Introducing The Piaget Limelight Gala Limited Edition by Shamsa Alabbar

Prior to the 17th edition of Art Dubai, the luxury jewelry and watch brand Piaget collaborated with Emirati designer Shamsa Alabbar to create an exclusive reinterpretation of its iconic Limelight Gala timepiece. Since 2013, Alabbar has established herself in the contemporary Arabic jewelry scene by seamlessly merging ancient regional codes with modern design sensibilities. Recognized for her graphic creations where calligraphy and typography intersect, Alabbar's latest venture involves transferring her unique style onto the dial of a limited-edition Limelight Gala watch. Inspired by the distinct Token motif, which has become emblematic of the designer's jewelry collections. This collaboration, based on the Limelight Gala watch, draws inspiration from a 1973 oval-shaped model featuring the distinctive sweeping gem-set lugs that define the collection today. It has since become one of the most renowned timepieces within the Piaget collection.

As celebrations commence for the Maison's 150th anniversary, the Piaget Polo makes a grand return. Piaget has opted to collaborate with a dynamic and contemporary designer. Shamsa Alabbar, a prominent figure in the modern Arabic jewelry realm, has been interpreting the ancient codes of the Arabian Peninsula into a collection of graphic pieces since 2013, where typography assumes a fresh perspective. Embellished with gold and diamonds, this is the aesthetic that the designer is now transferring onto the dial of a limited-edition Limelight Gala watch.

The Limelight Gala collection stands out with its round case enveloped by a diamond-set bezel. Unlike typical diamond-set bezels, the bezel of the Limelight Gala extends seamlessly along the bracelet's profile, creating a captivating play of light. Adorned with 60 progressively sized brilliant-cut diamonds, these stones are set using the serti descendu technique. Also known as cut-down setting or openwork, this technique entails carving away gold from the claws and grooves that secure the stones, enabling light to enter the gemstones from the sides, not just from the top.

As the meticulously handcrafted meshwork and the luxurious, asymmetrical arrangement of diamonds evoke the distinctive characteristics of the Limelight Gala, the focus irresistibly shifts to the captivating dial, truly unique in its essence. Drawing inspiration from the Token motif, which the designer has adeptly woven into her jewelry collection as a signature, the dial also pays homage to Arabic typography and the iconic mashrabiya. Beyond a mere arabesque, the dial encapsulates the allure of a culture that resonates now more than ever.

While the companies did not unveil which movement the watch will use, this collection offers two options: Piaget’s in-house manufactured quartz movement, the 59P, or the 501P1 Manufacture automatic mechanical movement. Both movements beat at 21,600 vibrations per hour and provide a 43-hour power reserve for hours and minutes. The limited edition watch features a Milanese bracelet in 18K rose gold, with a buckle set adorned with a brilliant-cut diamond.

This collaboration will be presented at Art Dubai from the 1st to the 3rd of March 2024, featuring on Piaget’s stand to celebrate gold work, one of the cornerstones of Piaget’s success.

Fore more information please visit Shamsa Al abbar official website or Piaget website.