High jewellery, the stones-and-metal version of haute couture, is the ultimate expression of art for a jeweller and a facet of the market available only to a privileged few.
Bulgari high jewellery manager Brian Purkis in the Sydney store's exclusive viewing room. Dominic Lorrimer
Brian Purkis doesn't simply love jewellery. He doesn’t just recognise its beauty. When he looks at a piece of jewellery he appraises it, values it, critiques it and understands it — as an expert.
He doesn’t see a sapphire, he sees the Madagascan mine from which it was sourced, the gemologist who personally selected it from a jewel show, the hands of the mason who cut it into shape and those of the craftsman who fashioned it into a piece of wearable art.
Lauren SamsFashion editorLauren Sams is the fashion editor, based in Sydney. She writes about lifestyle including the arts, entertainment, fashion and travel. Lauren has worked as a features editor and fashion journalist for ELLE, marie claire and more. Email Lauren at lauren.sams@afr.com
