By Frances Hopes
Six of the most exciting and innovative brands from the worlds of luxury jewellery and silverware were invited to take part in the prestigious Couture at Claridge’s event earlier this week, which offered them the unique opportunity to meet quality buyers and journalists from consumer titles.
Among the jewels on show were limited edition signature statement rings from Roberto Coin, including a stunning Chameleon set with diamonds, blue sapphires and tsavorites and an Eagle embellished with colourless, black and brown diamonds and yellow sapphires. Its Garden collection reinterprets the eternal fascination of the secret garden, with jewellery leading the imagination to enchanted worlds. Diamonds, sapphires, rubies and an incredible bouquet of coloured stones in architectural cuts mix while small creatures hide in unusual fairy tale designs.
The Masai collection from fellow Italian jewellery house Marco Bicego is inspired by the art, traditions and proud legacy of Africa’s Masai people. A new creation with an evocative name, the designs call to mind the strength and elegance of this African culture and, through a process of abstraction, create an incredibly modern and sophisticated silhouette on the neck, hand and wrist. Masai transforms classic into contemporary, avoids ostentation and chooses an essential, informal jewellery style rich of elegance.
Meanwhile Picchotti presented an exceptional array of quintessentially Picchiotti, exclusive and one-of-a-kind pieces as well as its Xpandable collection, a revolutionary line of diamond and gemstone jewellery that uses innovative and invisible technology to expand and contract, solving a myriad of customer challenges concerning comfort and fit.
The luxury Italian brand also showcased The Caletta Timepieces, a luxury watch collection born from the eclectic creativity of the Master Giuseppe Picchiotti. Each one has its own distinctive and incomparable traits, demonstating Picchiotti’s exceptional ingenuity and artistry that unite thrilling, inimitable fine jewellery designs with the new challenge of creating haute horlogerie.
Brazilian designer brand Lily Gabriella used the Couture event to unveil the new Holi collection, inspired by the Hindu festival of the same name. With this collection, creative director Lily Elia demonstrates a passion for experimenting with different and unconventional materials: each piece has been hand-crafted using the finest gemstones set in multiple tones of gold and paired with brushed marble.
Also born in Brazil, where she is still based, Rose Carvalho is one of the most talented designers on her home jewellery scene. Rose’s creations are inspired by the studies of Carl Jung, using archetypal images in the forms of Mandalas and the Universe. Rose’s high standards are inherited from 15 years of experience in the world of haute couture. Her jewellery designs reflect an outstanding artistic personality; all parts are handcrafted, with particular attention given to finish.
Her Observatories collection features interactive pieces where brushed, textured gold domes open, close and uncover unique surprises to the observer. The Lenses range sees Brazilian stones cabochon-cut stones cut like lenses to reveal the magical distortions of the mandala, the moon surface, solar explosions and the mystery of planets, while Stardust shows Rose’s fascination with the process of transforming gold powder into timeless jewellery to dramatic effect.
Meanwhile, award-winning London-based silversmith Kyosun Jung presented a range of contemporary silverware and luxury accessories, including clutch bags, silver cups and a wine cooler.
Guests attended throughout the day to meet the brands’ representatives and designers, coming away wowed by the jewels on show. At the evening drinks party, press and buyers stayed on to view the pieces while enjoying champagne and canapés.
