HAUTE BIJOUX

The latest and most talked-about collections

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

STYLE MAGNETO

Soon after making a big blue splash at the Golden Globes, Mother Monster returned to the red carpet with yet another statement: She wore a Dior gown—hot off the brand’s Haute Couture Spring 2019 runway—and debuted designs from Tiffany & Co.’s Blue Book 2019 collection.
 
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DIAMOND CLOAK

Corum’s emblematic Golden Bridge collection has been given a makeover with a diamond snow-set case that has transformed its entire look and feel. The new high-textured case contrasts with the baguette movement’s minimalist layout and further accentuates its beauty. Available in white and pink gold, there are two models available each for men and women.
 
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From left: White gold and diamond Golden Bridge, $102,399; rose gold and diamond Miss Golden Bridge, $61,953, Corum 

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GLAMAZON ALERT

Killer roles are not the only things that these celebrities are known for, as they turn heads on the red carpet with looks to stun

RED RAVEN
Killing Eve star, Sandra Oh, delivered an outstanding performance in more ways than one when she paired her fiery Jenny Packham gown with designs from Atelier Swarovski’s Fine Jewelry collection, made with Swarovski Created Diamonds and crystals set in Fairtrade Gold.
 
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MYSTIQUE GRACE

Julia Roberts showed the world she’s still got what it takes in a custom one-shoulder Stella McCartney number that she accessorised with over 42 carats worth of diamonds from Chopard, topped with her million-dollar smile.
 
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NEPTUNE’S TREASURES

If there’s one brand that’s committed to presenting the lustre of pearls in new and unique ways, it’s Mikimoto; and its newest collection, Jeux de Rubans, continues to subscribe to that philosophy. The pearl strand bracelet from the collection, for example, features a ribbon-shaped clasp in white gold and diamonds that allows you to adjust the length of the design so that it can double up as a necklace or choker. Also available are pendant necklaces, chain bracelets and earrings for a quieter statement.
 
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From top: White gold, Japanese Akoya cultured pearl and diamond Jeux de Rubans bracelet, $10,800; earrings, Mikimoto
 
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Tiffany's Blue Box comprises more than 89 percent recycled content 

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Platinum anddiamond Aurora necklace, Tiffany & Co
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Platinum and diamond 2019 Blue Book necklace, Tiffany & Co
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Tiffany & Co.’s Diamond Source Initiative affects Tiffany diamonds that weigh in at 0.18 carats or above 

EGLEADING THE CHAGE

Since its establishment in 2000, the Tiffany & Co. Foundation has channelled the brand’s philanthropic and ecological efforts into an impressive breadth of programmes that embrace responsible mining alongside national park preservation and coral conservation. Over US$70 million has been awarded in grants and the American jeweller’s latest announcement shows that it has no plans of slowing its CSR activities. With its newly launched Diamond Source Initiative, Tiffany & Co. promises its clients 100 percent transparency on the source of its diamonds (those that weigh in at 0.18-carat and above) just so they are able to ensure that their stones go beyond the “conflict ree” label—for a gem that is truly beautiful in every facet.

 

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WE’RE LOVING…

… This statement-making Panthère de Cartier cuff that does heavy double duty as jewellery and as a watch. Arm yourself with Cartier’s latest rendition of its beloved feline and show the world what you’re made of.
 
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From top: Panthère de Cartier cuff watches in gold; pink gold and diamond, Cartier 

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MAGICIAN'S CODE

Chopard’s latest high jewellery collection presents gem lovers with everything its name suggests: The Magical Setting offers clusters of glittering gems that seem to float magically in the air, thanks to a secret technique that holds gems in place with nary a prong in sight, with the exception of the central stone. Using diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies, the collection presents rings, earrings and necklaces reminiscent of bejewelled blooms.
 
