The Bvlgari Resort and Hotel Dubai

Developed by Meraas, a leading Dubai-based holding company and designed by renowned Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, the new Bulgari Hotels & Resorts Dubai will be officially opened to public on December 2017.

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Incredibly Fun On-The-Road: The Ferrari Special and Limited Edition Race Car

The Ferrari special and limited edition race car has been launched with 23 per cent more downforce and has even more aerodynamics elements.

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Happily Ever After: Jack & Silan

Every story is a unique representation of love – the meeting, the maturity of the relationship and the journey towards marriage. Two individuals coming together to build a life as one. Despite the hurdles and hiccups along the way, this is their happily ever after. Meet some newly engaged couples, basking in a state of romantic bliss. These loved up pairs have been kind enough to share their proposal stories with 77 World.

Today, we meet Jack Scarlett and Silan Mirberg, who tied the knot in England last month and are currently residing in Sweden.

Jack and Silan got married just last month at an intimate ceremony

First meeting: The pair met on a holiday in Mexico, two-and-a-half years ago. Jack was holidaying on his own and Silan was with her sister. “We were attending an organsied group event and the group leader introduced us; that’s where it all began,” shares Silan.

She’s the one: They kept in touch after their meeting in Mexico and three months later, decided to meet up again. “We randomly picked a city in Europe and ended up in Prague for a weekend. It was during this weekend that we knew this was something special,” the couple share.

The proposal: Jack proposed in Spain in Costa del Sol. “This is a special place for us as we have been here a couple of times together and explored the coast together,” Jack says. On the night of the proposal, Silan, unaware of Jack’s plans, was busy getting ready for the evening while Jack slipped away and headed to the beach to prepare. “I drew a heart in the sand and inside the heart, I used stones to spell out, ‘Silan, will you marry me’? I texted Silan after a while, informing her I was on the beach waiting for her. It was dark when she arrived, and I heard her call my name. Suddenly, she saw me standing next to the heart and I proposed to her with a Haribo sweet ring.”

The couple share a special moment after the proposal on a beach in Spain

The ring: The couple decided to design a bespoke ring together and met with the head of 77 Diamond’s bespoke team, Anna Byers, to turn their vision into reality. With Anna, they designed a full-set diamond knife-edge engagement ring in platinum with 6 claws and a round brilliant diamond as the centre stone. Jack had a bespoke wedding band designed to compliment Silan’s ring. “We really enjoyed the process of buying rings with 77 Diamonds. The rings will always be a reminder of the love that we share, so to have the perfect rings made and a special experience while ordering them is so important.”

The wedding: The wedding was swiftly organised in Guildford, England last month, as Jack had planned to move to Sweden for one year to be with Silan while she completes her last year of her psychotherapy education. The couple plan to move back to England after Silan graduates. They chose to keep the wedding small with 50 guests comprising of their families and closest friends for an intimate ceremony, followed by dinner. “It was most important for us to share this day with our loved ones and create special memories that will last us our lifetime.”

The couple designed a bespoke engagement ring and wedding band with 77 Diamonds. To learn about bespoke orders at 77 please visit http://ift.tt/2zYhwMp

 

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Intensa Emozione: The flagship hyper-car Apollo IE

Apollo Automobil is happy to announce that the Apollo IE, its flagship hyper-car, is ready to meet the world

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First Andaz Hotel Opens its Doors in Singapore

Managed by Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Andaz Singapore is the first Andaz hotel to open in Southeast Asia in October, making it the seventeenth property to join Andaz’s chain of hotels.

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Lexus reveals two ‘Black Panther’ inspired LC models

Discover the two new 2018 'Black Panther' inspired LC models by Lexus

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London Brings ‘Co-Living’ to Old Oak at North West

The Old Oak situated at north west offers a new way to live, work and play and make the most out of London's life

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The Best of akyra Sukhumvit Bangkok

akyra Sukhumvit Bangkok is a new addition to the Akaryn Hotel Group’s Luxury Boutique Portfolio

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F1 United States of America Grand Prix 2017 Report: Lewis Hamilton wins, extinguishing Sebastian Vettel’s hopes

Lewis Hamilton wins again at the US grand prix scoring his sixty-second victory in the sport effectively extinguishing Sebastian Vettel’s hopes of clinching the drivers world championship.

