Style of Jolie Jewelry Goes Public in the South of France

The "Angelina Jolie Exceptional Emerald Necklace" features 44 cushion cut emeralds with a total weight of 103.48 carats, many of which have attained the exclusive gemstone classification of vivid green. The necklace is sculpted in 18K yellow gold. Photo credit: Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels

The South of France, the renowned playground for the wealthy and well-connected, is going to have a little more sparkle and glitter than usual with the public showing of the Style of Jolie jewelry collection.

The faceted emeralds of the "Jolie Pear Shape Emerald Earrings" are mounted on rolled tubular 18k red gold. It is a piece unique and part of the House of Jolie Exceptional Jewels collection. Photo credit: Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels

The complete collection of jewelry created with emeralds, spinels, citrines, rubellites and quartz by actress and director Angelina Jolie and private jeweler Robert Procop goes on display Sunday at the Grand Hotel in Cap Ferret in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France. The viewing will run till August 15.

The "Premiere Black Faceted Necklace" was the first jeweled necklace created by Angelina Jolie and Robert Procop and was unveiled by Jolie to the premiere of her movie "Salt." The necklace is sculpted in 18k rose gold and has 47 black spinels with a total weight of 74.35 carats. Photo credit: Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels

The collection is usually only available by appointment. The only other time the pieces appeared in public was during its unveiling in Los Angeles in April 2011. Proceeds from any sales made during the current showing of the collection will go toward Jolie’s foundation, “Education Partnership for Children of Conflict,” as always.

The 27 carat emerald used for this ring was discovered in the Kunas mines of Colombia. Faceted in the signature Jolie-Procop tablet shape, the gem is mounted in a floating edge bezel of rose gold. From Style of Jolie Exceptional Jewels collection, this is a piece unique. Photo credit: Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels

In an exclusive interview with Procop, the designer says that location in the world class hotel near Nice during the summer is an appropriate venue to showcase the jewelry.

A 186.42-carat pear shaped citrine is highlighted by the graduated rounded bezel set of cushion cut gemstones in this Riviera opera length necklace. The natural golden hues of citrine radiate warmth and vitality within a setting of luminous yellow gold. The necklace is sculpted in 18K yellow gold and has a total weight of 186.42 carat of golden citrine. Photo credit: Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels

“In presenting the collection in its entirety outside of our design studio, it allows for the inspiration, the charitable aspect and style to truly come to life and be more easily visually communicated,” he says. “We are still, essentially, working with private clients, in a more public forum.”

Each rubellite stone in these earring is cut in the form of a tablet and is surrounded by angled bezels of 18K rose gold. Photo credit: Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels

He continues, “I rarely do public displays, so when we decided to host the viewing, we knew it had to be in a location that would rival the exceptional jewels that will be on display. The Grand Hotel at Cap Ferret is an historical location and one of the most beautiful locations in the world. To visit the collection here, it becomes an even greater destination, one which is familiar to the true connoisseur, who would appreciate the purity and quality of both the locale and these artistic jewels.”

Two 67.74-ct. pale-green beryls in these earrings are complimented by the bold tapered angles of 18k yellow gold. These earrings were first worn by Jolie to the premiere of her movie, "The Tourist." Part of the Style of Jolie Tablet Collection, the cut of the stone was inspired by ancient carved tablet engravings. The tablet design style began when Jolie and Procop created a special Christmas gift for Brad Pitt. Photo credit: Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels

In addition, Procop says the setting still provides the type of exclusivity that is appropriate for the collection. He stresses that this is not a jewelry exhibit nor is it a retail setting.

This bracelet is constructed from five rows of white quartz tablet cut stones that stack upon the wrist. Photo credit: Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels

“We are presenting the collection in an exclusive setting for those who would like to admire without a sense of salesmanship,” he says. “For those who would like to acquire part of this once in a lifetime collection and be part of the mission with Angelina help to educate children in need, and pieces will be available for sale.”

The 28.96-carat pear shape emerald for this ring is from the mines of Colombia and is set on soft round 18k yellow gold bezel. It is a piece unique and part of the House of Jolie Exceptional Jewels collection. Photo credit: Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels

Girard-Perregaux and Carl F. Bucherer Redux

Luxury Swiss watch brands, Girard-Perregaux and Carl F.Bucherer are on the move. Almost immediately after I posted a story that included timepieces released for the U.S. market from the two companies, they showcase new watches.

Carl F. Bucherer, has released the Patravi TravelTec FourX (top picture). 18k rose gold is paired with ceramic to form the bezel. High-quality titanium and resistant rubber also play a role in the overall structure.

The case of the timepiece contains part of the time-zone selection mechanism, which is controlled in two directions by means of a single monopusher. The process can be observed through a window that has been let into the side. The design is aimed at ease of operation. For example, the direction of travel (east or west) can be pre-selected on the multifunctional monopusher at 10 o’clock and each push causes a jump to the next time zone, the flange with its imprinted 24-hour scale turning in either direction to guarantee that the red hours hand always shows the correct local time. It is suitable both for frequent flyers and for those who communicate with people all over the world.

