Dynasty For Your Ears

In the ’80s everything was large and bold, from hairstyles to shoulder pads to earrings. Power dressing and the influence of television soap series such as «Dynasty» played an important role. Jewelry became more than just a fashion accessory; it was about making a statement.


Eighties earrings were large and dramatic and a staple for any ’80s woman. Clip-on earrings were popular as pierced styles were often too heavy to wear and faux gemstones were all the rage.
Here is how to work ’80s «Dynasty» earrings trend for F/W 2018:

Crystal-embellished floral stud earrings by Balenciaga

Crystal drop earrings by Balenciaga


iconCloser by Wwake coated sterling silver earrings by Closer By Wwake
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iconSmoking silver-tone, resin and crystal clip earrings by Saint Laurent
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Smoking silver-tone, enamel and crystal clip earrings by Saint Laurent
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Gold and silver-tone earrings by Isabel Marant
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Silver-tone crystal clip earrings by Alessandra Rich

Cluster bead, silk and gold-tone earrings by Bibi Marini

Which ones are your favorites? It is so hard to decide, isn’t it?! Let’s channel our inner Alexis…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Dynasty

CHANEL Sous Le Signe Du Lion

As Gabrielle Chanel’s astrological sign and the emblem of her favourite city, Venice, the lion is part of her symbolic language. It’s one of her sources of inspiration and she would use it in her creations, to embellish the buttons of her suits or the clasps of her handbags.

Since 2013 the lion, reinterpreted by the Jewelry Studio of Creation, has given rise to 3 majestic high jewelry collections.

In 2018, the SOUS LE SIGNE DU LION jewelry collection opens a new chapter and presents 8 pieces inspired by the lion of Venice. The lapis blue and astral white medallions refer to the lion in St Mark’s Square and the sculptural lion, in yellow gold and rock crystal, evokes a Venetian baroque style.

Really really beautiful…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of CHANEL

Louis Vuitton Star Blossom

Let me introduce you to LOUIS VUITTON Star Blossom – an easy-to-wear jewellery collection that celebrates the Monogram Flower against a background of rose gold and diamonds. A legendary motif, created in 1896 by Georges Vuitton.
Recognisable, simple, current… This star-like flower becomes a talisman. Its four petals form a lucky charm and reappear endlessly in all their elegance and sophistication. Featured on pendants, earrings, rings and bracelets, women can make it their own by wearing, layering and stacking it. A precious and casual way to reveal your personality and change your style to suit your mood.

About the Responsible Jewellery Council
In 2012, Louis Vuitton has obtained RJC certification confirming the everyday application of the moral, social, societal and environmental principles championed by the Responsible Jewellery Council, throughout the lifespan of its watches and jewellery products, from the extraction of the precious stones and metals to their distribution, through their transformation by our craftsmen.
For further information: responsiblejewellery.com

So so beautiful … I am in love and you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

The Puka Shell Necklace is Back

Remember the iconic puka shell necklace – when it was absolutely so cool to come back from your tropical vacation with a plastic flower in your hair and a shell choker around your neck? I am talking about this ubiquitous beachy accessory of the late ‘90s, that was loved by tween girls and surfer guys alike.

Puka shell necklace of the ’90s

You are lucky if you kept one in your jewellery box like I did. If not, it is time to get one. Only this time you can opt for a luxier, infinitely more grown up vibe.

Prada F/W 2017

Seen already at the Prada’s F/W 2017 show – as usual Miuccia knows how to set a trend – the chunky shell necklaces made an appearance layered over hefty coats and sweaters. So ladies, this piece can be taken to the winter season.

Shells are back but they’re literally cooler than ever before. Here some amazing pieces available now:

Large Puka natural shell necklace by Tohumicon

Eloise shell-embellished necklace by Heimat Atlantica
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Sybile shell choker necklace by Heimat Atlantica

Cauri 9-karat rose gold, diamond and porcelain necklace by Pascale Monvoisin

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Instagram Gilda Ambrosio
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Les Aimants by Charlotte Casiraghi

Last month, I flew to the Cannes Film Festival, and spent some amazing days there. Those who have been following me on Instagram have already seen a sneak preview of my experiences. One of them was a private dinner hosted by Charlotte Casiraghi to present her first jewellery collection with Montblanc, so called «Les Aimants by Charlotte Casiraghi».

