Anna Hu’s Papillon du Blanc Collection is a symphony of elegance
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Monaco-based Asian jewellery artist Anna Hu debuted her stunning Papillon du Blanc Collection during Paris Haute Couture Week in July.
The one-of-a-kind works of art showcased at the prestigious Hôtel d'Évreux in Place Vendôme captivated visitors with their ethereal beauty and exceptional craftsmanship, solidifying Hu’s position as a master jewellery artist in the realm of high jewellery and impeccable style.
A creative universe fusing the East and West
Hu, a Monaco resident and founder of her namesake brand Anna Hu Haute Joaillerie, has always embraced the beauty and symbolism of cultural fusion. With her rich heritage in the jewellery business and classical music background as a prodigy cellist, Hu seamlessly intertwines the passion and intricacies of both Eastern and Western aesthetics in her creations. Having trained at renowned institutions such as the New England Conservatory of Music and the Gemological Institute of America, she combines her knowledge of music, gemmology, and design to create visually stunning and harmoniously balanced jewelled works of art.
The interplay of cultures lies at the heart of Hu’s jewellery creations, reflecting her personal journey and unique perspective. Drawing inspiration from classical compositions and the natural world, her works exude harmony and dynamic energy. The fusion of East and West in her creations is not a mere juxtaposition of styles but a thoughtful synthesis that celebrates the beauty of diversity.
A shining star in high jewellery
Working exclusively with French-trained artisans who are masters of traditional craftsmanship and new-world innovation at some of the world’s finest ateliers in Paris, Hu’s creations, featuring the most exceptional gemstones, have garnered numerous accolades and record-breaking achievements. In 2013, she shattered the world auction record for the highest price paid for a contemporary jewellery artist at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva. In 2019, she again made history by breaking the world auction record for the highest price paid for a contemporary Chinese artist at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite sale in Hong Kong.
Hu’s star continued to rise when she partnered with the “Queen of Diamonds”, Alisa Moussaieff, in 2021 to launch the “Moussaieff by Anna Hu” collection, achieving world-record-breaking sales for rare gem trading.
In 2022, Hu’s masterpiece, the “Yin Yang Hand Ornament”, created for contemporary artist Cindy Sherman back in 2010, entered the permanent collection of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. At the same time, she made her debut at TEFAF Maastricht, celebrating the renowned art fair’s 35th anniversary. She returned to the premier art fair in March 2023 as the only “Meets the Experts” speaker representing high-jewellery exhibitors.
The Papillon du Blanc Collection evokes a snowy winter
As a member of the illustrious Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM) and the first Asian jewellery artist to be featured on the official couture calendar in 2018, Hu illuminated the City of Light this July with her third and fourth Papillon du Blanc Rings, capturing the enchantment of the winter season.
Inspired by the snowy landscapes she encountered during her time in New York while listening to Vivald’s “L'inverno” (Winter) Concerto No. 4 in F Minor Op. 8, RV 297, Hu brought the elegance of winter and the ethereal beauty of snowflakes to life through her creations that are crafted with meticulous attention to details. The butterfly wings are adorned with a mesmerising arrangement of diamonds, creating a sense of movement and depth that evokes the sparkle and radiance of snowflakes in the sunlight. The organic ribbon delicately wrapped around the butterfly symbolises the graceful descent of snowflakes, creating a whimsical whirl as they fall from the sky. These rings capture the fleeting beauty of a winter’s day with an elegant balance of sophistication and playfulness.
The Papillon du Blanc Ring I, a bespoke creation that debuted at Haute Couture Week in Paris in 2018, features three individual rings that can be worn in seven different ways. It showcased a magnificent 12.66-carat D colour internally flawless marquise brilliant-cut diamond and was acquired by a Hong Kong-based jewellery connoisseur.
The Papillon du Blanc Ring II, created in 2021 as part of the “Moussaieff by Anna Hu” collaboration, was acquired by another esteemed Hong Kong collector and tycoon, Tiffany Xiang. This exquisite piece showcased an 8.22-carat D colour internally flawless Type IIa marquise brilliant-cut diamond.
The Papillon du Blanc Ring III and IV dazzle with radiance
Each ring in the Papillon du Blanc collection is as unique as a snowflake, exemplifying Hu’s appreciation for the transient nature of the winter season.
Expanding on the success of the Papillon du Blanc Ring I and II, Hu and her Maison have evolved the design concept into a classic collection featuring a variety of stunning variations and gemstones. Each piece in the collection possesses its distinct allure while maintaining the whimsical, romantic, playful, elegant, and enchanting signatures of the Papillon du Blanc Ring concept.
The new Papillon du Blanc Ring III and IV each consist of three individual rings and can be worn in seven different ways as well, providing the wearer with various options for personal expression.
The Papillon du Blanc Ring III, crafted in 18-karat white gold, showcases a 7.03-carat marquise-cut diamond in D colour, VS2 clarity, as its centrepiece. Its wings, adorned with marquise, pear-shaped, and round brilliant-cut diamonds, feature petite butterflies in Paraiba tourmalines, adding a touch of whimsy to mimic the graceful dance of these delicate creatures in a winter breeze.
Radiating a vision of frosty wintry white dappled with golden rays of sunlight, the Papillon du Blanc Ring IV, handcrafted in 18-karat white and yellow gold, dazzles with a D colour Type IIa 5.02-carat oval modified brilliant-cut diamond with VS1 clarity in the centre. Its wings, adorned with pear-shaped and round brilliant-cut diamonds, feature ribbons of fancy and round-shaped yellow diamonds.
Hu’s Papillon du Blanc Collection not only epitomises her ability to merge Eastern and Western influences but also represents the epitome of high jewellery. With each creation, she adds a new note to her symphony of elegance, showcasing the harmonious blend of culture, artistry, and innovation that defines her work. She invites us to immerse ourselves in the enchanting world of elegance and beauty she so effortlessly brings to life through her exquisite creations.
