Rihanna Teams With Chopard For New Jewelry Collection

Rihanna, who has worked with Chopard for the past few years, has now extended this relationship to produce a new line of jewelry with the luxury brand. Known as “Rihanna ♥ Chopard,” it consists of high jewelry pieces and limited collection of jewels made with “Fairmined” gold.

The luxury brand released two images of the Rihanna ♥ Chopard Haute Joaillerie Collection that will be officially be unveiled May 2017 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Festival de Cannes red carpet and celebrate Chopard’s 20th year as the official partner of the Cannes Film Festival. They are a one-of-a-kind floral inspired multi-colored chandelier earrings and marquise-cut diamond solitaire ring.

Earrings in 18k white gold and titanium set with blue, pink and yellow sapphires, tsavorites, rubellites, green beryls, aquamarines, Paraiba tourmalines, rubies, amethysts, topazs, lazulites and diamonds.

The world-renowned signer and fashion icon did provide a discreet look at the two new pieces. At the recent Grammy Awards, she wore the floral earrings and on the March 2017 cover of Harper’s Bazaar, she wore the transformable diamond earrings. Chopard said the high jewelry collection is inspired by Rihanna’s island roots—the lush gardens of Barbados and the bright colors of Carnival.

Earrings in 18k white ethical gold certified ‘Fairmined’ featuring four pear-shaped diamonds (9.7cts) and set with brilliant-cut (5.2cts), pear-shaped (4.7cts), oval-cut and marquise-cut diamonds. All diamonds are sourced from a producer who is a RJC certified member.

The second collection is the limited edition Rihanna ♥ Chopard Joaillerie Collection is defined by minimalist geometry and sharp, clean lines. It is based on Chopard’s classic Ice Cube shape with a mix what the luxury brand describes as “a synergy of urban modernism and pure design.”

Linear rectangular motifs link frosty rose gold cubes with solid ceramic blocks in a color personally selected by Rihanna and named “Jungle Green.” Crafted from ethical 18k Fairmined rose gold, the nine-piece capsule collection will be available with icy polished or diamond set gold cubes. Fairmined is an assurance label that certifies gold from empowered responsible artisanal and small-scale mining organizations who meet world leading standards for responsible practices.

The collection’s unveiling today coincides with the release of a global advertising campaign featuring Rihanna. Pieces will be available in June with pre-orders online at www.chopard.com/us/rihanna-loves-chopard and Chopard boutiques starting today.

Necklace in 18k rose ethical gold certified Fairmined and green ceramic.

To create the collection, Rihanna teamed with Caroline Scheufele, Chopard co-president and creative director.

Rihanna in recent years has worn Chopard jewels on red carpets at major events so the two described this collaboration as natural.

“I have always been in love with Chopard’s exquisite jewelry, so to actually design collections with them is something I still can't believe,” Rihanna said in a statement.

“Rihanna and I collaborated closely on the collections so you can feel her unstoppable energy, strong creativity, and inherent sense of design in every piece,” Scheufele added. “With her unique style, she redefines the way people see and wear jewelry.” 

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Montblanc Showcases UNICEF Literacy Partnership With Star-Studded Gala

Hugh Jackman (L) and Diane Kruger attend the Montblanc & UNICEF Gala Dinner. Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris

Montblanc held a star-studded gala Monday to showcase its long-term support of the United Nations Children’s Fund, better known as UNICEF, and to launch a multi-media campaign that continues this support with new products and by encouraging others to participate in literacy activism. 

The event at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the main branch of the New York Public Library, was attended by Montblanc brand ambassadors Hugh Jackman and Charlotte Casiraghi; and friends of the brand, including Diane Kruger, Olivia Palermo, Elsa Hosk, Rami Malek and Johannes Huebl.

Guests dine inside the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building during the Montblanc & UNICEF Gala. Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris 

The brand used the event to unveil the “Montblanc for UNICEF” writing instruments, stationary, leather goods, watches and jewelry. 

The “Writing Is A Gift Collection” is now available at Montblanc boutiques and on Montblanc’s website. For every piece in the collection sold till March 31, 2018, Montblanc will donate 3 percent of the proceeds to support UNICEF and its literacy projects, with a minimum amount of $1.5 million guaranteed by Montblanc. UNICEF does not endorse any brand or product.

