There is something about Piaget’s Limelight Gala collection, with its perfectly integrated cambered case and asymmetrical lugs, that immediately catches the eye. The original design dates back to 1973, and it was re-introduced in 2013, for its 40th anniversary, under the name of the Piaget Limelight Gala Collection.
Since then, Piaget has been having an enormous amount of creative fun with the collection, letting its artisans loose on all aspects of its adornment. This year is no exception and the Maison is unveiling six showstopping new models that reveal the exceptional level of savoir-faire that Piaget has mastered in-house over its almost 150-year history.
Limelight Gala Precious Rainbow
This is the first time that Piaget has created a rainbow setting and the Limelight Gala was definitely made for such an array of colourful tsavorites and sapphires that take centre stage around the bezel and on the lugs. The challenge with this kind of setting is always the sourcing of the stones. Finding the exact shade of colour takes time, but also finding the right dimensions as the stones differ in size.
In addition to the rainbow setting, the Limelight Gala Precious Rainbow is decorated with the Maison’s “Palace Décor”, a rare engraving technique that has been mastered at Piaget for over 70 years. It takes Piaget’s artisans over eight hours to engrave the bracelet and another two hours to complete the dial. The timepiece is powered by a self-winding movement that can be seen through a sapphire crystal case back and shows the Maison’s expertise in watchmaking, goldsmithing, and gem-setting.
Limelight Gala Precious Sunrise
If you could capture the sunrise in a timepiece, this could well be it! This Limelight Gala Precious Sunrise Limited Edition of 18 pieces comes in a 32mm 18-karat white gold case that is set with an array of blue brilliant-cut sapphires and diamonds, depicting the bright blue colour of a sunny morning sky. The dial is adorned with a snow setting of diamonds, while the bracelet has been engraved using the “Palace Décor” technique, and the movement is automatic.
Limelight Gala Precious Zenith
Continuing on into the warmest part of the day, the Limelight Gala Precious Zenith is adorned with a gradient of sunny yellow sapphires and diamonds on the case, dial and bracelet. For the bezel and lugs, the sunrays start with the deepest yellow in the centre of the bezel and radiate out along the lugs. Like the abovementioned timepiece, the Limelight Gala Precious Zenith comes in a 32mm white gold case and is powered by an automatic movement with an open caseback. It is limited to eight pieces.
Limelight Gala Precious Sunset
The trio wouldn’t be complete without a sunset version. This 50-piece limited edition Limelight Gala Precious Sunset comes in an 18-karat rose gold case that sparkles with brilliant-cut pink sapphires and diamonds. It comes fitted with an elegant white mother-of-pearl dial and an equally shimmering white satin strap.
Limelight Gala Mother-of-Pearl Palace
The Limelight Gala Mother-of-Pearl Palace timepiece comes in a 26mm 18-karat rose gold case and is fitted with a delicately hand-engraved mother-of-pearl dial, making each one truly unique. The timepiece is also adorned with the finest quality diamonds, comes on a white alligator strap, and is limited to 300 pieces.
Limelight Gala High-Jewellery Black Opal
Concluding with a watch that was made to steal the show, the Piaget Limelight Gala High-Jewellery Black Opal accentuates the curves of the timepiece’s design with a row of diamonds and a spectacular row of marquise-cut emeralds that are held in place with delicate claw settings that testify to Piaget’s extraordinary high-jewellery expertise.
The dial is made of a rare Australian black opal, one of Yves Piaget’s favourite stones. This semi-precious stone has a unique crystallographic pattern that reflects glorious shades of blue and green that are further accentuated by the emeralds.
Now we just need the gala evenings to start up again so we can enjoy dressing up again!
