Fashion

8 World’s Most Expensive Jewellery Pieces

Published

10 months ago

February 2, 2024

From the distant ancient civilizations to the contemporary communities, jewelry has been an integral part of culture for millennia. Over that period, some of the most expensive and sought-after stones have been given as gifts or sold for enormous sums of money. Jewelry’s brilliance comes from within, not only from its shimmering appearance. Each piece has a tale to tell, and the tale becomes better the older the gem. These masterpieces are passed down for years and serve a specific purpose, whether it’s a tale of love, money, commerce, or the complexities of family.

Jewelry can be an artistic creation or a status symbol. Whatever it stands for, jewelry creates a special intimate moment between the giver and the recipient. The worth of jewelry surpasses that of most material belongings. A valuable tale is written every time it is given new ownership; it’s as if history keeps repeating itself in novel and unusual ways.

Let’s examine the significance of some of the most costly jewelry ever discovered.

The Hope Diamond Necklace

The Hope Diamond, named for one of its previous owners, Henry Philip Hope, is without a doubt the most well-known member of the extraordinarily rare blue diamond family. Its history dates back to the 17th century. Over time, skilled diamantaires cut and recut this massive stone, which started off weighing 112 carats, until it reached its final weight of 45.42 carats. Louis XIV, Abdulhamid II, and the well-known jewelry designer Pierre Cartier are among its previous owners. New York jeweler Harry Winston was the last owner, and he gave it to the Smithsonian Institute. The diamond is currently a part of the National Gem and Mineral collection at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.. The Hope Diamond’s extraordinarily powerful and vibrantly colored luminescence is one of its most important characteristics, along with its size and color. This elegant and rare blue diamond costs around $250 million.

The Kohinoor

It is commonly known that the Koh-i-noor is among the priciest jewelry items ever created. The 105.6-carat Koh-i-Noor diamond is said to be colorless or pure white, and it comes from India. Prior to its initial cutting, this magnificently costly diamond weighed an astounding 793 carats. The diamond was 186 carats when it was in the Kakatiya kingdom. In order to enhance its brilliance, Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, chopped it to its current size. Kohinoor is currently a component of Queen Elizabeth, the British Monarch. Millions of people view it every day while it is on public display in the Jewel House at the Tower of London. The diamond is now the most expensive in the world due to its enormous size and weight; at roughly USD 20 billion, or Ra 1.64 lakh crore, it is more expensive than the GDP of many countries.

The Apollo and Artemis Earrings

At $57.4 million, Apollo and Artemis—a pair of pear-shaped heavenly diamond twins, pink for the lady and blue for the boy—are considered the most expensive earrings in the world. To represent their immense strength and beauty, they were given the names of the heavenly brother and sister. Apollo Blue and Artemis Pink, which were exactly matched in size, cut, and tone, fetched $57.4 million at the Sotheby’s auction in Geneva in May 2017.

The L’Incomparable Necklace

The astounding $55 million Incomparable necklace is one of the most costly pieces of jewelry. The 407.48 carat brownish-yellow diamond pendant stone is the primary reason for the high price tag. Ninety-one white diamonds are put around this gem, which is set in rose gold. This parade weighs an incredible 637 carats in total. The Incomparable Diamond is surrounded by 91 white diamonds, including 35 pear-shaped diamonds and 56 brilliant-cut diamonds. The necklace is made of 18-karat gold and took over 4 years to design and create. Nita Ambani was the buyer of the necklace and she gifted it to her daughter in law Shloka Mehta

The Pink Star

At 59.6 carats, this magnificent vivid pink diamond—previously known as the Steinmetz Pink—is the largest internally flawless pink diamond. The Pink Star, which currently weighs 132.5 carats, was previously cut and polished to a much greater weight in 1999 after being mined in Africa by De Beers. At a Sotheby’s auction in April 2017, the gem brought $71.2 million, making it the most expensive gem ever sold at auction.

