Interviews

Exclusive interview with Mr. Arthur Boginsky, Owner of Art Creations

Art Creations jewellery represents value

Arthur Boginsky set Art Creations in New York 20 years ago with an aim to evolve to high-end manufacturer and also source rare and top quality gems. In order to accomplish that he spends half of the year travelling to mining areas in Asia and Africa in search of incredible gems. Boginsky tells us that Art Creations deals only with top quality diamonds and precious stones that make the jewellery creations exclusive and exotic. Below are the excerpts from an interview with Arthur Boginsky:

How active is Art Creations in the Middle East?

We came to the region three years ago, first to the UAE then Bahrain, Qatar and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. We plan to stay in the region and build up contacts and try to develop good relations with clientele for high quality products; gemstones and jewellery.

What is so special about your range of products?

Most of our creations are one of a kind; we own the best material which we get from mining areas in Burma, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania, and many other places. We have our own experienced designers and our manufactory. We supervise every single step, and are very serious in creating beautiful pieces. Our production is very small yet very valuable and appreciated by customers because of its rarity and quality.

Do you witness any difference in taste of customers in the Middle East vis-a-vis other areas you cover?

Customers in the Middle East are very educated and experienced thus able to recognize the one-of-a-kind item and high quality pieces and commercial pieces.

Art Creations is covering exhibitions in the region. Do you have any plans to have a distribution point in the Middle East?

We are in a partnership with Al Fardan and it’s a good start for us.

What about the other countries in the region?

We don’t have partners yet in other areas, but are looking for different options at the moment.

Do you do customized designs?

All the time. Usually the client explains what he/she desires, we design and submit a proposal; when approved we produce the piece. We also have our extensive collection of unique pieces.

Where does Art Creations stands from the new trends in jewellery designing such as using new material such as titanium and combining semi precious stones with precious ones?

We are very conservative. We only use platinum and gold and high quality precious stones, from natural diamonds to rubies, emeralds and sapphires.  It is becoming so difficult now-a-days to get the best quality of these stones.

Are you committed to classical designs and pieces?

Art Creations jewellery represents value. We don’t do old fashioned jewellery and we don’t exaggerate the size. Our creations are elegant and contemporary and perfect to any sophisticated woman.

Market News

Rolf W. Schnyder, CEO of Ulysse Nardin has unexpectedly passed away

Rolf W. Schnyder, CEO of Ulysse Nardin, has unexpectedly passed away on 14th April 2011 after a short illness. “With the passing of Rolf W. Schnyder, the watchmaking industry has lost one of its greatest visionaries, while Ulysse Nardin has lost an important source of innovation for the firm, said Susanne Hurni, press officer and head of media relations at Ulysse Nardin. Rolf W. Schnyder had acquired the family firm Ulysse Nardin in 1983, and since that time held the role of president and CEO at the helm of the manufacturer with its wealth of tradition. Under his leadership, Ulysse Nardin rose once more to the top of the mechanical watchmaking sector, with numerous innovations such as the first astronomical wrist watches.

The management and staff of AWJ Online Newsletter and MPP-ME Group, extend their deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Schnyder and all members of Ulysse Nardin.

Patek Philippe launches its 3rd boutique in UAE with A. Seddiqi & Sons

Luxury Swiss watch manufacturer Patek Philippe has opened its 3^rd boutique at Mall of the Emirates on Tuesday, 12^th April 2011 with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons. Patek Philippe is one of the most famous and exclusive brands of wristwatches and is synonymous with owning the best timepiece in the world. This prestigious Swiss watch-making firm is also arguably the most famous manufacturer of timepieces worldwide. This new Patek Philippe boutique displays a comprehensive selection of the brand’s timepieces.

Dubai stands out as global retail destination

According to a recent report, Dubai is the second-most popular retail hotspot for international brands, the emirate now enjoys the same bragging rights as London in being the "most popular retail city in the world". Dubai and London were followed by New York, Paris and Hong Kong as favored destinations for brands. The composition of the rest of the Top 20 is a mix of traditional and emerging markets, and "providing an indication of how global the international retail business really is.

Abu Dhabi aims 7 percent annual growth

Abu Dhabi made a plan to reach 7 percent annual growth on average from now until 2015, with a further 6 percent annual growth from that point on. The upward momentum will be supported by diversification and a lower dependence on oil, a bond prospectus showed recently. The capital, which accounts for most of the country's oil wealth, would expand at total growth in gross domestic product of over 500 per cent by 2030, according to the document.

