Latest news with #L'HeureduDiamant
The Star
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Summertime sensations
Summertime certainly has plenty of added significance for fans of horology as some of the most notable watch houses out there are releasing their Watches & Wonders 2025 debutants to the world! Here are some of the highlights. Bvlgari – Octo Finissimo Pushing its Octo Finissimo concept even further with three bold new interpretations, Bvlgari introduces an ultra-thin tourbillon with a rare marble dial, a perpetual calendar rendered in rose gold and a new skeleton model boasting an eight-day power reserve. Bvlgari Octo Finissimo 8 Days Black. Once again, Italian flair meets Swiss precision in a collection set to shape the future of contemporary watchmaking. The Octo Finissimo Marble Tourbillon exemplifies Bvlgari's distinctive approach to haute horlogerie, showcasing the record-setting super-thin BVL 268 calibre. Housed in a satin-brushed finish, 18K yellow gold case measuring 40mm and just 4.85mm in thickness, the watch has a unique Verde Alpi green marble dial with natural veining. Yellow gold-plated hands and indexes provide optimal legibility against the striking marble background, while the matching green alligator strap completes its refined aesthetic. Meanwhile, the Finissimo Perpetual Calendar effectively combines the ultra-thin in-house movement with elegant, contemporary aesthetics. Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Green Marble. Crafted in sandblasted 18K rose gold, it showcases a rose gold dial with brown hands and indexes, creating a luxurious contrast against the backdrop. Requiring no adjustment until 2100, this timepiece embodies a distinctive fusion of Italian design and Swiss watchmaking expertise, enhanced by the sophistication of rose gold. The Finissimo Skeleton 8 Days boasts a powerful and contemporary monochromatic look. Its black DLC-coated titanium case is paired with a matching rubber bracelet, creating a sophisticated yet sporty aesthetic. With an impressive eight-day power reserve and a skeletonised dial, this timepiece offers a glimpse into the inner workings of its spectacular hand-wound, super-slim manufacture movement, housed in the iconic ultra-thin octagonal case. Norqain Freedom 60 Chrono Ice Cream. Chopard – L'Heure du Diamant Chopard has always been keen to blend high-precision watchmaking with the elegance of fine jewellery. Drawing inspiration from its gem-studded timepieces of the 1960s and '70s, its L'Heure du Diamant has become a coveted collection, with each timepiece crafted from luxurious materials and steeped in the Scheufele family's century-old expertise. Now, the collection welcomes a new 26mm model in ethical 18K white gold, featuring a textured mother-of-pearl dial surrounded by diamonds, showcasing Chopard's craftsmanship. It continues the tradition of striking aesthetics, with its textured mother-of-pearl dial that exudes femininity and iridescence. Chopard L'Heure du Diamant. This dial is encircled by more than two carats of brilliant-cut diamonds, put into place by Chopard's signature crown-setting technique. Inside ticks the brand's 10.01-C mechanical manual-winding movement. At just 15.7mm in diameter and 2.9mm in thickness, it's one of the smallest and thinnest movements. Yet despite its compact size, it offers an impressive 45-hour power reserve, demonstrating a superb blending of high-performance with exceptional beauty. Norqain – Freedom 60 Chrono This watchmaker's latest entry looks like it rolled straight out of an ice-cream parlour and onto one's wrist! Norqain definitely wants to make it clear that this new watch isn't just another 40mm chronograph – it's actually one with a cheeky grin and a wink, ready to scoop out a serving of pure summer spirit! Tudor Pelagos Ultra. With hues of choc chip, raspberry ripple and blueberry burst, the vibrant new edition delivers a taste of playfulness with every glance of the wrist. Emblazoned with the phrase 'Enjoy Life' on the caseback, it's a watch that doesn't take itself too seriously, yet still shows off Norqain's craftsmanship and mechanical muscle. The chronograph subdials and sectors of the outer ring are highlighted in baby blue, candy pink and mint green, while the first of every month plus each subsequent seventh day is marked in the date window with a whimsical depiction of a three-scoop ice-cream cone. The case, crown and chronograph pushers are of polished stainless steel, while a choice of a stainless-steel bracelet or a white rubber strap is on offer. Powering the watch is the in-house Calibre N19 – a self-winding chronograph movement with a 62-hour power reserve. Tudor – Pelagos Ultra Engineered specifically to overcome the challenges associated with saturation diving, this is the most technically capable Pelagos ever made, with 1,000m of water-resistance, a proprietary bracelet adjustment system and a 43mm titanium case composed of both grade 2 and 5 titanium. It represents a giant stride in technical advancements with a Master Chronometer Certification from the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (Metas). The watch measures 43mm and 14.5mm thick, but doesn't look overly large thanks to its 22mm lug width, which gives it the visual proportions of something a little smaller. With this watch, Tudor introduces a new teal accent colour. On its dial, branding is also applied in this tone, and used as an indicator on the distinct 'rapid adjustment system' spring-loaded clasp. Powering the Ultra is the MT5612-U master chronometer calibre, and it is also the second Pelagos that is Metas-certified after the FXD GMT. The watch definitely pushes the Pelagos family to new technical depths, offering a purpose-built tool for serious divers that builds on the foundation of Tudor's modern dive watch legacy.