Needless to say that the location, the magnificently modern Villa La Favorite, was just perfect for this intimate gathering. The Côte d’Azur is the home of the monégasque royal family, so of course Charlotte had an idea what the most suitable party venue could be. Guests from within her circle of family and friends, as well as models Toni Garrn, Cindy Bruna and French actress Virginie Ledoyen enjoyed a first look at the new jewellery collection on the terrace of the magnificent Belle-Époque property while sipping a glass of champagne.

Left: MAN RAY (1890-1976) Nancy Cunard, 1927
Right: The new jewelry collection «Les Aimants» by Charlotte Casiraghi

Inspired by a 1920s photograph of Nancy Cunard (1896-1965), the writer, heiress, political activist, and muse to some of the 20th century’s most distinguished writers and artists, who was also known for wearing stacks of large African wood and ivory bangles, the line features a range of circular charm necklaces, rings and bangles made in black and white resin. Charlotte had the concept of attraction between opposites in mind, therefore the jewelry pieces come with a magnetic silver part to enable the stacking and give women the freedom to customize versatile and contemporary styles by pairing them in a creative way.

During dinner, Parisian duo Hollydays, introduced by Charlotte Casiraghi as dear friends to her heart, performed their original blend of pop and electro music while guests enjoyed a delicious menu that was also a creative interpretation of the theme with the contrasting colours and textures.

CEO of Montblanc, Nicolas Baretzki and Charlotte Casiraghi wearing pieces from the new collection «Les Aimants»

The party continued late into the night when more guests joined the after-party… Following its Cannes debut, the new collection is now available in Montblanc boutiques globally as well as on the brand’s e-commerce.

Enjoy more photos of this beautiful night below…

LoL, Sandra

French actress Virginie Ledoyen

Festival de Cannes jury member Khadja Nin

With Nicolo Oddi, founder & CEO Alanui, at dinner

Pierre Niney and Sveva Alviti

Creative Director of Montblanc, Zaim Kamal worked closely with Charlotte Casiraghi to create the new jewellery collection «Les Aimants».

Toni Garrn

With lovely Cindy Bruna, one of my favorite VS Angels

Sisters: S.A.R. Alexandra De Hannover and Charlotte Casiraghi

Photos: Getty Images for Montblanc and © Sandra Bauknecht

10 Years Atelier Swarovski Dinner

On Tuesday evening, I was invited to a lovely dinner in Zurich‘s new restaurant Ornellaia (absolutely worth the visit, I loved it!) to celebrate 10 years of ATELIER SWAROVSKI. Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, who launched the brand in 2007, has collaborated since then with over 75 of the world’s most exciting contemporary designers of which two had come for the occasion to Switzerland: Dutch designer duo Viktor & Rolf.

Partners in shine: Rolf Snoeren, my humble self, Nadja Swarovski and Viktor Horsting.

Swarovski crystals and fashion are a never-ending love story. Nadja’s grandfather Martin Swarovski worked already closely with designers, such as Christian Dior, whom he helped to embellish the famous «New Look». Many fashion designers have used those famous crystals to embellish their collections.

«Working with crystal is like applying fairy dust to the collections.»
Viktor & Rolf

From the new book «Brilliant: The Story of Atelier Swarovski»:

Left – Maggie Rizer in a look from Viktor & Rolf’s F/W 1999 «Russian Doll» collection, right – a necklace from Viktor & Rolf’s «Velvet Rock» collaboration with Atelier Swarovski in 2014 for which the duo used crystals on the jewelry embedded with velvet flocking.

In 2016 ATELIER SWAROVSKI added a home decor line, in 2017 the first fine jewelry collection first presented at the Oscars. The designs deriving from the versatile collaborations are truly special, adding to ATELIER SWAROVSKI’s success of today.

