Vintage jewellery show sure to get the tai tais salivating
Tai tais seem to be back in buying-spree mode as fears of the credit crunch fade, which is good news for Amanda Clark, co-founder of the Altfield Gallery with David Halperin (right).
Her lifestyle and jewellery boutique in Central is staging a week-long exhibition to showcase more than 150 newly acquired vintage jewellery pieces.
At the opening on Monday guests tried on antique South Asian necklaces, earrings and brooches that Clark, a jewellery designer by training, selected with London dealer Susan Ollemans.
'Last year wasn't easy for a lot of people,' Clark says. 'People might not want a new sofa as much since it wears out and you might have to buy one in another five years. But they still buy fine jewellery because there's inherent value attached to these timeless beauties.'
All items in the show are for sale, with prices ranging from HK$4,800 for a pair of silver and gold earrings, to HK$480,000 for an elaborate 19th-century sapphire and gold necklace.
Jewellery is meant to be worn, Clark says. 'They shouldn't be in a bank safe and brought out once in a blue moon. You should wear it every day and enjoy it.'
So who's picking out that 19th-century choker to wear for lunch with the ladies tomorrow?
