Bruce G. Weber by Accent Magazine

A C C E N T/ T H E M A G A Z I N E O F L I F E ’ S C E L E B R AT I O N S FA L L / H O L I D AY S 2 0 1 4

ROCK STARS & ROLEX

INSIDE THE GLITTER

YOU’LL FALL FOR THESE FASHIONS!

AUTUMN LUXURY

A BETTER MOUSETRAP

TESLA

One of a kind. One at a time. Each by hand.

WELCOME! Has Bruce G. Weber Precious Jewels ever helped create a perfect moment for you or someone you love? Our advertising theme this year is “Perfect moments are made here,” because it occurred to us that the most important thing we do at Bruce G. Weber is to create perfect moments for our clients. Whether a proposal, a gift-giving occasion or a rewarding self-purchase, it’s the job of everyone on our staff to make sure it’s as memorable as can be. In this issue of Accent, you can see photos from some of our customers who have experienced that perfect moment with help from Bruce G. Weber. As fun as they are to look at, they’re even more fun to experience ﬁrsthand. If it’s your goal to create a perfect moment this holiday season, we’re here to help. We wish you and yours all the best, and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Fall

FASHION

SAVE THE DATE!

HOLIDAY GALA DECEMBER 11

CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY

PAGE 23

THE EAGLE GIFT FOUNDATION

PAGE 16

OYSTER PERPETUAL DATEJUST II

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CONTENTS

Fall/Holidays 2014 1700 UTICA SQUARE

FEATURES

918-749-1700 800-749-1771

2 Welcome Letter

BRUCEGWEBER.COM

6 Events 11 Bruce G. Weber Gifts

P U B L I S H E D B Y T H E B J I FA S H I O N G R O U P

16 Caring for the Community

PUBLISHER

18 Wheels: A Better Mousetrap

STU NIFOUSSI

20 Photography: I Remember When Rock Was Young

23 Fall Fashion

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

35 Spotlight: Kwiat, Baume & Mercier

C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R

36 Have Jewelry, Will Travel HANS GSCHLIESSER

38 Golf: Jack Nicklaus in Paradise MANAGING EDITOR

40 Pearls: Adding Panache

JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

42 Perfect Gems

PROJECT MANAGER

54 End Page: Family Circles

LISA MONTEMORRA DESIGNERS CYNTHIA LUCERO JEAN-NICOLE VENDITTI PRODUCTION MANAGER PEG EADIE PRESIDENT AND CEO BRITTON JONES CHAIRMAN AND COO MAC BRIGHTON

BRIDAL SECTION

Norwalk, CT 06856, 203-853-6015 • Fax: 203-852-8175;

46 Our Customers

Advertising Office: 1384 Broadway, 11th Floor, NY, NY 10018, 212-

48 The Big Day

52 The Honeymoon

ers accept no responsibilities for advertisers’ claims, unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or other materials. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the publishers. Volume 12, Issue 2. Accent® is a trademark of

Business Journals, Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. Printed In The U.S.A.

JONI MITCHELL LEANING COURTESY OF TOM O’NEAL

Accent® is published by Business Journals, Inc, P.O. Box 5550,

1954

60 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS INSPIRATION IN THE PURSUIT OF TECHNICAL PERFECTION

Heritage Black Bay is the direct descendant of TUDOR’s technical success in Greenland on the wrists of Royal Navy sailors. 60 years later, the Black Bay is ready to stand as its own legend. TUDOR HERITAGE BLACK BAY® Self-winding mechanical movement, waterproof to 200 m, 41 mm steel case. Visit tudorwatch.com and explore more.

bruce g. weber events

Marco Bicego Personal Appearance On May 6, we welcomed Italian jewelry designer Marco Bicego to Tulsa for a rare personal appearance. We knew from Bicego’s last visit two years ago it would be a fun event, and we weren’t disappointed. Guests got up close and personal with Bicego’s newest creations in gold and gemstones at the beautiful Snug Harbor at Southern Hills Country Club. Bicego himself hand-engraved pieces for guests who purchased that day, and his enthusiasm for jewelry design was infectious! “We’re so fortunate to have the ability to welcome a designer like Marco Bicego to Tulsa,” says Michelle Holdgrafer, store director at Bruce G. Weber Precious Jewels. “A piece of jewelry becomes even more special when you’ve met the designer who created it.”

This is the box

THAT, FOR OVER FORTY YEARS,

HAS REPRESENTED THE FINEST JEWELRY AND TIMEPIECES IN THE WORLD AND THE VERY BEST VALUES AVAILABLE.

AND FOR GENERATION AFTER

GENERATION OF CUSTOMERS, IT’S STILL THE ONE

1700 Utica Square, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114

918-749-1700

they look for.