It was a lovely evening and I had a great time, especially with these two. Isn’t it great when your girlfriends are so beautiful and come in model sizes :-): Nadja Schildknecht and Mimi Mollerus, both wearing ATELIER SWAROVSKI.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Christian Dancker – saltyimages.ch and © Sandra Bauknecht

Dior Rose des Vents New Summer Editions

Celebrate the arrival of summer time with these new limited edition bracelets by DIOR that will stand out beautifully against sun-kissed skin. Personally speaking, my temptation to stack these pieces in vibrant hues is even stronger in summer: a mish-mash of whisper-thin pieces jangling against each other on a tanned wrist evokes a holiday mood, whatever the temperature outside.

DIOR’s Rose des Vents collection is a prime example: first launched in 2015 (for a previous post, click here please), the house has cleverly come up with a constant supply of new colors and designs – first were the pretty little bracelets with lapis, pink opal, mother-of-pearl and turquoise; later the medallion-like charm was studded entirely with diamonds, rendered in various colours on long sautoir necklaces and covered with onyx.

This summer the eight-pronged star, inspired by an old maritime navigational tool, appears in three limited edition colors, pink, orange and green. I love to flip the bracelets between the plain and embellished surfaces.

On my arm are these Rose des Vents bracelets from top to bottom:
18k white gold, diamond and pink ceramic lacquer (limited summer edition)
18k yellow gold, diamond and green ceramic lacquer (limited summer edition)
–  18k pink gold, diamond and orange ceramic lacquer (limited summer edition)
18k yellow gold, diamond and turquoise (permanent collection)

The perfect way to elevate the fresh summer accessories one step up, is to paint your nails in a vibrant hue that looks particularly flattering against bronzed skin. Part of Christian Louboutin Beauty‘s limited edition «Loubiflash» collection, these mini lacquers come in the matching colors to complement Dior’s summer bracelets.
Turquoise «Dragonflash» – iconOrange «Crosta Meteor» – Pink «Neoprene»

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht
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The Most Expensive Motorcycle in the World

BUCHERER PRESENTS THE MOST EXQUISITE – AND RACIEST – MOTORCYCLE OF ALL TIME
The tradition-steeped Swiss watch and jewellery company Bucherer presents the Harley-Davidson BLUE EDITION, the latest – and most unusual – member of the Bucherer BLUE EDITIONS watch collection that comprises 17 models so far all in collaboration with renowned brands such as Audemars Piguet, Chopard or Piaget just to name a few.

The custom motorcycle of Bündnerbike, the boutique Harley-Davidson workshop, is both a luxury one-of-a-kind product and a real beast. The rumble of 100 PS, an exciting, individual design and unique embellishments lend this motorcycle par excellence a magical, animalistic power of attraction. The one-of-a-kind model was produced in Switzerland in cooperation with the family company Bündnerbike and with a value of CHF 1.888 million it is the most expensive motorcycle in the world.

It took the watchmakers of Carl F. Bucherer, the jewellers of Bucherer Fine Jewellery and the specialists of Bündnerbike a year to design and produce the Harley-Davidson BLUE EDITION. A team of eight employees from both companies contributed all of their expertise. More than 2,500 working hours were invested in this project, which combines Swiss craftsmanship and the passion for exclusive, tailor-made and very cool products.

COOL STYLE – CUSTOMIZED
The Harley-Davidson BLUE EDITION is based on a Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S. However, there is not a great deal left that is reminiscent of the initial model with its cool vintage style. Every metal element found on this one-of-a-kind motorcycle has been produced, welded, beaten, ground and polished by hand. The complete frame of the motorcycle is welded seamlessly, and even the rims are custom-made. The rotating camshaft is visible through a window in the camshaft housing, as are the valve control and the gold-plated throttle valves. Heat-resistant LED lights illuminate the scene.

