https://www.scmp.com/rss/325646/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com The delicate beauty of the pearl has held the fascination of mankind since the dawn of time, with no other single gem enjoying such a profound influence throughout history.  For some, pearls might be a new interest, with diamonds their first love. But if you thought pearls were for your grandmother, think again – jewellery houses are showing the creative ways in which these gems can be worn today.  From cultured South Sea pearls to Japanese Akoya pearls, jewellers use them all in a fresh and... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3135545/nothing-says-natural-luxury-pearls-chanel-dior-why-high?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3135545/nothing-says-natural-luxury-pearls-chanel-dior-why-high?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 31 May 2021 22:00:19 +0000 Johnny is having a cosy dinner with the love of his life, Meaghan, by the poolside of their favourite boutique hotel. He decides that the moment is right. So he leaves his chair and walks over to her, and gets down on one knee with the box in his hands, asking, “Will you marry me?” She cannot hide her surprise, and she gasps while putting her palms over her face. Yet, when he opens the box, the ring is missing. He wakes up with a start, after having the same dream for the third time. It’s about... https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/topics/how-find-perfect-ring/article/3010973/johnny-mission-track-down-perfect?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/topics/how-find-perfect-ring/article/3010973/johnny-mission-track-down-perfect?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Oct 2020 01:00:00 +0000 The sea and its secrets have long held a unique fascination. Now more than ever, marine life is in the spotlight with a deeper appreciation of mother nature’s biggest gift – water. The aquatic world has captivated Van Cleef & Arpels since the 1920s, as seen in the brand’s patrimony collections based on sea travel. The 1960s and 70s saw the French maison interpreting the wonders of the sea in creative ways, taking inspiration from underwater fauna and flora as well as mythical creatures such as... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3083974/how-sea-and-its-secrets-have-inspired-luxury-jewellers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3083974/how-sea-and-its-secrets-have-inspired-luxury-jewellers?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 May 2020 10:00:20 +0000 There’s something for everyone from among these latest luxury offerings. Relaxing staycation For anyone wanting to treat their mother to something special on Mother’s Day, the options are limited this year. A spot of pampering at a glamorous overseas destination spa is going to be a tough one to pull off – but fortunately, a staycation package at one of Hong Kong’s top hotels and spas offers a pretty good alternative. The Landmark Mandarin Oriental’s Oasis Indulgence for Mom, which is available... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3083265/luxury-may-5-star-mothers-day-staycation-striking-new?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3083265/luxury-may-5-star-mothers-day-staycation-striking-new?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 May 2020 04:54:32 +0000 Vacheron Constantin has launched the Égérie collection dedicated to women. Taking its cue from the world of haute couture, the engaging timepieces display a sophisticated style combined with craftsmanship associated with haute horlogerie. The Swiss watchmaker is clearly inspired by women, from nymphs in Roman mythology to the contemporary muses of artists and designers. What are the most expensive watches you can buy online? A pleated effect reminiscent of fabric, with alternating flat and... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches/article/3076137/how-high-fashion-inspired-new-vacheron-constantin-egerie?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches/article/3076137/how-high-fashion-inspired-new-vacheron-constantin-egerie?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Mar 2020 07:00:14 +0000 Vintage style was aplenty on the red carpet at the recent Oscars, which in itself is a reflection of the most sought-after fashion trend to follow this year. Margot Robbie wore a mid-1990s vintage couture Chanel, and Lily Aldridge wore two vintage dresses, the first being an archival Ralph Lauren design from spring/summer 2013. It might not be common to see a necklace on a woman today which doubles up as a watch, but this ancient style to view time has made a comeback. And not just in any... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches/article/3076136/when-secret-watches-meet-high-end-jewellery-how-cartier?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches/article/3076136/when-secret-watches-meet-high-end-jewellery-how-cartier?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Mar 2020 03:00:16 +0000 A tiara can make any girl feel like a princess, and diamond-studded headpieces have long been the crowning glory of wedding jewellery. But tiaras are now popping up everywhere, from galas and balls to holiday parties. The history of head ornaments dates back to the ancient Egyptians, where gold headbands were worn by both men and women as signifiers of class and status. The Romans and Greeks were also known to have worn their versions of crowns and tiaras. During medieval times, however, a more... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3044536/how-tiaras-went-fairy-tale-princess-everyday-party-wear-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3044536/how-tiaras-went-fairy-tale-princess-everyday-party-wear-and?