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How are Diamonds Mined?

It seems strange that a mineral entirely made up of carbon has become one of the most sought-after jewels in the world, namely the diamond. After all, carbon is found in our most basic materials and equipment, such as the

The post How are Diamonds Mined? appeared first on Purely Diamonds Blog.

A “Must-See” Luxury Residence: Automaker Aston Martin goes from Convertibles to Condominiums

The iconic real-estate Aston Martin's Residences Miami is another extension to the marque's portfolio inclusive of cars, luxury yachts and a submarine as well as other interior and exterior design projects.

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Head Over Wheels: Lotus’ Limited Edition Elise Cup 260

Elise Cup 260 model by Lotus is the latest car revealed in its line-up that represents a new generation sports car, combining exceptional performance with extreme exclusivity.

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7 Reasons to Wear Cashmere This Winter

Winter and cold weather have a direct impact on the way people look at least when it comes to their clothing. Many people think about bulky sweaters, dressing in layers and dark unattractive colors when they think about the winter period. But, the fact is that you can look equally attractive in your clothes in […]

The post 7 Reasons to Wear Cashmere This Winter appeared first on Cashmere Mania.

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Why is the Diamond So Desirable?

Whenever we see a celebrity wearing a beautifully detailed diamond choker, or a friend beamingly showing off her diamond engagement ring, it’s easy to understand why diamonds have become so incredibly desirable. Teamed with a simple pair of diamond earrings,

The post Why is the Diamond So Desirable? appeared first on Purely Diamonds Blog.

Diamonds that Make the World a Better Place

Diamonds are viewed  and cherished as a symbol of commitment and love. However, most people are unaware of the positive impact they have on various communities. In remote locations where diamonds are mined, their sales have helped turn around the lives of local communities that either developed because of the mining process, or pre-existed. Lifting them up from depths of poverty, hunger, and destitution, the sales of these precious rocks have helped generate employment, education, and health facilities.

One of the most significant impacts of organisations such as the Diamond Empowerment Fund is providing scholarships to young adults in diamond communities. Their chance at gaining higher education in colleges across the globe enables them to bring growth to their own selves as well as their native countries. Image: Instagram @realisadiamond

The establishment of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in 2003 (that prevents ‘blood diamonds’ from entering the mainstream rough diamond market) had contributed immensely in spearheading a new wave of guilt-free diamond buying to ensure the stones don’t fall in the wrong hands. With increasing awareness, most jewellery houses and diamond miners in the developed nations are now increasingly insistent on sourcing conflict-free diamonds. For instance, all the diamond mines operated by members of the Diamond Producers Association – including those in Southern Africa, Russia, Australia and Canada – work in partnership with the local communities to help generate employment, training, and development.

Working in harmony with local communities is a part of any diamond mine’s license to operate. For instance, with efforts by diamond producer Rio Tinto, 4,700 villagers in Madhya Pradesh, India, have access to clean water. Image: Instagram: @diamondsdogood

Recently, the government of Sierra Leone announced its decision to auction the 709-carat ‘Peace Diamond’ that was discovered in the village of Koryardu. The ‘Peace Diamond’, which is the 14^th largest rough diamond to be found, is a development diamond. This means that over 50 per cent of its sales value will directly benefit the community where the diamond was discovered, and the people of Sierra Leone. Pastor Emmanuel Momoh, the owner of the diamond, says: “The ‘Peace Diamond’ will greatly improve the lives of our people as it will bring clean water, electricity, schools, medical facilities, bridges, and roads to our villages and the Kono district. This diamond represents our hope for a better future as the resources of Sierra Leone fund growth, development, and jobs.”

