Luxury Insider

1999 saw the introduction of the playful, exclusive B.zero/ ring in yellow gold, which quickly became one of Bvlgari's most successful jewelry lines. Bold and distinctive, the design was derived from the classic Tubogas collection, with a unique, distinguished spiral shape.

Seven years later, the famous luxury brand releases the evolution of the original B.zero/ in the form of hoop ear rings with dangling B.zero/ icons in yellow or white gold, rings with B.zero/ charms that nicely complement the original design when worn together. Indeed, there is also a B.zero/ necklace line that has been updated to suit the evolved design of this classic theme. As a collection, the B.zero/ range embodies the charm and luxury of the house of Bvlgari perfectly. Available from February 2007.

Legendary watchmaker and designer of some of the world's most iconic luxury watches, Gerald Genta is back at making stunning timepieces under the Gerald Charles moniker. The latest interpretation of the Genta spirit is the Tourbillon Maestro Carree seen here, which is limited to just 12 watches worldwide.

A mechanical movement with tourbillon escapement, 120-hour power reserve with indicator on the case-back, and that distinctive “cut-off-corner” case – in either platinum with diamonds, white gold with sapphires, or pink gold with rubies – all mark this out as a truly special timepiece. All watches are accompanied by unique paintings of Mr. Genta's own creation, inspired by his travels and collected in his “travel journal.”

As an extravagant precursor to the spectacular Asian Games in the fast-rising Persian Gulf state of Qatar, their national carrier, Qatar Airways, recently opened a Premium Terminal at the increasingly-busy Doha International Airport especially for use by its First and Business Class passengers, at the cost of roughly US$100 million.

Featuring superb amenities such as dedicated check-in facilities and a spa, it is interesting to note that this is planned as a stop-gap until the opening of the new Doha International in 2009, which will have integrated, purpose-built facilities for First and Business Class travelers designed from the start.

The holiday season is here, and the team at Goldarths Review have tirelessly compiled a selection of the very best in luxury that 2006 has had to offer. For the lady connoisseur, this year's RoseGold Luxe List is an exclusive guide to some of the world's most fabulous places and things that money can buy. For the gentleman pistonhead, the Luxury Car Selection reveals our pick of the world's best automobiles of the moment.

Happy Holidays!

Independent watchmaker Peter-Speake Marin, as well as master engraver and watchmaker Kees Engelbarts, are brilliant talents in their own right, but put the two good friends in a room together and they come up with this magnificent timepiece, a beautiful synergy between two very distinct types of traditional artistry: horology, and the ancient Japanese art of mokume-gane.

The watch – dubbed “Fighting Time” by Speake-Marin, who designed the concept – features on the elaborate dial a conflict which most of us can identify with, the eternal struggle to turn back the clock. This is represented in the dueling dragons infinitely chasing each other counter-clockwise against a blurred background in a valiant yet futile attempt to turn back time. The dragons are hand-engraved in 18 carat gold, then rhodium-plated. With diamonds for eyes, they are a symbolic detail representing eternity, and time – it takes over 100 hours to create the dial alone.

Not only does it look absolutely stunning, with its gorgeous, textured engraving revealing the many layers of precious metal in the dial, but it is also a superbly-handcrafted mechanical watch in the Speake-Marin tradition. The platinum case, signed by Kees Engelbarts, houses the same brilliantly hand-finished hybrid movement that appears in Speake-Marin's other collections.

This particular watch is already spoken for, but collectors should note that this is just the first of a collection of unique pieces that Peter Speake-Marin has planned in collaboration with different artisan friends of his.