Industry Insider
Read up on everything you need to know about this year’s luxury jewellery news and trends
Read up on everything you need to know about this year’s luxury jewellery news and trends
MAKING MILESTONES
The old is new again, thanks to a sophisticated set of designers who are imaginatively taking inspiration from brands’ archives to celebrate their 2019 anniversaries. Milan based Buccellati celebrates its 100th year with Maria Cristina, granddaughter of Buccellati’s founder, revealing the launch of the Vintage collection to Asia Tatler earlier this year. Bulgari, meanwhile, marks the 20th anniversary of its Colosseum-inspired B.zero1 line with additional pieces – more than two million rings have been sold worldwide since it was first launched in 1999. And Dior celebrates 20 years since Dior Joaillerie was established with a breathtaking collection called Gem Dior. The expansive unveiling of no less than 99 colourful pieces includes rubies, emeralds and pink sapphires.
WINNING BIDS
This year, Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction totalled a whopping HK$348,640,250 thanks to top lots including Moussaieff ’s Bubble Gum Pink ring, which showcases a breathtaking 3.43-carat fancy vivid purplishpink diamond ring. We’d love to meet the woman who now owns that jaw dropping jewel.
NEW FACES
Kaya Scodelario, the actress behind Crawl and Maze Runner, has been tapped as the face of Cartier’s Clash de Cartier jewellery line. Known for pushing the limits of Cartier’s historic signatures, Clash de Cartier is complex and contemporary – it’s no wonder trend-setter Kaya’s the maison’s actress of choice.
BOUTIQUE OPENINGS
Several stores have opened their doors for the first time this year, including Mikimoto’s Lee Gardens flagship in Causeway Bay, which boasts an exclusive private showroom. Fine jewellery house Qeelin reopened its Prince’s Building boutique this summer, while Tiffany & Co championed Hong Kong’s high streets with the September unveiling of its largest flagship store in Asia at One Peking Road. A little further from home, Harry Winston has opened a new space in Shinjuku, Tokyo. “Japan is one of the largest luxury markets in the world,” says Nayla Hayek, CEO of Harry Winston, of the opening of the brand’s ninth Japanese boutique.
SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
Have you ever wanted to learn about the art of jewellery making? Van Cleef & Arpels’ L’école, School of Jewelry Arts has announced its first overseas campus, which will be located in K11 Musea at Hong Kong’s Victoria Dockside. It will be the maison’s first permanent school outside Paris, with the institution having previously organised travelling editions in cities including Tokyo, New York and Dubai. According to Marie Vallanet-delhom, L’école’s president, the school will “break down barriers to the vast and enchanting world of jewellery” and will allow Hong Kongers to “learn directly from our leading experts.” Sign us up!
LIFE IN HOLLYWOOD
When the new Elton John biopic Rocketman screened to critics at Cannes Film Festival in May, those in attendance gave the film a standing ovation. But it wasn’t just the fantastical account of the singer’s life that wowed audiences: it was also Chopard’s jewellery, which was used to help portray the musician’s flamboyant sense of style.