A skeletonized dial permits a free view of the gearing. The elegant date indication can be seen under an effective loupe: the figures are milled out of the date ring and remain invisible until they appear over a red background in the date window. 

 

Meanwhile, Girard-Perregau’s newest version of its 152-year-old Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges timepiece has a round 41 mm case is carved out of pink gold. Inside it contains the Girard-Perregaux GP9600-0018 automatic mechanical movement. It’s attached to an alligator strap with a gold folding clasp.

It is available with or without diamonds. The diamond model is $406,500 (pictured) and the price without diamonds is $211,500. It is being sold as a limited edition of 50 pieces.

Timepieces From Swiss Watch at JCK

The Girard-Perregaux ww.tc Dark Night

At the recently held Swiss Watch at JCK tradeshow in Las Vegas, luxury watch brands and North American buyers were out in force. It is one of several jewelry industry tradeshows being held at the time so I only caught a glimpse of what was happening but it was quite an impressive look. What follows is a short list of luxury timepieces that got my attention at the show.

The ww.tc Dark Night, a new “dark” version of the Girard-Perregaux world-timer, released at JCK (top picture), features a 43 mm black ceramic case with a tinted sapphire case back that discloses the movement. The strength and lightweight of the ceramic structure is enhanced by an internal titanium container. Rubber coated crowns, push buttons and a black rubber strap supplement its sporty characteristics. The timepiece uses a Girard-Perregaux GP03387 self-winding movement, designed specifically for this model. It displays the time in 24 time zones with day and night indicator, date and fly-back chronograph. Exclusive to the U.S. market, this watch is limited to 25 units.

One of the pieces being showcased in North America by Carl F. Bucherer was the Manero ChronoPerpetual (above), which features a perpetual calendar with correction-free indication of the date, day of the week, month and moon phase. The mechanism recognizes the different lengths of the months and knows when the next leap year is imminent, and is thus able to counter the arbitrary features of the Gregorian calendar. The watch has a limited run of 100 units.

Frederique Constant introduced the new Classics Manufacture (above), based on the second generation of the Maxime movement, caliber FC-710, and features an added center seconds hand. The silver dial has a central “guilloché” decoration. The brand, which prides itself on its “accessible luxury” philosophy, is offering this product with a starting price of 1,750 euros (USD $2,144) in stainless steel. The watch is also available with a rose gold plated case for 1,950 (USD $2,390).

For the ladies, Girard-Perregaux introduced the latest model from its Cat’s Eye collection (above). This jewelry watch is draped in 150 emerald-cut precious stones The dial, adorned with a delicate “Clous de Paris” hobnail motif, includes 102 emerald-cut diamonds. The “Clou de Paris” hobnail motif consists of holding several stones with a single “clou” or pin, meaning that the diamond cutter must cut and calibrate the stones one by one. A taupe-colored satin strap enhances the sparkle of the stones. An ardillon buckle set with 13 baguette-cut diamonds encircles the wrist. The hand-engraved case back opens onto the caliber GP033R0 self-winding movement.

Jacob & Co. Hosts Celebrity-Filled Gala in Monaco

Adrien Brody (left), Diane Kruger (center) and Joshua Jackson (second from right) were among the guests with Jacob Arabo (far right).

Jacob Arabo of Jacob & Co. hosted an intimate and exclusive charity gala on July 6th in Monaco at the Salle Empire, Hotel de Paris. Guests included Coco Rocha, Diane Kruger, Joshua Jackson and Adrien Brody, who were all adorned with Jacob & Co pieces. 

Diane Kruger wears Jacob & Co, diamond drop earrings with Alternate 34.21-carat round brilliant cut diamonds and 11.80-carat emerald cut diamond 46.01 tcw. set in platinum; cushion cut diamond ring, 16.50 ctw.; cushion cut diamond cuff bracelet, set in platinum, 97.37 ctw. Adrien Brody is wearing a G5 Series Five Time Zone Grand Collection timepiece and Jacob and Co. cufflinks with the Jacob and Co. logo in white gold.

The cocktail party and dinner were in support of the Princess Charlene Foundation (founded by Princess Charlene of Monaco) and the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophy (founded by Prince Albert II of Monaco). The gala included entertainment, a live presentation of selected jewelry and a charity auction. 

Among the Jacob & Co. pieces unveiled at the gala was the necklace, Splendors of Nature (pictured above), consisting of the following: 44.09-carat D flawless emerald cut diamond, 10.09-carat fancy vivid purple pink cushion cut diamond, 5-carat fancy vivid blue emerald cut diamond, 3.94-carat fancy vivid yellow emerald cut diamond and 18.07ct D internally flawless cushion cut diamond. Supporting the diamond is a neck-piece made of 74.77-carat TCTW D-F color alternating round brilliant and emerald cut diamonds.

Coco Rocha adorned in Jacob & Co. jewels.

ICA Moves Headquarters to Hong Kong

Members of the board of directors of the ICA and staff of the new Hong Kong office. Photo credit: ICA

In another example of Asia’s newfound dominance in the jewelry industry, the International Colored Gemstone Association has moved its international headquarters to Hong Kong from New York. The new offices are located in Hong Kong's gems and jewelry manufacturing district and are run by a team of English and Chinese speaking staff, led by Daniel Leung, executive assistant to the president.

The ICA, which will maintain a presence at a new location in New York, says the decision to move its head office is aimed at bringing the organization into closer touch with the rapidly expanding Asian markets, and to actively participate in the further development of the colored gemstones and jewelry industry in the region. In addition, ICA is seeing an expansion in its membership in Asia, and the Hong Kong offices will enable it to better serve them, says ICA President Wilson Yuen.

"This was not a decision that we made easily, and it followed a great deal of debate," Yuen says. "Our international offices have been based in New York for many years. But we felt that we could not ignore the trends that are sweeping our industry and the global economy in general.

"Asia in general, and China in particular, is claiming a larger role in international business, and it is imperative that we are based in the heart of the region to enable us to provide a comprehensive service to our membership and to the industry,” he adds. “This is what it is expected of the ICA.”

The transition being overseen by former ICA executive director, Barbara Wheat.

The new Hong Kong offices were opened July 9 at a special in-house inauguration ceremony attended by ICA board of directors. 

ICA is a non-profit worldwide organization that represents the global colored gemstone industry. Founded in 1984, it’s now comprised of almost 700 gemstone dealers, cutters and miners from 47 countries.

Anglo American Receives Regulatory Approval for De Beers Acquisition

London-based mining giant Anglo American said Friday that it has received final regulatory approval to acquire the Oppenheimer family’s 40 percent stake in the De Beers Group.

“Now that all the conditions to the transaction have been satisfied, a formal pre-emption offer will be served by CHL Holdings Limited (representing the Oppenheimer family interests) on Anglo American and the Government of the Republic of Botswana under the terms of the De Beers Shareholders' Agreement,” Anglo-American said in a statement Friday.

The Oppenheimer family, which has owned the De Beers Group for more than 80 years, announced in November that it will sell its remaining 40 percent stake in the diversified diamond company to Anglo American plc for $5.1 billion in cash. Consent under Section 11 of the South African Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 2002 was the final approval required for this transaction to proceed.

The pending acquisition means that Anglo American will increase its current 45 percent shareholding in the world's largest diamond company to up to 85 percent, subject to adjustment as provided for in the agreement. In January 2012, the transaction was approved by Anglo American shareholders, with 99.94 percent voting in favor.

The Government of the Republic of Botswana, which currently owns a 15 percent stake in De Beers has the opportunity to participate in the transaction and increase its interest in De Beers, on a pro rata basis, to up to 25 percent.

In the event that the GRB exercises its pre-emption rights in full, Anglo American will acquire an incremental 30 percent interest in De Beers, taking its total interest to 75 percent, and the consideration payable by Anglo American would be reduced proportionately.

Anglo American expects the transaction to close in the second half of 2012, in line with its previously stated timeline.

De Beers is a family of companies that dominate the diamond, diamond mining, diamond trading and industrial diamond manufacturing sectors. De Beers is active in every category of industrial diamond mining: open-pit, underground, large-scale alluvial, coastal and deep sea. Mining takes place in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Canada. The company’s subsidiaries also include the Diamond Trading Company, the rough diamond sales and distribution arm of the company, the Forevermark diamond brand and De Beers Diamond Jewellers, a luxury joint-retail operation with LVMH-Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.

Anglo-American is one of the world’s largest mining companies with a portfolio that includes iron ore and manganese, metallurgical coal and thermal coal; base metals – copper and nickel; and precious metals and minerals – in which it is a global leader in both platinum and diamonds. The company operates in Africa, Europe, South and North America, Australia and Asia.

Hublot Celebrates America's Independence with US Liberty Bang

Hublot US Liberty Bang

Swiss luxury watch brand Hublot has teamed up with the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia for the second consecutive year to serve as the “Official Watch and Timepiece” of the Liberty Medal award.

To celebrate this partnership, Hublot created a limited edition US Liberty Bang 44mm timepiece to honor the recipients of the Liberty Medal. Set with a black ceramic case, the black dial features an American flag inscribed with text and citations from the American Constitution on a black rubber and gummy alligator strap.

Established in 1988 to commemorate the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution, the Liberty Medal is awarded annually to men and women of courage and conviction who strive to secure the blessings of liberty to people around the globe. The medal was first administered by the National Constitution Center in 2006 to presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Other past Liberty Medal recipients include Nelson Mandela, Shimon Peres, Kofi Annan, Sandra Day O’Connor, Bono and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates was the recipient of 2011 award.

This year’s award will be presented in September. The recipient has yet to be named.

The National Constitution Center is a nonprofit, nonpartisan institution devoted to the U.S. Constitution and its legacy of freedom. It is located two blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia

The Hublot US Liberty Bang limited edition costs $11,900 and is available at the Hublot Boutique, 692 Madison Avenue, New York.