Look Book

24 www.thejewelrybook.com But Geneva wasn't the only Swiss city with bouquets on the brain. Basel, Switzerland has played host to the industry's largest jewelry and watch show for nearly a century. Baselworld (as it is currently known) houses some of the world's most recognizable watch brands, luxury jewelry brands, rare gemstone suppliers, and independent watch brands (who this year were showcasing their wares in a section on the top fl oor of hall 1 referred to as Les Ateliers). Even though the collection was not brand new, watch manufacturer Arnold & Son showcased all four fl oral-inspired watches from their special edition HM Flower - Royal Collection while at the show. Every one of the four models in the series features an elegantly hand-painted adapta- tion of a brightly colored fl ower in full bloom against a white mother-of-pearl dial, creating a contrast that is as striking for the wearer as it is for the onlooker. The four fl owers used are a pale reddish-pink orchid, an orange lily, and both yellow and purple irises. Each is surrounded by an 18K rose gold diamond bezel (though the watches are also offered without diamonds) and the watches contain the Arnold & Son manufac- tured movement, caliber A&S1001. And although Chopard may not have intended for their Green Carpet Collection watch to have a springtime feel to it, the circular, graduated lay- out of the marquise cut Gemfi elds' fair-mined emeralds (11.7 carats of them in total) are all too reminiscent of the green leaves on an Escallonia bush prior to its blooming. Set in 18K white gold with matching buckle, the perfectly matched color of the emeralds serves as a stark con- trast to the watch's white satin strap, and with accompanying earrings and ring also available, Chopard created a suite that's not only suitable for spring and summer, but for every season where glamour and good taste reign supreme. Flowers and birds and bees may not be every- one's cup of tea when it comes to adornments or timepieces, but there is a reason why spring is known to change people's mindsets and men- talities. Spring represents the new. It is the fi rst time in a calendar year that nature can show its true, bright, beautiful colors, which is why spring makes us feel good, feel fresh, and reminds us to take time out of our day to stop and smell the fl owers. G A R D E N T H E M E D W A T C H E S WAT C H R E P O R T Arnold & Son Chopard

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