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From top: Magical Setting white gold and diamond drop earrings and ring; white gold, ruby and diamond ring; white gold, sapphire and diamond ring, Chopard
 
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A DANCER’S GRACE

What does a 1928 ballet have in common with a 239-year-old jewellery house? In light of Chaumet’s latest collection, quite a lot actually. Named after French composer Maurice Ravel’s most famous work, Chaumet’s new Boléro collection presents women with watches, bracelets and rings made unique through clean-lined links that offer the suppleness of a prima ballerina. Graphic and bold, yet sensuous and feminine, the collection (available in rose and yellow gold) features watches in two sizes: 30mm (quartz) and 36mm (automatic).
 
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From top: Stylish women like interior designer Charlotte de Tonnac (left), and concert pianist Alice Sara Ott, star in the campaign. Boléro gold watch (30mm); gold and diamond ring, Chaumet
 
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POWER OF THREE

This season sees Larry Jewelry turning its eye to a stone known for its restorative properties, with a trio of rings that place the emerald front and centre. Esmeralda looks to spring with a 15.21-carat cabochon surrounded by white gold and diamond leaves while Harmonie features a 4.57-carat cabochon surrounded by a generously-sized diamond pavé ring for positive and harmonious energy. Last but not least is Green Ivy and its 6.92-carat oval emerald that has been hand carved with a floral 
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From top: Esmeralda ring, $67,500; Harmonie ring, $68,900; Green Ivy ring, $6,710; Larry Jewelry 

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CURVES TO KILL

One woman, five different looks: That is what Chanel is proposing with its latest (and simply named) high jewellery collection, 1.5. Centred on the brand’s emblematic camellia, the 50-piece range features 23 transformable, intuitive designs that allow women to create completely different looks to suit their fancies. From petite rings that morph into generouslysized blooms, to detachable necklaces that can be worn in a myriad of ways, expect a magical bouquet of accessories crafted with diamonds, rubies, sapphires and more. 
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From top: 1.5 High Jewellery - Contraste Blanc white gold, cultured pearl and diamond transformable necklace; pink gold and diamond Rose Poudré transformable bracelet; white gold and diamond Contraste Blanc ring, Chanel
 
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AN ALL-TIME CLASSIC

In Singapore for the opening of Longines’ new boutique at Wisma Atria, actress and longstanding brand ambassador Chin Chi Ling tells Charmaine Ho why it’s a brand that’s close to her heart.

"Chin Chi Ling has been a Longines Ambassador of Elegance since 2006. Steel and diamond Record watch, $6,770, Longines"

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What do you love most about your relationship with Longines?

We possess the same values which I think are so important. At Longines, it’s all about elegance in attitude and over the years, the definitions have been changed [to encompass] strength and the heart to face difficulties. The other thing that I really admire about them is that they are classic and consistent. I love that they never give up on who they are. No matter how the fashion or luxury industry changes, they stick to what they believe in.

Having been an Omega brand ambassador for 13 years, is there something about the brand that you wish everyone knew?

You mean Longines’ innermost juicy details? Hmm, let me think. Well, Mr Walter von Känel [Longines CEO], whom we call the grandpa of the brand, is so unbelievably down to earth. There was once an event that we had to attend together and I didn’t realise that we were on the same flight. He is [close to] 80 years old and he still travels to Asia by himself. He didn’t have an assistant or anyone with him and he was carrying his own luggage and everything. That’s the true spirit of Longines: Really down to earth, really authentic and true to itself. That touches my heart.

What is a favourite memory that you have of the brand?

There was once a commercial shoot in Rome—I can’t remember the year—and it was with Kate Winslet and Aishwarya [Rai-Bachchan]. It was amazing because back then, I was this tiny [celebrity], so it was such an honour to work with them. The photoshoot remains quite a beautiful memory for me.

Considering your relationship with the watch world, would you consider yourself a watch connoisseur?

Oh, I wouldn’t say that. I think there are a lot of people out there who have this expertise. But with Longines, yes, I’m the Longines connoisseur. For example, I know that the Record collection has [a movement whose] accuracy is not affected by temperature changes or air pressure, unlike a lot of watches out there. [This is due to the movement’s monocrystalline silicon balance-spring.]

Why is it important for women to own a beautiful watch in this age of mobile phones?

Functionality aside, I think that a watch is a representation of your style. And time is so important so you’ll want to keep it on yourself, with you, at all times. A watch allows you to do that. ■
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