DJwE d o h a j e w e l l e r y a n d w a t c h e s e x h i b i t i o n Sevan Bicakci
Magical Gems The famous Turkish jewellery designer Sevan Bicakci is known as the “King of Rings” for his exquisite creations, and he presented 150 unique jewels including rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and cuff-links at the DJWE 2013. “Although all are equally important in terms of design value,” says Emre Dilaver, Creative Director at Sevan Bicakci, “one ring called the ‘Sheltering Sky’ may stand out as the only solitaire piece with a 4.45 ct diamond in its centre and the highest price point within the collection. It portrays Istanbul’s monuments and the skies above, and is one of Sevan Bicakci’s rare solitaire ring approaches.” Bicakci doesn’t have a dealer in Qatar, so the exhibition is the one and only opportunity to present here. The only chance to see the whole spectrum of Bicakci’s work is in his boutiques in Istanbul or Dubai. “As we cater to a niche audience, it is good to keep our collectors
Emre Dilaver, Creative Director, Sevan Bicakci
updated on the most recent offspring of the atelier. They would not only buy some new pieces on the spot, but they would also mark a visit to the boutiques in Dubai and Istanbul into their schedules,” says Dilaver. The Middle East is an important market for Sevan Bicakci as his work is very much shaped by Istanbul’s
cultural heritage, so it is understood in the Middle East. The collections held by some Middle East customers are therefore much bigger than what a European or an American collector would own. “Although Qatar is potentially a very strong market, we cater to single persons rather than markets,” Dilaver says.
A cut above
Christie’s
Julien-Vincent Brunie, International Director, Private Sales, Christie’s
The famous fine arts auction house, Christie’s, is currently the world’s largest art and luxury dealer. Christie’s has its main headquarters on London’s King Street and in Rockefeller Plaza, New York. It is owned by Groupe Artémis, the holding company of Francois-Henri Pinault. “We are proud to have selected special pieces from around the world,” said JulienVincent Brunie, International Director, Private Sales. “Some of these items cannot be found any more. For instance there are emeralds which were sourced from a mine that doesn’t produce stones of the same quality any more. Visitors will find a brooch made for the Emperor of France in 1855, and a Cartier necklace from 1922. There are some exquisite tiaras also on display.” Pictured left: a pair of pearl and diamond ear pendants by Harry Winston, a diamond and coloured diamond demi-parure by Boucheron (formerly the property of Princess Salimah Aga Khan), a v-shaped diamond necklace and a coloured pink 5.13ct diamond ring.
8 6 Qatar Today
march 2013