Inspired by the magic of Jules Verne’s tales of wonder and nature, Van Cleef & Arpels debuts its most stunning collection yet.

Van Cleef & Arpels has been known as a house of luxury and innovation since its inception in 1896. It is only natural then that the jewelry giant has spun its latest High Jewelry collection from French literary legend Jules Verne’s tales of magic and wonder. His classics, such as Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Journey to the Center of the Earth, are rife with creatures both natural and less so. His legendary sense of imagination inspires that of Van Cleef & Arpels, a house that has truly met its match in fantastical creation.

The entire collection is composed of four lines, each named for one of Verne’s books, and is crowned by two unbelievably exceptional pieces. A part of the Les Voyages Extraordinaires: Journey to the Center of the Earth line, the Stromboli earrings are crafted from 3.12 carats of round white diamonds, 5.26 carats of round yellow diamonds, 8.49 carats of round purple sapphires, and both white and yellow gold. It is estimated that each pair requires 220 hours of work, so the $280,000 price tag is well deserved.

The Stromboli earrings mimic their inspiration. When pictured, Stromboli, a volcanic island in the Mediterranean, calls to mind the beautiful jewel tones of the sea as well as the fiery brim of a volcano. The earrings’ purple sapphire- and diamond-encrusted wings practically erupt with strands of luminous yellow diamonds bursting with energy and light. Such dramatic glamour is a cornerstone of the entire collection, one that appears refined, elegant and ever so special, like you might never be able to find anything like these pieces ever again.  Another noteworthy piece is the Nuit D’Equateur necklace from the Les Voyages Extraordinaires: Five Weeks in a Balloon series. It takes 1,560 painstaking hours to create this marvelous piece, which fetches a cool $1,825,000.  The stunning white gold necklace features eight round black spinels, .47 carats of onyx motifs, one 5.07-carat pear-shaped diamond of F VVS1 (colorless, very very slight inclusions to the first order quality), 7.89 carats of 13 pear-shaped diamonds, 22.36 carats of 1,242 round diamonds, 37.96 carats of two engraved tourmalines and 99.81 carats of 372 emerald beads. Its sweeping length and dramatic display reflect the light with its multitude of diamonds and simultaneously embodies the dark in its emeralds and onyx. The longest strands of emerald beads support the pear diamond air balloon: a feat of pure whimsy, yet sophisticated in its thoughtful, deliberate design.

Any savvy gem connoisseur would be privileged to own these rare delights crafted with as much imagination by Van Cleef & Arpels as Jules Verne expressed. His sea creatures, natural wonders and treasures of the earth, sea and sky are embodied by Van Cleef & Arpels in remarkable, museum-quality gemstones. The jewels embedded within the Les Voyages Extraordinaires collection dare the wearer to be different.

For evening events, pack away the pearls and celebrate a different kind of beauty with the explosive impact of the Stromboli earrings. Dare to don the Nuit D’Equateur necklace and allow it to speak for itself with its intricate twists, turns and engravings and, of course, the balloon. The collection is perfect for almost any occasion: a black-tie affair, society gathering or even at home in a white shirt and trousers. Imbued with quality and comfort, dazzle and luxe sophistication, Les Voyages Extraordinaires by Van Cleef & Arpels is the only collection to combine magical adventure with down-home comfort in fine jewelry.

Van Cleef & Arpels, 877.VAN.CLEEF, www.vancleef-arpels.com

Chopard celebrates 150 years of excellence in fine jewelry with a 150-piece collection of unprecedented proportions.

Famed Swiss jeweler and watchmaker, Chopard, celebrates 150 years of imagination, luxury and wonder with Animal Planet: a 150-piece fairytale haute joaillerie collection of baubles inspired by the animal kingdom, from the everyday to the rare and mythical.

