Van Cleef & Arpels

A chance encounter with a long-lost acquaintance-turned-dealer became the making of an Italian financier’s seminal jewellery collection for his wife, says Vivienne Becker. Portrait by Nicholas Calcott

Time is feminine features 80 timepieces that span seven decades and hail from the top maisons

The gold bracelet watch is back in fashion, marrying the femininity of jewellery with the assertiveness of precious metal, says Vivienne Becker

Moreishly smoky, earthily sweet, richly resinous or seductively spicy… woody scents are as nuanced as the emotions they arouse. And they are making their warming presence felt this winter, says Vicci Bentley. Photography by Omer Knaz

The coquettishly concealed dials of these jewels-cum-timepieces were right on trend in the Roaring Twenties – and are again now, says Ming Liu

The dress watch has reached a new apogée. Prepare to be dazzled, says Vivienne Becker

A perfectly considered brooch on a lapel or tie creates an elegant opportunity for self-expression. Vivienne Becker reports

The born-again, racy-retro cocktail ring is an audacious festival of intense colour, immense proportions and unbridled creativity – prepare to be dazzled, says Vivienne Becker. Photography by David Newton

Rich fabrics, strong silhouettes, intricate drapes and Japanese influences bring a new opulence to eveningwear. Jewellery by Van Cleef & Arpels. Styling and photography by Damian Foxe

Exquisite handmade jewellery that relies on extreme craft skills is becoming as sought-after as the rarest gemstones themselves – and these extraordinary pieces are bringing their maker and wearer closer together. Vivienne Becker reports

Pierre Hardy has designed the catalogue for this sale of handbags, watches and fine jewellery

A spectacular loft in downtown Manhattan is a chic showcase for a glittering collection of rare pieces

Silks and satins with pyjama-inspired insouciance are taking loungewear to a new level of sophistication. Styling by Hannah Teare. Photography by Sandra Freij. Location: The Dorchester, London

Organic jewels celebrating the primal beauty of cacti, corn and creepy-crawlies present nature in a dynamic new light. Vivienne Becker reports. Photography by Andy Barter. Styling and set design by Thea Lewis-Yates

The Fée Ondine from Van Cleef & Arpels tells a wordless fairy tale

Leading watchmakers give way to flights of delightful fancy. Video courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels

Collector Square presents an enviable array of bags, jewellery and watches

New mines in Zambia, Brazil and Colombia are bringing this vivaciously flawed heroine of a gem back to the heart of high jewellery. Vivienne Becker reports