Qatar Living
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Living
Dana Alfardan is the Face of Chopard's Exquisite L'Heure du Diamant Collection
In a dazzling confluence of artistry and elegance, Alfardan Jewellery, the esteemed regional partner for Chopard, unveils its latest campaign for the L'Heure du Diamant collection, fronted by the extraordinary Qatari composer, singer, and businesswoman, Dana Alfardan. This collaboration showcases the alchemy that occurs when Chopard's peerless craftsmanship meets Dana's innate grace and sophisticated artistic vision. Alfardan Jewellery is proud to present a selection of timepieces from Chopard's L'Heure du Diamant collection curated specifically for Qatar. The recently completed campaign captures Dana adorned with the L'Heure du Diamant collection's resplendent timepieces and jewellery. Her natural poise and deeply refined aesthetic effortlessly embody the spirit of these creations, celebrating the diamond's unparalleled brilliance and the meticulous artistry of Chopard's master artisans. Since its founding in 1860, Chopard has been renowned for its unwavering commitment to haute horlogerie and joaillerie – a history steeped in Swiss precision and ethical sourcing. The L'Heure du Diamant collection showcases pieces where exquisite diamonds are meticulously hand-set to unleash their inherent fire and captivating allure. A hallmark is the diamond halo technique, framing the dial or central gem with a luminous diamond crown, enhancing brilliance and symmetry. This includes a unique Chopard design of index, an adaptation of the signature crown-setting technique where the diamond is held like a crown. Floral and organic motifs further embody femininity and grace, resonating with Middle Eastern preferences. Some models feature artistic dial finishing with mother-of-pearl or natural stones, while their unmatched versatility allows styling for any occasion, reflecting the dynamic lifestyle of Qatar's discerning clientele. The exquisite pieces showcased feature ethical 18k white and rose gold settings, with brilliant-cut and pear-cut diamonds, sometimes accented with marquise or cushion cuts. Total diamond weights range from 3 to 7 carats. Dials boast textured mother-of-pearl, an array of natural stones (malachite, turquoise, lapis-lazuli, tiger eye, carnelian, onyx, opal), or full diamond pavé. L'Heure du Diamant watches are offered on sophisticated straps or a distinct gold bracelet, heavily textured in an authentic 60s 'tree bark' style. Alfardan Jewellery clients seek emotion, heritage, and artistry. Chopard's L'Heure du Diamant collection resonates strongly due to its in-house artisanship, ethical gold reflecting Alfardan Jewellery's commitment to sustainability, stone-setting mastery, and the maison's ethos to timelessness over trend. This collaboration holds particular significance due to Dana's deep roots in luxury and craftsmanship. Alfardan Jewellery, as Chopard's regional partner, identified Dana as an ideal local muse, lending authenticity and cultural relevance. The collection highlights exclusive Qatar exclusive editions of the L'Heure du Diamant collection, reimagined for the modern Qatari woman, represented by Dana Al Fardan. Alfardan Jewellery have selected Dana as she embodies the perfect candidate; representing the ideal fusion of cultural richness, artistic excellence, and timeless elegance. As a visionary composer, she represents the modern Qatari woman—elegant yet bold, creative yet rooted in heritage, bringing an authentic, emotional connection to the jewellery house's clientele. As the newly appointed Vice President and Creative Director Dana's multifaceted identity aligns with the collection's narrative of women who shine through individuality and strength. What makes this collaboration even more personal is her father, Ali Alfardan's significant role in the collection's development. As a leading music composer and creative force in the region, Dana's artistic journey has always been rooted in storytelling and emotional expression. This time last year, Dana performed at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where she debuted a piece inspired by Caroline Scheufele herself—and that composition has now been officially launched. A musical tribute that beautifully captured the spirit of femininity and creativity that L'Heure du Diamant celebrates. Speaking on the collection Dana added: 'The pieces speak to a timeless elegance that resonates deeply with my own creative journey—where emotion, artistry, and heritage intersect. Collaborating with a Maison as visionary as Chopard, and one so closely connected to Caroline Scheufele's inspiring legacy, is a true privilege. This campaign celebrates not only exceptional craftsmanship, but the power of storytelling through both music and design." The campaign featuring Dana for the L'Heure du Diamant collection is poised to captivate audiences globally. The L'Heure du Diamant collection has launched and is exclusively available at Alfardan Jewellery boutiques in Qatar. --- Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content. Instagram - @qatarliving X - @qatarliving Facebook - Qatar Living YouTube - qatarlivingofficial
