The best gifts come in jewellery boxes. These Gen-Z approved jewels are statement-making, versatile and androgynous, and ever so timeless.
Young, fun & carefree
Boucheron’s Quatre collection, now a youthful 20 years old, has truly come of age. Its distinctive design remains as relevant and wearable today as it was upon its debut. Quatre, meaning four in French, unites four gold bands inspired by the brand’s rich heritage dating back to 1858. These bands, featuring motifs ranging from grosgrain to diamonds, are neither soldered nor glued. Instead, they are masterfully pressed together, a testament to Boucheron’s exceptional craftsmanship.
Each band in the Quatre design pays homage to a key code in Boucheron’s history: clou de Paris, evoking the cobblestones of the French capital; grosgrain, a nod to the founding family’s drapery background; a diamond-set band, symbolising Boucheron’s jewellery expertise; and double godroons, an architectural fluting representing unity and enduring love.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Boucheron has revitalised the Quatre collection with bold new creations. Alongside rings, the expanded collection includes cuffs, body jewellery, and chokers, often embellished with vibrant sapphires and rubies.
Hallmark of greats
Elsa Peretti, the iconic model and philanthropist, was a true original. Perhaps the image that best encapsulates her spirit is the unforgettable Helmut Newton portrait: Peretti, cigarette dangling from her mouth, clad in a Playboy bunny outfit on a New York rooftop.
Though raised in an aristocratic Italian family, Peretti forged her own path. After moving to New York, she became a muse for Halston, captivating the fashion world as one of his famed “Halstonettes”. But Peretti’s ambitions extended beyond the runway. She began designing jewellery, and her bud vase pendant in silver, initially created for Giorgio di Sant’ Angelo, quickly caught the eye of trendsetters. A fateful introduction to Tiffany & Co by Halston would change everything.
Peretti arrived at that first meeting carrying her now-legendary Bone cuff, inspired by childhood visits to a Capuchin crypt.
“My love for bones has nothing macabre about it,” she once explained. “As a child, I kept on visiting the cemetery of a 17th-century Capuchin church with my nanny. All the rooms were decorated with human bones…Later on, I was free to collect bones, so at my leisure I designed a world of beautiful shapes, which have remained with me ever since.”
The Bone cuff, and Peretti’s distinct design language, ushered in a new era for Tiffany & Co, perfectly capturing the spirit of the times. To commemorate 50 years of Peretti’s legacy at Tiffany, the brand has released a new collection. For the first time, the iconic Bone design is reimagined as a ring, and embellished with diamonds and precious stones.
A star is born
The Bulgari Serpenti and Tubogas are inextricably linked. For decades, the sinuous form of the Serpenti has been crafted using the fluid Tubogas technique. While the origins of Tubogas remain somewhat contended (various sources cite different points of origin), we know that Bulgari drew inspiration from industrial gas pipes, creating a flexible design that coils effortlessly around the wrist or neck.
Tubogas has been a versatile player in Bulgari’s repertoire, appearing alongside Monete and in high jewellery creations. This year, Tubogas finally takes centre stage. The new collection showcases its remarkable adaptability,
from sleek, minimalist bracelets that belie their intricate construction to pendants and bejewelled designs. The undeniable highlights are three stunning chokers, each featuring a magnificent central gemstone.
Marking a century
Cartier’s Trinity collection, a timeless classic turning 100 this year, proves that some designs truly are eternal. Reimagined for the 21st century, the new Trinity pieces resonate with today’s urban spirit while retaining their enduring appeal.
Though celebrating its centennial, the Trinity has never truly gone out of style. In the 1930s, it graced the pinky finger of Jean Cocteau, and later, it became a favourite of Grace Kelly. Beyond its versatility, the three intertwined bands of platinum, yellow gold, and rose gold have always symbolised love and harmony— three hoops in an endless dance.
For 2024, Cartier introduces a subtle yet striking evolution: the classic Trinity rings now feature a cushion-shaped form, adding a contemporary edge to the iconic design. This fresh perspective extends to new pendants and bracelets as well.
Check, mate
The Damier, Louis Vuitton’s instantly recognisable checkerboard pattern, has been a hallmark of the maison since its creation in 1888 by Louis Vuitton and his son George. It’s a design so iconic that the mere sight of it reminds of the brand, even without an accompanying logo.
So, it seems only natural that the Damier would eventually find its way into Louis Vuitton’s fine jewelry collections. Under the creative direction of Francesca Amfitheatrof, the new Damier jewellery line prioritises wearability.
The checkerboard motif is brought to life in fluid, dynamic forms, meticulously crafted
to follow the natural contours of the body. Diamonds and precious stones punctuate the designs, adding a touch of brilliance. Comprising 12 pieces, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, the collection encourages layering and everyday wear.
Text by: Karishma Tulsidas