The Peacock Brooch

Laurence Graff, the founder of Graff Diamonds, is referred to as “The King of Diamonds,” and for good cause. Not many others would have the courage to design the most costly brooch in recent memory, a $100 million diamond brooch.1,305 stones in a variety of colors make up the 120.81 carat total weight of this exceptional treasure. The brooch’s main feature is a pear-shaped, dark blue diamond that weighs about 20 carats in total. It’s a nice thing to know that the center diamond may be worn separately for a more understated look, even though we’re not sure if you would be courageous enough to wear a piece of jewelry worth more than a first-class private plane.

Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace

This jadeite necklace, which has the couple’s names on it, was commissioned in 1933 by well-known American business magnate Franklyn Laws Hutton as a wedding present for his daughter Barbara Hutton. The piece, designed by Cartier, consists of 27 jadeite beads and is finished with a clasp encrusted with diamonds, gold, and rubies. The finest and rarest variety of the gemstone jade is called jadeite. Typically, jade of superior quality cannot produce beads larger than 10 millimeters in diameter. Because every bead on the necklace is carved from the same rock and has a diameter of more than 15 millimeters, it is extremely rare and precious. The Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace was bought by its creator Cartier for $27.44 million at auction following the death of Barbara Hutton.

The Zoe Diamond

There is an aura of mystery surrounding the Zoe Diamond because not much is known about its past. This stunning 9.75 carat blue velvet diamond has an extended teardrop cut and is set on platinum. The diamond was a component of the collection that famous philanthropist Rachel Lambert Mellon held, and it was put up for auction in 2014 following her passing. The buyer was Joseph Lau Luen-Hung, a business magnate from Hong Kong, who had previously bought the Blue Moon diamond. This time, the stone is named after Zoe, the owner’s older daughter, who received the diamond as a gift.

Related Topics:Diamond gold jewellery Jewelry Luxury

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Fashion

The Year of Statement Hat

Published

3 months ago

August 20, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

When Anya Taylor-Joy stepped out at this year’s Cannes Film Festival in Jacquemus’ Le Chapeau Bomba, a delightfully oversized raffia hat it was clear that this accessory had become the season’s ultimate statement piece. The fall 2024 runways echoed this sentiment, with Chanel and Prada showcasing hats as the new must-have. Think of Sarah Jessica Parker’s oversized Maryam Keyhani creation, worn on the set of And Just Like That… earlier this year, or Margaret Qualley donning Chanel’s nautical style at Cannes. These hats are for the main characters who command attention, making a bold statement long before you arrive.

Altuzarra’s fall 2024 collection featured boxy headpieces on some models, each designed to evoke a specific character. “It was about finding joy in wearing a complete look, fully embodying a character,” explains designer Joseph Altuzarra. Interestingly, this was the label’s first foray into hats beyond casual knit and woven styles. ‘We didn’t plan to sell them,’ Altuzarra admits, ‘but they ended up being a hit.

Similarly, milliner Gigi Burris O’Hara has experienced a surge in demand. Although she launched her brand, Gigi Burris, in 2012, she only opened her first store late last year. “During leaner times, when people become more selective with their spending, they seek joy in thoughtful purchases,” she explains.

After years of embracing a more casual style, we’re now gravitating toward all things expressive. Maximalist content creator Sara Camposarcone has been embracing pieces from small brands like Potion23, renowned for its whimsical, witchy hats. “I feel like I can now wear bolder headpieces that complement my extravagant outfits,” Camposarcone shares. “Since discovering vintage fashion, I’ve developed a passion for finding great vintage pillbox hats or a 1920s fascinator.”

Fashion

The Iconic Bags and Their Names

Published

4 months ago

August 3, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Handbags are more than just functional accessories; they are statements of style and symbols of status. Over the years, several handbags have achieved iconic status, becoming synonymous with luxury and timeless fashion. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic bags and the stories behind their names.

Hermès Birkin

Origin: The Birkin bag was born from a chance encounter between actress and singer Jane Birkin and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight in 1981. Birkin mentioned her struggle to find a perfect weekend bag, leading Dumas to design a bag tailored to her needs.