The new collection features the “UNICEF Blue” signature color and the letters from the six different alphabets that children use when they first learn to write. 

Watches from the Montblanc for UNICEF collection on display during the Montblanc & UNICEF Gala. Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris

Among the pieces in the collection, the Meisterstück, “Writing is a Gift Edition,” is an original twist on Montblanc’s iconic writing instrument with the UNICEF alphabet-inspired design. Each pen in the collection has a blue sapphire that signifies the bond between Montblanc and UNICEF. The leather goods feature blue lining with the same alphabet characters. Two editions of the Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum Timepieces pair a manufacture worldtime complication with symbolic references to UNICEF. 

In brief words Jackman said the initiative was a “win-win” situation.

“We can have something of beauty, things we can enjoy and have for the rest of our lives and at the same we give back to people who don’t have … access to education, he said. “Education isn’t a privilege, it is a right. It is a great honor to be ambassadors for a company that supports things that really matter.”

Montblanc CEO Nicolas Baretzi (L) and Hugh Jackman attend the Montblanc & UNICEF Gala Dinner. Photo byDimitrios Kambouris 

The event was co-hosted by Nicolas Baretzki, Montblanc CEO, and Jo Bourne, UNICEF’s chief of education, Program Division. For Baretzki, it was his first public appearance as head of the brand since taking over the top spot April 1, replacing Jérôme Lambert—who was promoted to a corporate position with Montblanc’s parent company, Richemont.

It is appropriate that a luxury brand best-known for creating fine writing instruments would be in the forefront of a worldwide child literacy and education initiative. Over a 13-year period Montblanc said it has donated approximately $10 million to UNICEF. Over the years this funding, it says, has improved learning conditions for more than 5 million children throughout the world by providing quality learning materials and better teaching.

The venue chosen for the occasion, a library, particularly the Beaux Arts designed structure with high ceilings, sculpted marble and bronze, was an equally appropriate choice.

This theme and the craftsmanship that went into the collection were on display through skilled artisan demonstrations. 

Guests receive custom name cards by a calligrapher during the Montblanc & UNICEF Gala Dinner. Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris 

The event also served as the beginning of a campaign that aims to pass on the gift of writing even further through its key message: “Writing opens up the world. Pass on this precious gift.” The campaign will feature Jackman in print and online. 

Jackman noted that people don’t have to buy a product to be involved in this initiative. One way for anyone to be involved is by sharing their emotional memories about writing with a photo of a handwritten memory on social channels using the hashtags #PassItOn, #Montblanc, #UNICEF #foreverychild.

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59.6-Carat ‘Pink Star’ Diamond Shatters World Record, Fetches $71.2 Million; Buyer Is Chow Tai Fook

The “Pink Star” diamond has been sold for a world record price of $71.2 million at Sotheby's Hong Kong “Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite Spring Sale.” After the sale, Sotheby’s announced that the buyer was Hong Kong-based jewelry retailer Chow Tai Fook.

The price shattered the previous record of $57.5 million held by the Oppenheimer Blue, which sold a year ago at Christie’s Geneva auction.

Bidding, led by David Bennett, worldwide chairman of international jewelry at Sotheby's, for the 59.80-carat diamond was quick and was dominated by three phone bidders.  The price began at 440 million Hong Kong dollars ($56.62 million) and paused at 475 million until a new bidder on the phone increased the price to 480 million. After a long pause it inched up to 485 million than 490 million, which was final bid. Polite applause followed the bang of hammer. The buyer's premium pushed the price to 553 million Hong Kong dollars.

The oval-shaped internally flawless fancy vivid pink diamond took an unusual journey to end up at this Hong Kong sale. It was first sold for $83 million at Sotheby's Geneva in November 2013, a figure that remains the highest ever for a diamond to this day. However, the consortium of buyers, led by diamond cutter Isaac Wolf, defaulted on the purchase. It remained in Sotheby’s possession, valued at $72 million, until today’s sale.

The Pink Star is graded as Type IIa, which is rare for any pink diamond, much less one of this size and color. It originated from a 132.5-carat rough mined by De Beers in 1999. It was cut by Steinmetz Diamonds over a period of nearly two years. The diamond was first unveiled to the public in May 2003 as the “Steinmetz Pink.” The stone was first sold privately in 2007 and renamed The Pink Star.

