Summer’s Glimmer: Bold, bright and beautiful jewellery for making a statement for the season

As the days get longer and warmer, it’s time to freshen up your look with some stunning spring and summer jewellery. Whether you’re looking for something fun and playful or elegant and sophisticated, there’s a piece of jewellery out there that’s perfect for you.

The season calls for statement earrings. Big, bold and colourful, these earrings are perfect for adding a touch of drama to your outfit. Think oversized hoops, tassels and geometric shapes in bright, summery hues. Why not try making waves by layering delicate necklaces of different lengths which can create a beautiful and feminine effect? You can mix and match different styles and textures to create a unique and personal look.

For those who prefer something more understated, delicate bracelets and rings are always in style. Look for dainty chains, bold designs and sparkling gemstones to add a touch of elegance to your outfit.

(Text: Peter Chan)

Aquasitions: All about the instant confidence Aquamarine pieces of jewellery bring

Said to have sublime soothing qualities, aquamarine supposedly not only helps ease anxiety but also bolsters self-belief and instils a sense of inner tranquillity. In classic lore, it was also believed to have a special association with the throat chakra, consequently having an impact on how we communicate, particularly with regard to boosting the confidence of those tasked with public speaking. 

More latterly, fine examples of aquamarine – a relatively moderately priced and widely-available gemstone – have become a regular feature of the accessory collections of many leading jewellery brands, including Cartier, Gubelin and Chopard. Its popularity is partly down to the wide variety of blue hues it comes in, a range almost as broad and vivid as the ocean depths its name commemorates. Over the years, the jewel’s cool blues have wooed many admirers such as Elsie de Wolfe, Princess Diana and Meghan Markle.

Also Read: Heart Gallery – right Heart’s Day gifts spark a positive emotion and work all year round

(Text: Joseff Musa)

Miss Matched: Contrasting wear for the perfect pair

Nothing defines fashionable like contrasting outfits that are paired together with such great taste. As long as you understand the colour combinations and the patterns that go well with each other, it is effortless to look stylish, so below are some inspirations to get you started. Florals, denim, or bold colours – the possibilities are endless. Go play with it!

contrasting outfits

On Her
Necklace by Roger Vivier
Gloves by Novel Fineries
Kaia feather-trimmed sequined tulle mini dress by Rebecca Vallance (courtesy of Net-A-Porter)
Heels by Ferragamo

On Him
Necklace, bracelet and ring by APM Monaco
Top and pants by Ferragamo
Scandals by Hermès

contrasting outfits

On Her
Face accessory and dress by Gucci

On Him
Shirt and jacket by Gucci

contrasting outfits

Pocket art and rings by Novel Fineries
Jacket, shorts, and tote bag by Prada
Dahlia Stem Burgundy Fresh Touch, Olive Leaf Stem, Yellow Dancing
Oncidium Single Stem, and White Magnolia Stem by Indigo Living

contrasting outfits

On Her
Earrings and rings by Novel Fineries
Dress by Ferragamo

On Him
Ear cuff by Novel Fineries
Top by Ferragamo

contrasting outfits

On Her
Earrings, necklace, and bracelet by Dior
Coat and heels by Prada
Handbag by Roger Vivier

On Him
Bracelet by APM Monaco
Jacket by Ermenegildo Zegna
Hydrangea Stems by Indigo Living

contrasting outfits

On Her
Earrings courtesy of VIPOP
Dress by Loewe
Mini handbag by Dior

On Him
Top, jacket, shorts, and buddy pocket by Hermès

contrasting outfits

On Her
Ring courtesy of VIPOP
Top, skirt, and handbag by Prada

On Him
Necklace, ring, jacket, and shorts by Dior

contrasting outfits

Tiara, scarf, dress, heels, rings, and handbag by Versace
Forever Blue Arrangement, Hot Pink Peony Arrangement, Exotic Protea Arrangement, Splendid Mixed Bloom Arrangement by Indigo Living

Also Read: Natural Angst – Monochrome looks for the freakishly fierce DNA in you

(Photographer: Jack Law Art, Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma, Videographer: Jack Fontanilla, Female Model: Shauri (Synergy Model Management Ltd), Male Model: Mai (Synergy Model Management Ltd), and Hair and Make-up: Owen Ko & Joenny Lau)

Givens: Must-give gifts for those special to you

Be it elegant fine jewellery pieces or style defining watches. the gifting choices for this Valentine’s Day are just endless. Here are more options curated by Gafencu to gift to your loved ones.

givens

From left:

Two Butterfly earrings in white and pink gold with diamonds and sapphires, Two Butterfly Between the Finger ring in white and yellow gold with diamonds and tsavorite, Two Butterfly Between the Finger ring in yellow gold with lapis lazuli and diamonds, Two Butterfly Between the Finger ring in white and yellow gold with diamonds and sapphires, all by Van Cleef & Arpels

