Compared to its preceding editions, the recently concluded Baselworld 2018 was a more scaled-down affair with only some 600-plus exhibitors — half of its 1,300 last year. The watch and jewellery presentation also took place over a shorter period of six days, two days down from its previous instalment. These changes hardly dampened the mood at the event, though, as watch and jewellery aficionados packed its halls and flitted between booths in eager anticipation.
Horology has long been the core of Baselworld, so it was unsurprising that watch brands dominated most of the fair with snazzy new collections that boasted everything from flashy designs (rainbow bezels, anyone?) to intriguing complications. Smartwatches also made appearances at a few of the brands, testament to the growing trend of technology seeping into the world of watchmaking.
Things were a little quieter on the jewellery front, with fewer labels exhibiting their creations within a smaller space. But that didn’t take away from the fact that there were some seriously spectacular jewels on display. Think spinning rings, secret watches, and reversible earrings encrusted with different types of gemstones on their back and front. Scroll down for our favourite jewellery pieces from Baselworld 2018.
(Main photo: De Grisogono; Featured photo: Stenzhorn)
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Chopard recently made waves in the jewellery world with its admirable commitment to use only ethically sourced gold in all of its watch and jewellery creations from July onwards. Another reason why we love the brand? Its iconic Happy Hearts line, which has been expanded with several new designs. A standout is this dainty pair of earrings, which was displayed at Baselworld. They feature three heart-shaped motifs fashioned in rose gold with a gradient of sizes, and are mounted with white diamonds and sleek black Tahitian mother-of-pearl.
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For those seeking a jewel with some drama, consider this showstopping ring by Toronto-based designer Reena Ahluwalia. A convertible piece that can be taken apart to form two rings and a pendant, it features a cluster of seven round brilliant diamonds encircling an elevated central sparkler that’s set without prongs. Loops of diamonds and coloured gemstones (arranged to form a rainbow of shades) are connected to these central stones via a special mechanism that allows them to spin around the axis. Click here to watch it in action.
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Rubies take centre stage in this stunning jewel by German label Stenzhorn. The crimson stones are mounted using the brand’s signature mosaic setting — which leaves no spaces in between — and fringed with diamonds for an eye-catching effect. Topping these off is a massive white diamond placed at the heart of the necklace.
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Graff presented a range of scintillating jewels and innovative timepieces at Baselworld 2018. But our favourite has got to be this secret watch, which pulls double duty as a thick diamond bracelet and nifty timekeeper. Its dial is concealed beneath a blanket of delicate white diamonds in various shapes, which can be smoothly moved to the side thanks to an in-built sliding mechanism. If that’s not enough bling, the dial itself is also surrounded by baguette-cut diamonds.
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Mismatched earrings are very much in vogue this season, and what better way to ride the trend than with these whimsical fish-shaped earrings? Both sides feature a large amethyst stone, from which suspends fish motifs covered in amethysts, sapphires and white diamonds. So detailed are these earrings that one fish even sports sharp teeth fashioned in white gold.
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Inspired by nature, these rings by Pasquale Bruni showcase leaf motifs set in rose and white gold, and studded with white and champagne diamonds. We love how the leaf shapes are strategically crafted so as to create the illusion of them curling around the wearer’s fingers. Matching bracelets are available as well.
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Crafted by Italian jeweller Nanis, these 18k yellow gold earrings feature spherical studs attached to bold, oval-shaped orbs set with Swiss blue topaz and bedecked with pavé blue diamonds. Beautiful as they are, that’s not all there is: Turn the orbs around and you’ll find that their backs are completely paved with diamonds, blue topaz, blue diamonds and green sapphires in varying sizes (see here). One pair of earrings, two different looks — we’re sold.
Sara Yap is passionate about all things dining and jewellery, and is constantly seeking out exciting restaurants and glittering trinkets. When she’s not feasting in the name of work, chatting with talented chefs, or daydreaming about coloured diamonds, she’s probably binge-watching the latest Netflix series or indulging in her guilty pleasure — Hollywood celebrity gossip. Sara is a journalism graduate from Nanyang Technological University and her work has appeared in The Business Times Lifestyle and Prestige Singapore magazine.
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