SHAPE SHIFTERS
More relevant now in a world that demands adaptability, transformable pieces not only offer options to incorporate high jewellery into everyday wear, but their complexity is a perfect avenue for maisons to showcase savoir faire, creativity and innovation. GRAFF
Not just a centrepiece on a platinum and white gold bracelet, this intricately crafted pink gold butterfly – with a marquise diamond for its body and openworked wings set with dazzling pink and white diamonds – can also be detached to be worn as a brooch.
Bringing a subtle sense of three dimensionality to the ensemble and resembling graceful vines that are interwoven ever so deftly, the bracelet band is composed of baguette and round brilliant-cut diamonds for varying light play and added visual interest. Both pieces are sold separately.
Named after the Greek Sun god, the Helios long necklace from the Sous les Étoiles high jewellery collection is an ode to the fiery orb. A stupendous Sri Lankan yellow sapphire of over 50 carats takes pride of place on this elegant composition of diamonds and cultured
pearls. Encircled by yellow gold and diamonds, the horizontally set gemstone’s gleaming buttercup shade is revealed through a deep oval cut. A removable tassel of white cultured pearls may also be attached to
the central pendant, while at the nape, a 1.11-carat pear-shaped diamond takes centre stage. Great attention has been paid to articulating the numerous elements
for flexibility and ensuring the transformation mechanisms are easy to use. The white and yellow gold
necklace can be worn in three possible lengths with or without the central yellow diamond pendant or tassel, as well as a diadem crowned by the pear-shaped
diamond. A discreet gold structure at the back of the necklace will also cast a halo of light onto the
hair when this piece is worn as a diadem.
A superlative masterpiece from the Roman jeweller’s Magnifica high jewellery collection of 350 creations is this Ruby Metamorphosis necklace. No less than 2,500 hours were needed to craft the platinum piece that can be worn at least nine different ways. Composed of detachable pieces, including a diamond choker and chain, this convertible
work of art flaunts an impressive 10.02-carat antique cushion-cut Mozambique ruby at its centre, as well as a sensual silk-like tassel featuring a mix of baguette diamonds and cabochon rubies. However, it is what‘s deftly concealed – a complex, articulated and carefully engineered structure
that enables the jewel to be easily transformed – that is a true testament to Bvlgari’s jewellery-making
prowess and innovation.
The Secrets by Harry Winston fine jewellery collection of 29 designs is a fitting tribute to the house’s founder Mr Winston’s own mystique and also his vision in design and craftsmanship. At first glance, the pieces are fine specimens of Harry Winston’s most celebrated designs presented through different themes. But there’s more than meets the eye, as each jewel hides
an incredible secret, like this Secret Combination Necklace. Boasting 568 marquise, round brilliant and square emerald-cut diamonds weighing about 115.9 carats, the multi-tiered platinum creation comprises
several strands of fancy-cut diamonds. These can be detached and converted into seven bracelet and necklace styles, ranging from cascading
layers of delicate diamonds to a simple strand of brilliant-cut stones.
The New Maharajah Necklace is part of Histoire de Style, New Maharajahs, the latest high jewellery collection by Boucheron that pays homage to its largest commission by the Maharajah of Patiala in 1928. Claire Choisne, the maison’s creative director, took inspiration from the 149 original designs drawn for the maharajah by Louis Boucheron, founder Frédéric Boucheron’s son, and reimagined the new pieces for the 21st century. For the only colourful parure (it also comprises a pair of earrings) of the collection, nine Colombian cushion-cut emeralds totalling 38.73 carats with diamonds, rock crystal drops and emerald beads compose the main cascading motif, which can be detached and worn as a brooch. The necklace itself is an articulated diamond collar lined with baguette-cut emeralds. For a modern touch, Boucheron replaced the green gems set at along the fringe of the original design with rock crystal-encased diamonds to illuminate the creation.