Constellation Manhattan watch in Sedna™ by Omega

Perlée™ Couleurs transformable long necklace in yellow gold with turquoise, Pierre Arpels Heure d’Ici & Heure d’Ailleurs watch in white gold case, Alhambra cufflinks in yellow gold with mother-of-pearl, all by Van Cleef & Arpels

Omega Flower bracelet in 18K white gold with diamonds and mother-of-pearl, Omega Flower bracelet in 18K white gold with turquoise, Omega Flower necklace in 18K red gold with carnelian cabochon, all by Omega

Guirlande de Cartier bag in calfskin by Cartier

givens

Clockwise from top left:

Leather bracelet with wolf-head closure in sterling silver by Montblanc

Sailing bracelet in brushed titanium by Omega

Time Walker bracelet by Montblanc

Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer watch in Sedna™ gold case by Omega

Onyx-bead bracelet with serpent detail in silver by Montblanc

Aqua key holder by Omega

Alpine Eagle large watch in Chopard lucent steel by Chopard

givens

 

Clockwise from top left:

Green Carpet evening bag in calfskin by Chopard

Chaumet Liens Evidence bangle in 18K pink gold with red lacquer by Chaumet

Happy Hearts Twist bangle in 18K rose gold with diamonds and red stone, Happy Hearts Twist ring in 18K rose gold and diamonds, both by Chopard

Extrait de Camélia hoop earrings in 18K pink gold and diamond by Chanel Fine Jewelry

Chaumet Bee My Love bracelets in 18K yellow and white gold with diamonds, both by Chaumet

Extrait de Camélia transformable ring and long necklace in 18K pink gold with diamonds, both by Chanel Fine Jewelry

Chaumet Jeux de Liens Harmony pendant necklace in 18K pink gold with diamonds, Chaumet Jeux de Liens Harmony pendant necklace in 18K pink gold and red lacquer, both by Chaumet

Happy Hearts watch in stainless steel case with diamonds by Chopard

givens

Clockwise from top left:

Lucky Animals cat clip in yellow gold with tiger eye and onyx

Cosmos Between the Finger ring and Cosmos ring in rose gold with mother-of-pearl and diamonds

Lucky Animals dog clip in yellow gold with mother-of-pearl and onyx

Lucky Animals hedgehog clip in yellow gold with mother-of pearl, tiger eye and onyx

Lucky Animals owl clip in yellow gold with mother-of-pearl and onyx, all by Van Cleef & Arpels

givens

Clockwise from top:

Montblanc Heritage Monopusher Chronograph watch by Montblanc

Historiques American 1921 pair watches in 18K 5N pink gold case by Vacheron Constantin

Chaumet Bee My Love rings in 18K yellow, pink and white gold with diamonds, all by Chaumet

Snake Charms: Why snake-themed jewellery finds favour through the ages?

While cats and dogs pretty much clean up on the online meme front, these doughty domestic favourites do noticeably less well on the feature jewellery front. In fact, it’s fair to say, in that particular arena, “four legs bad, no legs good”, with sultry serpents notably snaking out in front.

snake-themed jewellery
The bust of this ancient Pharaoh shows snake-themed jewellery on his crown

Pretty much since one bright Bronze Age beau fashioned the first romantic keepsake, snakes have been a recurrent fine jewellery motif on many of the world’s most cultured civilisations. In China, for instance, the snake symbolises reproduction – it doesn’t take too great a leap of the imagination to see why. It has similar resonances throughout India and Nepal, with Hindu god, Shiva, depicted as draping a snake around his neck, and believers worshipping the snake as symbol of desire and sexual passion. The more business-minded Romans, however, primarily associated the creature with wealth and prosperity.

Snake-themed jewellery
Snake-themed jewellery is draped around the statue of Hindu god Shiva

It was perhaps Ancient Egypt, however, that set the high watermark for snake veneration, with these legless lizards seen as wholly synonymous with royalty and even divinity. Indeed, a pharaoh was not deemed to be a legitimate ruler unless his crown incorporated the rearing gold cobra that was the mark of Wadjet, the goddess under whose protection Egypt thrived.

In times more contemporary, the serpent motif has been co-opted by the haute joaillerie world, with a number of high-end jewellers – notably Bulgari and Damiani – creating exotic, wholly snake-themed collections. This celebration of the reptile has even extended to Hong Kong, where Stéfère now offers a range of snake-themed jewellery, a homage to one of the most venomous members of the snake clan.

Check out our slideshow of the most viper-esque jewellery below.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay