Valuation Days |
The Important Jewels auction will take place in New York on February 9th. In January 2012, the Jewellery department will be traveling to the following cities for complimentary valuations. Please contact us on +1 212 606 7392 or atnewyorkjewelry@sothebys.com to schedule a confidential appointment. Los Angeles: 5-6 January 2012 San Francisco: 9-10 January 2012 Philadelphia: 10 January 2012 Chicago: 18-19 January 2012 Ft. Worth: 24 January 2012 Dallas: 25 January 2012 Los Angeles: 25-26 January 2012 Houston: 26 January 2012 more info at Sotheby's Website |
Monday, December 26, 2011
Sotheby's Announces Valuation Days...
Monday, December 19, 2011
Royal Jewel: Princess Charlène of Monaco Stellar In Montblanc
H.S.H. Princess Charlène of Monaco
Scintillates In The Seven Stars Collection
from Montblanc Haute Joaillerie
The Charity Gala held in Berlin is an annual event that aims to raise money for children in distress across the world.
Princess Charlene, the beauty that married Prince Albert of Monaco in May, was the recipient of the prestigious Golden Heart award.
Princess Charlene, the beauty that married Prince Albert of Monaco in May, was the recipient of the prestigious Golden Heart award.
Princess Charlene accepts award from former German swimmer Franziska van Almsick, with an embrace after announcing her award, makes moving acceptance speech. |
In shoulder sweeping diamonds, Princess Charlene accepted the award in recognition of her work teaching poor or disabled children to swim in her native South Africa and worldwide, via her Foundation Princess Charlene.
From the UK's Daily Mail:
"I accept this award with pride and joy in the name of the volunteers who work so hard," she said in her speech, according to German newspaper Bild. "Tonight it comes to children. The rescue of these children is a struggle and we can not afford to lose him."
Since the event's inception in 1978 as Bild's charity, it has collected more than over 170 million euros for children's charities, both in Germany and Internationally.This year it raised a whopping £14million euros.
Montblanc Haute Joailleries Collection Seven Stars:
Seven Stars shine in the Montblanc firmament...Seven delicate and intricately designed necklaces form Montblanc's Collection Seven Stars.
Handrafted in Montblanc’s Haute Joaillerie Ateliers in Paris, each necklace is a subtle
variation on the theme of timeless beauty and femininity. The unique Montblanc diamond, cut by the hands of the very few artisans entitled to do so, is set on each necklace in sophisticated round cut diamond motifs which embrace it like a lace ribbon, like a thread of sparkling light, like a path of beauty.
Seven Stars is a way of celebrating seven beautiful women, seven moments of pure and eternal joy...that capture the essence of preciousness, eternal values and outstanding craftsmanship that defines Montblanc Haute Joaillerie.
Seven Stars shine in the Montblanc firmament...Seven delicate and intricately designed necklaces form Montblanc's Collection Seven Stars.
Handrafted in Montblanc’s Haute Joaillerie Ateliers in Paris, each necklace is a subtle
variation on the theme of timeless beauty and femininity. The unique Montblanc diamond, cut by the hands of the very few artisans entitled to do so, is set on each necklace in sophisticated round cut diamond motifs which embrace it like a lace ribbon, like a thread of sparkling light, like a path of beauty.
Seven Stars is a way of celebrating seven beautiful women, seven moments of pure and eternal joy...that capture the essence of preciousness, eternal values and outstanding craftsmanship that defines Montblanc Haute Joaillerie.
About Montblanc:Montblanc has been known for generations as a maker of sophisticated, high quality writing instruments. In the past few years, the product range has been expanded to include exquisite writing accessories, luxury leather goods and belts, jewellery, eyewear and watches. Montblanc has thus become a purveyor of exclusive products which reflect the exacting demands made today for quality design, tradition and master craftsmanship.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Skinner Fine Jewelry Auction Brings $4.7 Million
Skinner Fine Jewelry Auction Brings $4.7
Million, $1.3 Million
Over Pre-Auction Estimate
A classic example of Art Deco
jewelry leads the way with an outstanding result
Skinner, Inc. today announced
the results of its latest Fine Jewelry
auction, which was held in Boston on December 6th. The highly successful sale
grossed $4.7 million including buyer’s premium, surpassing the pre-auction
estimate high by more than a million dollars. Colored stones, Art Deco pieces,
diamonds, and natural pearls were especially strong performers.
Colored Stones & Art Deco Jewelry
A rare star Burma ruby and
diamond ring (lot 751) smashed the auction presale estimate ($15,000 to
$20,000). Featuring an oval cabochon star ruby weighing 28.00 cts., the stone was
extraordinary in size and color, and brought an outstanding $242,500. A Kashmir
sapphire ring (lot 763) featuring a cushion-cut sapphire weighing 8.40 cts.
sold for an impressive $369,000, and an oval-cut, unmounted, yellow sapphire
(lot 225A) brought $159,975.
A
fine French Art Deco carved emerald, ruby and diamond pendant brooch (lot 750)
by Chaumet (originally from the Lillian S. Timken collection) sold for
$385,500, and, a fine Art Deco platinum and diamond figural bracelet (lot 764),
originally retailed by Thomas Kirkpatrick, sold for $171,825.
Diamonds & Natural
Pearls
While
colored stones and Art Deco pieces were very popular, diamonds also made an
excellent showing, proving the timeless appeal of the diamond solitaire and the
strength of the market for high-clarity. A round brilliant diamond weighing
4.98 cts. (lot 747) with melee accents sold for $385,500. Other diamond
solitaires included a round, brilliant-cut diamond (lot 648) weighing 3.00 cts.
that sold for $84,135, and, a solitaire set with a full-cut diamond (lot 642)
weighing 5.16 cts., which brought $74,655.
Several
lots featuring natural pearls also sold well. A necklace composed of
eighty-seven natural pearls ranging from 4.10 to 7.90 mm and accompanied by a
GIA report from 1956 (lot 665) sold for $46,215. A pair of natural pearl and
diamond ear pendants (lot 737), also with a GIA report, sold for $26,070.
Artist-Signed and Vintage
Jewelry
Well
known for bringing important
artist-signed and vintage jewelry to auction, Skinner continues to satisfy
the demand for unusual and signed works. A pair of antique 18kt gold and
reverse-painted crystal fishbowl ear pendants from the 1870s (lot 509) brought
$17,775, and an Edwardian diamond sunburst pendant/brooch from Tiffany &
Co. (lot 762) brought $74,062.
An
18kt gold and enamel caddis worm pendant/brooch by John Paul Miller (lot 424)
demonstrates beautifully the goldsmith’s mastery of enamel and granulation and
brought $11,258. A brooch (lot 484) from the 1870s depicting Alcatraz Island
from the days before it was a prison sold for $7,703.
According to Victoria
Bratberg, director of Fine Jewelry at Skinner, “This auction was uniformly
strong across all the categories: colored stones, diamonds, natural pearls,
artist-signed jewelry, Art Deco, and antique works.” Bratberg continued, “The sale generated interest
from around the world, and demonstrates our ability to consign extraordinary
jewelry that brings top prices at auction.”
About Skinner
Skinner, Inc. is one of the world’s leading auction houses for antiques and fine art. With expertise in over 20 specialty collecting areas, Skinner draws the interest of buyers from all over the world and its auctions regularly achieve world record prices. Skinner provides a broad range of auction and appraisal services, and it is widely regarded as one of the most trusted names in the auction business. Skinner’s appraisal experts regularly appear on the PBS-TV series, Antiques Roadshow, and its specialty departments include American Furniture & Decorative Arts, American & European Works of Art, European Furniture & Decorative Arts, 20th Century Design, Fine Ceramics, Fine Jewelry, Couture, Fine Musical Instruments, Asian Works of Art, Fine Wines, Rare Books & Manuscripts, Oriental Rugs & Carpets, American Indian & Ethnographic Art, Fine Judaica, Antique Motor Vehicles, Toys, Dolls & Collectibles, Discovery and Science, Technology & Clocks. Skinner galleries are located in Boston and Marlborough, Mass. For more information on upcoming auctions and events, visit Skinner’s web site www.skinnerinc.com.
Skinner, Inc. is one of the world’s leading auction houses for antiques and fine art. With expertise in over 20 specialty collecting areas, Skinner draws the interest of buyers from all over the world and its auctions regularly achieve world record prices. Skinner provides a broad range of auction and appraisal services, and it is widely regarded as one of the most trusted names in the auction business. Skinner’s appraisal experts regularly appear on the PBS-TV series, Antiques Roadshow, and its specialty departments include American Furniture & Decorative Arts, American & European Works of Art, European Furniture & Decorative Arts, 20th Century Design, Fine Ceramics, Fine Jewelry, Couture, Fine Musical Instruments, Asian Works of Art, Fine Wines, Rare Books & Manuscripts, Oriental Rugs & Carpets, American Indian & Ethnographic Art, Fine Judaica, Antique Motor Vehicles, Toys, Dolls & Collectibles, Discovery and Science, Technology & Clocks. Skinner galleries are located in Boston and Marlborough, Mass. For more information on upcoming auctions and events, visit Skinner’s web site www.skinnerinc.com.
Designer Jewel: Duncan Stevens, Opulence - Men!
We are all born originals - why is it so many of us die copies? - Edward Young
Duncan has again released a mouth-wateringly significant piece of jewellery. Signet is part of his extravagant one-off rarities and is Duncan’s first men’s ring to join the Opulence Collection, that collection of rings and necklaces which grabbed attention in the media throughout the global financial meltdown for their oversized gemstones, diamonds and weighty solid gold sculptural forms.
Handcrafted in 18k yellow gold, this polished men’s ring has a gently curved top which houses the fifteen specially cut square gemstones. These stones are set into three lines, its grid broken by the solitary Diamond amongst all the Onyx. Along the inside of the band is a single small round diamond used as part of a personalised message and the recipient of this ring absolutely loved it, even commenting on how the piece was even more spectacular than the drawings.
The opulent Signet ring will be but the beginning of his men's range, as well as some other women's sumptuous pieces to join this rarefied collection. Only a handful of these pieces have been created so far, the sheer extravagance of the materials used, keeping them reserved for the most discerning and fortunate few, and with clients including an African and European royal, as well as women of means, it is no surprise that his work continues to grab the attention of loyal clients and collectors abroad.
In 2009, Duncan released what became known as the Opulence Collection. He was not afraid to buck against the prevailing trends of that time to go smaller, more commercial and cheaper. Duncan’s intention with the Opulence Collection is a strong desire to develop a strand of one-off collectors pieces, a body of estate jewellery. Investment pieces of solid precious metals and gems, with his over-arching vision to develop no more than a hundred pieces a year of spectacular jewellery, each piece having it’s own essence, fulfilling it’s own vision, not tied into being part of a set. In a sense, the piece itself should be able to stand alone, the wearer needing no other artifice.
“Duncan Stevens whose pieces are rare objets d’art in their own right…creates pieces of high value that are infused with the energy that is present in this talented man dedicated to high end craftsmanship.” – Luxury News
Duncan has never truly felt comfortable with the idea of making multiples of pieces. He has however developed ranges of jewellery, where perhaps no more than a 100 of his smaller ready-to-wear pieces have been created (in his mind this constitutes mass production). But the pieces that reside in the Opulence collection are some of his most fabulous pieces, not only for their cost, but also for the manner in which they shall never be repeated. And there-in lies the beauty in what Duncan does, part of his design and commissioning process to create these signature pieces are carefully thought out shapes and material or in-depth meetings with his clients to ascertain their needs.
Attention to detail and careful selection of materials ensures that these pieces are special, each one a small part of the designer himself. Duncan never wants to compete in the saturated mass produced market, the hallmark of our industrial age, instead, he continues to produce a small quantity of special pieces and builds a portfolio of some of the most exquisite and bold one-off pieces around.
“Duncan Stevens is not only one of South Africa’s leading jewellery artists in creativity and design, he is also a remarkably clever designer. His love of innovative design can be seen in his pieces and demonstrates his commitment to unique jewellery matched with fine craftsmanship.” – Makia
About Duncan Stevens
The formation of Duncan Stevens is born of a love for jewellery and objets d’art. There is a clear aesthetic to the work designed and produced by him. The intention is to continue to create unique pieces of high value work, small batch pieces of mid-range priced jewellery and a range of affordable jewellery, all the while maintaining quality and design integrity.
The core ethos of Duncan Stevens is simple;quality over quantity. His core values are defined by a highly developed aesthetic, but matched with fine craftsmanship. Limited editions, one-offs and small runs means every piece is catalogued, and every piece remains special.
Every time a person purchases a piece of jewellery, they know the quantity available, and that should they own a unique piece, that it belongs only to them, and will never be repeated again.
Check out www.duncanstevens.com to see images of more stunning works from Duncan Stevens or join the Duncan Stevens Jewellery Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ pages/Duncan-Stevens- Jewellery/83486492477 or get jewellery styling & gift tips @DSJewellery on Twitter
Source: Press Release from Duncan Stevens
Thursday, December 15, 2011
MOST VALUABLE PRIVATE JEWELRY COLLECTION SOLD AT AUCTION
7 WORLD AUCTION RECORDS BROKEN, INCLUDING
A PEARL JEWEL, AN INDIAN JEWEL, AN EMERALD JEWEL,
PRICE PER CARAT FOR A COLORLESS DIAMOND AND FOR A RUBY
PRICE PER CARAT FOR A COLORLESS DIAMOND AND FOR A RUBY
“Elizabeth Taylor's magnificent collection of jewels has captivated the auction world this fall, resulting in world-wide bidding and this first landmark result. Without a doubt the greatest private collection of jewelry ever assembled, this sale marked the powerful start of Christie’s historic week of sales auctioning the Jewelry, Fashion, Accessories and Memorabilia from The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor between the 13 – 16 December, in tandem with the online-only sale (3 – 17 December),” said Marc Porter, Chairman and President of Christie's Americas.
AFTER TODAY’S SALE OF THE COLLECTION OF ELIZABETH TAYLOR: JEWELRY (II)
THE COMBINED TOTAL OF BOTH SALES ACHIEVED $137,235,675!
(Pictured above are the Burton Wedding bands which, after a 15 minute bidding battle, realized $1,022,500)
“The extraordinary results of the first jewelry sale are a tribute to Elizabeth Taylor's expert eye for fine gemstones and jewels, as well as her stature as a legendary star and inspiring philanthropist. During the international pre-sale exhibition tour, which travelled all the way to Hong Kong, via Moscow, London, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Dubai, Geneva and Paris, before arriving in New York, thousands of collectors and admirers braved long lines to get a glimpse of one of the greatest collections of all time,” noted François Curiel, International Jewelry Director and President of Christie’s Asia. “For many, there was both the desire to share in the stories behind Elizabeth Taylor’s iconic jewels and to dream of perhaps acquiring one. For others, the sale provided the opportunity to purchase unique jewels, which brought Elizabeth Taylor such joy and reflect her remarkable taste and connoisseurship. I know she would be thrilled that her passion has inspired others through this landmark event. Being the auctioneer for this sale was one of the most memorable auctioneering events of my life.”
About Christies:
Christie’s, the world's leading art business had global auction and private sales in 2010 that totaled £3.3 billion/$5.0 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and today remains a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers over 450 sales annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie’s has 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, and Hong Kong. More recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in emerging and new markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Christie's First of the Elizabeth Taylor Auctions - $115,932,000
The first of the Elizabeth Taylor auctions took place last night at Christie's...there was a total of 80 items with 100% sell through. Some of these prices will surprise you!
THE ELIZABETH TAYLOR DIAMOND
Estimate: $2,500,000 - $3,500,000
Set with a cut-cornered rectangular-cut diamond, weighing approximately 33.19 carats, flanked on either side by a tapered baguette-cut diamond, mounted in platinum.
With report 1132411262 dated 9 May 2011 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond is D color, VS1 clarity; accompanied by a working diagram indicating that the clarity may be potentially internally flawless
Price Realized - $8,818,500
LA PEREGRINA
Estimate: $2,000,000 - $3,000,000
A NATURAL PEARL, DIAMOND, RUBY AND CULTURED PEARL NECKLACE, BY CARTIER
Suspending a detachable drop-shaped natural pearl pendant, weighing approximately 202.24 grains or 50.56 carats, measuring approximately 17.35 - 17.90 x 25.50 mm, with an old mine-cut and rose-cut diamond and silver foliate bail, suspended from a circular-cut diamond flame motif set with a pear-shaped ruby, spaced by a detachable pear-shaped ruby and natural pearl link, to the two-strand necklace, comprising fifty-six natural pearls and four cultured pearls, intersected by eight circular-cut diamond and cushion-cut ruby flame motif plaques, mounted in platinum and gold, La Peregrina late 16th century; diamond bail early 19th century; natural pearl, diamond, ruby and cultured pearl necklace by Cartier 1972, 13½ ins., pendant may also be worn as a brooch, accompanied by the seed pearl and platinum neckchain from the time of the purchase at auction in 1969, 30¾ ins.
Signed Cartier
Designed by Elizabeth Taylor with Al Durante of Cartier
La Peregrina with report 59574 dated 19 May 2011 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the analysed properties confirm the authenticity of this saltwater natural pearl
Price Realized - $11,842,500
THE TAJ MAHAL
AN INDIAN DIAMOND AND JADE PENDANT NECKLACE RUBY AND GOLD CHAIN, BY CARTIER
Estimate: $300,000 - $500,000
Set with an inscribed heart-shaped table-cut diamond, within a red stone and jade mount set with table-cut diamonds, the reverse decorated with an enamel latticework motif, from a gold neckchain set with cabochon rubies and old mine-cut diamonds, mounted in gold, inscribed heart-shaped table-cut diamond bearing the Islamic date 1037 [1627-1628], gold and enamel cage of later addition, neckchain circa 1972, length adjustable, pendant suspends 17½ ins. at longest
Neckchain by Cartier, no. 53559
Neckchain by Cartier, no. 53559
Price Realized - $8,818,500
THE MIKE TODD DIAMOND TIARA - ANTIQUE DIAMOND TIARA
Estimate: $60,000 - $80,000
Designed as nine old mine-cut diamond scrolls with larger old mine-cut diamond terminals, spaced by old mine-cut diamond latticework motifs, mounted in platinum and gold, circa 1880, 9 5/8 ins. circumference
Designed as nine old mine-cut diamond scrolls with larger old mine-cut diamond terminals, spaced by old mine-cut diamond latticework motifs, mounted in platinum and gold, circa 1880, 9 5/8 ins. circumference
Price Realized - $4,226,500
I hope that whoever purchased the individual Emerald pieces by Bulgari picked up enough pieces to make a Suite - in which case it would have run approximately $14,000,000!
For the complete Auction Results see Christie's
NEXT UP? JEWELRY (II)...TONIGHT!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Sotheby's Dec 7th Results...$30.4 million!
Sotheby’s jewelry auctions achieved $30.4 million in New York yesterday, 7 December. The day began with the ‘white glove’ sale – 100% sold – of The Elegant John Traina – A Portrait in Style, which more than tripled its pre-sale high estimate of $570,000 in bringing $1,921,755. The following auction of Magnificent Jewels totaled $28,477,500, led by top prices for white diamonds, natural pearls, sapphires and emeralds.
“As has been the case throughout our recent auctions, yesterday’s sales saw persistent demand and strong results for unique and signed jewels,” commented Lisa Hubbard, Co-Chairman of Sotheby’s International Jewelry department, and Gary Schuler, Head of Sotheby’s Jewelry department in New York.
“The one-of-a-kind Platinum and Diamond Sautoir Necklace by Cartier sold for $1,650,500, above a high estimate of $1 million, while exceptional white diamonds and natural pearls brought top prices throughout the day. Though we are disappointed to have not found buyers yesterday for our top two stones amongst the rarified group of collectors at the highest end of our market, the results for the remainder of the sale demonstrate a continued demand for pieces of quality and unique character.”
Auction Results:
Sale N08805 The Elegant John Traina A Portrait in Style 07 DEC 11
Grand Total: $1,921,755 (£1,230,002) Exch Rate: 0.64
Sold by Lot: 100.0% Lots Offered: 92
Sold by Value: 100.0% Lots Sold/Unsold: 92 / 0
LOT 43
PAIR OF 18 KARAT GOLD AND RUBY CUFFLINKS, SCHLUMBERGER FOR TIFFANY & CO., AND RUBY AND DIAMOND STUDS, DAVID WEBB
The cufflinks set with cabochon rubies, signed Tiffany, Schlumberger; the three studs set in the centers with cabochon rubies, accented by small round diamonds, mounted in 18 karat gold, signed Webb.
LOT 43
PAIR OF 18 KARAT GOLD AND RUBY CUFFLINKS, SCHLUMBERGER FOR TIFFANY & CO., AND RUBY AND DIAMOND STUDS, DAVID WEBB
The cufflinks set with cabochon rubies, signed Tiffany, Schlumberger; the three studs set in the centers with cabochon rubies, accented by small round diamonds, mounted in 18 karat gold, signed Webb.
Sale N08808 Magnificent Jewels 07 DEC 11
Grand Total: $28,477,063 (£18,226,487) Exch Rate: 0.64
Sold by Lot: 66.5% Lots Offered: 340
Sold by Value: 45.5% Lots Sold/Unsold: 226 / 114
PROPERTY FROM A PROMINENT AMERICAN FAMILY
A MAGNIFICENT PLATINUM AND DIAMOND SAUTOIR NECKLACE WITH LAVALLIERE PENDANT, CARTIER, NEW YORK, 1924
Designed as a series of openwork oval and bell-shaped links set with 13 old European-cut and cushion-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 37.75 carats, centering a larger cushion-shaped diamond weighing approximately 4.65 carats, supporting a lavalliere pendant set with 7 cushion-shaped and old European-cut diamonds weighing approximately 37.05 carats, length 15½ inches, signed Cartier, numbered 2419263; together with a length extender of a later date set with 13 cushion-shaped and old European-cut diamonds weighing approximately 22.30 carats, length 12¼ inches, separated into three segments, the necklace and length extender further set with smaller old mine and single-cut diamonds weighing approximately 18.60 carats.
Complete Catalog of Auction Results click here
Celebrity Jewel: Celebrities Abound at the UNICEF Ball in Los Angeles...
Nicole Richie in Neil Lane Jewels...
Nicole Richie – Wearing diamond and gold chandelier earrings, diamond and gold cocktail ring and a diamond and gold bangle
Katie Walsh in Neil Lane....
Kate Wash – Wearing diamond and gold earrings, a diamond and gold cocktail ring and bracelet
Brooklyn Decker in Jordan Alexander
Brooklyn Decker wore what is arguably one of the hottest trends in Designer Jewelry, Sliced Pearls! Brooklyn wore a navy pearl slice & raspberry diamond ring.
Closeup on Sliced Pearls from Jordan Alexander via WWD
Fred Leighton at the UNICEF Ball
Sarah Jessica Parker and Vera Farmiga were among the glittering guests wearing Fred Leighton at the UNICEF Ball.
Photos via Zimbio
Lapponia's "Art of Expression"
Lapponia Jewelry is undergoing a global renaissance. Today's strong women want to express themselves with our beautiful designs. Lapponia Jewelry is inspired by the rugged nature of northern Finland. This close bond with the nature of the north is brought to life in our new brand experience, the Art of Expression video, and our overall marketing strategy, The Silent Language of Nature.
View the Multimedia News Release:
The Lapponia brand video combines stunning images of northern nature with another source of Finnish pride, the internationally renowned musical talent of the band Apocalyptica and their song Sacra. The video tells the story of Lapponia's origins, presenting the artists' source of inspiration for those who have never had the opportunity to experience the exotic beauty of northern Finland.
Lapponia's artistic nature is also highlighted throughout our other marketing activities. During the filming of the brand video, world-famous photographer Arno Rafael Minkkinen, currently a professor of visual arts at the University of Boston, began work on a set of beautiful art photos based on Lapponia's 'silent language' marketing concept. This cooperation resulted in a collection of pictures that visualizes Lapponia's message in a truly beautiful way. In terms of communication, the campaign clearly differs from the way other luxury brands express themselves. And when it comes to timing, the campaign launch couldn't be happening at a better time, with Helsinki serving as World Design Capital for 2012.
About Lapponia
Lapponia's story began when the company's visionary founder Pekka Anttila asked sculptor and jewelry designer Björn Weckström, who he met while training to be a goldsmith, to design the first pieces of what was, at the time, very unique jewelry. The roots of Lapponia design are in Finnish Lapland. On trips to Lapland, Weckström got inspired by the exceptional shape and surface of the gold nuggets found in rivers there. It was this inspiration that led him to design the Flowering Wall, which received a Grand Prix award at the 1965 International Jewelry Contest in Rio de Janeiro. Since then, Lapponia has been an international success. Later Björn Weckström became fascinated by silver and created a series of jewelry in which silver portrays Finland's snowy fields and icy lakes. The exceptional treatment of the surface became the label of Lapponia's distinguished design.
