luxurylatest news & developments

Eight questions for the interested and interesting: Satta Matturi

A lifetime looking for the perfect and imperfect

The great diamond divide

You are going to have two separate diamond markets, says National Jeweler editor Michelle Graff

It’s the end of diamonds as we know them (but lab-growns are fine)

The diamond industry faces a crisis as lab-grown stones destroy prices and threaten the economics of natural-diamond mining. But the value of scarcity may save natural diamonds.

Why rare, antique and coloured diamonds are the new luxury

The diamond industry is shifting its focus from size and sparkle to rarity and provenance, as discerning buyers seek out antique, colourful and scarce natural diamonds.

Cool and stylish statement earrings

Statement earrings are one way to make a stylish impact in cooler weather

Cracked cartier watch. Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images; Rawpixel; Currency collage

Behind Richemont’s curious market snub 

Don’t be spooked by the market’s initial, sour response to Richemont’s results, say analysts. The company is in a luxury sweet spot

Okapi. Ulrich Knoblauch/supplied

Hanneli Rupert’s Okapi is real South African luxury

Hanneli Rupert’s Okapi, now shaped by Tiaan Nagel, shows what real luxury looks like through fine craft and South African production

Goodbye to Italian fashion legends Valentino Garavani and Giorgio Armani

Explore the legacy of Valentino Garavani and Giorgio Armani, two legendary icons of 20th-century Italian fashion

The Currency gift guide does… gorgeously glitzy

Glitzy gifts of gold, diamonds and other good things are part of Currency’s gift guide for the festive season

The Currency gift guide does… incredibly chic

She’s perfectly put together, brilliantly well-read and oozes effortless cool – here are all the gifts your most stylish friend could desire

Luxury residential property investments: which one would you buy?

South Africa’s luxury property development market is pretty shiny – Currency looks at some of the most opulent, over-the-top estates and apartments on offer right now.

Rawpixel/Currency collage

The investment case for luxury firms 

Loyal customers willing to pay astronomical prices for scarce products? Welcome to the investment thesis for the world’s top brands

Birkin bag. Pictures: supplied

Would you rather: Jane Birkin’s bag, or Hermès shares? 

Jane Birkin’s original Hermès bag is going to auction. Would you do better owning the object or the maker’s stock?

Patrick Mavros store. Picture: supplied

Keeping it in the family: a conversation with Alexander Mavros

Patrick Mavros is one of Africa’s most loved luxury brands. Currency quizzed Alexander Mavros about the lessons learnt in running a family business

The Haven’s hot tub overlooking the ocean. Picture: Supplied

Get a stateroom: NCL Aqua’s The Haven

The 20th ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet, Aqua, is also the first in the brand’s newest class, Prima Plus. As “the face” of this class, she lacks no superlatives – she’s…

Louis Vuitton

From glam to fun: jewellery that rocks

We rounded up stunning jewellery options from top international and local brands to bring a touch of glamour to your collection

Marble Cape Town. Picture: Claire Gunn

Five reasons we’re loving … Marble Cape Town

Marble Cape Town offers stunning views, sophisticated interiors, a seafood-focused menu, and that signature granadilla lolly dessert

Pop, clink, Pharrell – Moët’s gone birthday mad!

Start the week with a little bit of celebratory cool.

Victoria For 2, Victoria Beachcomer. Pictures: Courtesy of Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels

Get a room: Victoria For 2, Victoria Beachcomber

A newly introduced Mauritian escape for two at this iconic hotel makes for a dream holiday

Perfume. Picture: Supplied.

You smell divine! Five niche perfumes to discover now

Discover five extraordinary niche fragrance brands that elevate your scent game beyond big-name perfumes