Basel 2008: Hermès Harnais Pocket Watch A Fashionable, Versatile Timekeeping Accessory

Hermès has shown us a novel reinvention of the classic pocket watch at BaselWorld 2008. The Harnais Pocket watch features a 45mm stainless steel case upon a luxurious backing made made from exotic leathers crafted in the legendary Hermès tradition. A matching leather cord allows the watch to be worn as a sautoir-type necklace, or slipped casually into the pocket. It seems the Harnais Pocket watch was quite the accessory at the the Hermès Spring-Summer 2008 fashion show, where at the suggestion of famed fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier, it was provocatively featured tied around bag handles.

Function is equal to fashion. The large diameter and clear dial makes reading the time and date a simple matter; too, the quartz movement assures extremely accurate timekeeping, and optimal convenience for active fashionistas. A range of exquisite leathers, including black or natural barenia calf, white Epsom calf, or alligator in black or agate red colors ensure that the Hermès Harnais timepiece can be the perfect accessory for nearly any wardrobe or luxurious luggage ensemble.

de Grisogono Gold Diamond Necklace

De Grisogono highlighted their new jewelry pieces of 2008 at BaselWorld of which this necklace is one of them.

Favoring one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and personal creativity, founder and chairman of de Grisogono Fawaz Gruosi designs bold, exotic and oftentimes colorful jewelry pieces for the woman who wants exclusivity in her jewelry.   Wearing a piece of de Grisogono jewelry will always get you noticed and lots of attention. However, onlookers will not always realize what they are looking at.  For example, the latest trends for the luxury brand are icy diamonds (diamonds that are not transparent but are more milky) and blackened or browned gold.  When people look at it, they may think they are looking are at quartz or crystal and may not realize that the black/brown jewelry is in fact gold. Gruosi says, “This is de Grisogono.  We don’t make jewelry just to show off.   We do this for the love of the business and because it’s art.”

With designs such as this incredibly romantic Matassa necklace in pink gold, the de Grisogono philosophy is personified.  Artfully crafted, imaginative and with a powerful juxtaposition of robust vitality and soft charm, this de Grisogono necklace features 9.95 carats of white diamonds (117 individual diamonds) and a cleverly designed and attractive clasp.

Henry Dunay Necklace: Ruby and Diamonds

Master goldsmith Henry Dunay seems to get better and better with time as seen in this Henry Dunay necklace.  After 50 years in the jewelry industry, and with too many awards to count, he continues to marvel our eyes and inspire our hearts.

This is by far one of his greatest creations.  His design philosophy for every piece is balance and softness, both of which are seen here.  The rounded nature of the rubies seem to symbolize the curves of a woman.  The pave diamond and solid etched gold dangles seem to represent versatility and balance.

This Henry Dunay necklace reminds me of the  Egyptian collar pieces worn by royalty.  Featuring 312.27 carats of rubies (15 individual rubies) and 3.50 carats of diamonds (224 individual diamonds) and set in 18 karat gold, with this necklace you will feel and look like royalty.  This Henry Dunay necklace is part of his Sabi collection.

The Henry Dunay Dove for Peace Pin

Henry Dunay has taken the opportunity given to him by BaselWorld – the greatest stage in the luxury jewelry industry – to bring our attention to a – perhaps – forgotten piece of jewelry: a very important and special piece of jewelry which he designed and created.

Created in 2003, commissioned by the Global Vision for Peace and worn at the 2003 Academy Awards by numerous celebrities, the Dove for Peace pin benefited Roots of Peace, a humanitarian organization dedicated to the eradication of land mines and the rehabilitation of lands in war-torn countries, as well as Green Cross International and its American affiliate Global Green USA. Designed by Henry Dunay himself, the design was inspired Pablo Picasso’s Dove for Peace which he created in 1949 for the International Peace Congress held in Paris in the aftermath of World War II.

The Dove for Peace symbolizes peace and so much more. Given the tension in many parts of the world today – the Middle East, Korea, China and Tibet, African nations – it is easy to understand how “un-peaceful” we are as a planet. Civil war, genocide, increasing military technology and power in many nations fill the evening news. This pin is not about being anti-war; it is about helping those who experience war and who must endure the short term and long term effects brought on by war.

This Dove of Peace pin symbolizes what we as a planet are capable of doing together. Armed with hope, determination, justice and peace, we can build up the organizations who are supporting the rebuilding efforts of war-torn countries. Think of the reconstruction and support Europe needed in post-World War II. Think of aftermath of the Bosnian genocide (1992-1995) which resulted in 200,000 deaths and mass destruction across Bosnia. Just like this dainty sterling silver pin, peace is fashionable, elegant and for everyday.

To contribute to the future peace and of our planet, please consider purchasing a Dove for Peace pin created by master jeweler Henry Dunay.