Tag: Chopard

Time To Go Green: Luxury watches with colour

Blue fascias were the timely tendency of 2020, but this year, it is verdant-fronted creations that have captured the imagination of haute-horology enthusiasts. Indeed, many high-end watch manufactures have favoured green as the primary colour of choice for their elegant wrist adornments. From minimalist creations to jaw-dropping, jewel-studded designs, we spotlight seven standouts that exemplify this latest trend.

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph Ref. 5968G

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Kicking off our list is renowned Swiss luxury watchmaker Patek Philippe’s Aquanaut Chronograph Ref. 5968G-010, the latest addition to its octagonal-shaped Aquanaut collection. The first model to feature a white gold case, its dial is burnished in an attractive khaki green with matching strap. Under the hood beats a Calibre CH28-520 C self-winding flyback chronograph, an ingenious mechanism that allows the user to time new events while the watch is still running, all with the push of a button at four o’clock. Water-resistant to 120m, it is also available with a midnight blue or black dial.

IWC Portofino Chronograph 39

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The next entry comes courtesy of Schaffhausen-based IWC, whose Portofino Chronograph 39, as its name suggests, is 39mm in diameter and shows a sporty slenderness of just 12.7mm. It nevertheless retains a dressy appeal, thanks to a mirror-polished case and elegant alligator-leather strap. The green dial comes equipped with rhodium-plated hands, while a hacking seconds sub-dial in the bottom half of its fascia is balanced with a 30-minute scale at 12 o’clock. Powering it all is a Calibre 79350 movement that bequeaths a 44-hour power reserve to the watch.

Breitling Top Time Ford Mustang

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Embodying a racing aesthetic, meanwhile, is Breitling’s Top Time Ford Mustang, inspired by the eponymous motor developed by legendary US automaker Caroll Shelby in 1964. Fitted with a self-winding Calibre 25 chronograph movement, its viridescent dial is emblazoned with the car’s logo and three contrasting black sub-dials, all ringed with a black tachymeter scale. In keeping with its historic inspiration, brown racing-themed leather straps complete the vintage appeal.

OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra

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For a more minimalist design, a look at one of OMEGA’s slew of new Seamaster Aqua Terra creations wouldn’t go amiss. Among the ten 38mm models introduced this year, one comes with a dark-green dial and another with a sun-brushed light-green face. For this latest update, the marque has introduced a new small seconds sub-dial at six o’clock with a date aperture within – a first for the collection. This is pretty much the only overt ornamentation on its fascia, save for sleek hour markers, the brand’s logo and, of course, the requisite ‘Seamaster’ sign.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36

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Delivering a tropical flourish for fashionistas is the latest Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 from famed manufacture Rolex. Here, the dial is fronted by a gorgeous olive-green palm-frond motif, then enhanced by a chic Oystersteel case with a matching bracelet. One of a trio of 36mm models debuted by Rolex this year, it comes equipped with the new Calibre 3235 movement that churns out a robust 70-hour power reserve.

Chopard Happy Sport Golf Edition

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Another green femme-focused timepiece takes the form of Chopard’s Happy Sport Golf Edition. Blending athleticism and gem-crafting with deft flair, its frosted emerald-esque face is punctuated with five bezel-set diamonds that float freely beneath its sapphire crystal cover. In a nod to the sport that inspired it, the stones are joined by a floating golf club and ball as well. Playful yet sophisticated, it offers a choice of two bezel designs – polished rose gold or diamond-studded.

Piaget Limelight Gala High Jewellery Black Opal

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Finally, taking the top spot on our list is Piaget’s gorgeous Limelight Gala High Jewellery Black Opal. Its 36mm x 28mm dial is crafted from a rare Australia-sourced black opal, whose crystalline facets shift from green to blue as the light catches it. If that weren’t enough, the intriguingly seashell-shaped case is further adorned with a staggering 83 marquise-cut emeralds and 91 brilliant-cut diamonds running along the entirety of the bracelet. Unapologetically bold and attention-grabbing, it is the perfect amalgam of haute horology and high-end jewellery-making, and exemplifies the green hue that has so captivated watch lovers this year.

