One of the most prestigious art fairs in the world, Masterpiece showcases the very best the art world has to offer. With so much to see - ranging from artworks and antique furniture, to carpets and contemporary jewellery - it would be easy to spend the whole week there and still have more treasures left to uncover. If luxury is what you’re after - Masterpiece has it in abundance!
We were fortunate enough to be able to spend a day at this prestigious fair. Walking around the venue was a serene and cooling experience in the middle of a heatwave, with champagne bars, gorgeous floral displays, and beautiful works of art to admire.
Cool arts in display. Masterpiece 2019
Art decoratives, Masterpiece 2019
The day was spent meeting with a variety of high jewellery brands exhibiting at the fair. Often getting the opportunity to handle and capture these beautiful pieces. Let us share our highlights from the day with you.
Cindy Chao The Art Jewel
Our first point of call was Cindy Chao The Art Jewel, where we were given a tour of the new Black Label collection. This was the highlight of the day, as we saw all of these exquisite pieces up close, and learned of the incredible design process and craftsmanship that goes into every single piece. Each one is a true work of art. Notably, Cindy Chao has won a Masterpiece Highlight Award this year for the spectacular ‘winter leaves necklace’, an elegant, expertly hand-crafted necklace encrusted with over 240 carats of diamonds. This award was certainly well-deserved.
Cindy Chao's collection on displat at Masterpiece 2019
Moussaieff
Moussaieff is one of the most exclusive high jewellery houses in the world. Creating only the finest quality of jewellery using the rarest gems, their jewellery is admired by distinguished royals, celebrities and collectors alike. With their origins in 1850s Bukharan gemstone traders, the House of Moussaieff boasts a rich heritage and expertise passed down from generation to generation. We were kindly toured through each collection, and it was fascinating too hear about the thought process behind some of the designs, how they are meticulously crafted with carefully selected gemstones to perfectly suit the mood of each piece. The impressive heart diamond ring was a sure highlight of the day, alongside the exquisite marquis cut brown diamond necklace.
Chopard
Even at a glance, it is obvious that Chopard are masters at what they do. With elegant gemstone necklaces in suites of sapphires, rubies and emeralds, as well as slightly less traditional titanium pieces, there was plenty to feast our eyes on at this years Masterpiece. The Titanium butterfly rings in particular where another highlight for us. The metal is well known for it’s durability and versatility, while also being significantly lighter in weight than more traditional metals like gold or platinum. This made the rings incredibly easy to wear, they are so lightweight, it’s as though the butterflies were about to flutter away.
Chopard's red carpet collection on display at Masterpiece
Sabbadini
The next booth we visited was Sabbadini. This italian Maison pride themselves on their family run heritage and their ability to innovate and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the jewellery world. Well known for their iconic bee designs, Sabbadini put a beautiful selection of their most sought-after jewellery on display. However, it was the diamond and sapphire rose brooch that quickly caught our eye. The impressive statement piece features 59.98 carats of invisibly set sapphires, and 27.25 carats of pavé diamonds, it’s no surprise it drew our attention as Sabbadini’s passion for incorporating only the finest of gemstones really shines through.
Sapphire Rosa Brooche, Sabbadini, Masterpiece 2019
Van Cleef & Arpels
Better known for their antique jewellery, Van Cleef & Arpels also have a contemporary collection which we had the pleasure to see. These contemporary pieces expertly demonstrate the Maison’s technical skill, alongside giving recognition to their longstanding inspirations, creating jewellery that will be treasured for generations to come.
The Famouse Ballerina Brooch, Van Cleef & Arpels
This years Masterpiece was a resounding success, and we can't wait to come back again next year, where there will undoubtedly be even more treasures to discover and admire.