Hailing the initiative, Tobias Kormind, co-founder of 77 Diamonds, hopes the auction inspires others to follow suit. “With the Peace Diamond, Sierra Leone is following Botswana’s example, using its precious natural resources for the good of its people. Botswana was once one of Africa’s poorest nations, but today, thanks to its diamonds, Botswana has a literacy rate of over 80% and child mortality rates have plummeted by more than 70% since the 1960s when diamonds were first discovered there. The sale of the Peace Diamond, a partnership between the Sierra Leone government and the Rapaport Group, is a business model with integrity and vision. I hope we see much more of this,” he says.

Helping the local communities preserve their environment has been the aim of most diamond producers in Southern Africa. Their endeavours include helping establish vegetable gardens, grow forests and protect animals. Image: Instagram @diamondsdogood

Some of the changes brought by the sales of diamonds in socially and economically regressive communities have been tremendous. In Australia, the landmark Argyle Participation Agreement signed in 2004 between Rio Tinto and the traditional owners of the Argyle mine – the Gija and Mirriuwung people – empowered the local natives with training, employment, and business development opportunities, apart from lending the aboriginals a voice in mining decisions affecting their interests.

Education is another area that was bolstered by the diamond industry, with schools founded and funded in scores of countries where diamond mining companies are nestled. In fact, income from diamonds has helped make it possible for every child in Botswana to receive free schooling up to the age of 13. Since 2007, the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.), founded by Russell Simmons and other diamond and jewellery industry leaders, has been providing promising youth with access to higher education.

Education is a common theme spanning the diamond industry. Income from diamonds has helped make it possible for every child in Botswana to receive free schooling up to the age of 13. This image, of orphan students attending school in Molepolele, Botswana, shows efforts by Leo Schachter Diamonds in providing supplies, teachers’ salaries and transportation to students of the school since 2006. Image: Instagram @diamondsdogood

Diamonds are finite resources whose worth intensifies manifold when they help populations to sustain, and these stones will continue to change lives for generations to come.

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Rediscover the Gem of London: The Broadway, SW1 Westminster

The Broadway, SW 1 Westminster luxury apartments exude a new twist, blending both Art Deco and modern interpretations that will re-define the tenets of past concepts in the most modern approach to work and leisure.

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Hong Kong Skyscraper Sold

Hong Kong’s landmark skyscraper sold at a record price of more than $5 billion

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Twenty Grosvenor Square: Mayfair London Top Luxury Development

20 Grosvenor Square in London will be Four Seasons first purely residential project, with pricey luxury apartments and no hotel rooms.

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Fast & Topless

Aston Martin to reveal the all-new DB11 Drop Top for Outdoor Car Enthusiast in 2018

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Boom Supersonic Jet promises Paris to New York in 3.5 hours

With 76 deposits for its US$200 million 55-seat supersonic jetliners, Boom is about to launch us into the age of supersonic travel promised by Concorde

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Ferrari To Build A New SUV

This is probably good news for Ferrari fans who are SUV lovers

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Rei Kawakubo’s Minimalist Furniture goes on Show in Paris

If you have a penchant for furniture, you might very well, too, adore the minimalist statement pieces designed by Rei Kawakubo, who founded the fashion label Comme des Garçons.

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Malaysian Grand Prix 2017 Report

Malaysia bids farewell to the Formula One after nineteen years of hosting the race. Max Verstappen wins the Malaysian Grand Prix on his birthday weekend. Lewis Hamilton comes in second despite issues with his car extending his lead in the drivers championship to 34 points

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All cars built by Jaguar Land Rover will go electric in 2020

From 2020, catch the biggest launch for Jaguar Land Rover as the brand sets sight to unveil a model range of cars in electric or hybrid guise.

