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CITY SPARKLE Europe’s fine jewellery brands on why London is their home away from home
London has long been a wellappointed home for the great jewellers of Europe, from the luxury labels of Switzerland to the Scandi boutiques. From France, the likes of Cartier has always dominated (cartier.com), as has Boucheron (boucheron.com) and Chaumet (chaumet.com) - both seeing the capital as the perfect setting for their timepieces. “London is a city of art and lights. Jewellery is a form of artistic creation and so finds itself at home here,” says Chaumet CEO, Jean-Marc Mansvelt. Chaumet has recently opened a New Bond Street store. “A beautiful address was missing in the Chaumet network and this one will complement our existing selling points,” says Mansvelt. For the managing director at French brand, Goossens (goossens-paris.com), Gwenaëlle Crehalet, London’s bold
FINE COMPANY
The luxury jewellers that have swept from the continent to the capital
style is the attraction. “Our clients in London are not afraid to dare, they can be extravagant. They have an appetite for statement pieces – of which we have many.” Goossens has recently opened a boutique in Burlington Gardens. Watches of Switzerland has also spread far, with retailers in Knightsbridge and Mayfair, selling and maintaining Rolex watches and other names.
From the Mediterranean, Vashi Dominguez brings his Spanish influence to London (Lumina diamond twist eternity ring, £825, below, and p20 Round ruby drop earrings, £1,980, vashi.com), while the likes of Bvlgari (p20, from the Magnifica collection, bulgari.com), Damiani
(damiani.com), Buccellati (buccellati.com) and Pomellato (pomellato.com) represent Italy, with shops along New and Old Bond Street. FOPE fine jewellery (right, Flex’it rings, £725, fope.com) also has a flagship on Old Bond Street. “London has an international visibility, so was an obvious location for FOPE to open its first flagship boutique outside of Italy in 2019, says FOPE’s CEO, Diego Nardin. “The store has been designed to balance Italian flair with London elegance.” Giovanni Raspini (giovanniraspini.com) is another big Italian name and is famed for silverware and intricate handmade pieces. “The UK market is essential and the English consumer has shown a significant passion for Made in Italy,” says Raspini.
Representing the Scandinavians, Georg Jensen (georgjensen.com) – a Danish name characterised by minimalist style – has had a presence in the capital since 1921. It’s the city’s heritage that makes the brand feel at home. “London is renowned for its proud history and decades-old traditions in exceptional craftmanship,” says creative director, Ragnar Hiartarson.
Scandinavian jewellers also represent a modern move to the London market. Maria Black (p19, gold huggie, £192, maria-black.com) made a name for herself in the capital in 2010, selling her showstopping pieces in East London.
She now works from Copenhagen with stores worldwide. For her, London’s inclusivity is the appeal. “London has a wealth of jewellers from all over the world and this diversity has always made it a great city for jewellers. London is at the heart of our designs, infused with a solid Scandi style.” For Swedish brand Märta Larsson (p19, Black Tourmaline necklace, £163, and earrings, £140; Collar Pyrite necklace, £410; martalarsson.com), London is also a second home, establishing her brand in Hatton Garden. From here, she has watched it grow, and Larsson will show her new collections at the upcoming Expo 2020 Dubai. “The designs can be described as natural art with an attitude, where inspiration from Swedish nature collides with the creativity, decadence and vibrance of the English capital.” L
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