Your Go-To Gift Guide for Emirati Women's Day

JAEGER-LECOULTRE RENDEZ-VOUS DAZZLING STAR

Of all the celestial phenomena, shooting stars are the most romantic and intriguing. Unpredictable, ephemeral and mysterious, their light streaks across the night sky, appearing and disappearing in the blink of an eye. That they are not in fact stars but meteors - flashed of light created when the rocky debris burns brightly on hitting Earth's atmosphere - does nothing to diminish their magic. Visible only at a certain times of year and under the right conditions, there are phenomena have fascinated mankind since the dawn of time - and now have inspired the watchmakers of Jaeger-LeCoultre.

- Jaeger-LeCoultre invents an entirely new complication that captures the romance and unpredictability of shooting stars

- A blue Aventurine dial evokes the night sky, with multiple layers that conceal and reveal the shooting star; an outer bezel of griffe-set diamonds enriches the display

- The new automatuc Jaeger-LeCoutre Calibre 734 reconciles the randomness of shooting stars with the precisely calibrated, mathematical rhythms of timekeeping

In 2022, the Rendez-Vous Dazzling Star recreates this enchanting celestial phenomenon on the wrist, thanks to an entirely new mechanism conceived and developed within the Manufacture. Activated by the movement of the wrist, the shooting star appears on the dial at random moments - usually four to six times per hour - its unpredictability making it even more special. To enjoy the enchanting display more often, the star may also be summoned on demand by turning the winding crown several times.

 

An Exquisite Display Evokes the Night Sky

Entirely made of blue Aventurine, the dial of the new Rendez-Vous Dazzling Star exquisitely captures the beauty of a star-studded night sky. In the centre, framed by a ring of diamonds, three discs are layered over each other. The first layer, an oval of Aventurine, conceals the shooting star when it is inactive. Beneath it is a circular disc of Aventurine with a cut-out of the shooting star; when activated, this disc spins, sending the star on its curving path across the upper dial. As the star passes, the cut-out reveals the deepest layer of the dial - a fixed disc of golden metal with a glowing gradient finish that accentuates the sense of movement.

Loyal to the codes of the Rendez-Vous collection, this central display is surrounded by a ring of applied numerals in the signature Floral font and applied hemispherical hour markers. The time is indicated on these scales by golden Floral hands. Surrounding the 36mm pink gold case, the Dazzling Rendez-Vous bezel forms two concentric rings. There's an airy quality to these glittering circles, thanks to the prong (or 'griffe') setting of the outer ring of 36 stones. A classical jewellery technique introduced in the Rendez-Vous collection in 2019, it is an exquisite testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre's gem-setting expertise. Fine gold claws hold the diamonds high, allowing light to pass through them from every angle, maximising the presence of each stone while minimising the visible metal. To complete the watch case, the upper surfaces of the lugs are set with diamonds and an inverted diamond is set into the crown.

The rich blue of the dial is complemented by a shiny blue alligator strap with a folding buckle, or by a sumptuous, fully-set pink gold bracelet specially designed for the Rendez-Vous Dazzling Star. The bracelet's lozenge-shaped links are grain-set with a total of 436 diamonds (for 4.88 carats) and linked seamlessly together, to wrap around the wrist with the suppleness of a ribbon.

 

Inspired and Created in the Wallée de Joux

To create a mechanism that expresses an unpredictable phenomenon is a fascinating challenge for watchmaking as it appears to defy the laws of horology - a world where everything is expressed through precisely calibrated, mathematical rhythms. Drawing on almost 190 years of expertise accumulated within the Manufacture, the engineers and watchmakers of Jaeger-LeCoultre have developed the new in-house automatic calibre 734, incorporating the new shooting star mechanism. In doing so, they have succeeded in an unprecedented feat of capturing a random cosmic phenomenon in a watchmaking complication.

