New York City is channeling high glamour this holiday season so we have put together a selection of Manhattan’s finest diamonds, guaranteed not only to make the best Christmas present ever, but to put an injection of glamour into any look.
On the theme of high glamour, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, an exhibition entitled Jacqueline de Ribes: The Art of Style will run until February 21, 2016 and features spectacular outfits from the collection of the French countess, who is one of the 20th century’s leading style icons. Now aged 86, the aristocrat and former designer has the haute joallerie to match her haute couture, and a similar ease with wearing it, whether it be diamonds in her hair or large earrings that set off her extraordinary profile.
Belperron
Diamond, platinum and gold necklace with detachable brooches
Price on request
belperron.com
Suzanne Belperron is another Frenchwoman recently adopted by New York. The work of the legendary jewelry designer, beloved by the Duchess of Windsor, has been revived by former Sotheby’s expert Ward Landrigan and his son Nico, following their success with bringing Fulco di Verdura’s jewelry to a new audience. Belperron, whose bold designs and use of unusual materials were way ahead of their time, never signed her works, stating: “her style was her signature”. That style is evident in this vintage diamond necklace, whose bamboo leaves in platinum, gold and diamonds sit seductively across the collarbone. Ever versatile, the leaves can also be detached and worn as brooches.
Fred Leighton
Silver-top, yellow gold, rose-cut diamond double cluster pendant earrings
Price on request
fredleighton.com
Inject some Victorian romance into the holiday season with these elegant 19th century pendant earrings from Fred Leighton, one of Manhattan’s most preeminent antique jewelers. Featuring both pear-cut and round rose-cut diamonds set using the 19th century technique of blackened silver over yellow gold, their delicate sparkle contrasts beautifully against the dark metal.
Harry Winston
Lotus cluster diamond ring in platinum
Price on request
harrywinston.com
Drawing the eye with a delicate mosaic of the finest diamonds, Harry Winston’s Lotus Cluster ring captures the singular beauty of one of Asia’s most revered flowers. The New York jeweler, which is famous for both the quality of its stones and its craftsmanship - all its jewels are still made in the workshops above its Fifth Avenue store - demonstrates the simple beauty of symmetry in this classically elegant ring.
Marina B
Triangoli by Giorgio Bulgari gold and diamond triple row cuff
$42,000
Marina B boutique, New York, and Neiman Marcus stores
Marina Bulgari was co-CEO with her brother Gianni in Bulgari’s design heyday of the 1960s and 70s. She departed to make her own eponymous collection in the late 70s, and her bold collar necklaces and colorful Pneus earrings were loved among the European jet-set crowd. Giorgio Bulgari, her nephew and Gianni’s son, is the new New York-based brand’s creative director. His first collection, Triangoli, is inspired by his aunt’s archives and features a triangle motif that is bold yet refined enough for everyday wear. The triple row diamond cuff is his favorite in the collection and it’s easy to see why: an elegant statement piece with strips of pavé diamonds cutting through the triangles.
Martin Katz
Vintage-style tassel diamond earrings
Price on request
Bergdorf Goodman
Beverly Hills-based Martin Katz made his name on the red carpet, dressing stars such as Sharon Stone and Angelina Jolie in vintage-inspired gems that scream old Hollywood glamour. His glittering selection at New York’s Bergdorf Goodman include these Art Deco-esque diamond tassel earrings, reminiscent of the curves and geometry of Manhattan’s Chrysler Building. If you’re stuck for Christmas gift ideas, these earrings may just be the ticket.
Tiffany
Victoria key pendant on a platinum chain with diamonds
$10,500 (chain sold separately)
tiffany.com
Inspired by beautifully handcrafted keys in its extensive archives, Tiffany’s key pendant collection was introduced to a new generation of fans of the Manhattan luxury icon in 2009. They quickly became a symbol of love and romance. Show that you have the key to your beloved’s heart this Christmas with the new Victoria key - an intricate arrangement of round and pear-shaped diamonds that is both dazzling and feminine.
