First Fine Jewelry and Timepiece Awards Held in Paris

First Fine Jewelry and Timepiece Awards Held in Paris

Before smartphones, laptops, and handheld tablet devices, whenever we wanted to know the time, we stretched out our arm and glanced at our wrist. These days, watches might not be the ubiquitous fashion accessories they once were, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still a devoted contingent of jewelers and fashionistas who hold a deep appreciation for them.

To these folks, just knowing what time it is simply not enough. A watch is more than a utility item. A watch is a fashion statement and for some, a symbol of prosperity. Watches can be everyday sportswear, your classic leather band for work, or grand pieces of jewelry that make a real statement.

It’s about time that the watch and all of its high luxury accessory companions are granted their own award; and what better place than Paris, France as the setting for such a celebration?

President of the National Jewelry Institute, Judith Price, set out to bring jewelry and timepieces to the spotlight of the fashion couture world. In recent years, both jewelry and timepieces have been overshadowed by clothing design on the New York and Paris runways. Price hopes to change that.

Collaborating with Joel Towers, Executive Dean of the famed Parsons School of Design in New York, Price co-organized the first annual Fine Art of High Jewelry and Timepiece Award this year in Paris.

The judging panel was filled with the “Who’s Who” of the luxury jewelry and timepiece world. Participating brands included Bulgari, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chanel, Harry Winston, and of course, Rolex. With so many legendary brands present, known for making some of the world’s most well-crafted jewelry and timepieces, it was clearly difficult for the judges to choose the best of the best.

The winning designs were announced at the Hotel Le Bristol on July 5th before the official launch of Paris Couture Week. Bulgari came out at the top with its grand winning piece named Blue Iridescence. It is a necklace in pink gold, featuring seven cushion shaped blue Sri Lanka sapphires (192.98 ct), seven cushion shaped spinels (81.15 ct), round brilliant cut diamonds (18 ct), baguette diamonds (7.00 ct) and pavé diamonds (10.53 ct).

Here at Frank Pollak & Sons, we’re thrilled to see luxury jewelry accessories once again making such a profound impact on the global world of pop-culture and high fashion. Stay tuned for more updates from the premier source for fine Jewelry in New York City since 1905.

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