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Jan 2020 10:00:08 +0000 Pearls are basking in glory as a new generation of consumers discover their subtle allure. In the old days, when they were created only by chance, a search of thousands of oysters would turn up a natural pearl, making it an important financial asset. However, the past 30 years has seen the major development of cultured pearls – created by a mollusc but with the help of human intervention. Shell beads are placed inside an oyster, which is returned to the water, where layers of nacre cover the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3043270/chanel-piaget-bulgari-and-other-high-jewellery-designers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3043270/chanel-piaget-bulgari-and-other-high-jewellery-designers?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Jan 2020 18:00:17 +0000 Derived from the Latin word for the colour blue (sapphirus), sapphires are believed to be the gems of the heavens. The saturation of the blue hue is key to determining the value of this coveted gemstone, one of the big three alongside rubies and emeralds. “Invest in untreated sapphires of high quality and of Kashmir or Burmese origin, where most the world’s most beautiful and highly valued sapphires were mined,” says Vickie Sek, chairman, Jewellery Asia, Christie’s auction house. Kashmir... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3043687/why-do-high-jewellers-louis-vuitton-and-cartier-want-kashmir?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3043687/why-do-high-jewellers-louis-vuitton-and-cartier-want-kashmir?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Dec 2019 06:00:06 +0000 A vivid gemstone with flaws that tell tales, the emerald enjoys pride of place in high jewellery, with a greater supply – from new mines in Brazil and Zambia to legendary ones in Colombia – making the gemstone more popular than ever. “The deep and rich green colour of emeralds keeps fascinating gem connoisseurs, and a wealth of minute inclusions trapped within the crystal gives each stone individuality,” says Daniel Nyfeler, managing director of the reputed Gübelin Gem Lab in... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3042965/louis-vuitton-cartier-graff-and-other-luxury-jewellers-make?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3042965/louis-vuitton-cartier-graff-and-other-luxury-jewellers-make?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Dec 2019 06:00:13 +0000 The virtues of vintage-inspired jewellery come to the forefront when connoisseurs and collectors become interested in the provenance of items they invest in, such as art or timepieces. And jewellers are creating jewels that resonate with the romance of history thanks to enduring design aesthetics. In the new Paris, Vu Du 26 collection Boucheron creates the Colonne d’Acanthe long necklace, inspired by the acanthus columns that were a common feature of ancient Parisian buildings. STYLE Edit:... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3041459/how-did-hidden-versailles-bedroom-and-russian-love-affair?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3041459/how-did-hidden-versailles-bedroom-and-russian-love-affair?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Dec 2019 18:00:09 +0000 Designs inspired by nature unleash the innovative side of jewellery as plants and animals are brought to life in a playful manner. In full bloom Flowers have long been a symbol of purity, taking various shapes and moods in jewellery over the years, inspiring some of the most creative pieces. The best gift imaginable? Jewellery owned by Prince – really Caroline Scheufele, artistic director and co-president of Chopard, has devised a range of orchid-inspired jewellery in the new Red Carpet 2019... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3040872/van-cleef-arpels-graff-how-luxury-jewellery-brands-have-long?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3040872/van-cleef-arpels-graff-how-luxury-jewellery-brands-have-long?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Dec 2019 06:00:17 +0000 The use of metals beyond the conventional gold and platinum is changing forever the notion of what constitutes high jewellery. Alloys such as titanium and oxidised silver juxtaposed with gemstones create precious wearable art. It’s almost as if a revolution in jewel art is taking place right before our eyes – a beautiful transformation for which just gold or platinum are not enough. Tilda Swinton leads stars at Les Galaxies de Cartier launch Dior Joaillerie crafts the À Versailles Salon... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/3009227/goodbye-gold-dior-and-chopard-use-space-age?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/3009227/goodbye-gold-dior-and-chopard-use-space-age?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 May 2019 09:00:10 +0000 A walk through the grand halls of Baselworld 2019, the annual Swiss watch and jewellery fair showcasing the world’s most desirable objets d’art, revealed the new products setting the direction of the year’s trends. “Baselworld is the platform for the whole industry, not only watches but jewellery, gemstones and related branches,” says Michel Loris-Melikoff, managing director of Baselworld. The emerging directions for the industry were quickly apparent: the strong return of the colour yellow in... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/3009228/serpents-and-secret-watches-most-glamorous-high?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/3009228/serpents-and-secret-watches-most-glamorous-high?