Chopard Co-President and Artistic Director Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele devised the collection, settling on the theme of animals to honor her love and appreciation for them. the collection melds the best of new technology at Chopard with techniques that have been central to the core of its jewelry-making process since the beginning. In addition to the usual parade of gorgeous rubies, diamonds, sapphires and emeralds, Chopard’s Animal Planet collection welcomes quartz, kunzites, pearls, Paraíba tourmalines, moonstones, red gold, titanium and precious woods to enhance and authenticate the natural experience of an animal and its habitat.

Gruosi-Scheufele poured over various specialized encyclopedias and a Chinese calendar and mythical materials to cull her collection of both worldly and other-worldly beasts. From the usual bee and frog to the hippopotamus, stork and majestic dragon, Chopard’s anniversary collection literally leaves no stone unturned. each piece is crafted from ?awless gems, metals and woods, such as an 11.43-carat, pear-cut brown diamond imagined as a turtle. Its shell is pavéd and set with 370 brilliant champagne, cognac and deep chestnut brown diamonds to resemble the turtle’s delicate scales.

Other pieces, such as the Clownfish plastron necklace, boast more than 2,160 stones of all hues from diamonds, apatites, aquamarines and sapphires to Paraíba tourmalines, quartz, moonstones and chalcedonies. It took more than 750 hours of Chopard genius and craftsmanship to create the necklace, which depicts four clownfish suspended in the ?uid splendor of the ocean. Another ocean creature, the sea horse, claims its stake in the spectacular collection by way of a pair of earrings. the pair’s onyx eyes radiate outwards to a body smothered in brilliant-cut diamonds lending the sea horse its elusive and magical quality. Perhaps most wondrous of all, however, is the cloud of 108 effervescent rose-cut diamonds resembling bubbles that cushion the bottom of each sea horse as it makes its journey through the sea of air above the neck.

A pair of storks in midair makes a perfect present to an expectant mother or for a birthday,  Mother’s Day or no holiday in particular. Chopard’s Stork earrings are adorned with a multitude of black-and-white diamonds set in white gold. the surprise, of course, is in the packaging: A little blue bundle of topaz represents a sleeping baby boy, while you’ll ?nd a little girl nestled among a subtle drop of pink kunzite.For the admirer of rare, quality gems the world over, it doesn’t get any better than Chopard. Celebrate a very happy birthday by delighting in a ?t of her fancy—Chopard’s Animal Kingdom simply dazzles.

Chopard, 212.223.2304, www.chopard.com

Bewitchingly chic, de Grisogono’s pave diamond bracelet is a dazzling reminder of the company’s origins.

Only two years after the founding of de Grisogono’s Geneva-based store, Fawaz Gruosi founded de Grisogono S.A. with the intention of reintroducing black diamonds as desirably rare gems.  It was a risky decision. Until the debut of his 1996 collection, which was composed entirely of black diamonds, these fragile stones had been disregarded by the jewelry industry and faulted for their color. Yet Gruosi valued their mysterious appeal and was certain he could persuade others to do the same.  Since de Grisogono S.A.’s initial collection, the young company has made black diamonds a must for the independent woman. Imbued with deep color with strong design, the black diamond has become the symbol of de Grisogono’s brave creativity, and the firm has since gained a reputation as one of the world’s leading jewelers. The brand continues to be an innovator in its field, having globally expanded with 16 boutiques and over 189 outlets. Still utilizing often overlooked gems, de Grisogono S.A. even incorporates exotic stingray leather within its collections.  The company’s inventive flair has even led to a new shade of precious metal, Browny Brown Gold.

One of their most recent designs, this particular bracelet invests de Grisogono’s powerful tradition with newfound charm.  Artfully crafted, each diamond appears seamlessly set, allowing for smooth contours and a playful, organic quality. Graceful spirals evoke the twilight waves of the North Atlantic and moonlight reflecting ageless splendor. As innovative as the company that created it, the cuff plays with the balance between opulence and simplicity, timelessness and modernity. It is the beauty of opposition. An entanglement of black and white diamonds, its high contrast and bold, fluid arrangement is not for the faint of heart. Instead, the piece offers contemporary elegance for the chic woman.

