitate towards a certain pair of earrings? Read our guide to find out what your favourite earrings say about you.

Violet Tendencies: 2018 seems set for a purple(ish) patch…

Officially Pantone’s colour of the year, 2018 is set to be dominated by all things violet, with amethysts, sapphires and jade gems set to characterise runways and street fashions alike. Eagerly embraced by colour experts as truly replete with “ingenuity, originality and visionary thinking”, it’s hard not to wonder why Pantone’s iridescence-minded boffins took quite so long to plump for this clearly indispensable shade. It’s not as if the clues weren’t there.

Even Pantone concedes that musical icons as diverse and as chronologically-disparate as Bowie, Hendrix and Prince long ago flagged-up the varied brands of unconventional creativity associated with this particular blue-based purple hue. Hopefully incorporating the memorable expressions of individuality synonymous with these much-missed musos, we could be in for 12 months of conspicuous non-conformity, all of it – admittedly – violet-tinged.

It would be a folly most errant, however, to neglect the significance of Pantone’s decision to plump for this off-plum pastel as The Tint for Our Times. Indeed, as Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone’s executive director, so sagaciously reminds us: “The Pantone Colour of the Year has come to mean so much more than just what’s trending in the world of design. In essence, it’s a reflection of what’s truly needed in our world today…”

Should it turn out, however, that the wider world fails to aptly respond to Pantone’s careful, annual consideration of all things prismatic, churning out its usual fare of mass shootings, climatic cataclysms, premature expirations and dodgy commercial dealings, then it might well have proved better all-round had the New Jersey-based pigment-pickers opted for Sprout Green instead. We may never really know for sure.