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Diamond Fit for a King

At 37.30 carats, the Raj Pink is the world’s largest known Fancy Intense Pink diamond, which will be auctioned by Sotheby’s in Geneva next month. Discovered in 2015, the rough was studied for more than a year before it was handed over to a master cutter to work his magic.

The shape that was chosen for the stone was a cushion-modified brilliant which, in addition to the radiant shape, is the best shape to use for fancy colour stones. Cushions, as well as radiant diamonds, allow for better colour saturation due to premium light absorption owing to the extra depth and shape of these stones. The facet arrangements are also great at masking imperfections, the Raj Pink has a clarity grade of VS1, impressive for a stone of its size.

This rare diamond will take centre stage during Sotheby’s sale of Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels in Geneva, on 15 November

Only one in 10,000 diamonds mined will be a rare fancy colour stone and these stones come in an array of colours and hues. Fancy colour diamonds range in intensity from light, fancy, intense, vivid and deep, which has the strongest colour; the Raj Pink has been graded Intense Pink by GIA, which is extremely rare for a diamond as sizeable as this. The Raj Pink was named by the diamond’s current owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, and is based on the Sanskrit word for ‘king’.

Fancy pink diamonds are among the rarest in the world, only preceded by red, green, purple and orange. The greater the colour intensity, the more valuable the stone. Diamonds such as the Raj Pink are truly exceptional as stones in this intensity and size are incredibly rare. Of all diamonds submitted to the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) every year, less than 0.02% are pink in colour.

Pink diamonds have only been unearthed in a few mines across the world. The majority of the world’s pink diamonds are found at the Argyle Mine in Western Australia, which is said to be closing in the next few years, making pink diamonds more sought after than ever and excellent investment stones.

The Art of De Grisogono will be up for auction on 14 November at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva. It was cut from a 404-carat rough diamond discovered last year in Angola

The upcoming auction is called Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels on 15 November at The Mandarin Oriental, Geneva. Other impressive jewels to be auctioned at this exhibition include the Moussaieff fancy vivid blue diamond ring, 7.41ct and internally flawless (estimate: $14m-$18m) and the Property of a Countess, a fancy light pink diamond ring, 33.63ct, with a VVS1 clarity (estimate: $8m-$14m). The Raj Pink has been estimated to sell for $20m-$30m (approx. £15m).

The most anticipated item of the Geneva auction is The Art of De Grisogono, brought to auction by Christie’s, which is an enormous emerald-shape diamond of 163.41 carats; it will be the largest D-colour, flawless diamond to ever appear at auction. Set into an asymmetric necklace design by De Grisogono, the diamond is the largest ever found in Angola.

After months of analysis, the rough was cut in New York under the hands of more than 10 specialists over a period of approximately six months. The diamond was then sent to the jewellery design house who created an asymmetric necklace featuring 18 other emerald-shape diamonds. The necklace is currently on a worldwide tour until it goes under the hammer in Geneva on 14 November.

You can view the Raj Pink at Sotheby’s in the following cities:

London: 13 – 17 October

Singapore: 20 – 21 October

Hong Kong: 23 – 24 October

Taiwan: 26 – 27 October

New York: 3 – 4 November

Geneva: 11 – 14 November

To have a look at all the pink diamonds which have performed best at auction, check out our list on the link below:

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How to Wear a Pashmina? Here Are 13 Ways

Now, you may be looking at these Pashminas thinking; Wow, these are gorgeous but I have not a single clue as to what I’m supposed to do with it. Don’t worry. There’s a larger population of these people than you think, and that’s why there’s Cashmere friendly websites like this. These are just a few […]

The post How to Wear a Pashmina? Here Are 13 Ways appeared first on Cashmere Mania.

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Happily Ever After: Sameer & Iryna

Every story is a unique representation of love – the meeting, the maturity of the relationship and the journey towards marriage. Two individuals coming together to build a life as one. Despite the hurdles and hiccups along the way, this is their happily ever after. Meet some newly engaged couples, basking in a state of romantic bliss. These loved up pairs have been kind enough to share their proposal stories with 77 World.