 

TECHNICAL DETAILS

RENDEZ-VOUS DAZZLING STAR

Case: pink gold, sapphire cystal case back

Dimensions: 36mm x 11.11mm

Calibre: automatic mechanical Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 734

Functions: hours, minutes, "shooting star" complication

Power reserve: 70 hours

Dial: Aventurine, diamonds

Diamonds: Ref. Q3642470 (181 diamonds for 3.48 carats); Ref. Q3642371 (617 diamonds for 8.36 carats)

Water resistance: 5 bar

References:

Q3642470 - pink gold (leather strap)

Q3642371 – pink gold (fully-set pink gold bracelet)

FABERGÉ COMPLIQUÉE PEACOCK ARTE WATCH

Fabergé has introduced a new variation of the Compliquée Peacock Watch. Made in partnership with Workmaster Jean-Marc Wiederrecht of Agenhor and Master Craftsman André Martinez – a specialist in miniaturist artistic painting on watch dials – this follows on from the great success at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève in 2015, in which the Compliquée Peacock won the High-Mechanical award. Limited to ten numbered pieces of each design, each watch dial is totally unique and features an abstract design by André Martinez, inspired by beautiful peacock feathers. These masterpieces are wearable art for the wrist.

Fabergé has always partnered with the finest craftspeople, in all areas of expertise, to deliver creations which capture the spirit of the brand’s past, present and future. Martinez has previously created unique hand-painted dials for the Fabergé x Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Altruist Limited Edition, as well as for the Fabergé Altruist Wilderness watches. He has also hand-painted every feather on each iteration of the award winning Compliquée Peacock Watch series.​

Martinez says of this series: “I choose to express myself and my creative universe on the dials of these very high-end watches. It requires one to be confident and determined, to master your drawing skills and to understand the world of Fabergé. I am therefore able to offer to the person who acquires one of these watches the awareness of giving them the best of myself.”​

Available in two different colourways, the new Compliquée Peacock Arte Hand-Etched White Gold Watches are limited to just ten numbered pieces per style, making them true collectors’ pieces. ​

The dials are engraved by a technique known as ‘eau forte’, or ‘etching’, an ‘intaglio’ print-making process dating back to the 16th century, in which an image or design is incised onto a plate using acid. Traditionally, this would be a metal plate; however, Martinez has expertly applied this technique to mother-of-pearl to create a unique appearance. ​

On the colourful dial, the bottom of the etched section is painted with Martinez’s lacquers in gradations of colour and then covered with a transparent lacquer to obtain a flat and taut rendering.​ The bold feather pattern is entirely hand-painted, which makes each piece totally unique.​​

The same technique is applied to the monochrome dial, but here the etchings are filled with a mixture developed by Martinez, which is mainly ‘encre de Chine’ ink mixed with another component to prevent cracking during the drying process. This special technique also renders the watch water-resistant by preventing the process by which the ink is dissolved by water.​

The watch’s award-winning mechanism was developed in partnership with Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, and his team, at Agenhor. Agenhor is based in Geneva and specialises in the creation of complex watch mechanisms. Over the years, the family company has gained international recognition, while always remaining true to the ancient spirit of horological craftsmanship. The workshop merges contemporary technology with a traditional understanding of watchmaking. ​

Fabergé and Agenhor have partnered on the launch of this limited-edition watch, which was exclusively developed for Fabergé and pays homage to the Maison’s story, with the spectacular Compliquée Peacock hand-winding movement unique in and of itself.​

Aurélie Picaud, Timepieces Director at Fabergé, says of the collection: “The new Compliquée Peacock Arte Hand-Etched Limited Editions embrace all the things that fascinate me: the link to the Peacock Egg of 1908; the technicity, yet apparent simplicity, of the mechanism; the level of skills required to achieve these delicate watches; and the beauty of the execution in every detail. ​More than anything, these pieces reflect the fantastic harmony between the master craftspeople working on every single component of these watches, which stays true to Fabergé’s values.” ​

The Fabergé Compliquée Peacock Arte Hand-Etched Limited-Edition White Gold Watches ($52,500/£47,760) are available to purchase at selected Fabergé boutiques and on Faberge.com.

MARGERY HIRSCHEY X GEMFIELDS BARCELONA COLLECTION

Gemfields has partnered with jewellery designer Margery Hirschey on a sultry new collection centred on this vibrant red gemstone. The Margery Hirschey x Gemfields Barcelona Collection was so named, as it was inspired by the timeless beauty, ancient architecture, bustling street life and creative spirit of this Spanish city.

