Natural Beauty: Boucheron’s Or Bleu, Chaumet’s En Scene and Chopard’s Red Carpet collections
Designers constantly seek new sources of inspiration to push the boundaries of creativity. This season, some of the industry’s most esteemed maisons have turned their gaze towards the natural world, unveiling breathtaking collections that capture the essence of nature in rich dark hues.
Leading the charge is Boucheron’s captivating Or Bleu Collection, helmed by creative director Claire Choisne. Her vision was to pay homage to the vital and precious water resource, drawing inspiration from the raw and powerful landscapes of Iceland. The collection’s 26 high jewellery creations are true masterpieces, each a snapshot of nature frozen in its rawest state. Ebony hues and striking silhouettes evoke the untamed energy of water, while diamonds, rock crystal and other precious stones shimmer like the surface of a glacier.
Chaumet’s en Siene Collection offers a captivating interpretation of nature’s grace and movement. Concieved as a ‘spectacular uniting artistic disciplines,’ the collection translates the maison’s esteemed art of movement into a series of parures, each a unique number in which high jewellery pieces magnify exceptional stones.
Not to be undone, Chopard’s Red Carpet Collection for 2024 is a veritable feast for the senses. As a jewellery member of the federation de la Haute Couture et de la Monde, Chopard is exhibiting 77 creations inspired by the world of fairytales – Contes de Fees – at this year’s Paris Couture Week.
Wild At Heart: Cartier’s Nature Sauvage High Jewellery Collection is a theatre of apparitions
Cartier’s latest high jewellery collection, Nature Sauvage, invites wearer into a captivating world where precious animals come alive, each sharing their unique stories through dazzling displays of craftsmanship and artistry. Captured in a fleeting moment, these creatures leap off the page, transforming the traditional boundaries of jewellery design. A turtle escapes from the pendant of a necklace to become a brooch, while a pink flamingo stretches its neck towards a lush bush of emerald reeds.
The style is free and figurative, as a snow leopard treads softly across an icy landscape formed of diamonds and rock crystal. Under the watchful eye of the Cartier designers, the collection takes on an even more radical and abstract form. Inspired by the scales of a crocodile, a ring emerges with an incredible sense of architectural wonder, blurring the lines between wearable art and haute couture. There’s a distinct playfulness to the Nature Sauvage collection, a joyful game of hide-and-seek where creatures appear in the most unexpected places.
Cartier delights in breaking free from the confines of nature, as animals escape their natural environments to enter new realms. A snake splits in two to become a necklace, while its scales are transformed into an urban chessboard. The silhouette of a beetle emerges from a necklace with an abstract motif, reminiscent of a towering skyscaper. Through Nature Sauvage, Cartier invites everyone to step into a world where the boundaries between nature and imagination blur. where precious creatures come alive amd captivate everyone with their wild and untamed spirit. It’s a theatre of apparitions, where the unexpected reigns supreme and the jewellery becomes a canvas of the most daring and innovativee designs.
Men & Now: The Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams and The Scarabeo Di Pomellato & The Catene High Jewellery Collection by Pomellato
Long seen as the domain of women, jewellery is now becoming a staple accessory for an increasing number of men, transforming the way we think about self-expression and personal style. Jewellery can serve as a canvass for personal symbolism, whether it’s a signet ring passed down through generations or a pendant evoking a cherished memory or belief. The Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams collection, inspired by Poseidon’s trident, features bold design that express energy, power and force. It features necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings with sharp spikes, evoking a punk spirit. Available in 18k yellow gold or titanium, the pieces challenge conventional methods with their unique twists on diamond settings.
Pomellato, a Milanese artisanal fine jewellery brand, has developed the Catene collection, a signature design based on the ‘gourmette’ link, into a range of exquisite jewels. The Catene High Jewellery Collection features minimalist designs set with diamonds and gemstones, including a rainbow-coloured necklace. The Scarabeo Di Pomellato collection pays tribute to our nature, featuring one-of-a-kind ‘cocktail rings’ cut by skilled artisans. Launched at the 20th anniversary of Vincenzo Castaldo being its creative director, the collection sublimates the ‘beetle’ amulet symbol of rebirth and protection, embodying contemporary Milanese luxury.
