Not until recently, I was bequeathed a solitaire ring from an elder aunt. A one-carat diamond mounted on a simple gold band, it was fairly modest as solitaires go, and though it may sound cliché when I say it was the thought that counted but, I meant every word of…
ASIA THROUGH CARTIER’S EYES
Imagine a treasure hunt, spanning two different cultures, going back centuries, and involving precious artefacts. The goal is not simply to find objects, but to match them according to era, aesthetics and materials used. Such was the task undertaken by the Baur Foundation and the House of Cartier, which…
ANKLETS: ACCESSORISE FROM HEAD TO TOE
Think jewellery, and what comes to mind are necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings. In recent years, variations of these have emerged — even new creations — accessories like chokers, body chains, ear crawlers, nose rings and face jewels. But at Calvin Klein and Chloé’s Spring 2016 presentations, something else glinted…
KINTSUGI: LOSS & REBIRTH
Kintsugi is one of the least known of traditional Japanese arts. Literally meaning “joining with gold”, kintsugi is the technique of piecing together broken pottery or glass with lacquer, rice glue and gold. The art embodies the Japanese philosophy of “no mind”, which teaches freedom from attachment to anything, living in…
PRECIOUS HARVEST: FOOD-INSPIRED JEWELS
Foodies know it takes many facets and disciplines to achieve culinary greatness. Planning for and choosing the right ingredients, preparing, mixing and matching them perfectly, and then presenting the result in a visual feast all play a role. The same tenets apply to the art of fine jewellery making.…
MAY BIRTHSTONE: GREEN-EYED LADY
Elemental and organic, green is a colour that goes easy on the eyes. Taking dominance in natural landscapes, its vivid hue perfectly represents lush scenery and hints of the oceanic. Likewise in emeralds, its deep forest colour transcends the gemstone to a revered centrepiece nestled among gold and diamonds. Much…
FAIR NECESSITIES: FINE PENS & TRENDY PURSES
Essential though often overlooked, there is nothing more smooth, sleek, and willing to obey your every word than a mighty fine pen. No longer just a stylist accessory for men, these writing instruments are more than decoration for the pocket. Engraved cases, smooth tips, and a gem accent would look…
WORKOUT WATCH: THE ‘ATHLEISURE’ TREND
“Athleisure” is gaining traction, and it looks like the trend is here to stay. From Chanel’s tweed sneakers to Alexander Wang’s collection for H&M, clothes are fashionably sporty and look good — both in and out of the gym. Beyoncé jumped in with her activewear line Ivy Park in collaboration…
STACK FOR STYLE
Put aside the chunky statement rings, as we turn to old-school style technique called stacking. Pick your favourite single rings and line them up to create a whole new look. For starters, separate your yellow, rose, and white golds. Pick a specific theme of colours, or get quirky by matching…
SOW IN LOVE: CENTREPIECE ACCESSORY OF A CHINESE WEDDING
There is a piece of jewellery that never fails to tickle me. Whenever I pass a goldsmith’s window, especially in Hong Kong, there it sits: a thick gold necklace, from which hangs an enormous pendant in the shape of a rotund sow. It has half a dozen or more piglets…