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.

 

Tourbillon and on: The continual rise of the world’s favourite gravity defying watch…

When renowned watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet invented the tourbillon back in 1795, it was rightly hailed as a revolution in the horological arts. After all, this tiny mechanism – a genius bit of engineering that houses the escapement and balance wheel in a continuously rotating cage – counteracts the effects of gravity by continuously correcting any positional errors. This innovative mechanism ensured that the popular pocket watches of the day – worn vertically and hitherto susceptible to gravity-derived inaccuracies – told precisely the right time no matter where they were positioned.

gafencu time gmhk gravity defying watch tourbillon

In the contemporary, wristwatch-favouring era, of course, tourbillons are inevitably a little less indispensable. This, though, has in no way diminished their appeal to the more discerning collector, with haute horology houses subsequently never more keen to unveil ever-more ornate iterations of the original design. While their numbers truly are legion, seven in particular merit especial consideration…

gafencu time gmhk gravity defying watch tourbillon De Bethune DB Kind of Two Tourbillon

First up is the somewhat unconventional DB Kind of Two Tourbillon, a relatively new offering from independent Swiss watch manufacture De Bethune, which boasts not one but two distinct faces on its 42.8mm titanium pivoting case. On one side lies a traditional blue-on-white guilloché watch face with Arabic hour markers ringed by a seconds indicator. The reverse dial, though, is all about contemporary appeal, with a lovingly crafted titanium Ultra-light De Bethune 30” tourbillon taking pride of place at 6 o’clock. Blending the past and present with true aplomb, extra-supple alligator straps complete its appeal.

gafencu time gmhk gravity defying watch tourbillon Chopard Mille Miglia Lab One

A more futuristic twist, meanwhile, comes courtesy of Chopard with its new Mille Miglia Lab One. Conceived as a concept watch and a homage to the high-performance race cars of Italy’s famous Mille Miglia race, this stunning timepiece has been crafted from ultra-lightweight black bead-blasted titanium. The brand’s first self-winding tourbillon chronometer, under the hood of this 20-piece limited release can be found a Chopard 04.03-M movement, effortlessly powering a titanium tourbillon at 6 o’clock.

gafencu time gmhk gravity defying watch tourbillon Bulgari Octo Roma Carillon Tourbillon

Similarly opting for an ever so cool all-black aesthetic is the Octo Roma Carillon Tourbillon, which is now available from the indisputably luxurious Bulgari brand. Fetchingly, its noir fascia comes fitted with an open-worked metallic grille, allowing a fascinating glimpse of its new BVL428 manual-winding movement. Housed in a black DLC titanium case, this 44mm timepiece effectively combines both a tourbillon and a three-hammer case while maintaining a minimalist – almost industrial – flair.

Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon Moon

Deservedly meriting our fourth slot is the stunningly slim Master Ultra-Thin Tourbillon Moon from Jaeger-LeCoultre, which comes complete with a classic white-on-rose gold motif. Unashamedly taking tourbillon stylings to a new height – quite literally – this elegant wrist adornment’s flying tourbillon is paired with a moon phase aperture ringed by a jumping date indicator at the top of the dial. The design’s thinness – something of a signature look for JLC – belies the complexity of its engineering and measures a scant 12.1mm.

gafencu time gmhk gravity defying watch tourbillon Audemars Piguet’s Code 1159 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon

Another precision engineering masterpiece setting its sights on the skies is the Code 11:59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon, with its 18K pink gold case – burnished with a shimmering black aventurine dial reminiscent of a star-lit night sky – making it a real standout. Equipped with a Calibre 2950 movement that combines a flying tourbillon with a central rotor, this 41mm timepiece is also available as a white gold-blue aventurine avatar.

gafencu time gmhk gravity defying watch tourbillon Vacheron Constantin’s Traditionnelle Tourbillon Qilin