Today, we meet Sameer Rizvi and Iryna Dubylovska, investment managers from London.

Sameer proposed to Iryna in celebration of their three-year anniversary

First meeting: Sameer and Iryna met in August 2014 during their investment banking induction at the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). The following month, Sameer asked Iryna out for a drink and the rest is history. In July 2015, they both left their investment banking jobs at RBS to set up their own investment firm, RD Capital Partners LLP. “It’s been a great success for us and has completely changed our lifestyle! We celebrated our three-year anniversary on 12 September this year and I proposed to her on the 16th in Monte-Carlo,” Sameer shares.

She’s the one: “I knew Iryna was the one when she blindly followed me and decided to quit her high-paying and secure investment banking job to set up our own investment firm. She believed in me even when I didn’t fully believe in myself. I am happy to say that it paid off! Our lifestyle has changed for the better in every way imaginable. I get to spend every day with the woman I love, and I couldn’t have asked for more,” exclaims Sameer.

The proposal: With their three-year anniversary approaching, Sameer found the perfect excuse to whisk Iryna away to the French Riviera, specifically to Monte-Carlo, Monaco. “I wanted the weekend to be as special as possible and for us to stay in the best 5-star luxury hotel in Europe, so I booked a junior suite at Hotel de Paris. As I had informed them of my plan to propose, the team was kind enough to give us an upgrade to their exclusive premium sea-view suite with two terraces. This gave us a direct view over the Mediterranean and over Port Hercules,” Sameer explains.

On the day of the proposal, Sameer ensured the day was perfect for Iryna. After a romantic breakfast on the terrace, the couple meandered around the city and indulged in a seafood lunch on the sea. Finally, after a coffee at Cafe de Paris, they headed back to their room that evening. “The Concierge team had been informed about this and as we entered the room, she saw a huge 20-rose bouquet as well as several balloons and a bottle of Champagne Ruinart Blanc de Blanc. As she turned around to ask me what this was for, I had the ring and asked her to marry me.”

Iryna’s bespoke ring by 77 Diamonds features a cushion-shape diamond held by double talon claws and flanked by tapered baguettes

The ring: Sameer had his heart set on a bespoke cushion-shape diamond ring with a minimum of 3 carats and tapered baguette side stones. He spent several weeks searching for a suitable diamond with the 77 Diamonds’ team. “I was very particular about having an excellent polish and symmetry and no fluorescence. I was also particular about the length/width ratio being a perfect square. Equally, I wanted the diamond to be near colourless and almost flawless in clarity. After this search process, the 77 Diamonds’ bespoke team did an amazing job creating a fantastic final product which came to 3.51 carats at the end. The process was thorough and I was kept involved via CAD designs and feedback/update emails.”

The reaction: “My fiancée, Iryna, loved it! I knew from before that cushion cut was her preferred choice, but she immediately fell in love with this bespoke and unique ring!”

The wedding: This is still in the making, the couple share, however they would like to keep it intimate with just over 100 guests.

To share your proposal story with 77 World, email priya.gill@77diamonds.com

 

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Discovering Thanda Royal Residences: An Interview with Pierre Delvaux, CEO of Thanda Group (South Africa)

A royal invitation, a one-of-a-kind connection with nature and a philanthropic purpose: we delve into the unique luxury lifestyle offered at Thanda Royal Residences, South Africa.

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5 Favorite Cocktail Bars in Reykjavik, Iceland

Icelanders have an undeniably passionate love affair with booze, particularly beer. But it’s interesting to note that beer became legal in the country only about 26 years ago in 1989, designating March 1 as National Beer Day. You will notice that most bars around Reykjavik do not venture past a wide array of beers and maybe a […]

The post 5 Favorite Cocktail Bars in Reykjavik, Iceland appeared first on The Cultureur | A Luxury Travel and Lifestyle Blog.