BOUCHERON &GIRARD-PERREGAUX - HAUTE JOAILLERIE MEETS HAUTE HORLOGERIE; BOUCHERON LADYHAWKE TOURBILLON WATCH GIRARD-PERREGAUX MOVEMENT

Meetings that give rise to great stories are seldom fortuitous. The relationship between Boucheron, founded in 1858 and the first jeweller to establish itself in place Vendôme, and Girard-Perregaux, the Swiss Haute Horlogerie watch manufacture dating back to 1791, has its roots in a shared passion for creating exceptional objects.



The links between Parisian jewellers and Swiss watch manufactures are age-old. The most prestigious Maisons in place Vendôme have a long history of working together with their Swiss partners to produce their watches. Their watchmaking creativity and enterprise have thus for decades been primed by Swiss precision mechanics.



The MaisonBoucheron has been producing watches since its inception, earning it the honorary title of “bijoutier du temps” in recognition of its talent for creating exceptional timepieces.



As far back as 1867, Boucheron was commended by the jury at the Paris Universal Exhibition for presenting an “intriguing and fabulous” fob chain.



In a historical coincidence, the Girard-Perregaux Manufacture also received recognition at the same exhibition for a pocket watch equipped with a tourbillon. Paris simultaneously celebrated the outstanding talents of FrédéricBoucheron and Constant Girard-Perregaux in their respective fields of jewellery and watchmaking.



Did the two men ever meet? Nobody knows. Nevertheless, more than a century later, the paths of the two Maisons, living embodiments of the ingenuity of their founders, would cross definitively…

Boucheron and Girard-Perregaux are two Brands at the very forefront of their field. The unique character of their products is the result of a fine balance between expertise honed through generations and a resolutely contemporary approach. Authenticity, extreme attention to detail, the use of the very highest-quality materials and a passion for beautiful craftsmanship are the beating heart of their business.

Several years ago, the two Maisons formed a working partnership based on these shared values. In 2010, this partnership culminated in the unveiling of a remarkable creation, the marriage of their respective talents and the fruit of their combined passion. The Ladyhawke Tourbillon, a falcon-encircled watch brought to life by the Tourbillon with three gold Bridges movement, sees Boucheron’s unrivalled jewellery expertise complemented superbly by Girard-Perregaux’s iconic movement - the first of its kind produced by the La Chaux-de-Fonds Haute Horlogerie Manufacture for another brand.

AKILLIS SETS NEW STANDARDS IN JEWELELRY DESIGN WITH THE LAUNCH OF A NEW COLLECTION

While there are a variety of challenging exercises to stimulate the whole brain, the jigsaw puzzle remains, by far, one of the most intriguing mental exercises that helps in improving memory function as well as other brain functions that need stimulation.

Luxury French Jewellery manufacturer AKILLIS has taken the world of jewellery outside its comfort zone by designing retro puzzles and reintroducing them as pieces of exquisite jewellery breaking away from the floral designs and patterns that have been a hallmark of women’s jewellery for decades.

“The AKILLIS philosophy is about setting new standards and revitalizing an ancient and conservative establishment by introducing new design concepts using quality materials, unique style and innovative design,” observed Caroline Gaspard, CEO of AKILLIS.

She noted that with the new AKILLIS Puzzle collection is fashioned with a classic touch yet adds a flare of edginess fitting for a 21^st century trendsetter. “The brand is taking fine jewellery into a new era, where sophistication and luxury blend effortlessly with fun, freedom, authenticity and inimitability,” Ms Gaspard added.

AKILLIS’ puzzle range is designed to fit clients’ distinctive lifestyles and all material chosen are hand-selecting and meet the stringent demands of the highest quality gold, diamonds and gemstones for every piece created.

Fine jewellery by AKILLIS offers a fresh take on jewellery designs and breaks free from the conventional and archaic moulds, and is inspired by the luxurious shapes of the present and future era, and infused with the contemporary, electric edge that is brought to life by Ms Gaspard. AKILLIS’s pieces are stunning and artistic, an instant favourite of the effortlessly chic modern woman.

Each and every piece of jewellery is made in France, and is crafted by talented Parisian artisans and the jewellery is a bold, yet elegant, display of beauty. AKILLIS designs are comfortable to wear, following the curves of the body like a second skin. Their lightness is only equalled by their majesty and acute attention is paid to minor details. 

World Gold Council proud to extend its participation in DSF 2009

Dubai, UAE (January 19, 2009) – Once again the World Gold Council (WGC) has shown its commitment to participate in the Dubai Shopping Festival 2009 in collaboration with Damas on a massive gold promotion. Since the inception of this festival, WGC has been a very enthusiastic partner of the Dubai Government in supporting its various activities - the most prominent amongst them being the annual Dubai Shopping Festival which has significantly contributed towards the city’s success and recognition as the ‘City of Gold’.

On every purchase of gold and jewellery worth Dh500 at one of the participating Damas stores, the customer will be entitled to one raffle coupon and enter into a daily draw to win gold. This mega promotion offered during the biggest regional shopping bonanza will give five shoppers the chance to win 100gm of gold every day and four lucky winners will also get an opportunity to win the grand prize of 1kg gold each.

Lama Al Saheb, Head of Marketing & PR – Middle East Region commented: "Experts have always said gold is a hedge against inflation, and just as importantly in the UAE, a hedge against the US dollar. Gold has always been a safe haven and with the global economy fast sinking into recession it is coming to the limelight again. Despite the global downturn, the gold market in the UAE remains healthy with the investment sector increasing significantly by end of 2008 as a result of the consumer awareness towards investing in gold.