ILoveQatar.net
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- ILoveQatar.net
Dana Alfardan illuminates Chopard's L'Heure du Diamant Collection at Alfardan Jewellery
In a dazzling confluence of artistry and elegance, Alfardan Jewellery, the esteemed regional partner for Chopard, unveils its latest campaign for the L'Heure du Diamant collection, fronted by the extraordinary Qatari composer, singer, and businesswoman, Dana Alfardan. This collaboration showcases the alchemy that occurs when Chopard's peerless craftsmanship meets Dana's innate grace and sophisticated artistic vision. Alfardan Jewellery is proud to present a selection of timepieces from Chopard's L'Heure du Diamant collection curated specifically for Qatar. The recently completed campaign captures Dana adorned with the L'Heure du Diamant collection's resplendent timepieces and jewellery. Her natural poise and deeply refined aesthetic effortlessly embody the spirit of these creations, celebrating the diamond's unparalleled brilliance and the meticulous artistry of Chopard's master artisans. Since its founding in 1860, Chopard has been renowned for its unwavering commitment to haute horlogerie and joaillerie - a history steeped in Swiss precision and ethical sourcing. The L'Heure du Diamant collection showcases pieces where exquisite diamonds are meticulously hand-set to unleash their inherent fire and captivating allure. A hallmark is the diamond halo technique, framing the dial or central gem with a luminous diamond crown, enhancing brilliance and symmetry. This includes a unique Chopard design of index, an adaptation of the signature crown-setting technique where the diamond is held like a crown. Floral and organic motifs further embody femininity and grace, resonating with Middle Eastern preferences. Some models feature artistic dial finishing with mother-of-pearl or natural stones, while their unmatched versatility allows styling for any occasion, reflecting the dynamic lifestyle of Qatar's discerning clientele. The exquisite pieces showcased feature ethical 18k white and rose gold settings, with brilliant-cut and pear-cut diamonds, sometimes accented with marquise or cushion cuts. Total diamond weights range from 3 to 7 carats. Dials boast textured mother-of-pearl, an array of natural stones (malachite, turquoise, lapis-lazuli, tiger eye, carnelian, onyx, opal), or full diamond pavé. L'Heure du Diamant watches are offered on sophisticated straps or a distinct gold bracelet, heavily textured in an authentic 60s 'tree bark' style. Alfardan Jewellery clients seek emotion, heritage, and artistry. Chopard's L'Heure du Diamant collection resonates strongly due to its in-house artisanship, ethical gold reflecting Alfardan Jewellery's commitment to sustainability, stone-setting mastery, and the maison's ethos to timelessness over trend. This collaboration holds particular significance due to Dana's deep roots in luxury and craftsmanship. Alfardan Jewellery, as Chopard's regional partner, identified Dana as an ideal local muse, lending authenticity and cultural relevance. The collection highlights exclusive Qatar editions of the L'Heure du Diamant collection, reimagined for the modern Qatari woman, represented by Dana Al Fardan. Alfardan Jewellery have selected Dana as she embodies the perfect candidate; representing the ideal fusion of cultural richness, artistic excellence, and timeless elegance. As a visionary composer, she represents the modern Qatari woman-elegant yet bold, creative yet rooted in heritage, bringing an authentic, emotional connection to the jewellery house's clientele. As the newly appointed Vice President and Creative Director Dana's multifaceted identity aligns with the collection's narrative of women who shine through individuality and strength. What makes this collaboration even more personal is her father, Ali Alfardan's significant role in the collection's development. As a leading music composer and creative force in the region, Dana's artistic journey has always been rooted in storytelling and emotional expression. This time last year, Dana performed at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where she debuted a piece inspired by Caroline Scheufele herself and that composition has now been officially launched. A musical tribute that beautifully captured the spirit of femininity and creativity that L'Heure du Diamant celebrates. Speaking on the collection, Dana added: "The pieces speak to a timeless elegance that resonates deeply with my own creative journey-where emotion, artistry, and heritage intersect. Collaborating with a Maison as visionary as Chopard, and one so closely connected to Caroline Scheufele's inspiring legacy, is a true privilege. This campaign celebrates not only exceptional craftsmanship, but the power of storytelling through both music and design." The campaign featuring Dana for the L'Heure du Diamant collection is poised to captivate audiences globally. The L'Heure du Diamant collection has launched and is exclusively available at Alfardan Jewellery boutiques in Qatar.
