Tag: Van Cleef & Arpels

Dotty over Spots: Circle, circle, dot, dot – get set for your glamour shot

Since the dawn of time, people have associated the ubiquitous circle with objects of beauty, wonderment and perfection – a full moon, the human eye, the Olympic flag, the Yin and Yang symbol. Small wonder that this humble shape has inspired countless designers to create similarly timeless yet forward-thinking objects, especially in the world of haute joaillerie.

Running the gamut from rings to necklaces, Christian Dior’s new Rose Des Vents Collection is a celebration of the Normandy designer’s favourite symbol – a delicately encircled eight-point star. The Breastplaster, arguably highlighting this new collection, features a constellation of double-sided medallions.

On one side, monsieur Dior’s star (often referred to as “the traveller’s symbol”) is displayed. On the other, precious stones such as diamond, turquoise, malachite and mother-of-pearl have been carefully curated by Parisian jeweller Victoire de Castellane.

For the vivacious extrovert, Palmiero’s Bubble Collection is sure to appeal. With their bulbous and multi-faceted design, even the smallest items in the collection – such as the colourful 18-carat diamond rings – are sure to make a bold statement. Displaying shimmering and deeply saturated colours of marine and amber, the dotty designs are also spectacularly sea-inspired.

Watch lovers keen to inject a modicum of circular style into their accessories need look no further than Piaget’s new Couture Précieuse. Powered by the 56P quartz movement, this white gold wonder tells discrete time via a clean indexless dial. Where are the dots and spots? In a lattice of 176 brilliant-cut diamonds, all interlinked to form the watch’s cuff-like fastening.

Whether you prefer your circles prominently displayed or subtly referenced, the shape’s timelessness makes it suitable for any occasion.

L’ÉCOLE: Educating Hong Kong on the precepts of jewellery arts

Hong Kong jewellery aficionados were in for a treat as the third edition of L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts returned to The Qube in PMQ last week.

The School, which is supported by luxury jewellery brand Van Cleef & Arpels, held a series of workshops, talks and demonstrations that explored different facets of jewellery craftsmanship.

Guests were invited to try their hand at Savoir-Faire techniques and attempt Japanese urushi lacquer classes, or attend talks on ‘The Universe of Gemstones’ and ‘Art History of Jewelry.’

A selection of photography by up-and-coming local talents was also on display. The artists were selected by a panel of industry experts as part of L’ÉCOLE’s Legacy Program.

L’ÉCOLE President Maria Vallanet-Delholm succinctly summarised the pop-up school’s objectives, saying, “The inspiration behind the founding of L’ÉCOLE was to open up the inner world of jewellery to the public, provide a form of initiation for those really interested, and to share the passion of our professors and experts.”

Liberating fragrances and uncommon scents

A selection of fragrances from Valentino, Van Cleef & Arpels, Prada, Dunhill and many more for the discerning gentleman.

Opulent and Dazzling: Eastern-inspired jewellery collections

Ruby and jadeite brooches…dazzling diamond phoenixes… dangling dancing lions… These exotic motifs offer a tantalising glimpse of the Eastern-inspired motifs currently beguiling many haute joaillerie labels. In a fortunately festive twist, ruby reds and emerald greens – long regarded as the most auspicious colours in Chinese cultural circles – feature prominently in these collections. Although visually varied, each item is distinguished by a touch of the ornately Oriental and a clear passion for sheer opulence. Hong Kong-based Qeelin has released a set of earrings fit for the hostess of even the most affluent of New Year celebrations. Featuring a striking dancing lion motif, these 18-carat rose gold earrings are available in both a dangle and stud style, with diamonds and onyx beautifully complementing this most precious of metals.

While ostensibly taking its inspiration from the biblical tale of Noah and his ark, Van Cleef & Arpels’ new collection of gem-encrusted animal brooches leaves enough open to interpretation to intrigue any true Sinophile. Rich in more local folklore association, the Phoenix brooch – with its stunning white gold, diamonds, onyx, mother-of-pearl and ruby inlaid clip – will have a particular appeal to many Chinese purchasers.

Similarly steeped in Sino-symbolism is Cartier’s seal watch-brooch, with its emblematic image of a Buddhist lion and stunning use of many of the gemstones that characterise traditional Asian jewellery. These most notably include jadeite and rubies, but not without a generous sprinkling of onyx, enamel, gold and diamonds. Concealed neatly within a 19th-century Chinese jade seal, the piece forms part of the Jade – From Emperors to Art Déco collection.

Rounding out the collection with a more understated hymn of praise to the wonders of the East is the Ballon Bleu de Cartier Orchids motif watch. The centerpiece of the watch is a beguiling recreation of three rare orchids, flowers native to Asia and widely regarded as symbols of perfection and nobility. Given the timepiece’s 18-carat yellow gold, mother-of-pearl and diamond housing, the symbolism couldn’t be more apt.

Get linked in with these cuff links

Get connected courtesy of the most stylish of cuff links by designers such as Tom Ford, Montblanc, Piaget, Chopard, Van Cleef & Arpels and many more.