Summer’s jeweled delights

Discover the beauty of jeweled surprises designed to delight you with their combination of precious settings and diamonds and exotic gemstones. Inspired by a thrilling array of themes such as the marine world, the floral and the feathered kingdom, these exceptional pieces by top brands are certain to uplift both attire and spirit…    

American style icon, Tiffany & Co’s much-awaited Blue Book 2015 collection is titled Art of the Sea and explores the power and magic of the oceans. From its marine bounty we select its stunning Sapphire and Diamond platinum bracelet. Just as water responds to wind, this bracelet responds to every movement. The legendary brand’s master craftsmen have set each Montana and blue sapphire and diamond by hand to create this design's subtle gradations in hue. At its launch, Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon flaunted a stylish diamond necklace featuring a disc-like pendant richly encrusted with blue, green and yellow gemstones suspended from a facetted green emerald.

Van Cleef & Arpels’ High Jewelry Les Voyages Extraordinaires™ collection is inspired by four of Jules Verne’s key novels. Five Weeks in a Balloon, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, From the Earth to the Moon and Journey to the Center of the Earth. The famous brand has transformed these romantic vistas into exquisite pieces of breathtaking beauty. From this treasure trove we pick its Baleine Bleue clip featuring blue whales, which are abundant in almost all the oceans until the beginning of the 20th century. It is said to be the largest extant animal ever known to have lives and among the heaviest that ever existed, at 180 tonnes or more in weight. (No wonder Pinnochio swam into one but thankfully got out!)

According to those-in-the-know, the jewel of the season is the brooch. The versatility of this accessory seems to have received its due, and we present some stunning options for the discerning stylist. It can magically transform a suit jacket or a gown in an instant and it can also be transformed into a pendant if clipped on a necklace or chain.

The first in this line-up being, Parisian luxury brand Cartier’s charming White and Pink diamonds Lovebirds platinum brooch. Though strictly speaking they are not lovebirds at all but parrots, we do allow that fanciful permit called ‘artistic license’. The pair seated close together, appear to be busy chirping away. (Did you know that parrots do not possess vocal cords yet they can talk and mimic sounds?)

We present yet another Parisian brand Boucheron’s irresistible ‘take’ on birds, dating from the 1990’s, an 18k Gold and Enamel Lovebirds brooch. The plump, blue and green enameled birds, resembling sparrows, have twinkling ruby eyes. They pose cheek to cheek with partially opened beaks and are cooing away in blissful harmony perched on a branch, studded with baguette, full and single cut diamonds. Clearly, all’s well in the bird kingdom it appears.

But there’s no ignoring it, the feathered fraternity needs our help to brave the hot season. So don’t forget to keep a bowl of cool and fresh water out in your balconies or patios on a daily basis. And then you can listen to some great birdsong every evening.

London diamond jewellery brand Graff selects the sublime swan to pay ode to the feathered kingdom by presenting its astonishing Diamond Swan brooch. A truly precious jewellery piece, this majestic swan brooch is a celebration of the beauty of nature – set with an astonishing total of 326 individual square emerald, fancy, heart shape, oval and round diamonds. Interestingly, there are several bird species such as magpies which are attracted to all things shiny. So just look out where you keep those sparkly jewels of yours we suggest.

Paying tribute to the aviary world in its own unique style is Japanese pearling pioneer Mikimoto with its beautiful large estate Vine and Grape motif brooch dating to the 1950’s. Fashioned in 14k yellow gold, it is set with select cultured pearls which play the role of luscious, and in this case, lustrous pearls. The detailed engraving in the leaves presents a texture that perfectly offsets the smooth roundness of Mikimoto’s famous pearls to offer a jeweled delight.  

Causing quite a flutter with its glamorous butterfly is Italian jewellery brand Roberto Coin's Haute Couture brooch. Fashioned in 18k white gold, the captivating jewel is set with citrines and brown, black and colourless diamonds. The maestro displays his mastery in a piece where the 18k white gold settings are just hinted at and are instead used to feature their sparkling merchandise of carefully selected and graded shades of diamonds and gemstones.

Renowned Italian luxury brand Bulgari has established its signature style of bold and beautiful. Its jewels are accented by design elements that bring out the beauty and facetted elegance of the gems they are feature. We present its timeless brooch from the mid-20th century set with a total of 24cts of diamonds and brilliants, which was reportedly auctioned for an equally astonishing price this year.     

Italian jewellery brand Pomellato's Tango earrings and ring in rose gold with icy diamonds, pink and orange sapphires, pays dazzling tribute to one of Spain’s most amazing dance forms. A partner dance form performed in open or close embrace, tango originated in the 1890’s along the border between Argentina and Uruguay from where it simply ‘swirled’ across to the rest of the world. Influenced by European and African culture, tango is included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, just like French cuisine.   

This season, PANDORA pays tribute to the beauty of a spring garden bursting to life with elements of nature and sweet-scented blooms. The adorable daisy is reinterpreted in a cool, contemporary way that references spring’s top catwalk looks, with bright clusters of delicate daisies swaying in the soft breeze portrayed in one magnificent, hand-finished statement ring. Regardless of the occasion or time of day, its charm bracelet is a styling dream. Whether you are getting ready for a big event or just want to add that little extra detail to your daily outfit, it will give a glamorous touch, crisp white colour and on-trend florals to your new season style.

Sterling silver daisy sculptures allude to the in-vogue trend of 3D floral forms and embellishments, and are given a white-out effect with bright white enamel decoration applied by hand decoration. Accents of clear bezel-set cubic zirconia add a subtle touch of glitter.

For its 125th anniversary, the renowned diamond house, Mouawad introduced limited edition assortments from its best-selling Flower of Eternity® collection.  The line sparkles with different gradations of beautiful colours resulting in a contemporary glamour. Crafted from 18k white gold, and set with diamonds, tsavorites and multi-colored sapphires, the Flower of Eternity® new additions feature gradient pink, yellow, blue and orange designs available in pendants, earrings and rings. The result is a selection of iconic pieces perfect for every mood from daytime chic to a dazzling evening sophistication.

The Versace Fine Jewellery collection is full of pieces of pure luxury and the most extraordinary craftsmanship. With this collection, artistic director Donatella Versace brings together the world’s most precious gemstones to create hand-crafted pieces that reflect both the brand’s legendary heritage, and the allure and sophistication of the Versace world today. Created especially for the Met Ball 2014 is its one-of-a-kind emerald necklace featuring princess-cut emeralds and pear-cut diamonds on yellow gold settings and featuring the Medusa head. Match it with the pair of glamorous drop earrings featured here, set with pear-shaped emeralds defined by yellow gold settings, a sprinkling of diamonds and its signature Medusa head motif.