For those in search of something a little more outré, German luxury label Montblanc’s new Star Legacy Exo Tourbillon Skeleton Limited Edition 8 skeletonised tourbillon timepiece delivers in spades. Its innovative open-worked approach, for instance, affords direct views into the inner workings of its Calibre M B M 18.69 movement – a mechanism comprising 188 disparate parts, all lovingly handcrafted by the maison’s skilled artisans. Its dial proper, meanwhile, has been neatly bisected, with an off-centre hour-and-minute dial at 12 o’clock perfectly balancing the Exo Tourbillon on its southern hemisphere. As its name suggests, this fine example of haute horology is available in a limited edition of just eight.

gafencu time gmhk gravity defying watch tourbillon Montblanc’s Star Legacy Exo Tourbillon Skeleton LE8

A true statement timepiece, however, concludes this month’s round-up – Vacheron Constantin’s recently-unveiled Traditionnelle Tourbillon Qilin. Launched to welcome the Lunar New Year, its hand-guillochéd black dial comes elaborately burnished with a pair of matching hand-engraved Qilin – the mythical hooved chimeric creature of Chinese legend. The tourbillon proper at 6 o’clock, meanwhile, comes fitted with a small seconds indicator and sits beneath a gold-accented power-reserve indicator. A perfect blend of precision engineering and gorgeous aesthetics, this is a future collector’s piece in waiting.

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

Choose a lucky charm to complement your zodiac sign

Every year, luxury jewellery houses and watchmakers pay homage to the tale of the Chinese zodiacs with animal motifs that decorate pendants, jewelries and watches. But as Chinese beliefs would have it, keeping a close contact with these 12 zodiac animals can bless one’s year with great fortune and protection, provided that the right charm is worn to match his or her sign. Not just to adorn one’s features and add a touch of style to an outfit, lucky zodiac charms complement one’s personality and and ward off bad luck. Here’s how to pick out a lucky zodiac charm to match your sign. 

gafencu magazine chinese zodiac lucky charm piaget year of the ox watch
Piaget Year of the Ox watch

Established by feng shui masters, the compatibility of each sign is categorized by two grouping methods: The ‘six-harmony’ and ‘trine’ signs. They follow the theory of Five Elements and the concept of Yin and Yang to determine which zodiac animals complement each other the best.

gafencu magazine chinese zodiac lucky charm Paloma’s Chinese Zodiac Rooster Charm tiffany & co.
Paloma’s Rooster charm by Tiffany & Co.

The most compatible matches in terms personality, values and temperament are within the six-harmony groups. The bonds between the pairs in these groups are strongest and is the ideal match to boost one’s luck all-around.

Six-harmony compatible signs:

Rat & Ox

Tiger & Pig

Rabbit & Dog

Dragon & Rooster

Snake & Monkey

Horse & Goat

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Year of the Ox necklace by Louis Vuitton

However, according to Chinese astrology, people in their zodiac year are believed to offend Tai Sui (the God of Age) leading to an unfortunate year ahead if you were born in the year of the Ox. It is also known by Chinese astrologists that there are five zodiac signs in conflict with the Tai Sui this year: Ox, Goat, Dog, Horse, and Dragon.

gafencu magazine chinese zodiac lucky charm tessa packard mr pig earrings
Tessa Packard ‘mr pig’ earrings

In this case, if any of these five signs are in your “six-harmony” pairing, it’s best to opt for another animal within the “trine” group. A trio of signs that get along well with one another in areas of habits and interests, and can boost one’s luck and happiness in life.

Trine Signs:

Rat, Dragon, Monkey

Ox, Snake, Rooster

Tiger, Horse, Dog

Rabbit, Sheep, Pig

gafencu magazine chinese zodiac lucky charm from boucheron Laïka, Le Husky’ ring
Boucheron’s Laïka-Le-Husky ring

Besides knowing your lucky animals, there are also charms that are best avoided. Following the Five Elements theory, creation and destruction are complementary processes in which the ultimate goal is harmony. Meaning that while some signs come together to create life, other signs with contrasting elements tend to be in conflict with each other. For instance, water (Rat) puts out fire (Horse), which can explain why the two are always butting heads with one another.

gafencu magazine chinese zodiac lucky charm chopard monkey ring from red carpet collection
Chopard monkey ring from Red Carpet collection

On the other hand, though Ox and Goats are both earth elements, their designated years are always six years apart. Coinciding with what feng shui states as the ‘circle of conflict’. Knowing the element of your sign, it’s safest to stir clear from wearing charms that feature zodiac signs that belong to elements that conflict with yours, as well as those that are three, six and nine years apart from you.

