An Unforgettable Jewellery Dinner With Anna Hu And Christie’s:

October 12, 2016

By Katerina Perez

3 min read

During the Biennale des Antiquaires Paris turned into “the place to be”, where in addition to the prestigious exhibition invite-only jewellery presentations were also taking place. One such event was the annual Christie’s dinner dedicated to their Magnificent Jewels private sales. It took place at the Ritz Paris hotel with the participation of a very special guest: the jewellery designer Anna Hu.

Anna Hu’s name was first heard in connection to Christie’s in 2010, when the designer put two rings up for sale in Dubai – one was abstract and decorated with a South Sea pearl, the second one, in the form of a flower, was adorned with a two-carat ruby.  From that moment on, Anna’s jewellery has repeatedly been sold at auctions in Geneva and Hong Kong, and her Orpheus ring, with its 45.39 carat oval jade, became the most expensive piece created by a contemporary Chinese jeweller to be sold at an auction. It went for 2.5 million dollars at Christie’s Hong Kong in 2013.

Orchid ring with 71.96 cts yellow diamond by Anna Hu

Orchid ring with 71.96 cts yellow diamond by Anna Hu

At the gala night, Anna looked charming in a violet, floor-length dress, which I am certain she chose to complement the luxurious Waterlily necklace. The jewellery piece gently flowed around her neck and flowed downwards like a bejewelled waterfall, sparkling with tanzanites, alexandrites, green tourmalines, diamonds, Paraibas, morganites and tsavorites, and some other precious stones. Anna admitted that this was the most complex piece of jewellery she had ever created, but after having visited Giverny, she could not help paying tribute to the great artist that Monet was. It took two years to turn her design idea into a stunning piece of jewellery and this was after three initial years spent on the search for the gemstones.

Before the start of the official part and taking their places at the tables, guests admired Anna Hu’s collection of 38 jewellery pieces. They were on display at the Louis IV salon together with the most luxurious and distinguished jewellery of Christie’s auction house.

Amongst the necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings of the Taiwanese designer were both classic creations and new 2016 models. My attention was captured by a brand new brooch –Li Qing Zhao butterfly with a silver baroque pearl and diamonds. According to the designer’s tradition, Anna Hu, whose surname is translated from Chinese as “butterfly”, annually creates a bejewelled Lepidoptera in order to commemorate each year of the brand’s existence.

Anna Hu Victoria butterfly brooch with opals, sapphires, garnets and diamonds

Anna Hu Victoria butterfly brooch with opals, sapphires, garnets and diamonds

The star of the evening at Ritz Paris was undoubtedly the new Orchid ring with the Fancy Intense Yellow diamond at its centre, weighing a whopping 71.96 carats. Each of its sides was decorated with delicate flowers embellished with yellow, colourless and pink diamonds. It would seem that the market for precious stones is oversaturated with diamonds, but a stone of the size and quality that decorates the Orchid ring, is all the same a true rarity.

Another item that was completed shortly before the exhibition is the ring with rose and briolette-cut diamonds that border a remarkable 28.05 carat rubellite. This variety of tourmaline found in nature, is ‘painted’ in shades of pink and red, like a raspberry at different stages of ripening. The most expensive rubellites have the same intensity of colour as a ripened cherry. This was precisely the shade of the emerald cut stone found in Anna’s ring. I felt like I could admire it for eternity.

“In my opinion, Anna Hu is among those who can truly be classified as exceptional. She is like a red diamond of the gemstone wold, the ghost orchid of the flora world – she is a treasure in our midst.” – says David Warren, Senior International Jewellery Director and Head of Jewellery Middle East at Christie’s. And we cannot agree more.

Anna Hu ring and earrings with rubellites and diamonds

Anna Hu ring and earrings with rubellites and diamonds

 Anna Hu Irises bracelet with diamonds, garnets, tsavorites and sapphires

Anna Hu Irises bracelet with diamonds, garnets, tsavorites and sapphires

 Anna Hu necklace with 106.37 cts aquamarine, diamonds, sapphires and moonstones

Anna Hu necklace with 106.37 cts aquamarine, diamonds, sapphires and moonstones

Giampiero Bodino Presented His Masterpieces at Musee Bourdelle in Paris:

continue reading

Exceptional Splendour: Jaipur Gems Celebrates 50 Years with Abu Dhabi Opening and New High Jewels 

Let me take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Abu Dhabi boutique and share some of my sparkling highlights

by Katerina Perez

Radiating Confidence: The Mother-Daughter Energy Behind Growing Brand Aponine

As one of this year’s Couture show debutants, Turkish brand Aponine impressed me with its blend of colourful creativity, timeless elegance, and stylish femininity. Let’s take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Sensual Silhouettes: Jewels with Curves in All the Right Places

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just us? As jewellers swap sharp lines for shapely swirls, we look at new collections that are embracing the raw power of sensuality inspired by the female form

by Rachael Taylor

Artistic Realms: The Enchanting Natural World of Histoire D’Elle

I had the pleasure of speaking with Pascale Van Maele, the Brand Manager of Histoire d'Elle, which celebrates the deep-rooted connection between quiet femininity, elegance and natural forms. Let's explore together…

by Sarah Jordan

Spinel Stories: Celebrating the Special Allure of Spinels with the House of Gübelin 

I visited the Geneva boutique of the family-owned business to indulge my passion for this overlooked gemstone and explore some of its beautiful creations…

by Katerina Perez

Golden Hour: Cosmic Creations in the Chanel Reach for the Stars High Jewellery Collection

The Reach for the Stars collection bounces between cosmic constellations of diamonds, elaborate, almost mythological neckwear, and starbursts of coloured stones, all with the Maison’s Parisian flair

by Sarah Jordan

Ultimate Guide to Promise Rings: What They Mean, How to Wear One and Where to Buy

While the promise ring's meaning has evolved, its emotional weight remains, making it especially popular among Gen Z and millennial couples seeking the perfect, personal pre-engagement jewel

by Claire Roberts

Exquisite Escapes: The Idyllic Inspirations Behind the Diorexquis High Jewellery Collection

In early May 2025, Dior Joaillerie's Artistic Director Victoire de Castellane showcased an unprecedented high jewellery collection, Diorexquis, to more than 300 VIPs at the Château de la Colle Noire in the heart of Provence. Let's take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Millionaire Products: Celebrating the No-Expense-Spared Bvlgari Polychroma High Jewellery Collection

Bvlgari is opening a magnificent new chapter in the world of high jewellery, and high jewellery watches with the Polychroma collection. Here's what I have discovered so far…

by Katerina Perez

Sea of Wonder: Celebrating the Ocean’s Endless Bounty with the Tiffany & Co. Blue Book 2025

Here are some of the creations that became an integral part of the Tiffany & Co. underwater world, including starfish, crashing waves and sea turtles…

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Epic Evolution:Miseno Launches the Arco Collection to Celebrate a Fabulous Decade

I am pleased to present to you my highlights of the new Arco High Jewellery collection, which was formally showcased to the jewellery world at Couture from June 4-8, 2025

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

In Conversation:Discussing Paraiba - The Legacy of a Color

with Vogue Singapore

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.