CNN
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Amid a '70s design revival, colorful hard-stone watch dials make a comeback
Even by the standards of watch boxes — typically oversized for the objects they hold — Chopard's latest leather case, unveiled at watch fair Watches and Wonders, is strikingly large. But the grandeur is justified. Open it, and it reveals not one, but twelve L'Heure du Diamant watches, arranged like precious petals. Each piece features the same diamond-studded bezel, framing twelve different dials crafted from thin, round slices of hard-stones including apple-green jade, cobalt blue agate, cinnamon brown tiger's eye, white mother-of-pearl, pink opal, onyx, carnelian, and more. The result is an elegant, unmistakably feminine collection with just the right dose of color and sparkle. 'My father, Karl Scheufele, introduced exquisite goldsmithing techniques that enabled the use of hard-stone dials when he took over Chopard in 1963,' explained Caroline Scheufele, Chopard's co-president and creative director, over a phone call. 'By the late 1960s, Chopard was already creating bold, colorful timepieces with these beautiful stones. Reviving them now is our way of celebrating that joyful creativity — while staying true to our heritage.' Chopard's latest creation may be the most eloquent example yet and perhaps the peak of the hard-stone dial craze that has been sweeping the world of luxury watches over the past couple of years. It's evident at Rolex, which reimagined its beloved Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 in uplifting tones of apricot carnelian, sky-blue turquoise and shimmering green aventurine. The watchmaker also updated its iconic Oyster Perpetual collection with a 28mm style, debuting in lavender and a matte finish, a first for the brand. Gucci gave its avant-garde, hands-free Grip timepiece a bold new look in sandstone-hued jasper, while Dior's Grand Bal Histoire Naturelle features sodalite, aventurine and aragonite. Chanel ventured into the cosmos to fetch meteorite for one of its elegant Monsieur watches. Elsewhere, Cartier's elongated oval-shaped Baignoire watch has a mesmerizing, hypnotic dial featuring an irregular mosaic of mother-of-pearl, turquoise, and onyx stones. This year, Piaget is also making a colorful splash with hard-stone dials. In one model from the Hidden Treasures collection, a green-hued opal dial peeks out from an intricately engraved white gold cuff, its outer frame rimmed with delicate emeralds. In another piece, a lavish sautoir with a rope-like chain is adorned with a 17-carat pink tourmaline and a white opal of over 12 carats, and holds a dial made of fiery red ruby root — the raw base material to which rubies are attached. The dial's vivid color is echoed by ruby root beads in juicy cerise and raspberry tones, interspersed throughout the chain. One might associate such colorful hard-stones with ladies' watches, which have historically featured softer colors or delicate details, but they're popular in men's timepieces, too. Piaget recently reimagined its iconic Andy Warhol watch in four striking variations, each featuring a different ornamental stone: blue opal veined with iridescent green, warm brown tiger's eye, vivid green meteorite, and silvery meteorite. 'The distinctive shape of this case offers an ideal canvas for showcasing exceptional slices of ornamental stone,' says Jean-Bernard Forot, head of patrimony at Piaget. 'At Watches and Wonders, we're reintroducing the tiger's eye on a white gold case — an exquisite pairing that magnifies the stone's graphic, magnetic stripes.' At the end of last year, Hublot added a bold twist to its muscular Classic Fusion model, unveiling dials crafted from lunar meteorite, pink jasper, turquoise, sodalite and nephrite jade. Now, at the Geneva fair, Gerald Charles — founded by the legendary designer Gerald Genta, who was often dubbed the 'Picasso of watchmaking' — presented the Maestro with a radiant lapis lazuli dial. 'Lapis lazuli was chosen because it was Mr. Gerald Genta's favorite stone,' explained the brand's CEO Federico Ziviani. 'We hold the rights to his original sketch, so this design is completely aligned with our brand's DNA.' But why has the world of horology fallen for colorful hard-stone dials? 