The de Grisogono bracelet is priced at $379,100.

de Grisogono, www.degrisogono.com, 212.439.4248

Boucheron’s Plume de Paon necklace is sure to stun with its jaw-dropping centerpiece of a Sri Lankan sapphire.

Long considered to be the most regal of birds, the peacock is famed for the male’s arresting plumage of wispy, jewel-toned feathers. The most aristocratic families, especially during the Victorian era, kept peacocks in their estate gardens, and decorated their homes and themselves with the bird’s rare, exotic colored plumage.

Using the delicate peacock feather as inspiration, Boucheron Paris, one of France’s most treasured jewelers, has created the ultimate accessory as part of its Trouble Désir collection, in the form of a daring, awe-inspiring necklace. The Plume de Paon, which literally translates as “peacock feather,” is not for the faint of heart. Bold sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds encrust the entire length of thecollier, even the back.

Crafted to resemble a peacock feather softly dangling from the neck, Boucheron’s surprisingly supple and lightweight Plume de Paon starts with a teardrop-shaped diamond designed to resemble the base of a feather. As the white-gold Plume de Paon encircles the neck, 1,001 jeweled “wisps” appear and gradually swell into the long, curling branches of the feather. The pavé-set stones, in brilliant purples, blues, greens, yellows, and oranges grace the plume, building in variety and imparting increasing amounts of sparkle. Finally, the true show-stopper remains the eye of the feather: a jaw-dropping 40-karat Sri Lankan blue sapphire, enclosed by hot-pink stones.
Slated to become an instant conversation-starter, Boucheron’s Plume de Paon radiates style and confidence. Unique and impeccably crafted, it is a true jewelry masterpiece, guaranteed to be passed down through the ages.

Boucheron, 866.983.3747, www.boucheron.com

Seems the recession isn’t hitting everybody. The Swatch Group (US) Inc., a subsidiary of the Swatch Group, has recently opened up its third American Tourbillon boutique in Las Vegas. A unique multi-brand watch and jewelry network, Tourbillon boutiques bring you the best of the best in one place.

Situated at Crystals in City Center, this boutique becomes the 18th in the world; two others in the United States, five within Swiss borders, and eight others spread across Europe. The other two in the US are in South Coast Plaza (CA) and Manhattan.

These Tourbillon boutiques bring together all the prestigious brands under one roof, featuring such establishments as Breguet, Blancpain, Glashütte Original, Jaquet Droz, Leon Hatot, Omega, Tiffany & Co., as well as some of Swatch’s own.

City Center, which was designed by eight world famous architects, is surrounded by the Excalibur, New York New York, MGM Grand, and the Bellagio. Besides the gorgeous Crystals building, this urban hub also includes the Veer Towers, Mandarin Oriental, Aria Resort & Casino, and the Harmon Hotel. Why would you ever need to leave?

[Swatch Group]

For the high-end collector, Paula Crevoshay’s powerful pieces stand apart from the crowd.

Artist and designer Paula Crevoshay’s coveted collectables inspire awe in even the savviest of jewelry connoisseurs. It all begins with the heart of her pieces, the center stone from which all the other dazzling stones radiate, like blooms on a branch. Crevoshay’s passion for designing jewelry stems from her attraction to all things rare and inherently beautiful.  As a painter and sculptor, Crevoshay’s approach to creating some of the finest gems begins from the center out, the “center” being the most brilliant gems available in the world, some of which take years to find and purchase. “I connect instantly and actually see the finished piece on many of my purchases, or else just blindly fall in love and tuck it away until the finished piece becomes apparent,” muses Crevoshay.

Some of Crevoshay’s rare acquisitions include her second natural pearl, which she found in the Sulu Sea in the Philippines. She sold her Celestial Moonbeam ring, at the heart of which sits a gleaming white conch pearl, in June 2010. She admits it was quite a rare piece. “I have a top rare natural black pearl from the Sea of Cortez in a ring that fetches a [top] price due to its quality and unavailability,” she says. “I also love opal and am known for having exceptionally rare and amazingly fabulous opals in the collection.”