The unique design and the exotic arctic nature began to generate more and more international interest. Lapponia grew into a brand that knew no boundaries. It was loved by royalty and stars alike, from the shahzadi of Persia to Yoko Ono. Following this success, in the 1970s Lapponia's jewelry was being designed by several international jewelry artists.
Lapponia's mystical designs still captivate people across the world. Today, Lapponia has six visionary artists who draw inspiration from the nature of Lapland to fulfill Lapponia's mission of creating revolutionary pieces of jewelry in the otherwise conservative world of jewels. This jewelry is worn by charismatic women who are not afraid to stand out from the crowd.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Press Views New 2012 Offering by William Henry - Bejewelled Function
William Henry Adds New Bejeweled Creations to Its Offerings of Functional Jewelry.
Exclusive new pieces integrate fine jewelry adornments and offer a new distinctive choice to men looking for an important personality statement.
The 'Ventana' Pocketknife inlaid with 178 dark and light blue sapphires |
Today, William Henry presented its first offerings designed and created with gemstone pave settings. These new pieces represent an important step for the American brand renowned for its distinctive collections of functional jewelry. The new models, developed in partnership with jewelry designer Scott Keating, add an original and seductive message to William Henry’s existing collections, and represent a new and exclusive offering in the often overlooked world of jewelry for men.
All the patterns on William Henry’s new bejeweled models are created by hand, and hand set in pave with extensive microscopic work. The gemstones used include white, brown and black diamonds, blue and yellow sapphires, and rubies.
Initially, Scott Keating’s designs and setting work will be used on some of the brand’s most exclusive pocketknives. Later in 2012, these gem settings will be also used to create new offerings of writing instruments, money clips and golf tools, conferring a new and original appeal to the brand’s most exclusive collections.
William Henry will start selling the new pieces at the end of the first quarter of 2012, making them available online and through the brand’s network of authorized retailers in the US and abroad.
The seamless integration of classic natural materials, precious metals & gemstones, and state-of-the-art alloys is a hallmark of William Henry’s work. Today’s collections include pocketknives, writing instruments, money clips and golf tools.
Brown diamonds surround Black Lip Shell on the Monarch pocketknife |
“Our limited edition collections are always infused with a distinctive and meaningful message” – Says Matt Conable, founder and creative engine of the company. “It can be imbued in a rare and exotic material such as fossil Mammoth tooth or meteorite, or in the outstanding craftsmanship of an engraver or a koftgari artisan. The design and gem-setting artistry of Scott Keating will add a sparkling and precious new layer to our most exclusive offerings”
A Winner of multiple awards for his jewelry creations, and with customers of the caliber of Jack Nicholson and Jimmy Buffett, Scott Keating is one of the most respected independent jewelry designers in the US. Nature is probably the single most important source of inspiration for his work.
“I love the contrast between the sparkle of gems and the sheen understated look of organic and fossil materials” – Says Keating. "I find inspiration in earth metals and stones, and adding my love of jewelry making translates the work into functional art."
This shared respect for natural proportions and the use of natural organic materials make William Henry and Scott Keating perfect partners.
“I’ve always admired Scott Keating’s creations and I’m thrilled to be able to offer him our superb collections as a canvas for his beautiful work” – says Conable.
About William Henry
William Henry is an American luxury brand devoted to the vision of designing and creating superlative functional jewelry. Designer and entrepreneur Matt Conable founded the company in 1997 and is now the sole owner. Conable first established the brand creating exclusive and award-winning pocketknives, effectively transforming the archetype of all tools into a superb piece of functional jewelry for men. Today’s collections include writing instruments, money clips, and golf tools.
The seamless integration of classic natural materials, precious metals & gemstones, and state-of-the-art alloys is a hallmark of William Henry’s work. The brand creates limited editions only, and no two pieces are ever replicas. William Henry’s collections are available on its website and through a select network of authorized retailers in the US and abroad.
Source: Press Release
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