Love Parade: Tiffany and Co’s With Love, Since 1837 and Pomellato’s Pom Pom Dot Collection
Taking inspiration from the Tiffany & Co. window designer Gene Moore, the With Love , Since 1837 campaign reveals the untold stories behind the House’s most definitive jewellery collections. Through imaginative storytelling, the theatrical vignettes prove that love is the beating heart of Tiffany & Co. – the common thread that unites each collection and the jeweller’s illustrous heritage of craftsmanship. The campaign speaks to the House’s illustrious heritage, telling the origin of each collection and conferring rich meaning on indelible designs like the Lock bracelet, the Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany & Co. Sixteen Stone ring, HardWear jewellery and other creations.
The design of the Pom Pom Dot Collection from Pomellato is based on a button. A motif that forms part of the brand’s design heritage, it features a gold necklace from 1974 – an inspiring detail that conveys many messages. Transformed into a precious jewel, Pom Pom Dot is a reminder to appreciate and love the simple and everyday things that make life happy and beautiful. This positivity is expressed in the brightly coloured gemstones and diamonds, the tactile pleasure of softly contoured rose gold and the playfulness of varying proportions.
Under the hammer – Fab Four Auction Sales (May 2024)
Four amazing lots that wowed bidders at recent auctions include a beautiful 5.02-carat fancy pink diamond, a Kusama pumpkin, a Song era ceramic dish and a Magritte masterpiece.
Ring of Rose: Bidders turn to dazzling pink stone
A stunning 5.02-carat fancy pink diamond and diamond ring wowed collectors at Poly Auction’s spring sales in Hong Kong. The resplendent piece was the highlight of the Magnificent Jewels sale and its undeniable beauty caused a stir in the auction room at the Grand Hyatt, eventually securing a mammoth final bid of HK$13.2 million. “The strong price achieved for the pink diamond reflects a sturdy market demand,” commented Fung Chiang, Head of Magnificent Jewels and Important Watches at Poly Auction.
Perhaps part of the reason for the ongoing strong demand for such gemstones is their uniqueness. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), only one out of 10,000 carats of fashioned diamonds displays fancy colour, such as the hue bedazzling this prized lot. In the vast majority of cases, the colour is the result of distortion in the stone’s crystal structure rather than the incursion of trace elements.
The rarity of fancy pink diamonds combined with their popularity has seen prices soar over recent years and they have become an alternative investment for some collectors. Reaching the GIA Fancy Pink level, this breathtaking pear-shaped stone is graded VS1 clarity.
Seed Money: Pumpkin work connects the dots
A brilliantly bold pumpkin sculpture by renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama sent bidders at Sotheby’s auction house in Hong Kong wild with excitement. The hammer was eventually struck on a whopping winning bid of HK$36.14 million, near the high end of the pre-auction estimate. Pumpkin, created in 2019 and signed and dated by Kusama, is made of urethane on fibreglass-reinforced plastic.
The yellow and black pumpkin sculpture with its beguiling series of polka dots measures about one metre tall and wide, and is considered the epitome of optimism, serenity and joy. Such is the popularity of the Kusama pumpkin that many similar examples reside in museums around the world.
Pumpkins have been a central theme in the artist’s oeuvre over many years, and she has said that they reflect the aura of her mental state and embody the joy of living. Certainly, the ‘princess of polka dots’ developed an almost spiritual fascination with the pumpkin from childhood experiences at her family’s seed nursery. In an almost surreal memory of the moment, she has recounted how a pumpkin began to speak to her in an animated manner.
Rare Dish: Ceramics collectors go for a Song
A dainty yet magnificent ceramic from the Song era sparked frenzied bidding in a packed New York salesroom at the recent Christie’s Asian Art Week. Measuring 14 centimetres in diameter, the fine Ge foliate dish from the Southern Song-Yuan Dynasty (1127-1368) went for US$1.8 million (HK$14 million).