'Collectors love these dials because they bring individuality to a watch,' explained Scheufele, noting that each stone varies in hue, with unique streaks, inclusions, and shimmering effects that give every piece its own distinct character. The appeal also goes beyond aesthetics.'These stones aren't just beautiful — they carry meaning,' Scheufele continued. 'From birthstones to lucky charms, they hold an almost mythical energy. That emotional connection makes them irresistible.' Alba Cappellieri, head of the jewelry and fashion accessories program at Politecnico University in Milan, believes that collectors' growing fascination with hard-stone dial watches is closely tied to the broader revival of 1970s aesthetics. This resurgence has been particularly visible in luxury fashion: see the flared trousers, long sautoirs and bold mix of colors and prints seen at the latest shows of Valentino, Chloé and Chanel. 'The 1970s marked a break from modernist austerity, ushering in a more fluid, emotional, and decorative aesthetic,' Cappellieri explained, citing Emilio Pucci's 'palazzo pajamas' as a perfect expression of that era's 'relaxed yet sophisticated spirit, with kaleidoscopic prints and lightweight fabrics that drape naturally over the body.' Much like in the 1970s, current rising inflation and geopolitical tensions globally may prompt consumers to seek solace in color as a quick and uplifting antidote. 'Saturated hues and vibrant combinations are taking center stage,' Cappellieri continued, adding that the appeal of hard-stones such as lapis lazuli, malachite and mother-of-pearl 'goes beyond decoration' and 'reflect a desire to celebrate nature and its uniqueness.' However, for all their visual appeal and seemingly effortless ability to inject color into a watch, setting a dial using hard-stones is a delicate and complex process. Despite being classified as 'hard,' these stones are, in fact, fragile, explained Piaget's Forot. 'Opal dials are especially tricky — even after passing all the stress tests, the real moment of truth comes when the watch hands are applied to the dial,' he said. 'There's a tiny pressure at the center of the dial, and even the strongest slice can crack.' Still, the risk is worth it. 'One glance at a hard-stone dial instantly evokes images of a hedonistic, flamboyant lifestyle,' said Forot. 'You can almost feel the warmth just by looking at it.'
CNN
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Amid a '70s design revival, colorful hard-stone watch dials make a comeback
Even by the standards of watch boxes — typically oversized for the objects they hold — Chopard's latest leather case, unveiled at watch fair Watches and Wonders, is strikingly large. But the grandeur is justified. Open it, and it reveals not one, but twelve L'Heure du Diamant watches, arranged like precious petals. Each piece features the same diamond-studded bezel, framing twelve different dials crafted from thin, round slices of hard-stones including apple-green jade, cobalt blue agate, cinnamon brown tiger's eye, white mother-of-pearl, pink opal, onyx, carnelian, and more. The result is an elegant, unmistakably feminine collection with just the right dose of color and sparkle. 'My father, Karl Scheufele, introduced exquisite goldsmithing techniques that enabled the use of hard-stone dials when he took over Chopard in 1963,' explained Caroline Scheufele, Chopard's co-president and creative director, over a phone call. 'By the late 1960s, Chopard was already creating bold, colorful timepieces with these beautiful stones. Reviving them now is our way of celebrating that joyful creativity — while staying true to our heritage.' Chopard's latest creation may be the most eloquent example yet and perhaps the peak of the hard-stone dial craze that has been sweeping the world of luxury watches over the past couple of years. It's evident at Rolex, which reimagined its beloved Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 in uplifting tones of apricot carnelian, sky-blue turquoise and shimmering green aventurine. The watchmaker also updated its iconic Oyster Perpetual collection with a 28mm style, debuting in lavender and a matte finish, a first for the brand. Gucci gave its avant-garde, hands-free Grip timepiece a bold new look in sandstone-hued jasper, while Dior's Grand Bal Histoire Naturelle features sodalite, aventurine and aragonite. Chanel ventured into the cosmos to fetch meteorite for one of its elegant Monsieur watches. Elsewhere, Cartier's elongated oval-shaped Baignoire watch has a mesmerizing, hypnotic dial featuring an irregular mosaic of mother-of-pearl, turquoise, and