Crevoshay’s opals are extraordinary. Some of the most incredible are found in Australia’s Lightning Ridge. “Approximately 90 percent of the opal seen in jewelry, or as loose stones, comes from the various deposits in Australia. The boulder opal from Queensland is another alternative and is more durable and stable due to the iron stone matrix that it merges with the Earth. Both of these varieties thrill me due to their painterly properties. The myriad play of colors inspires and delights the eye,” Crevoshay swoons. She also works with Peruvian pink, electric blue, and rare Serbian green opals.

Paula feels strongly about where and from whom she sources her stones. As the luxury market turns more and more toward eco-friendly and socially responsible alternatives, the modern collector is not only looking for quality and rarity but for character, both in the gem and its designer. Crevoshay says, “I often know the miners personally, as the globe has grown ever smaller over the decades. Our generation of gem dealers and jewelers has really helped to raise consciousness for improving conditions for the miners and their families. Many are raising funds to benefit some of the regions that really need our help.” Her collectors, often bold entrepreneurs, also look for sustainable style. Retaining cultural practices has also been a hallmark of Crevoshay’s genius. After spending time in Asia, particularly in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Nepal, Crevoshay studied ancient Asian techniques in the craft and melded those techniques seamlessly with their more modern counterparts. The delicate balance between ancient and modern is something that Crevoshay contemplates on a daily basis. The handiwork on her pieces is the arena where she can truly showcase the value of antiquated practices, affecting both appearance and wearability. “A cast piece has a completely different feel from a hand-crafted one and has a completely different look as well. Because forged metal is much stronger than cast, I can design on a large scale without making a piece too heavy to wear comfortably. Hand engravings, versus machine stamping and carving into wax, versus intricately sawing from sheet gold are other examples of techniques that look and feel different.”

Crevoshay’s treasures retain their special qualities by at once embracing current trends and adhering to classic styles. They reflect the extraordinary, the rare, and the truly fine, whether in bold, screaming colors or ethereal, subtler pieces that seem to glow, simmering over low heat. No matter their nature, all of Crevoshay’s confections are forever wearable and highly intricate. Her avid collectors, whom she refers to as “angels,” look to these details to distinguish a Crevoshay creation from a bevy of imposters. The Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania displays two of Crevoshay’s pieces in its permanent collection. “One was purchased from an endowment to celebrate the opening of the Wertz Gallery and another was donated to them,” Crevoshay elaborates. She has an exhibition slated for 2013-2015 in the Middle East.

Crevoshay’s impeccable beauties are available through her website and in New Mexico, where she lives and works. In addition to her unbelievably imaginative jeweled concoctions, she creates custom pieces for every skin tone, bone structure, and style. For a gift that truly speaks from the soul, a Crevoshay is the perfect choice.

Crevoshay, 505.898.2888, www.crevoshay.com

On April 22, 2010 at their Rockefeller Plaza showroom, Christie’s will host Jewels: The New York Sale, with the Catherine the Great Emerald Brooch and the Emperor Maximilian Diamond.

Set with an estimate of $1,000,000 – $1,500,000, the Emperor Maximilian Diamond is said to have been worn by the Emperor himself, in a small satchel around his neck during his execution at the age of 35. Mounted in platinum, the cushion-cut diamond weights a little under 40 carats, and is of I color and VS1 clarity with a very strong blue fluorescence, according to the Gemological Institute of America.

Although not the jewelry piece with the highest estimation, the Emperor Maximilian Diamond has an interesting background story.

Reappearing in a sale, after its disappearance following the plunge into insanity by Emperor Maximilian’s wife, the diamond was later purchased by gem dealer, Ferdinand Holtz in 1919, who refused to sell the diamond. However, after his death in 1946 it was sold to a private collector in New York.