The Harley-Davidson BLUE EDITION is thus the world’s first motorcycle to have a motor that is lit up from the inside. Various parts of the motorcycle are also gold-plated. The cowhide saddle has been sewn by hand in Switzerland. A special detail: the iridescent colour. A specific technique had to be employed to illuminate the Harley-Davidson in this intense blue. In a first step, the entire motorcycle was silver-plated, before six colour coatings were then applied using a secret coating method.

COMBINING CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE DESIGN AND ART OF JEWELLERY MAKING
This unique piece is perfected by the incorporation of the arts of watchmaking and jewellery making. This is also a world first: never before have a manufacture watch and jewels been integrated in a motorcycle. The Dizzler rotating ring from the Bucherer Fine Jewellery collection was adapted for the Harley-Davidson BLUE EDITION to allow it to be mounted on the hand grips.

That was a technical challenge,” says Jürg Ludwig Jr, Managing Director of Bündnerbike. “To ensure that the rings really stay in place, a special method was applied that guarantees a very strong hold. How this works remains a secret of the Bündnerbike blacksmith,” explains Ludwig. A further pair of Dizzler diamond rings can be found on the forks, while a large version of the Dizzler ring is located in the left half of the tank.

Underneath a glass dome made from armoured glass, another piece of jewellery of special value can be found in a retractable safe: a six-prong Heaven solitaire ring with a 5.40-carat diamond.

This is also a unique feature, as is the watch from Carl F. Bucherer at its side. This special custom-made watch, which is based on the Patravi TravelTec II model, is located in a second safe in the right half of the tank. The dial of this unique piece is adorned by elements of a motorcycle engine. To ensure that the vibrations of the engine do not damage the mechanical movement, the watch is housed in a cage with an elaborate holder made from silicon rings.

It was a long road,” says Samir Merdanovic, Head of Manufacture Movements at Carl F. Bucherer, about the development process, which demanded a great deal of thinking. “The holder, for example, also serves as a watch winder. The watch is therefore wound regularly and continues to run, even if the motorcycle is not ridden for an extended period,” explains Merdanovic.

The owner can also look forward to wearing a further unique Carl F. Bucherer watch on their wrist. This has been created by the manufacturer exclusively for the buyer and also incorporates design elements of the motorcycle and its engine on the dial. Even when not riding the motorcycle, the buyer will therefore always have a piece of the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking at his or her side.

A testimony to the passion of craftsmanship, and probably the first motorcycle that makes the heart of every woman leap with joy! I definitely would like to turn the Dizzler rotating diamond ring…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bucherer

Love Louis Vuitton Empreinte

The Empreinte jewellery range was created in 2004 and features the studs from LOUIS VUITTON’s emblematic travel trunks. Now a signature of this precious jewellery family, studs leave their delicate mark around the motif of the Monogram Flower.

Personally speaking, this Vuitton collection is very similar to CARTIER‘s iconic LOVE collection but to be very honest even even that Cartier has a long history with this design from the ’70s and that they were first, I really really like Louis Vuitton’s approach to it.

Left: Vuitton Empreinte Ring – Right: Cartier Love Ring

First, its seems more special as so many people are wearing the LOVE bracelets and second of all, Vuitton’s arm candy can be opened much easier as you don’t need a screwdriver to open it (makes life at the security checks at the airport so much easier).

Nevertheless, both ranges are just beautiful… I hope that one day somebody puts one on my arm…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton and Cartier

Show Your Angel Wings

Nowadays, there is a new style that utilizes angel wings as a fashion statement most likely thanks to the Victoria’s Secret Angels who are sporting their wings on the famous lingerie runway.
Personally speaking when it comes to an angel-wing piece, I feel a terrible obsession to go for it… it is somehow innocent and seductive at once.

1 Evangeline wing leather sandals by Sophia Webster
icon2 Wings heart leather shoulder bag by Niels Peerarer
icon3 Wing ring by Garrard
4 Winged ballerina bustier dress by Moschino
iconWing 18-karat gold, agate and diamond earrings by Noor Fares
6 Wings ringicon by Elise Dray
Samotresse 100 metallic leather sandalsicon by Christian Louboutin

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands