Chaumet: Liens de Chaumet collection

Love has always been at the heart of French ‘Haute Joaillier’ Chaumet since its founding in 1780. Its liens (or links) motif, symbolising the unbreakable bond between people, has also remained a signature of the brand since appearing in earliest designs of tiaras, brooches and necklaces from the belle époque and art deco eras.

A light-hearted Liens Séduction series adds another link in the chain for the tender Liens de Chaumet collection.

From diamond and sapphire bands that intersect to form bejewelled X’s on a 1907 choker, to braids of gold and diamonds that line the edge of a 1946 evening bag, the liens not only expresses union and intimacy, but also connects the past, present and future.

Since spawning a collection in its own right during the seventies, the liens has built on its token as love and tenderness. Successive reinterpretations of the motif within the Liens Collection have further cemented it as an emblem of eternal commitment and celebration of attachment in myraid forms — passion, friendship, and filial affection. And the fourth and latest Liens range, Liens Séduction, continues to perpetuate this tradition with its delightful romantic design, which evokes arms entwined in a lingering embrace.

To launch the Liens Séduction, the French Maison premiered Histoires de Liens, a film directed by Damien Kirsl. Its mosaic of six scenes underlines the inspiration behind these designs — a ribbon of diamonds tied around the finger, moulded from metal to create a playful dance of light, and convey the ubiquituous appeal of the liens motif.

 

Come into the beautiful world of Chaumet and discover Liens Séduction, and their Liens collection.

 

 

 

 

Cartier Icons: Écrou de Cartier

When Aldo Cipullo declared his love for the humble hardware store back in the 70s, creating the groundbreaking LOVE and Juste un Clou jewellery collections, it was only time before Cartier revealed a new design featuring something hardware-related. And time it did take till they found the perfect accompaniment to the Juste en Clou, with the all new Écrou de Cartier collection that just made its debut.

Don’t be fooled by this seemingly simple bracelet, which at first glance just looks like a circle-shaped bolt adorned with 6 nuts. Give it a thought and try answering these questions? How is it completely seamless from end to end without a clasp showing? How would you open the bracelet to wear it on your wrist? Just how did they do it?

Well, one of the nuts (one of two that’s affixed permanently to the bracelet’s body) actually holds the secret to opening the bracelet. There’s a small clasp near the nut that you can press to unlock the mechanism, allowing the bracelet to be pulled open. Next, just slip it onto your wrist, bring both ends together till you hear a ‘click’ and it’s secured.

Another feat that one can marvel over is the fact that the four nuts in the middle of the bracelet can be moved; you can twist them up or down the elongated bolt body that’s been curved into a perfectly round shape. Which can be truly therapeutic if you think about it, especially when that tedious meeting with the Boss never seems to end.

 

 

 

In other words, genius doesn’t come close to describing the Écrou de Cartier’s design that comes in 6 different sizes, ranging from 15 cm to 20 cm. The perfect blend of form meeting function, the bracelet is availble in Pink Gold and White Gold, they will also be the best thing to add onto your #wristparty because more is definitely more. With that said, however, do go nuts and bolt down to Cartier stat because they are only available in limited quantities.

 

 

 

 

December Birthstones: Turquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon

The three birthstones associated with December are Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise

Turquoise

The name turquoise, from the French expression Pierre tourques or Turkish stone, originated in the thirteenth century and describes one of the oldest known gemstones. Turquoise varies in color from greenish blue, through robin’s egg-blue, to sky blue shades and its transparency ranges from translucent  to opaque. Turquoise is plentiful and is available in a wide range of sizes. It is most often used for beads, cabochons, carvings, and inlays.

A vintage 14kt white gold, turquoise, emerald, blue sapphire and diamond necklace, the clasp of which can be worn as a brooch.

Vintage Cartier turquoise and diamond ring, circa 1950’s

An 18kt white gold, platinum, turquoise and diamond necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels

Fabulous vintage Cartier turquoise and diamond bracelet, circa 1960’s

Tiffany & Co. Tassels necklace with turquoise stones and round diamonds set in yellow gold and platinum, inspired by an original design by Jean Schlumberger.

An 18 karat gold, platinum, turquoise, ruby and diamond necklace by Bulgari

Although its popularity fluctuates in fashion, it is a perennial favorite in the American Southwest.

 

Tanzanite

Discovered in the late 1960s in Tanzania, and found exclusively in this tiny area of the world, tanzanite exhibits a rich violet-blue color for which the gemstone is treasured; often it is heat-treated to achieve this color.  Colors range from blue to purple, and tanzanites that are medium dark in tone, vivid in saturation, and slightly violet blue command premium prices.

As tanzanite can be less expensive than sapphire, it often was purchased as an alternative.  However, it has increased in popularity and now is valued more for its own beauty and brilliance than as a sapphire substitute

Zircon

Derived from the Arabic words zar and gun, meaning gold and color, zircon is found in a wide range of colors such as: blue, yellow, orange, brown, green, colorless, and red (the most prized color). For many years colorless zircon was used to imitate diamonds.  Folk wisdom grants zircon the power to relieve pain, whet the appetite, protect travelers from disease and injury, to ensure a warm welcome, and to prevent nightmares guaranteeing a deep, tranquil sleep.

 

Major sources of zircon are the Chanthaburi area of Thailand, the Palin area of Cambodia, and the southern part of Vietnam.

by Jean Amr

February Birthstone: Amethyst

Amethyst

Amethyst, the gemstone believed by ancient Greeks and Romans to ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus, also is said to keep the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted.  Throughout history, the gemstone has been associated with many myths, legends, religions, and numerous cultures.  English regalia were even decorated with amethysts during the Middle Ages to symbolize royalty. It has been associated with many myths, legends, religions, and numerous cultures. Amethyst is purple quartz, a beautiful blend of violet and red that can found in every corner of the earth. Historically, the finest amethyst were found in Russia and were featured in much royal European jewelry.

Today, while Brazil is the primary source of this gemstone, fine material can be found elsewhere, especially in Zambia.

Boucheron Amethyst Gold Band Ring

 

Verdura ‘Pebble’ Amethyst Bracelet

David Webb amethyst, diamond and emerald ring

Cartier 18kt yellow gold, amethyst and turquoise Menotte ring

 

 

Van Cleef & Arpels ‘VCA’ 18k yellow gold amethyst & diamond ring

 

Bvlgari ‘Mediterranean Eden’ Yellow 18k Gold Amethyst & Diamond Ring

Purple amethyst engagement rings are said to promote happiness, contentment and peace. If you and your partner value a calm relationship, free from tension and disagreement, an amethyst ring might be a style to consider. Amethyst is the birthstone for February, and thus would be extra meaningful for those born in the month.

 

 

 

Bold cuffs take center stage.

As this summer statement jewelry continues to trend….

In a famous photo taken in 1977 at the Rainbow Room in Manhattan, the perennially stylish Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis can be seen arm-wrestling Muhammad Ali.  But it’s not the fashion icon’s toothy grin, or her off-the-shoulder gown, or her embellished earrings that stand out the most, it’s the hammered yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels cuff on her wrist. The quintessential first lady so favored the piece of jewelry that she wore it throughout the 1970s and 1980s, igniting an unprecedented fervor for cuffs among fashion’s glitterati. It was not only Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis that made the sales raise, also Princess Caroline of Monaco and other celebs did. When the Princess showed up with her Cartier Love Bracelet, sales went up…..

I Love: Rabinovich, black leather, steel bracelet (Click photo to enlarge).

Rabinovich, purple leather, steel bracelet, availble in a lot of colors (Click photo to enlarge).

Bvlgari, Sterling silver, Leather bracelet, availble in many colors (Click photo to enlarge).

A true timeless classic. Not only for horse lovers! Albanu bracelet made of horse hair and sterling silver. Availble in many colors, models and 18k gold (Click photo to enlarge).

Prince Bernard had one. Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan had one. Albanu, loved by many Royals and movie stars since 1928! Albanu bracelet made of elephant hair and 18k yellow gold. They are availble in a vèry large range of models (Click photo to enlarge).

Today cuffs are making a comeback in a variety of shapes and unique materials. Sometimes simple, sometimes precious. Basic wide styles can be worn on their own to create a more tailored, minimalistic look for work, while those with an experimental bent can mix and match skinnier versions. Add some instant edge to an outfit by rocking a double wrap leather cuff with oversized rivets and studded hardware, or up the ante by donning multiple metal bands in alternating widths on each wrist.

What some friends of mine have with shoes, I’ve got t with watches and bracelets! I realy love my Bvlgari Alveare and Parentesi, but my Cartier Love bracelet is my daily wear, that I many times combine with one of my Rabinovich leather bracelets. I’ve got many of them! They are vèry affordable, and vèry stong! Taking a shower with my Albanu, is no problem at all! I’ve got one that’s over 40 years old, and its still as new! Taking a shower with a leather bracelet is not the advice you would give someone, but my Rabinovich bracelets are still doing great, after 2 years of showering. And that for that price!

Tory Burch double wrap logo stud bracelet in blood orange, other colors availble (Click photo to enlarge).

A true Tiffany & Co classic! Elsa Peretti’s Sterling Silver Bone Cuff bracelet. It’s also availble in 18k gold (Click photo to enlarge).

Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso’s knot bracelet in leather and sterling silver (Click photo to enlarge).

Hermès Black Leather Wide Bracelets with 18K Pink Gold Turn Buckle (Click photo to enlarge).

 

Bvlgari Alveare 18k Yellow and White Gold Bracelet (Click photo to enlarge).Van Cleef & Arpels ‘Ludo’ Art Deco bracelet, Paris, 1939, yellow 18k gold, rubies and star rubies in mystery setting (Click photo to enlarge).

Cartier ‘Juste un Clou’ 18ct pink-gold bracelet, also availble in white and yellow gold, with or without diamonds or other precious stones (Click photo to enlarge).

Just remember to stick to the cardinal rule of accessorizing: Don’t overdo it. And, whether you select a classic leather cuff, bejeweled medallion or retro-inspired resin style, be sure to make a selection that speaks to you or evokes an emotion when you wear it.

For more information:

Albanu at selected stores. See http://http://www.albanu.mc

Bvlgari at Bvlgari Boutiques, online and at selected stores See: http://http://www.bulgari.com

Cartier at Cartier Boutiques, online and at selected stores. See: http://http://www.cartier.com

Van Cleef & Arpels at Van Cleef & Arpels Boutiques. See: http://http://www.vancleefarpels.com

Hermès at Hermès Boutiques, online and selected stores. See: http://http://www.hermes.com

Rabinovich at Jumelle Juwelier and other selected stores. See: http://www.jumelle.nl/

Tiffany & Co at Tiffany & Co Boutiques and selected stores. See: http://http://www.tiffany.com

Tory Burch at Tory Burch Boutiques. See: http://http://www.toryburch.com

by Jean Amr