Jewelry design is like extremely delicate art, how to match different colored gemstones, how to cut various shapes, are all tests of creativity and craftsmanship! As a master of colored gemstones, BVLGARI created a bold and unique Italian style in the 1950s, crafting high-end jewelry with perfect color balance. In order to showcase the magnificent works of the past, BVLGARI will hold the “The Master of Colors” jewelry exhibition in Hong Kong for the first time in August, featuring 19 antique collection pieces and over a hundred high-end jewelry pieces!
Among a series of exhibited jewelry, notable pieces include the emerald necklace and brooch, which are filled with the love story between Hollywood legends Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton! The two fell in love while filming “Cleopatra” in Rome, and the BVLGARI Condotti Avenue boutique was a place they frequented. The step-cut emerald brooch was the first gift Richard Burton gave to Elizabeth Taylor, later becoming the only jewelry she wore on their wedding day, while the emerald necklace set with 16 octagonal step-cut Colombian emeralds was their engagement jewelry!
BVLGARI acquired a long necklace born in 1969 at the “Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels” auction held by Sotheby’s in Geneva in 2018, and this piece of jewelry will also be featured in this exhibition. It was an experimental creation of the brand in the 60s and 70s, with the most eye-catching being the heart-shaped carved emerald pendant in the center, while the chain links are set with cabochon rubies, amethysts, citrines, topazes, turquoise, emeralds, and diamonds, showcasing a lively array of colors.
The highlighted work also includes a necklace and earrings made of gold and platinum, set with emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds. This jewelry was collected by Brazilian socialite Carmen Mayrink Veiga, who was named one of the most stylish women in the world by Vanity Fair in 1981. Keira Knightley, nominated for Best Actress for the film “Pride and Prejudice,” also wore this jewelry in 2006 to the Oscars, attracting attention at the ceremony!
The event will also showcase a wide range of antique collections making their debut in Hong Kong, as well as over a hundred pieces of high-end jewelry, including the BVLGARI Serpenti bracelet watch with a snake design, the Monete series that embeds ancient coins in jewelry using modern techniques, and the Giardinetto brooch shaped like a basket filled with flowers and leaves.
In addition, there will be counters set up at the exhibition site to display the long history of design sketches, historical pictures, and information, allowing visitors to further understand the ideas and related anecdotes behind jewelry design. After enjoying the jewelry, you can also go to the bar in the store to taste Italian wines and delicacies, experiencing the brilliant and charming lifestyle of the Dolce Vita era!
“The Master of Colors” Jewelry Exhibition
Date: August 2020
Location: BVLGARI flagship store, Cheung Tat Building, Central
Image source: BVLGARI