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 May 2019 09:00:08 +0000 Rare and remarkable gemstones celebrate the enduring symbolism and eternal beauty of nature. Following diamonds, the most important rarest stones from a commercial standpoint are rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Their rarity and costliness have served to stimulate man’s ingenuity in providing a substitute, opening a viable market for lab-created gemstones as alternatives. Why Cartier draws on the past to move forward – reinventing icons like the Santos and Panthère Chemically, physically and... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches/article/3009149/flawless-versus-natural-inclusions-which-gems-are-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches/article/3009149/flawless-versus-natural-inclusions-which-gems-are-more?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 May 2019 18:00:10 +0000 The natural beauty of semi-precious gemstones is beguiling those looking for high jewellery that merges modern glamour with innovative technical and imaginative prowess. STYLE Edit: Nature Triomphante helps Boucheron return to its roots Craftsmanship is integral to working with semi-precious gemstones, which need to be meticulously selected before being carefully carved or cut to fit a specific design. From custom-cut malachite and mother-of-pearl to red agate and rock crystal, tourmalines to... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/3008147/why-are-cartier-chopard-and-qeelin-using-semi?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/3008147/why-are-cartier-chopard-and-qeelin-using-semi?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 May 2019 08:00:06 +0000 Personal jewellery preferences used to be simple: platinum or gold and diamonds; rubies, emeralds, sapphires and some precious gemstones. No more. Today, high jewellery can include unconventional materials, but they are always combined with precious diamonds. The point is to mix precious materials with the non-precious; to create innovative ways of setting and combining gemstones; and to push the boundaries of jewellery design and craftsmanship. Step into spring with these 5 sophisticated high... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2145027/jewellery-designers-push-boundaries-mixing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2145027/jewellery-designers-push-boundaries-mixing?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 May 2018 02:02:00 +0000 Nature’s palette is endless, be it flowers or diamonds. “When you go out to paint, try to forget what objects you have before you, a tree, a house, a field or whatever.  “Merely think, here is a little square of blue, here an oblong of pink, here a streak of yellow, and paint it just as it looks to you, the exact colour and shape, until it gives your own naïve impression of the scene before you,” said the French painter Claude Monet.  When, like a paintbox, Hong Kong-based jewellery designer... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2144050/coloured-diamonds-gain-popularity-they-fetch-high?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2144050/coloured-diamonds-gain-popularity-they-fetch-high?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 May 2018 04:03:23 +0000 Asia has no shortage of design talent, and pieces by acclaimed jewellery designers from the region have proven to be record breakers at auction. The recent “Iconic Hong Kong Jewellery Designers” auction by Christie’s showcased a number of pieces by Asian designers Adrian Cheng, Cindy Chao, Edmond Chin and Michelle Ong. Watch: Christie’s teams up with Asian designers Each of these designers has a distinctive and recognisable style. Cheng’s multigem suite of jewellery with green tourmalines,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/special-reports/topics/high-jewellery/article/2120693/why-asian?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/special-reports/topics/high-jewellery/article/2120693/why-asian?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Nov 2017 04:00:30 +0000 What wind is to fire, freedom is to creativity. This could not be truer when the metal in the spotlight is titanium. It is light, yet strong, and colourful with an iridescent sheen – a revolutionary metal in high-jewellery creations. Titanium takes its name from the Titans of Greek mythology – symbolising the incarnation of natural strength – sons of the Earth goddess. It is also known as the strongest among metals, and used in spaceships, and in hi-tech medicine. So, why high... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2119636/top-jewellers-see-titanium-new-light?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2119636/top-jewellers-see-titanium-new-light?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Nov 2017 06:00:30 +0000 The robot film Transformers revived the craze of turning one toy into another, and of creating two playthings in one. The high jewellery world is also used to such tricks, of transforming a large piece of jewellery – or components of it – into another. Thanks to fine craftsmanship, a tiara can turn into a necklace, and parts of that can also be used as earrings and more. Such multi-role, transformable jewels are arguably the most complicated pieces a maison can make. However, these beautiful... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2119157/why-transformable-pieces-are-ultimate-high?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2119157/why-transformable-pieces-are-ultimate-high?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Nov 2017 01:31:25 +0000