onyx stones. This year, Piaget is also making a colorful splash with hard-stone dials. In one model from the Hidden Treasures collection, a green-hued opal dial peeks out from an intricately engraved white gold cuff, its outer frame rimmed with delicate emeralds. In another piece, a lavish sautoir with a rope-like chain is adorned with a 17-carat pink tourmaline and a white opal of over 12 carats, and holds a dial made of fiery red ruby root — the raw base material to which rubies are attached. The dial's vivid color is echoed by ruby root beads in juicy cerise and raspberry tones, interspersed throughout the chain. One might associate such colorful hard-stones with ladies' watches, which have historically featured softer colors or delicate details, but they're popular in men's timepieces, too. Piaget recently reimagined its iconic Andy Warhol watch in four striking variations, each featuring a different ornamental stone: blue opal veined with iridescent green, warm brown tiger's eye, vivid green meteorite, and silvery meteorite. 'The distinctive shape of this case offers an ideal canvas for showcasing exceptional slices of ornamental stone,' says Jean-Bernard Forot, head of patrimony at Piaget. 'At Watches and Wonders, we're reintroducing the tiger's eye on a white gold case — an exquisite pairing that magnifies the stone's graphic, magnetic stripes.' At the end of last year, Hublot added a bold twist to its muscular Classic Fusion model, unveiling dials crafted from lunar meteorite, pink jasper, turquoise, sodalite and nephrite jade. Now, at the Geneva fair, Gerald Charles — founded by the legendary designer Gerald Genta, who was often dubbed the 'Picasso of watchmaking' — presented the Maestro with a radiant lapis lazuli dial. 'Lapis lazuli was chosen because it was Mr. Gerald Genta's favorite stone,' explained the brand's CEO Federico Ziviani. 'We hold the rights to his original sketch, so this design is completely aligned with our brand's DNA.' But why has the world of horology fallen for colorful hard-stone dials? 'Collectors love these dials because they bring individuality to a watch,' explained Scheufele, noting that each stone varies in hue, with unique streaks, inclusions, and shimmering effects that give every piece its own distinct character. The appeal also goes beyond aesthetics.'These stones aren't just beautiful — they carry meaning,' Scheufele continued. 'From birthstones to lucky charms, they hold an almost mythical energy. That emotional connection makes them irresistible.' Alba Cappellieri, head of the jewelry and fashion accessories program at Politecnico University in Milan, believes that collectors' growing fascination with hard-stone dial watches is closely tied to the broader revival of 1970s aesthetics. This resurgence has been particularly visible in luxury fashion: see the flared trousers, long sautoirs and bold mix of colors and prints seen at the latest shows of Valentino, Chloé and Chanel. 'The 1970s marked a break from modernist austerity, ushering in a more fluid, emotional, and decorative aesthetic,' Cappellieri explained, citing Emilio Pucci's 'palazzo pajamas' as a perfect expression of that era's 'relaxed yet sophisticated spirit, with kaleidoscopic prints and lightweight fabrics that drape naturally over the body.' Much like in the 1970s, current rising inflation and geopolitical tensions globally may prompt consumers to seek solace in color as a quick and uplifting antidote. 'Saturated hues and vibrant combinations are taking center stage,' Cappellieri continued, adding that the appeal of hard-stones such as lapis lazuli, malachite and mother-of-pearl 'goes beyond decoration' and 'reflect a desire to celebrate nature and its uniqueness.' However, for all their visual appeal and seemingly effortless ability to inject color into a watch, setting a dial using hard-stones is a delicate and complex process. Despite being classified as 'hard,' these stones are, in fact, fragile, explained Piaget's Forot. 'Opal dials are especially tricky — even after passing all the stress tests, the real moment of truth comes when the watch hands are applied to the dial,' he said. 'There's a tiny pressure at the center of the dial, and even the strongest slice can crack.' Still, the risk is worth it. 'One glance at a hard-stone dial instantly evokes images of a hedonistic, flamboyant lifestyle,' said Forot. 'You can almost feel the warmth just by looking at it.'