Rivoli partners with HSBC

HSBC Credit and Debit Cardholders had the opportunity to an exclusive HSBC Rivoli Warehouse sale held on April 7 to 9, between 10:00 am and 10:00 pm at Great Ballroom, Le Meridien Hotel, Airport Road, Dubai. Using HSBC Credit and Debit card, customers got the chance to receive up to 70 percent off on selected items and Flexi Installment Plan by spending AED 2,000 or more in a single transaction and repay the purchases in 3 equal installments at 0 percent.

Company News

Harry Winston joins the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie

The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) is pleased to welcome Harry Winston as a partner-brand, the twenty-seventh to join the circle of watch companies that wish to defend the values of technical and precious fine watchmaking by associating with the Foundation's activities. With the arrival of Harry Winston, the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie further strengthens its position and its vocation to defend the unique values of an industry that is built on tradition, innovation and savoir-faire.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts awards Van Cleef & Arpels as “Friends of the Arts”

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai is honouring the unsung heroes of the Emirate’s cultural and arts scene, once again. Announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and organized by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Patrons of the Arts Awards are the first of its kind initiative in the Arab world. Partner with Art Dubai for the third consecutive year, Van Cleef & Arpels proudly received the distinction of “Friend of the Art” for its support to Art.

Chinese racer Han Han joins Hublot as goodwill ambassador

Hublot hosted the press conference and VIP dinner in Shanghai to celebrate it has been appointed the Official Watchmaker of Formula 1™ for one year. The event held in the presence of Mr. Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot, and Mr. Han Han, the famous Chinese Rally racer, as well as the best-seller author and China’s most popular blogger. Hublot announced Han Han as Goodwill Ambassador for its brand. They also unveiled the online auction result of the only one Han Han autographed F1™ King Power Zirconium watch and make donation to One Foundation, which is found by Hublot brand ambassador Jet Li, to aid HIV children in China.

Jaeger-LeCoultre partners the “Cannes fait le mur” Exhibition

On the occasion of the 64th Cannes International Film Festival, Jaeger-LeCoultre is supporting the “Cannes fait le mur” photography exhibition from May 10 to July 5, 2011. A glamorous, larger than life installation spread throughout the town of Cannes features a selection of the finest creations from the highly talented photographer Marcel Hartmann. In parallel, the Jaeger-LeCoultre boutique in Cannes, located at 27, Rue d’Antibes, will host a complementary exhibition composed of various portraits shot by photographer Marcel Hartmann.

HERMES seeking to sell stake in Jean Paul Gaultier

Hermes International SCA is reported to be in advanced talks for the sale of its 45 percent in Jean Paul Gaultier Fashion Company less than a year after the designer stepped down as the artistic director of Hermes’s women’s ready-to-wear unit after seven years in the role and was replaced by Christophe Lemaire. The designer has had a relationship with Hermes since 1999, when the company bought a 35 percent stake in his fashion house for $23 million.

Maurice Lacroix to receive another outstanding design award

The limited-edition Pontos Decentrique Phases de Lune is to receive the highest distinction at the red dot design awards, one of the world’s most prestigious international product competitions, where it will be honored with the “best of the best” prize. The Masterpiece Regulateur Roue Carree, also in a limited edition, will receive the “red dot” distinction. A total of 4,433 products were submitted.

Christie’s photo call and private viewing in Dubai

Christie’s will be conducting a private photo-call and press preview highlighting the Modern and Contemporary Arab, Iranian and Turkish Art & Important Jewels auction from its 10^th sale season in Dubai on April 17, 2011 at Godolphin Ballroom, Jumeirah Emirates Tower Hotel, Dubai. Walk-throughs with specialists and limited interviews with Christie’s senior management and Edge of Arabia artists will also be available.

Richard Mille celebrates the winners of the Voiles de Saint Barth

As principal sponsor, Richard Mille salutes the organizers as well as the sporting performances of the crews to the success of the second edition of the Voiles de Saint Barth which came to an end on 9th April, after a week of breathtaking sailing. In the Maxi-Yacht class, the star of these yachts, Rambler 100, brought its owner George David a second victory after last years. During the prize giving ceremony on Saturday evening he was presented with a limited edition Richard Mille RM 028 “Voiles de Saint Barth” diving watch.

Movado widens loss to 32 percent in 4Q 2010

During the fourth-quarter ended January 31, Movado Group’s sales rose 23 percent year on year to $101 million. However, the retailer's net loss grew 32 percent to $31.1 million, compared with a prior-year loss of $23.6 million, or 96 cents a share. Gross profit as a percentage of sales fell to 30.6 percent from 36.3 percent one year ago. Fiscal year sales rose 9.3 percent to $382.2 million and Movado narrowed its loss to $44.3 million from $54.4 million.

