The latest and most talked-about collections.
The latest and most talked-about collections.
The 302.37-carat GRAFF Lesedi La Rona diamond
RECORD BREAKER
Weighing in at an astounding 302.37 carats, the GRAFF Lesedi La Rona is not only the world’s largest square emerald-cut diamond, but also the largest highest colour and highest clarity diamond ever graded by the GIA. It was cut from a 1,109 carat rough diamond found at the Lucara Karowe mine in Botswana (66 “satellite” diamonds, ranging from under a carat to over 26 carats in weight have also been polished from the rough diamond) and took over 18 months to finish. No plans have been announced on what will be done with the stone, we just hope it’s bought by a client who loves large, sparkling jewels as much as Elizabeth Taylor did.
Clockwise from left: White and rose gold, spinel, chrome tourmaline, sapphire and diamond Bombshell - Da Capo necklace, $31,000; white gold, sapphire, turquoise and diamond Bombshell - A Star is Born earrings, $24,000; rose gold, emerald, star sapphire and diamond Bombshell - A Star is Born ring, $9,900, Simone Jewels
BRAINS AND BEAUTY
Simone Jewels’ latest collection sees Singapore jeweller Simone Ng turning her creative eye to Hollywood actress (and amateur inventor) Hedy Lamarr for inspiration. Named after the documentary that tells of Lamarr’s extraordinary life (her name is forever linked with the invention of secure Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth), the Bombshell collection recreates the glitz and glamour of the ’40s and pays tribute to the actress’ ingenious mind through designs that feature secret compartments and other hidden gems within its 50 pièces unique ranks.
Steel and diamond Ladies Automatic Nautilus ref. 7118/1200A-010, Patek Philippe
WE’RE LOVING...
…Patek Philippe’s new Ladies Automatic Nautilus in steel. Featuring 56 diamonds on its bezel, this timepiece has a slightly enlarged case (35.2mm from 33.6mm) and comes in a choice of three wave-inspired patterned dial colours: Blue opaline, silvery opaline or gradient grey opaline. This is a keeper for the grandchild.
From left: Les Pierres de Rêve de Chaumet watches in white gold, rhodonite and diamond; white gold, dendritic agate and diamond; white gold, azurite and diamond, Chaumet
SET IN STONE
Turning to the ancient belief of the symbolism and energy of stones, Chaumet’s Pierres de Rêve collection (meaning stones of dreams in French) presents 12 ornamental stone dial watches encircled with diamond in rose or white gold. With each as precious and unique as the next, expect to find an exotic array of gems such as mookaite jasper, dendritic agate, pietersite, shattuckite, azurite and chrysocolla colouring the collection.
From left: White gold and diamond Maia Oval pendant necklace; white gold, ruby, sapphire and diamond Maia Oval pendant necklace; white gold, sapphire and diamond Maia Circle pendant necklace, Larry Jewelry
CIRCLE OF LIFE
Named after the Greek goddess of nurturing and growth, Larry Jewelry’s Maia collection presents four darling pendant necklaces that function equally well as layering pieces or statement pieces when worn on their own. Crafted from white gold with gems like diamonds, rubies and sapphires, the designs balance quaint old-world charms with modern sensibilities.
From top: Red Carpet Collection earrings in titanium, opal, sapphire, tsavorite and diamond; ring in white gold, titanium, ttanzanite, Paraiba tourmaline, amethyst and diamond; earrings in titanium, opal, amethyst, tsavorite and yellow diamond, Chopard
MANY SPLENDOURED THING
As it has done in previous years, official partner Chopard returns to the 2019 Cannes Film Festival with a new Red Carpet Collection of 72 haute joaillerie designs—one for each year of the festival’s existence. Themed on love, this year’s collection sees the Maison pulling out all the stops once again with exceptional pieces that employ a full spectrum of gems and jewellery techniques—not to mention Fairmine-certified gold and diamonds from a RJC-certified producer—for a collection that any romantic can get behind.
Liu Wen, one of nine women (including Keira Knightley and Naomi Campbell) who star in the campaign; Ceramic and steel J12 watch, $8,150, Chanel
THE NEW SEXY
Take a close look at Chanel’s new fleet of J12s and you’ll notice that there’s something quite different about the watch—even if you can’t put your finger on it at first. That’s because Chanel has revamped its 20-year-old icon with subtle adjustments that make all the difference: From a wider dial opening and redesign of its typeface, to its monobloc constructed ceramic case and new curves of its link bracelet. Even more important is the fact that the watch now comes equipped with a COSC-certified automatic movement by Swiss Manufacture, Kenissi (of which Chanel owns 20 percent), as seen through the caseback of the watch.