Part of the Linyushanren collection, this rare Ge kiln firing showing characteristic monochromatic and crackled glaze was the top lot from the Important Chinese Art Including the Collection of Dorothy Tapper Goldman auction series. Spread over two days, the sales raised a total of US$19.13 million, with more than half of the highly competitive bidders emanating from Asia. Another prized piece was a large blue and white dragon dish from the Yongzheng period (the fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty, 1678-1735).
Commenting on the success of the auction, Christie’s Chinese art specialist Vicki Paloympis said: “Rare ceramics from private collections commanded high prices, including [this] crackle-glazed Ge foliate dish from the Southern Song-Yuan dynasty. We also continue to have great success with single-owner American collections, and a group of Song-Qing ceramics from the Alita Davis Weaver collection.”
Bowled Over: Intimate Magritte masterpiece caps sale
An amazing piece of surrealism by René Magritte fetched an astonishing £33.7 million (HK$338.2 million) at a recent auction held by Christie’s in London. The work, L’ami intime (The Intimate Friend), shone at the auction house’s 20th/21st Century London Evening Sales, achieving the highest bid by far.
Painted in 1958, the masterpiece appeared at auction for the first time in more than 40 years. It was offered from the New York-based collection of Gilbert and Lena Kaplan, who themselves acquired the work in 1980. The iconic painting depicts a man in a bowler hat looking directly ahead over a sunlit landscape while a glass of water and baguette appear to be floating in mid-air right behind him. Perhaps part of the immense appeal of this canvas is that it could be considered to cover three genres simultaneously – figure, landscape and still life.
Widely adorned by men during the artist’s youth, the dapper felt hat was a common theme for Magritte, and here its precise dimensions are a striking feature of the painting. Further works by the influential Belgian surrealist also performed above pre-sale expectations.
K11 Musea welcomes ‘Mendittorosa, In Daymon Name’ Pop-Up Store by Scented Niche
Showcasing finest Neapolitan artistry with stellar inspirations
Scented Niche’s ‘Mendittorosa, In Daymon Name’ Pop-Up Store at K11 Musea is a celebration of Italian design intertwined with cosmic tales.
The event unveils the ‘Black Diamond Edition – In Noccolo Name,’ a jewellery collection that draws inspiration from the mythical journey of Noccolo, a mystical black cat linked to the timeless saga of black diamonds and their interstellar legacy. The exclusive Black Daymon fragrance will also be presented, offering a limited-edition scent that captures the essence of Naples’ rich artisanal culture.
The “In Noccolo Name” collection boasts an exquisite totemic pendant wrought in white gold, featuring a dual-sided design reminiscent of a cat’s paw and adorned with black diamonds. Available with silver chain, this collection, which emerges as a charming addition to the revered Daymonilia pendant series, not only celebrates the allure of black diamonds—gems that carry the mystique of celestial origins—but also honours the enigmatic beauty of black cats, viewed as earthbound ambassadors of the mystical.
Daymonilia’s jewellery was inspired by the success of the Daymon fragrance. Handcrafted in Italy, these creations embody traditional goldsmithing excellence.
Mendittorosa Black Daymon Eau de Parfum (Limited Edition)
Daymon stands as the crowning jewel in the Mendittorosa olfactory collection, a personal favourite of the brand’s founder, Stefania Squeglia. Each Mendittorosa scent is a labour of love, typically taking two years from conception to fruition—a testament to the brand’s dedication to artistry and quality. Daymon, a unique bestselling fragrance, has traversed this journey of creation, inspired by the nobility of animals and a commitment to their protection.
Mendittorosa Heritage
Mendittorosa, the quintessence of Italian olfactory artistry, is the brainchild of Stefania Squeglia, whose passion for the intangible— spirituality, philosophy, and the cosmos—is distilled into the brand’s essence.