“The jewellery sector had its ups and downs during the second half of 2008 with a significant increase in Q3 (Dh4.3 billion in the UAE) followed by a slight drop in gold jewellery consumption in Q4 (figures not available yet). However, the increase in the investment sector balances the total gold consumption leading to a stable and healthy gold market in the UAE. Therefore, gold remains the safe investment choice, whether purchased in the form of coins and bars or as gold jewellery. The World Gold Council, urges consumers to make the wise choice this DSF and buy gold jewellery. Given the current global conditions, it is wise to make purchases that store its value."



Yogaani Bhatia, World Gold Council’s Jewellery Marketing Manager, UAE commented: “Dubai’s growing international trade makes it a very attractive hub and the gold trade continues to gain from this escalation. Dubai Shopping Festival persists to lure residents and tourists with its comfortable opulence combining it with exciting activities and the World Gold Council is both proud and pleased to extend its participation with Damas for this successful endeavour.

“Moreover, we strongly believe that providing marketing opportunities through such events escorts the gold industry to seek new heights in showcasing innovative and stylish gold jewellery. Gold’s universal role as a store of value has shone through 2008 helping attract investors and consumers to all forms of gold ownership. This makes World Gold Council optimistic towards 2009 and we assure constant support to the gold trade and industry who share our objective leading to a further market growth and penetration.”

The 14th edition of the grand event is scheduled to take place between January 15th and February 15th 2009 and retailers in the city have reportedly stocked up on the latest and most trendy designs of the season with an eye on international fashion trends. Gold trade particularly continued to receive a boost with Dubai coming into the limelight as a growing international trading hub. As one of the most bankable financial assets, gold has time and again proved itself during times of crisis as an investment of worth. It also adapts itself admirably to present day fashion trends with designers competing with one another to come up with the most innovative, eye-catching designs.

In UAE, the increase in gold demand reached 22% in tonnage terms; equal to 56% increase in value terms. Q3 also saw a record performance as consumer demand increased for gold jewellery with buyers returning to the markets on lower price points, around and below $800, demonstrating the underlying positive sentiment towards gold and its recognition as a store value.

The continued marketing efforts of the World Gold Council, with the jewellery trade and the continued support of the UAE government have played an invaluable and critically vital role in promoting tourism in the country. And with gold outlets stocked with the very latest jewellery trends, this month-long event draws visitors from across the world.

From minimalistic appeal to grand and opulent designs with intricate detailed work, gold jewellery now comes in an array of astonishing hues such as rose, green, purple, blue and black, apart from the eternal favourite yellow and white. Filigree-like cut out designs while heightening volume are also lightweight with a casual, fun quality that’s extremely budget friendly too.

A host of tempting and exciting gold jewellery collections to suit both mood and occasion await shoppers this DSF 2009.

Damas joins hands with World Gold Council to offer enticing DSF deals; Proposes 20kg of grand gold promotions to lucky winners

Dubai, UAE (January 15, 2009) – Damas, the leading international jewellery retailer in the Middle East, in association with World Gold Council is offering 20kg gold in retail promotion during the 32-day Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF).

On every purchase of gold and jewellery worth Dh500 at one of the participating Damas stores, the customer will be entitled to one raffle coupon and enter into a daily draw to win gold. This mega promotion offered during the biggest regional shopping bonanza will give five shoppers the chance to win 100gm of gold every day, and four lucky winners will also get an opportunity to win the grand prize of 1kg gold each.

Tawhid Abdullah, Managing Director of Damas, said: "During DSF, we witness at least 40 per cent increase in retail activities across our outlets. Damas as a support sponsor of DSF has once again entered in this annual event with the commitment to support the initiatives of Dubai Government to promote tourism in the city. Thus on this occasion, on behalf of Damas, I wish to extend our felicitations to the DSF authorities and the government of Dubai for holding this mega event with a lot of success year-after-year and supporting our retail initiatives.”

He added Damas has He added Halways created a lot of buzz during DSF by providing shoppers a rewarding experience and an opportunity to win big. “Though the world is passing through an economic meltdown but I’m sure more and more people will buy gold as it still is considered to be the safest investment,” he said. “Being an enthusiastic partner of the Dubai government, every year during DSF we reward our shoppers through great offers and this year is no different. The festival has grown rapidly in size and scope to become the largest and most dynamic festival of its kind in the world. It organizes hundreds of events, which are enjoyed by people of all ages. Thus once again we are offering the best promotions to benefit our patrons during this shopping extravaganza.”

Dubai has earned the title of ‘City of Gold’, and the continuous marketing efforts of retailers such as Damas and the World Gold Council and the annual promotions of its partners play a large role in creating awareness of this prestigious title locally, and internationally. The council has worked closely with the DSF authorities to promote Dubai as the main centre of gold in the region, since the launch of DSF.

Yogaani Bhatia, World Gold Council’s Jewellery Marketing Manager, UAE commented: “Dubai’s growing international trade makes it a very attractive hub and the gold trade continues to gain from this escalation. Dubai Shopping Festival persists to lure residents and tourists with its comfortable opulence combining it with exciting activities and the World Gold Council is both proud and pleased to extend its participation with Damas for this successful endeavour.

“Moreover, we strongly believe that providing marketing opportunities through such events escorts the gold industry to seek new heights in showcasing innovative and stylish gold jewellery. Gold’s universal role as a store of value has shone through 2008 helping attract investors and consumers to all forms of gold ownership. This makes World Gold Council optimistic towards 2009 and we assure constant support to the gold trade and industry who share our objective leading to a further market growth and penetration.”

World Gold Council’s continued participation in DSF reiterates the success of the event in terms of promoting gold sales. Such promotions have perfectly complemented the shopping festival and provided added-value to shoppers.