The Pink Star is more than twice the size of the Graff Pink, which at 24.78 carats was previously the largest pink diamond ever sold at auction, fetching $46.2 million, at Sotheby’s Geneva in 2010.

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Signed Jewels That Sparkle At Sotheby’s Hong Kong Sale

Unique pair of ruby and diamond bangles by Bhagat and a diamond, sapphire and emerald ‘Panthère’ Ring by Cartier. All photos courtesy of Sotheby's

Among the approximate 196 lots at Sotheby’s Hong Kong “Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite Spring Sale” are an Art Deco mystery clock by Cartier, a pair of ruby and diamond bangles by famed Indian designer, Bhagat, and a gem and diamond necklace by Mauboussin. 

You may have also heard about a particular 59.60-carat pink diamond known as the “Pink Star.” 

While the focus will be deservedly on the Pink Star, there are many other jewels, gems and art objects that will be offered at the April 4 sale at the at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Among the highlights are: 

Art Deco Gem Set and Diamond Mystery Clock, ‘Le Ciel’ by Cartier, 1928
This collection of clocks produced by Cartier between 1922 and 1931 incorporated antique Chinese jade carvings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Le Ciel is one of only thirteen clocks from the collection still known to exist, according to the auction house. The dial is embellished with bejeweled shooting stars and planets on a night sky. The dial is supported by two antique jade carps. Its estimate is $1.36 million - $1.81 million.

Important Jadeite and Diamond Demi-Parure
Being a Hong Kong sale, jadeite will always play starring role. The necklace in this set consists of seven highly translucent oval jadeite cabochons of brilliant emerald green color, embellished with circular-cut diamonds. It comes with a matching set of jadeite cabochon earrings. Its estimate is $2.58 million $3.87 million.

Gem Set and Diamond Pendent Necklace by Mauboussin
This colorful necklace by the Parisian jeweler features circular- and single-cut diamonds, embellished with sapphires, rubies and emeralds, accented by black enamel. The diamonds weigh approximately 18 carats. Its estimate is $765,000 - $970,000.

Fine Diamond Bracelet by Harry Winston
Designed as six rows of pear-shaped diamonds decorated with circular-cut diamonds, the platinum necklace has a total diamond weight of approximately 124.06 carats. Its estimate is $258,000 - $323,000.

Unique Pair of Ruby and Diamond Bangles by Bhagat
Sotheby’s refers to the Indian jewelry brand as “one of the greatest living jewelers,” with works that represent a fusion of artistry and craftsmanship that draws inspiration from classic Indian themes. Each bangle is set with 38 oval rubies (60 carats), to the edge of floral motifs embellished with circular-cut diamonds (30 carats). Its estimate is $252,000 - $361,000.

Diamond, Sapphire and Emerald ‘Panthère’ Ring by Cartier
This panther ring is pavé-set with circular-cut diamonds weighing approximately 4.50 carats, embellished with sapphire spots, emerald eyes and an onyx nose, mounted in platinum. Its estimate is $194,000 - 258,000. 

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Phillips Auction To Feature Four Patek Watches Signed By Tiffany

Patek Philippe Reference 2499, Second Series. Photo courtesy of Phillips

Four Patek Philippe watches sold and signed by Tiffany & Co. will be among the top items at the Phillips and Bacs & Russo Geneva watch auction, being held May 13 and 14 at Hôtel La Réserve. Other highlights of the sale include seven rare Rolex watches, a collection of cloisonné enamel timepieces and more collectible Patek watches.

The selection of Patek Philippe watches retailed and signed by Tiffany & Co. are as follows:

Patek Philippe Reference 2499, Second Series (above and top photo)
An extremely rare yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phase retailed by Tiffany & Co., circa 1960, with an estimate of nearly $1 million - $2 million. Reference 2499 was introduced in 1951 and was made for a period of 34 years, in four different series, a total of 349 pieces were made, “making this a highly exclusive reference in the company’s history,” the auction house says. There are only two reference 2499 second series with a Tiffany & Co. signature on the dial that are known, one with Arabic numerals and the other, the piece for sale, with baton indexes.

