Fast forward to today, and Félix’s wildest dreams seem to have come to life at Cartier’s latest high jewellery collection, Nature Sauvage, previewed at the historic Kursalon Hübner gallery in Vienna. Among the star pieces is the Koaga necklace, a masterful creation where a zebra clasps an emerald-cut diamond and a 6.25-carat pear-shaped rubellite in its mouth. The zebra’s form is exquisitely rendered in alternating onyx stripes and pavé diamonds, making the creature feel almost lifelike.

The relationship between animals and jewellery has deep mythological roots, often glorified through rituals and symbolism. In ancient Egypt, scarab beetles were worn as earrings to signify respect for life’s cyclical nature. Meanwhile, in Hellenistic Greece, gods and goddesses took on the forms of winged creatures in adornment. So, what is it about animal-themed jewellery that continues to captivate us? According to Amanda Triossi, a jewellery historian based in Rome, the allure lies in our primal instincts: “Wearing wild animals like panthers or tigers gives one the sense of having conquered them. It’s empowering, as if you inherit the animal’s strength and attributes.”

Cartier captures this essence beautifully in its Amphista necklace. Featuring two intertwined snakes with diamond scales set with emeralds, their heads adorned with kite-shaped diamonds, the necklace echoes ancient Chinese philosophy’s yin-yang balance. The pièce de résistance? Nine octagonal Colombian emeralds, weighing a total of 14.72 carats.

Triossi also notes that many historical heroes are often depicted draped in the skins of animals they’ve vanquished, a symbol of triumph. Today, jewellery transforms that symbol into something precious and eternal—animal skins reimagined in imperishable materials.

Later that evening, at a celebration held at Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest in Austria, the enchantment of Cartier’s collection was heightened. The museum’s octagonal domes featured paintings of animals dancing with angels, setting the stage for a magical night. Guests were greeted by masterpieces such as Rembrandt’s Self-Portrait and Caravaggio’s Madonna of the Rosary, alongside Cartier page boys in their signature red hats. The evening’s soundtrack, a seamless blend of Bach and Kygo, was curated by DJ Gillian Sagansky, lending a modern twist to the classical ambiance.

The following day brought another cultural adventure—a visit to Otto Wagner’s Villa, a stunning summer palace designed by the famed architect. The paintings adorning the villa’s walls depicted animals in various forms—some caught in purgatory, others wandering the biblical bardo, with alligators restlessly emerging from swampy landscapes.

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As part of Tod’s T-Factory project, which features exclusive collaborations with creative innovators, this marks Indian couturier Rahul Mishra’s debut in the international accessories space.

Mishra is a true ambassador of Indian design. Along with his wife Divya Mishra, he leads his eponymous label, which has brought the essence of India to the global stage in remarkable ways. A regular at Paris Fashion Week and the first Indian designer to showcase at Paris Haute Couture Week, his creations have adorned celebrities like Zendaya and Mark Zuckerberg, and have graced magazine covers in South Korea, China, and Europe. With such a path-defining legacy, it’s no surprise that Mishra and his visionary label were Tod’s natural choice for their first-ever Indian collaboration.

Mishra describes this collaboration as a beautiful fusion of “Italian craftsmanship serving as the canvas for Indian vision.” Tod’s iconic Gommino loafers and mules, along with the Di Bag and T Timeless shoulder bag, have been reimagined with intricate resham embroidery, crystals, and sequins—all meticulously hand-embroidered at Mishra’s atelier in Noida. “It was a technically challenging process that took time to perfect. I can confidently say these are some of the finest bags and shoes you’ll ever witness, in terms of craftsmanship and longevity. Such pieces are forever,” Mishra proudly shares.

Crafted entirely between India and Italy, the limited-edition pieces from this collection are a true love letter to the artisanal heritage of both nations. “There’s a beauty in the teamwork here,” Mishra explains. “We received raw materials from Italy and worked on integrating our embroideries seamlessly into their leather. The pieces were then sent back to Tod’s, where they transformed them into stunning, three-dimensional products. In that sense, it’s been a genuine collaboration between Italy and India.”

Mishra firmly believes that the future of global design will be shaped by a global Indian aesthetic. “Just as French, Italian, British, and Japanese designs are now seen as universal,” he explains. This collaboration marks a significant step in advancing that narrative. “When you push the boundaries of ‘handmade in India’ to be respected at the pinnacle of luxury, everything else will naturally follow,” he emphasizes.

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With the festive season approaching, it’s the perfect time to invest in jewelry that can be cherished for generations. These timeless creations, adored by Hollywood stars and royalty alike, are always a wise choice. From the instantly recognizable Cartier Love bangle to Chanel’s classic pearls, De Beer’s diamond studs, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ lucky Alhambra talisman, here are 10 truly special pieces to buy now and wear forever.