Pop Up Store Details
“Mendittorosa, In Daymon Name Pop-Up Store” Location: 5/F., K11 Musea, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Pop-Up Period: Now to 30th June, 2024 (11am to 8pm)
During the pop-up event, customer who purchase any Mendittorosa creations will receive a complimentary “In Noccolo Name” petit illustration book and an Italian handmade gift, available while supplies last.
Bloom Filter: Messika’s Where Love Blooms 2024 Collection
Love is like a blossoming flower, delicate and radiant, and Messika Jewellery has captured its essence in their enchanting 2024 collection, “Where Love Blooms.” Known for their exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs, Messika has once again unveiled a collection that celebrates the beauty and power of love. Drawing inspiration from nature’s most captivating blooms, this collection merges elegance, femininity, and the eternal spirit of love.
It is a symphony of floral-inspired designs, where delicate petals, intricate leaves, and vibrant blooms come to life. Each piece showcases the meticulous artistry and attention to detail that Messika is renowned for. Necklaces adorned with diamond-studded flowers, bracelets resembling delicate vines, and earrings reminiscent of blooming buds evoke a sense of natural beauty and grace. These exquisite creations capture the essence of love’s blossoming journey, making them perfect expressions of affection.
In this collection, Messika combines the brilliance of diamonds with the allure of gemstones, adding a captivating touch of colour to each design. Sapphires, emeralds and rubies are carefully selected and intricately set, enhancing the delicate beauty of the floral motifs. The vibrant hues of the gemstones symbolize love’s kaleidoscope of emotions, evoking passion, devotion, and joy. Together with the dazzling diamonds, they create an enchanting interplay of light and colour, making each piece a true work of art.
Awe Opera: Buccellati Opera – Icona Collections
The Buccellati Opera Icona Collections encompass a wide range of jewellery pieces including rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and brooches. These designs are inspired by various elements found in nature, such as flowers, leaves and animals, which are intricately translated into exquisite jewellery forms.
While we adore the four-point Opera Tulle motif, The Buccellati Opera collection is always incorporating fresh and fascinating twists – crafted in 18K gold and adorned with luminous diamond details to create breathtaking masterpieces that are admired around the world.
A testament to the brand’s commitment to timeless beauty, exceptional craftsmanship and artistic expression, each piece is a wearable work of art, meticulously created to be cherished for generations.
Red Ringer: Embracing Luck and Fortune – The resplendence of red jewelleries in Chinese New Year celebrations
As the vibrant hues of red fill the air, and the streets come alive with the sound of firecrackers, it can only mean one thing — the Chinese New Year is upon us. This auspicious occasion, steeped in rich traditions and symbolism, holds special significance for millions around the world. Among the many customs associated with this joyous festival is the belief in the power of red jewellery to bring luck and fortune. In Chinese culture, the colour red holds profound symbolism. It is believed to embody energy, happiness, and good fortune. Red is associated with the Chinese zodiac sign of the Dragon, which is highly revered and considered a symbol of power and prosperity. This vibrant colour is thought to ward off evil spirits and attract positive energy, making it an integral part of the festive atmosphere.
The deep red hues of rubies, garnets, and red agates are particularly favored, as they represent vitality and abundance. These gemstones amplify the positive energies of the wearer and provide a stunning accessory to complement traditional Chinese attire.
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Pink Layer: The allure of rose gold is its timeless elegance for modern tastes
In the realm of jewellery, few trends have captivated the hearts of fashion-forward individuals quite like rose gold. With its warm and romantic hue, it has become a symbol of modern elegance and sophistication. Whether adorning rings, bracelets or necklaces, this exquisite metal has a timeless allure that effortlessly combines tradition and contemporary style.
Also known as pink gold or red gold, this colour of jewellery has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Initially popularized in Russia, the captivating alloy gained widespread recognition during the Art Nouveau period. Combining the lustrous beauty of gold with a touch of copper, rose gold exhibits a delicate blush hue that sets it apart from other precious metals. Its unique colour imparts a warmth and femininity that adds a distinctive charm to any piece of jewellery.
As trends come and go, rose gold remains a steadfast symbol of sophistication and modern style, ensuring its place as a cherished treasure for generations to come.
