All Time Highs: Clock these evergreen classic timepieces…

1. Happy Sport watch in 18K rose gold with diamonds by Chopard
2. Lady Jour des Fleurs watch in white gold with pavéd diamonds, spinels, tsavorites and sapphires by Van Cleef & Arpels 
3. Charms Romance Parisienne Rencontre watch in rose gold with diamonds, spessartites, mother-of-pearl and sapphires by Van Cleef & Arpels
4. Baignoire Allongée watch with 18K pink gold case by Cartier
Four-piece porcelain tray set by Hermès
Round porcelain dish; metallic vide poche in porcelain; silver vide poche with hand-painted finishing, all by Tiffany & Co. 
All lipsticks by Gucci

1. Emperador Coussin XL 700P watch with diamond-set 18K pink gold case by Piaget
2. Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date watch with 18K 5N pink gold case by Vacheron Constantin
3. Seamaster Diver 300M watch in 18K Sedna™ gold with ceramic bezel by Omega
Dalian chess board game in bullcalf leather; lacquered small box with wood cover, both by Hermès 
Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended Scotch whisky

1. Arceau 78 watch with stainless steel case by Hermès
2. Portofino Chronograph watch with 18K 5N gold case by IWC
3. Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II watch in Oystersteel by Rolex
Lacquered wood tray with leather handle; Celebes lacquered small bowl with wood cover, both by Hermès 
Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended Scotch whisky

1. Hortensia Bolero watch with diamond-set 18K yellow gold case by Chaumet
2. Possession watch in 18K white gold with pavéd diamonds by Piaget
3. Montblanc Bohème Automatic Date watch
4. J12 watch in white ceramic and steel by Chanel
Bear and Block three-piece China set; Everyday Objects crystal glass apple box with sterling silver lid; Tiffany x Steiff Return to Tiffany Lover teddy bear in mohair; all by Tiffany & Co. 
Beauty products by Chanel

1. De Ville Trésor watch with 18K Moonshine™ gold case by Omega
2. Overseas Self-Winding watch with diamond-set stainless steel case by Vacheron Constantin
3. Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 watch in 18K yellow gold with diamonds by Rolex
4. Portofino Automatic 34 watch with diamond-set 18K 5N gold case by IWC 
Tartan Dye cashmere; Fenetres Sur Ciel boxes in hand-painted lacquer, all by Hermès
Round porcelain dish; metallic vide poche in porcelain; Bear and Block frame in sterling silver, all by Tiffany & Co.

1. Midnight Landscapes White Creek watch in white gold with mother-ofpearl by Van Cleef & Arpels
2. L.U.C XP watch with stainless steel case by Chopard
3. Panthères et Colibri watch in 18K rhodium-finished white gold with diamonds by Cartier
Celebes lacquered small, medium boxes and centrepiece, all topped with wood covers, all by Hermès                    

 

          

Photos: Jack Law
Art Direction & Styling: San Wong

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

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