For those seeking more budget-friendly options, don’t forget to explore these affordable jewelry brands as well.

The Cartier Tank Watch

Introduced in 1919, the Cartier Tank Watch was inspired by the armored vehicles of World War I, with its sleek design reflecting the tracks of early tanks. Its timeless elegance has ensured a devoted following ever since.

The Tiffany & Co. Open Heart Pendant

Designed by Elsa Peretti, who joined Tiffany & Co. in 1974, the Open Heart pendant features a sleek, open-centered heart inspired by Henry Moore’s sculptures. Its modern yet classic design remains a favorite.

The Chanel Pearl Earrings

Pearls add an instant touch of sophistication, and Chanel’s pearl earrings are a perfect example. Coco Chanel famously adored pearls, and her fashion house continues to celebrate them with elegant designs that remain stylish.

The Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace

First launched in 1968, the Alhambra necklace is inspired by the Alhambra Palace in Spain. Its design, featuring clover-shaped motifs and vibrant semi-precious stones, remains a Van Cleef & Arpels signature.

The Bulgari Serpenti Watch  

Since the 1940s, Bulgari’s Serpenti collection has embodied the allure of the serpent. Elizabeth Taylor’s famous appearance wearing the Serpenti watch in “Cleopatra” cemented its iconic status.

The Boodles Diamond Tennis Bracelet

Popularized by tennis player Chris Evert in the 1970s, this elegant bracelet features a continuous row of diamonds, making it a versatile piece that complements any outfit.

The Piaget Cuff Bracelet

Piaget, originally a watchmaker, began crafting exquisite gold jewelry in 1961. The stackable gold bangles, inspired by Mediterranean hues, offer a touch of sunny warmth.

The Harry Winston Cluster Earrings

Renowned for handling some of the world’s most famous diamonds, Harry Winston’s cluster earrings, with their dazzling pear and marquise-cut diamonds, continue to be a symbol of glamour.

The Cartier Love Bracelet

Created in 1969 by Aldo Cipullo, the Cartier Love bracelet is an iconic piece symbolizing eternal love. Its unique design, secured with tiny screws, has made it a beloved classic.

Investing in these pieces ensures you’ll have timeless, elegant additions to your jewelry collection that will continue to bring joy for years to come.

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The brand-new, alcohol-free dog perfume, “Fefé,” was introduced in celebration of Domenico Dolce’s poodle, of the same name. The mist, which is “tailored specifically for dogs,” retails for an astounding $100 (about Rs 9,000).

According to the official website, “This alcohol-free scented mist for dogs blends fresh and delicate notes of Ylang Ylang, Musk, and Sandalwood, inspired by Domenico Dolce’s unconditional love for his loyal dog Fefé.” It’s a kind and comforting scent designed for an enjoyable beauty regimen.”

The website of the business further states, “This fragrance is housed in a sleek green lacquered glass bottle, adorned with a vibrant red metal cap and a precious 24-carat gold-plated paw.”

According to Dolce & Gabbana, this perfume complies with the Safe Pet Cosmetics guideline, which aims to guarantee that cosmetics for animals are as safe as those intended for people.

Publicly traded Bureau Veritas Italia offers inspection, laboratory verification, and certification services. According to the company’s ‘Fefe’ web page, which includes customer and veterinarian performance reviews, all dog owners surveyed find the fragrance to be “gentle and well accepted by their pets,” but not all vets support the use of perfumes on dogs because they may interfere with the animal’s sense of smell or mask unpleasant smells that could be an indication of an illness.

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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.

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The events showcased the Ambanis’ unparalleled ability to combine luxury with cultural importance, with unique couture, exclusive locations, and a feast fit for thousands, from the pre-wedding activities to the actual wedding ceremony.

This is a walk down memory lane that highlights some of the pricey weddings that have happened in the past:

Prince William and Kate Middleton

Due to its extravagant and magnificent nature, Kate Middleton and Prince William’s 2011 royal wedding would go down as one of the most costly weddings ever. 1,900 people attended the event at Westminster Abbey, which was broadcasted to 160 million people worldwide. Commonwealth countries also celebrated the occasion.

Amit Bhatia and Vanisha Mittal

Vanisha, the daughter of steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, wed Amit Bhatia in 2004 at a ceremony that took place throughout famous French locations. The six-day event, which drew 1,000 foreign guests and included a performance by Kylie Minogue, is among the priciest weddings in India and abroad.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s 2018 wedding at Windsor Castle was a blend of tradition and modernity. Meghan’s Givenchy dress, the gospel choir, and the intimate ceremony captured the world’s attention. The security costs alone were estimated at over $40 million, contributing significantly to the overall expense.

Brahmani Janardhana Reddy and Rajeev Reddy

In the midst of India’s demonetization crisis, Brahmani Reddy’s 2016 wedding at Bangalore’s Palace Grounds garnered criticism for its extravagant nature. With 50,000 attendees, the occasion featured opulent features like a 2.3 million sari and heavy security.

Anand Piramal and Isha Ambani

In 2018, Reliance Heiress Isha Ambani wed Anand Piramal, and the couple celebrated their union across several cities, beginning at Antilia, the Ambani home. The opulent gatherings included intricate ceremonies and a large number of well-known guests.

Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer

With 750 million watchers, the 1981 wedding between Lady Diana and Prince Charles at St. Paul’s Cathedral was a spectacle seen throughout the world. A lasting impact was left by the magnificent ceremony and Diana’s famous attire.

Richa Roy and Sushanto Roy; Chandni Toor and Seemanto Roy

In 2004, Sahara Group’s Subroto Roy transformed Lucknow with extravagant decorations for his sons’ double wedding. 11,000 attendees were transported in luxury automobiles, gold napkins, and private jets during the six-day celebration.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikha Hind Bint bin Maktoum

Sheikh Mohammed and his cousin Sheikha Hind were married at a royal ceremony in Dubai in 1979. There were jewel-encrusted camels, traditional musicians, and a specially constructed arena for the week-long event.

Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani

The world’s most costly wedding was that of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. Several international superstars, including Rihanna, attended the pre-wedding celebrations for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in 2024. A Mediterranean cruise and extravagant parties were part of the extended celebrations, which raised the bar for wedding extravagance.

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The Ambani Girls

Isha Ambani was spotted with her sister-in-laws, Sholka Mehta and Radhika Merchant, wearing a unique design by Ashwin Thiyagarajan.

The Bulgari Team

Jean Christophe Babin, CEO Bulgari  and Lucia Silversti, Creative Director Jewelry, Bulgari

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka looked stunning at the celebration. She turned heads wearing a pre-draped sheer saree with a pastel pink design and a slit skirt, combined with a bustier blouse by Gaurav Gupta. She wore merely a statement necklace and some big Bulgari rings, keeping her accessory game simple.

Shilpa Shetty

Shilpa wore an emerald dress with a patterned cape when she got to the gathering.

Aditi Rao Hydari

Aditi Rao Hydari looked stunning in an orange saree.

Madhuri Dixit

Madhuri Dixit was also spotted there wearing a pink coordinated outfit with her spouse, Sriram Nene.

Ayushmann Khurrana

Ayushmann Khurrana looked stunning in this white suit with embroidery.

Athiya Shetty

For the celebration, Athiya Shetty opted for a shimmering pantsuit.

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“Navaratna” means “nine gems” in Sanskrit, and this particular type of jewelry is set with nine distinct gemstones, each of which stands for a different heavenly body. It is believed that the placement of these jewels in the jewelry has astrological significance and will benefit the wearer in terms of prosperity, health, and general well-being. The diamond, ruby, emerald, blue sapphire, yellow sapphire, coral, pearl, hessonite, and cat’s eye are the commonly recognized nine jewels. In Vedic astrology, each gem is linked to one of the nine planets.

Old Indian writings such as the Garuda Purana and Vedic astrology are where Navaratna jewelry first appeared. According to these books, one can balance their life and harness the planetary forces by using particular gemstones.

Navaratna jewelry underwent a design evolution over the course of centuries, embracing elaborate designs and inventive craftsmanship. India’s various regions has created their own distinct styles, each of which tells a tale of the blending of cultures that distinguishes the nation.

Navaratna jewelry is still a beloved and sought-after form in modern times. Although conventional designs hold great value, contemporary jewelers explore novel materials, settings, and styles to accommodate a wide range of tastes and preferences.

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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.

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The decision to wear a gown by Elie Saab is notable because Kate typically favors British house Alexander McQueen for formal occasions. This choice showcased her willingness to explore different designers and added a touch of international flair to her wardrobe.

The Waleses’ attendance at foreign royal weddings is not common, but they have a personal connection to Jordan. Kate lived in the country from ages two to four due to her father’s work at British Airways. Prince William also has ties to Jordan, as he was hosted by Crown Prince Hussein during a visit in 2018. Additionally, the couple has previously vacationed in Jordan with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, further highlighting their fondness for the country.

Upon their arrival at the wedding, William and Kate were greeted by King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan. Other overseas royals, such as Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, as well as Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, were also in attendance. First Lady Jill Biden was among the distinguished guests as well.

Overall, this wedding provided an opportunity for the Princess of Wales to showcase her fashion choices and celebrate the bond between the British and Jordanian royal families.

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