Patek Philippe World Time Wristwatch, Reference 2523/1
An extremely rare 18k gold dual crown world time wristwatch with 24-hour indication retailed by Tiffany & Co., circa 1963, has an estimate of nearly $900,000 - $1.8 million. Launched in 1953, reference 2523 featured a two-crown system, one for winding the watch and the other at 9 o’clock controlling the city disc. Two versions were available, reference 2523 with larger lugs sitting above the bezel and reference 2523/1 with a slightly larger diameter and thinner lugs. There are believed to be only nine reference 2523/1 known in all case metal and dial combinations, with only one having the Tiffany & Co. signature, according to the auction house.

Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar, Reference 3450
This piece is described as a “highly exclusive” yellow gold perpetual calendar watch with moon phases and "red dot" leap year indicator retailed by Tiffany & Co., circa 1985. Its estimate is nearly $220,000 - $320,000. Introduced in 1981 as the successor of reference 3448, Patek Philippe’s first self-winding perpetual calendar watch, the reference 3450 houses the 27-460 QB caliber. There are five accounted for Tiffany & Co. signed reference 3450s to have been offered at public auctions, according to the auction house.

Patek Philippe Reference 2597
A rare gold wristwatch with a separate adjustable hour hand retailed by Tiffany & Co., circa 1961, with an estimate of nearly $70,000 - $120,000. Based on Louis Cottier’s “Time Zone Watch” system developed in 1959, the reference 2597 was made in two versions. The first generation models, such as the one being sold, feature an independently adjustable hour hand using pushers found on the left side of the case for setting the hour hand forward or backwards in one-hour increments, according to the auction house. The second version, launched in 1962, featured an additional hour hand. It is one of only a few known 2597 models with the Tiffany & Co signature.

Other standouts include a selection of vintage and modern timepieces featuring cloisonné enamel, including a Patek Philippe yellow gold pocket watch with cloisonné enamel dial depicting North America, reference 605 HU (estimate at nearly $300,000 - $600,000), and a Patek Philippe mechanical cloisonné enamel dome table clock, ref. 743E, made in 1959 (estimate at nearly $120,000 - $250,000).

Other exceptional Patek Philippe watches include a “fresh-to-the-market” perpetual calendar in rose gold – “The Tasmanian Rose” (estimate at nearly $400,000 - $800,000). This reference 2497 comes directly from the son of the original Australian owner, where it spent nearly 50 years unworn in a vault. Another highlight is a pink gold split seconds chronograph with pink dial, one of only nine known, reference 1436 (estimate at nearly $350,000 - $550,000). 

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Cartier’s Tank watch, the sale will include a selection of “rare and highly desirable” variants of the Tank. 

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Baselworld Officials Reduce Fair By Two Days; Hermès, Possibly Dior And Another Brand Moving To SIHH

Hermès ' booth at Baselworld 2017, the French brand is reportedly the next to leave Baselworld and moving to SIHH. Photo courtesy of Baselworld

Reacting to the several years of declining exhibitors and attendance, the organizers of Baselworld, the world’s largest watch and jewelry fair, announced that it will reduce the annual fair from eight to six days and drop prices accordingly, beginning 2018.

Next year, the world’s largest watch and jewelry fair will be held March 22 – 27, 2018.

At a time when the fair has reached the milestone of 100 years, official figures from Baselworld 2017 paint a picture of a fair that is in decline. Buyers were down 4 percent year-over-year to 106,000. About 4,400 journalists attended, which is the same as the prior year. The largest drop was in exhibitors, 13.3 percent from a year ago, from 1,500 to 1,300. 

In addition, according to a report in the Le Temps, the Swiss daily French language newspaper, Hermès is leaving for Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), the luxury watch trade fair held January in Geneva, and likely Dior and one other fashion brand will follow. 

This information is unconfirmed at this point. 

Sylvie Ritter, managing director of Baselworld, said the watch and jewelry industry is going through a challenging phase that particularly affects smaller companies. 

“Listening to our exhibitors and in agreement with the members of the different committees, we have decided to reduce the duration of the show and adjust the prices accordingly … with the traditional press day on March 21,” she said. “Baselworld will maintain the attractiveness of the show and its global impact by remaining faithful to our strategy which favors quality and leverages diversity in all sectors.”