Conflicting pairs: 

Rat (Water) vs Horse (Fire)

Ox (Earth) vs Goat (Earth)

Monkey (Metal) vs Tiger (Wood)

Rabbit (Wood) vs Rooster (Metal)

Dragon (Earth) vs Dog (Dog)

Snake (Fire) vs Pig (Water)

 

Feature image from Fabergé

Lucky colours to wear on the first day of CNY

Start the Year of the Ox by welcoming in good luck, health and fortune with the lucky colours that match your zodiac sign. Whether you’re looking for love or a boost in your career, these auspicious colours to wear on the first day of Chinese New Year will bless you with a prosperous 2021.

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Rat

Balmain Blazer; YSL blouse; Givenchy pencil skirt; Bottega Venetta chained pouch and hoop earrings; Omega Constellation watch

Year of the Rat

White = Good business
Gold = More wealth
Black = Safety
Blue = Calm emotions

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Ox

Barena Venezia blazer; Berluti scritto messenger bag; Bottega Veneta belt; Giorgio Armani sweater; Prada trousers

Year of the Ox

Red = Good business
Gold = More wealth
Purple = Love
Earthy = Good health

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Tiger

Versace gold medusa jacket and shoes; Giorgio Armani bag; green tourmaline ring; by Ryder Diamonds; Gucci necklace; Rado golden horse automatic watch

Year of the Tiger

Forest Green = Good business
Gold = More wealth
White = Love
Black = Good health

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Rabbit

YSL cashmere and wool jacket; Marni small leather tote;  fancy yellow white earrings by Ryder Diamonds; Versace medusa necklace; ribbed trousers by Victoria Beckham

Year of the Rabbit

Blue = Good business
Gold = More wealth
Yellow = Ward off bad spirits
Orange = Love

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Dragon

Marni knit dress; Burberry ankle boots; Hermès silk bag; Fenty Beauty gloss bomb

Year of the Dragon

Red = Good business
Yellow = More wealth
Purple = Love
Brown = Happiness

gafencua magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Snake

Marni knit pullover; Joseph leather leggings; Ports bag; Chaumet link necklace; Chopard happy hearts bracelet

Year of the Snake

Red = Good business
Gold: More wealth
Orange + Red = Love
Green = Happiness

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Horse

YSL runway look and silk blouse; Giorgio Armani purse; Fenty Beauty gloss bomb

Year of the Horse

Red + Purple = Good business
Pink = Love
Green = Good health

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Goat

Joseph Cenda wool and and cashmere jacket; Jimmy Choo heels; Astteria yellow diamond necklace; Marni small leather tote; Fenty Beaty gloss bomb

Year of the Goat

Orange + Red = Good business
Yellow = More wealth
Bright Yellow = Love
Beige = Good health

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Monkey

Dior hoop earrings; Burberry sunglasses; shoes by Golden Goose; Buccellati Macri Classica diamond bracelets

Year of the Monkey

White = Good business
Gold = More wealth
Golden Brown = Good health

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Rooster

Canada Goose sleeveless vest; money gold cloth mask by Silkism; Omega Trésor watch; Burberry gold-plated bangle; necklace by Ryder Diamonds

Year of the Rooster

Silver = Good business
Gold = More wealth
White = Love
Yellow = Good health

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Dog

Chloe FW20-21 runway look; Bottega Venetta clutch; Breguet Reine de Naples watch

Year of the Dog

Red = Good business
Light Yellow = More wealth
Wine Red = Love
Brown = Good health

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Pig

Kingsmen suit jacket and pants; Louis Vuitton long necklace; Cushion diamond ring by Ryder Diamonds; Berluti cashmere scarf

Year of the Pig

Black + White = Good business
Gold = More wealth
Light blue = Love
Dark green = Good health

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.