Also on sale, is the Catherine the Great Emerald Brooch, estimated at $1,000,000 – $1,500,000.

-Affluent Page

[Christie's]

A rare Fancy Intense Pinkish Orange Diamond Ring (est. $2.5/3.5 million) will headline Sotheby’s upcoming jewelry sale next month in New York.

Always in Style: 150 Years of Artistic Jewels and Magnificent Jewels, is actually comprised of three separate sessions. The first session is simply an extensive survey of period and signed jewels from the 19th century up until modern times, which represent the principal design themes of those time periods.

Magnificent Jewels, the second session, features stunning diamond and colored stone jewels from some of the most prestigious collections including Patricia Kludge, Ann Getty, and the Nancy M. Daly estate. Jewels that were former members of the Marlene Dietrich and Isabella Stewart Gardner collections will be offered as well.

The highlight of the second session is the rare Fancy Intense Pinkish Orange Diamond Ring that is set with a 7.67 carat, type IIa, cut-cornered rectangular modified brilliant-cut stone that is the largest flawless or internally flawless diamond of this color graded by the GIA. Coming in right behind it is A Platinum and Diamond Ring (est. $2/3million) that is set with a 9.25-carat round diamond of D color, made from similar type IIa material. Coming from a distinguished collection, the ring carries a grade of triple-X, signifying its elegant cut, polish, and symmetry.

Rounding out the sale is the third session, Always in Style: 150 Years of Artistic Jewels, a single-owner collection of signed and decorative jewels created over the last two centuries, featuring Cartier, Daniel Brush, Marcus & Co., Giuliano, Boivin, T.B. Starr and Giorgio Facchini.

Notables from the April 20th sale will be on public exhibition at Sotheby’s Los Angeles office on March 26th and in Hong Kong from April 3-6. The presale exhibitions in New York will be held April 16 through April 20th.

[Sotheby's]

A 5.16-carat Pear-Shaped Internally Flawless Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Ring will be the prize piece of Sotheby’s upcoming “Jewels and Jadeite” Spring Sale, taking place on April 7 in Hong Kong.

This rare gem, which is from an Important Private Collection, is the first of De Beers Millennium Blue Diamond Collection to be at auction. Estimated at $4.6-5.8 million, this diamond was expertly cut and polished by The Steinmetz Diamond Group, and is laser-inscribed with the number “11″ on it; there were 12 diamonds in the Millennium Collection.

Of those 12, nine were given the grade of “Fancy Vivid” by the Gemological Institute of America, with this particular one being among them.

Blue diamonds are some of the rarest in the world, with the Premier Diamond Mine of Transvaal in South Africa being the main source. Out of all the rough diamonds that are excavated each year, it is said that only one of them will be able to produce a significant blue diamond.

The De Beers Millennium Collection was presented back in 2000 to celebrate the turn of the millennium. They were displayed in London’s Millennium Dome, as well as Japan and Dubai.

[Sotheby's]

For the first time in a year and a half, the famous Vanderbilt Rose will be offered by Siegelson for sale. This historic jewel will be up for sale at the upcoming Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders Event.

Formerly in the collection of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, the corsage ornament was purchased by Le Musée Louvre in 2008 for $11 million. It has since toured with the American Museum of Natural History as part of its Nature of Diamonds exhibit.

This historic jewel with royal provenance consists of 250 carats worth of diamonds. No other piece is comparable in size or importance, making it the most significant piece of French jewelry on today’s market.

Created in 1855, the Vanderbilt Rose’s original owner was the niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte. Known as a bright individual, Mathilde owned one of the most distinguished literary and artistic salons in Paris during the Second Empire. After her death in 1904, the Vanderbilt Rose was auctioned off and sold by Cartier to Cornelius Vanderbilt III. As the “Queen of New York Society,” the jewel became her signature adornment.

Estimate for the Vanderbilt Rose is available upon request.

-Affluent Page

[Siegelson]