This acknowledgement was a contrast to the defiant stance Baselworld officials took at the annual press conference prior to the show’s opening on March 22. There they said it was their decision to turn away exhibitors to focus on “quality over quantity.” 

Ritter at the time said, “We have turned away exhibitors who are not in line with our concept and do not meet the criteria for Baselworld.” However, she refused to define this criterion.

At the same press conference, Eric Bertrand, president of the Baselworld Exhibitors’ Committee, took direct aim at fashion brands. 

“Certain number of brands that are fashion related took watches to get into the industry and they treat it like an accessory … like glasses and spectacles and other components (it) becomes an element (that) adds value to the image but are not related to our industry,” Bertrand said. “Now I believe these people did not obtain the results they planned and have given up producing such products.”

This acknowledgement of exhibitor complaints also comes a bit late as the decline in exhibitors began in 2013 when the fair unveiled a $454.5-million upgrade of the Messe Basel Fairgrounds, where the show is held each year. At the time show organizers substantially raised prices and made other demands to exhibitors—such as buying additional space and providing better designs for their booths, according to several exhibitors I’ve spoken to over the years. 

Smaller companies, particularly jewelry firms, began leaving the fair, complaining they have been priced out. This past year, a few larger watch brands left, including U.S.-based Shinola, U.K.-based Bremont and Swiss-based Timex Group Swiss Luxury Division, which manages the watch business for luxury fashion brands Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, Versus and Nautica.

The Baselworld officials and committees who ultimately made the decision to cut the show by two days, in addition to Ritter and Bertrand, are: François Thiébaud, president of the Swiss Exhibitors’ Committee, and Rene Kamm, CEO of MCH Group, which operates Messe Basel. 

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Faidee’s Latest Masterpiece Is The $35 Million ‘Grand Phoenix’ Ruby Necklace

One could say that the latest Faidee creation is an expression of the esteemed company’s 100-plus year history spanning four generations. 

The family owned firm that specializes exclusively in Burmese rubies unveiled “The Grand Phoenix” during the Baselworld watch and jewelry trade show in Basel, Switzerland. 

Even for a company with the pedigree of Faidee—known for dealing with exceptional rubies (and Kashmir sapphires) and creating equally exceptional and extremely expensive jewels—this is something special. 

The regal necklace made of 24 “super exceptional” unheated Burmese rubies totaling 59.83 carats. The individual rubies range in weight from one to six carats. The “pigeon’s blood” gems are accented with 100.21 carats of colorless, flawless and internally flawless fancy shaped diamonds—the highest color and clarity grades. This ruby and diamond combination in a flower motif is Faidee signature creation.

The necklace is valued at $35 million, said Ravi Lunia, Faidee director.

“The Grand Phoenix is an exceptional masterpiece; a collection of flawless rubies spanning over four generations,” Lunia said. “To find a single exceptional ruby of this caliber is a daunting task but with our passion and burning desire to excel beyond perfection, we’ve managed a miracle that has never been attained in the history of the jewelry industry.” 

The press conference also served to announce that The Phoenix Necklace will be the centerpiece of a jewelry exhibition of Faidee’s creative jewels and private ruby collection. The exhibition will be presented by the Stardust Monte-Carlo, a longtime Monaco-based luxury jeweler. It will be held at the Hotel Hermitage, Salon Belle Epoque, Monte-Carlo, August 1 - August 21.

At the press conference with Lunia was Claudio Siffredi, owner of the Stardust Monte-Carlo. 

The necklace was on display on the neck of Faidee’s Ambassador, Anna Andres, a Ukrainian lawyer, actress and model who holds the title of Miss Ukraine Universe 2014.

For more than 100 years Faidee has been known as the premiere company that deals exclusively in Burmese rubies—known for their intense, vivid red hues (“pigeon’s blood” is the term used to describe this coloration). The family owned firm has history of creating jewels with these gems that are sold privately and through the international auction market easily selling for millions of dollars. Most recently, the “Ratnaraj,” a 10.05-carat ruby set on a diamond ring sold for more than $10.2 million at Christie’s Hong Kong (more than $1 million per carat). 

It’s going to be a long time before Faidee tops this latest achievement. 

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