Icon Status: The Birkin is known for its exclusivity, craftsmanship, and high price tag. It has become a symbol of wealth and luxury, often with a waiting list of years.

Chanel 2.55

Origin: Created by Coco Chanel in February 1955 (hence the name), the Chanel 2.55 was revolutionary for its time, introducing the concept of a shoulder bag, freeing women from the inconvenience of clutch bags.

Icon Status: With its quilted leather, chain strap, and distinctive CC lock (added in the 1980s by Karl Lagerfeld), the 2.55 remains a timeless piece, beloved by fashionistas worldwide.

Louis Vuitton Speedy

Origin: Introduced in the 1930s, the Speedy was designed as a smaller version of the Louis Vuitton Keepall. It became particularly popular in the 1960s when Audrey Hepburn requested a smaller version, leading to the creation of the Speedy 25.

Icon Status: Known for its classic monogram canvas and practicality, the Speedy is a versatile bag that has remained a staple in the fashion world for decades.

Dior Lady Dior

Origin: First presented in 1994, the Lady Dior bag was initially known as “Chouchou.” It gained its iconic status when Princess Diana was photographed with it in 1995, leading to its renaming in her honor.

Icon Status: The bag’s signature cannage stitching and dangling Dior charms make it instantly recognizable. It’s a favorite among celebrities and royalty, symbolizing elegance and sophistication.

Gucci Jackie

Origin: Originally called the Fifties Constance, this bag was renamed the Jackie after Jackie Kennedy was frequently photographed carrying it in the 1960s.

Icon Status: The Jackie bag’s hobo shape and piston strap closure make it a timeless piece. It has seen numerous revivals and remains a classic in the Gucci lineup.

Prada Galleria

Origin: Named after the historic Prada boutique in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the Galleria bag epitomizes the brand’s heritage and craftsmanship.

Icon Status: With its clean lines, structured shape, and Saffiano leather, the Galleria bag is a symbol of modern elegance and understated luxury.

Fendi Baguette

Origin: Designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi in 1997, the Baguette was named for its shape, resembling the French baguette loaf, and designed to be carried under the arm.

Icon Status: Popularized by its appearance on the TV show “Sex and the City,” the Baguette became a must-have accessory, famous for its countless variations in colors and materials.

Balenciaga City

Origin: Introduced in the early 2000s, the Balenciaga City bag, also known as the Motorcycle bag, was designed by Nicolas Ghesquière. Its casual yet chic design quickly gained a cult following.

Icon Status: Known for its slouchy silhouette, distinctive hardware, and tassels, the City bag became an icon of the 2000s and continues to be a beloved piece.

These iconic bags have transcended fashion trends, becoming enduring symbols of style, craftsmanship, and luxury. Each bag tells a unique story, adding to its allure and making it a coveted piece for fashion enthusiasts around the world. Investing in one of these iconic bags is not just about owning a stylish accessory but also a piece of fashion history.

Cover Story

Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s Traditional Ladakh’s Heritage Attire

Published

9 months ago

March 6, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

As Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding festivities come to an end, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja chose to dress in Ladakh traditional garb. The event featured a number of topics, with India’s rich past being the focus yesterday night. Sonam Kapoor Ahuja emphasized this by dressing in Namza Couture, which was established in 2016 by Padma Yangchan and Jigmet Disket and is renowned for its commitment to Ladakhi fabrics.

The Mogos, a gown-like item with a shimmering zari border and pistachio green brocade, was part of Sonam’s ensemble. She wore a rani-pink shawl called a “Bok,” which is usually made from silk or goat skin and is worn to keep warm by the locals. This outfit was made of silk by Benaras artisans, and it had intricate phoenix embroidery, which stands for knowledge and vigor. It also had a crane image, which stands for prosperity and peace.

Her jewelry selections also honored custom; she wore a neckpiece set with diamonds and an emerald stone in the center. She accessorized this with striking statement rings and copper handcuffs, all tastefully matched with pearl earrings. She chose metallic juttis to complete her look, and she carried a bespoke purse by re-ceremonial.