Product Launch

Graham London unveils Mercedes GP Time Zone

As official timekeeper of the Mercedes GP Petronas Formula One Team, Graham London knows what it takes to participate in 19 Grands Prix. Therefore, the brand chose team members for the test. In these conditions, what could be more useful to the team than a GMT watch with simultaneous reading of a second time zone. This is what the Mercedes GP Time Zone is all about. An easy to read automatic watch with date and GMT, dressed in a racing outfit.

Jaquet Droz unveils its new mobile applications

Since it was first established in 1738, Jaquet Droz has perpetuated the spirit of innovation and aesthetic refinement of its founder, Pierre Jaquet Droz. The brand new Jaquet Droz iPad application is a new step in respect of the company philosophy. The application first displays real time with the iconic model of the brand, the Grande Seconde. The brand’s latest collections, news and videos can also be viewed. The application also includes an international geolocation tool for retailers to instantly find and contact Jaquet Droz boutiques or authorized dealers.

TAG HEUER’S Carrera Heritage Collection launched in the Middle East

As part of TAG Heuer’s “Mastering Speed for 150 Years Celebrations”, the Swiss legend is launching the Carrera Heritage Collection. This collection is available in a 39mm watch edition equipped with an automatic Calibre 6 movement with an azurage embossed small second counter and the date at 6 o’clock. The 41mm automatic chronograph version with the Calibre 16 movement inside and three azurage-embossed sub-counters on the dial.  Several options are offered - steel, steel and gold, and steel and rose gold, all with crystal sapphire case back showing the cogs and wheels of the movement inside.

F.P.Journe presents the “Chronometre Bleu”

Introduced as a new approach of high precision for a younger generation of collectors, the Chronometre Bleu launched in December 2009 revealed itself as an ultimate Trend Setter in inspiring numerous watch brands. The manual winding movement of the Chronometre Bleu is made in 18K rose gold, like that of all F.P.Journe creations. The manually wound movement of the timepiece oscillates at 21,600v/h. Twin barrels, in the classic configuration of precision watches, work in parallel to deliver stable power for much of its 56-hour full autonomy.

Equipe Watch pays tribute to Chevrolet 100 years

General Motors celebrates “100 Years of Chevrolet” with a special limited edition watch from Equipe Watch Company.  Named after the famous Chevrolet engine, the “100^th Big Block” Chronograph watch; limited production made from surgical stainless steel with a black tire tread band. Each watch carries the Chevrolet 100^th anniversary logo with serial number.  The limited production Equipe watch was designed in Detroit and will debut April 28 at the National Corvette Museum, Bowling Green, Kentucky. 

EDOX presents the new X-treme Pilot III Limited Edition

The new X-treme Pilot III Limited Edition is powered by a chronograph movement that is sturdy, shock-resistant and extremely reliable. Designed for WRC drivers, the watch is in ultra-light titanium and the movement rotated through 180 degrees, makes for instinctive and enjoyable use. As ever, the WRC collection features many inspired details: wheel rims embossed on the caseback, green oversize push-piece in anodized aluminum and a tachymeter scale on the dial. It is limited to 1000 exclusive pieces and comes in its personalized presentation box.

Consul launches Heritage Chronograph 7315-01

Consul has presented the new Heritage collection in BASELWORLD including the new model, Consul Heritage Chronograph 7315-01. The timepiece features: high resistant polished stainless steel case, 42 mm case diameter, Swiss made automatic movement ETA 7750, water resistant to 30 M - 3 ATM (100 feet) and stainless steel bracelet with double butterfly buckle and 2 safety pushers or assorted leather band with double butterfly buckle. This model is limited to 888 pieces.

Montegrappa launches its new line of NeroUno watches at BASELWORLD 2011

BASELWORLD visitors were able to see, alongside Montegrappa’s most impressive display yet of limited edition pens, the new NeroUno quartz and mechanical wristwatches. Along with the new watches, display cases overflowed with exceptional and exciting new pens for 2011, including the Sylvester Stallone-designed Chaos, the Frank Sinatra and Bruce Lee Dragon "Icons" pens, Montegrappa's colorful homage to Italy's 150^th Anniversary, the Thrilla in Manila pen sets commemorating the historic Ali-Frazier boxing epic, the revived Cosmopolitan range, the limited edition dedicated to the 50^th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's first flight to space, and the new Privilege Gioiello and Parola lines.

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