Caragh McKay
Caragh McKay has been a contributing editor at Wallpaper* since 2014. She was previously watches & jewellery director and is currently our resident lifestyle & shopping editor. Caragh has produced exhibitions and created and edited titles for publishers including the Daily Telegraph. She regularly chairs talks for luxury houses, Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier among them. Caragh’s current remit is cross-cultural and her recent stories include the curious tale of how Muhammad Ali met his poetic match in Robert Burns and how a Martin Scorsese film revived a forgotten Osage art.
Latest articles by Caragh McKay
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Editor’s pick: last chance to see the MET’s mesmerising array of ancient American gold
Boasting legendary New York sculptor and jeweller David Yurman as its partner, ‘Golden Kingdoms: Luxury and Legacy in the Ancient Americas’ at the New York MET adds to a growing appreciation of precious metalwork beyond decorative impact. The power of these exquisitely crafted precious materials to exalt the wearer and onlooker beyond the everyday was more significant than inherent value. A glorious paean to ancient goldworking techniques, this week presents a last chance to see the exhibition. Usually, you’d have to travel to Colombia to view the jaw-dropping additions from Bogotá’s famed Museo del Oro, so we think that the sizeable collection on show here is well worth bringing to your attention. The exhibition is on view at The Met Fifth Avenue, Gallery 199 until 28 May. We’ve pinpointed some of our favourite pieces:
By Caragh McKay Last updated
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Chemical reaction: Rolf Sachs’ brilliant horological experiment
By Caragh McKay Last updated
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Van Cleef & Arpels explore the history of gems
Van Cleef & Arpels connect mineralogy, gemmology and jewellery in a Paris exhibition
By Caragh McKay Last updated
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Snowflake generation: the evolution of Tudor
By artfully mining its heritage, Swiss watch brand Tudor has created a new design identity that’s all its own
By Caragh McKay Last updated
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Tupelo to Red Right Hand: the songs of Nick Cave inspire a glitteringly dark jewel
Model Susie Cave and jewellery designer Annoushka Ducas created a charm bracelet marked by Nick Cave songs. Here’s how its dark, rattling delights came to life. Polaroid photography by Nick Cave
By Caragh McKay Last updated
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Everything is illuminated: David Morris presents high jewellery in a new light
By Caragh McKay Last updated
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Time and again: Chanel celebrates 30 years as a horological auteur
The launch of its latest Code Coco design marks three decades since Chanel embraced fine watchmaking traditions, fusing materials, engineering and craft to create a stylish horological universe all its own. Here, we explore the house’s key watch design moments
By Caragh McKay Last updated
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The long view: what Munich-based designer Saskia Diez did next
By Caragh McKay Last updated
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Ron Arad’s Last Train arrives in Venice
By Caragh McKay Last updated
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Out of the woods: the natural wonder of Piaget’s marquetry jewels
By Caragh McKay Last updated
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Smooth sailing: Chanel navigates a new era of high jewellery design
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Cécile Guenat channels Pokémon and African art at Richard Mille
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Alchemy unwound: the watch and jewellery brands putting their own spin on precious metals
By Caragh McKay Last updated
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Attachment theory: the humble safety pin joins Hermès’ hall of fame
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Watchmakers create exclusive pieces for Harrods at SalonQP fair
By Caragh McKay Last updated
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'Dark Matter': Kath Libbert heralds the new generation of art jewellers
By Caragh McKay Last updated
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Ellipse gloss: Patek Philippe updates an era-defining dress watch
By Caragh McKay Last updated
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The making of the ‘Holy Handmade!’ signet-ring seal, by Rebus
By Caragh McKay Last updated
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Cultural exchange: Rolex mentor David Chipperfield pairs with Swiss protégé
By Caragh McKay Last updated
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Chanel’s new watch releases mark the start of a notable horological chapter
Stop! It's Chanel time
By Caragh McKay Last updated
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Into the fold: a mixed-media approach leads to new thinking in fine jewellery design
By Caragh McKay Last updated
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It takes time: meet Sekford, the new British watch brand making its mark
By Caragh McKay Last updated
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Hidden gem: New York’s secret art jeweller uncovered
By Caragh McKay Last updated
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GemGenève puts independent fine-jewellery designers in the frame
Now in its second year, the GemGenève jewellery fair – a rich cornucopia of gem specialists, antique dealers and contemporary designers – opens in Geneva this weekend. Once again, its ‘Vivarium’ showcase of independent fine jewellery designers has caught our eye. Its curator, the author and historian Vivienne Becker, is unrivalled when it comes to unearthing new and rare fine-jewellery design talent from across the globe. Her take on contemporary design founded on meticulous techniques is as distinct as it gets. We highlight some of the designers she is spotlighting this week:
By Caragh McKay Last updated