“This collection came together after my first trip, hopefully of many, to Barcelona, and seeing the many museums and art installations scattered throughout the city. Visiting these sites, I felt I wanted to be more expressive and less rigid with my designs. There is a pressure when working with such precious materials to make pieces as precise and “finished” as possible.  And while my pieces have never been too precise, I wanted to go even further with this collection. I also tried to focus on movement, to ensure none of the pieces felt static. While that usually means adding links, the star earrings presented more of a challenge; each appears as one large solid earring, but there are actually three moving sections, so when the wearer moves, they move, and seem to dance delicately, with her. I’m very proud of this collection and hope others will appreciate these creations as little wearable sculptures,” explains founder and designer Margery Hirschey.

Hirschey’s signature style blends classical tradition with a modern sensibility, just like Barcelona itself, resulting in pieces that stand the test of time without conforming to expectations of what constitutes “fine jewellery”. Comprised of three pairs of earrings and a pendant, the Barcelona Collection is defined by its thoughtful asymmetry and squiggly lines. Each design is simple enough to allow the raw beauty of its materials to truly shine and reflects the ancient goldsmithing techniques that inspire Hirschey.

“Margery’s playful designs capture the energy and thrill of Barcelona, for which the lavish ruby could be the only choice. Worn for protection and believed to symbolise passion, rubies are like no other gem. I see little crowns within this collection, which is fitting for the ‘King of Gemstones’! Worn individually or collectively, I have no doubt that Margery’s beautiful ruby collection will transform any outfit and bring joy to all who have the pleasure of seeing them,” adds Emily Dungey, Marketing & Communications Director of Gemfields.

Each piece in the collection was handcrafted using recycled 18k gold, diamonds and Gemfields Mozambican rubies from its Montepuez mine, one of the world’s most significant recently discovered ruby deposits, in Cabo Delgado province. Gemfields is a world-leading miner of responsibly sourced coloured gemstones, which strives to bring a positive contribution to both the nation from which the gemstones originate as well as the families that live in communities that surround mine sites.

Rubies have long been treasured for their intense red colour – and as the birthstone of July, they are forever associated with summer, when the days are long, hot and brimming with life. Formed beneath the earth some 500 million years ago, they are rarer and often more valuable than colourless diamonds, and have been prized by everyone from the Chinese, who revere the lucky colour red, to ancient warriors, who would bring them into battle.

Believed to bring prosperity, protection and passion to all who wear them, rubies are the most uplifting of coloured gemstones, and their unique properties are perfectly captured in the new Margery Hirschey x Gemfields Barcelona Collection.

The Margery Hirschey x Gemfields Barcelona Collection is available at MargeryHirschey.com, with prices ranging from $10,500 to $32,000.

AKILLIS SPREAD YOUR WINGS COLLECTION

French jeweler takes off and flies with new collection Spread Your Wings, an ode to freedom. Fifteen new winged pieces : ultra-graphic single and double rings, an earcuff and earrings.

True to its off-beat and Rock DNA, Akillis imagined a design at once pure and sophisticated. These brand-new models feature aerial and minimalist wings that lightly caress the ears and fingers.

In these pieces colored stones, Amethysts, Tsavorites and Blue London Topazes, cut to form precious triangles, meld with honed, curving feathers paved with white diamonds. A half-angel, halfdevil look for two-toned femininity!

 

Irresistibly sensual creations

The double rings and the earcuff offer a meticulously aerial ergonomic design developed by craftsmen in the Akillis’ workshop. Their slender and supremely feminine aesthetic exhibits such sheer lightness that it is easy to forget you are wearing them.

The double rings can be worn alone or together with a single ring model. They delicately adorn the hand, giving the fingers an air of elongated grace, and seem to be about to fly away. The various designs in triangular fine stones, reminiscent of as many species of birds, exalt these wings, set throughout with white diamonds.

The earcuff model, sold as a single piece, perfectly envelops the auricle. It is mounted on a flexible white gold stem from which sprout sleek wings, while plumage on the back of the lobe further intensifies their mysterious presence.

An earring featuring a pair of stunningly glamorous wings offers yet another alternative, conjuring images of a stirring murmuration... Perhaps a romantic invitation to fly off together? The creations can be worn alone - or not. Dare to savor the utterly addictive asymmetry of a formation flight!