800-749-1771

www.brucegweber.com

Three Exceptional Jewelers and a Collection of the World’s Best Brands, All Under One Umbrella.

The Woodlands, Texas www.donohos.com

Columbus, Ohio www.diamondcellar.com

Tulsa, Oklahoma www.brucegweber.com DIAMOND CELLAR HOLDINGS is a family of three of the finest jewelers in the United States. Each store has its own unique heritage, but together they represent almost 150 years of history in the jewelry business. We’ve built our reputation on excellent service, fine craftsmanship and unwavering integrity. That’s why the world’s top jewelry and watch brands trust us. And so can you. A. Jaffe Aaron Basha Adolpho Courrier Alex Woo Baume & Mercier Bell & Ross Breitling Carla Amorim Cartier Charles Krypell Christian Bauer Christine Cooper Hill Christopher Designs Corum

Collegiate Jewels David Yurman Denise Roberge Di Modolo Elizabeth Locke Forevermark Goldman Diana Girard Perregaux Graf von Faber-Castell Gregg Ruth Harry Kotlar Hermes Ippolita Ivanka Trump

Jaeger-LeCoultre Jay Strongwater JB Star John Hardy Kwiat Lagos Marco Bicego Memoire Michael Beaudry Michael Bondanza Michele Mikimoto Patek Philippe Penny Preville

Precision Set Raymond Weil Robert Procop Roberto Coin Roberto Coin Cento Rolex Scott Kay Sterling & Bridal Stephen Webster Soho SUWA Swiss Army TAG Heuer TW Steel William Henry Studio

bruce g. weber gifts

THE SEASON Nobody fulfills holiday wishes like Bruce G.Weber Precious Jewels. Visit us now to find the hottest fashions for everyone on your list.

bruce g. weber gifts

BEST FRIEND

You can never go wrong with diamonds.

GOLD

A hot trend that looks cool.

bruce g. weber gifts

STYLE

Unusual colors, shapes and themes. When standard just wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cut it.

P OIS MOI COLLECTION

caring for the community

FOR A CAUSE

Philanthropy soars at the Eagle Gift Silent Auction & Benefit Dinner.

importance of energy in our area and, of course, the children it beneﬁts,” says Michelle Holdgrafer, Bruce G. Weber Precious Jewels store director. All proceeds from the auction go to beneﬁt Oklahoma charitable organizations, including those heavily committed to educational programs, helping the homeless, and protecting the most vulnerable adults or children. The Eagle Gift Foundation was founded in 2009 by Bill Solomon, president of Vacuworx and chairman of The Pipeline and Energy Expo. The mission of the foundation is to provide assistance to Tulsa-area charitable organizations that promote educational programs, protect vulnerable children and lend a helping hand to those experiencing adversity. The primary fundraisers for the Eagle Gift Foundation are The Expo Gala and Golf Scramble. In its short history, Eagle Gift Foundation contributions to the community have grown to over $100,000 through The Expo activities alone.

klahoma’s charity-minded patrons mixed and mingled on Monday, August 25, with executives of oil, gas and pipeline energy companies during the Eagle Gift Foundation’s Silent Auction & Beneﬁt Dinner at the Cox Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Fine dining and live musical entertainment are among highlights of the fundraising gala, presented annually in conjunction with The Pipeline and Energy Expo. The evening entailed traditional elegant dining with an exciting silent and live auction featuring beautifully unique and distinctly sophisticated items up for bid. Bruce G. Weber Precious Jewels proudly supports both the charitable organizations and the lives touched by the Eagle Gift Foundation, which relies on the generous contributions of its donors to promote educational and outreach programs that keep Tulsa and Oklahoma strong. “The Energy Expo showcases the pipeline and energy business in the state of Oklahoma, which is very important to stimulating our local economy. We’re passionate about supporting this event because of the

wheels

Tesla Model S

A BETTER MOUSETRAP

For Tesla Motors, reinventing the wheel doesn’t just involve a new car. ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON

he past two decades have borne witness to fantastical leaps in technology we now consider invaluable: smartphones, GPS guidance systems, tablet computers. It’s also provided its fair share of clunkers: the Segway, non-iPod MP3 players, MySpace. One innovation that appeared to straddle the hot-or-not fence several times since its introduction almost a decade ago: Tesla Motors’ luxury electric vehicles (EVs). In recent months, however, much of the doubt about Tesla’s viability and even its historic importance seems to have been erased through a flurry of investments, new products and innovative sales and intellectual property rights management. Though founded by computer engineers Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning in 2003, it was big thinker Elon Musk who got Tesla rolling. (He’s also a driving force behind much of the commercial space travel industry and a proposed Hyperloop high-speed magnetic rail in California.) The world got its first taste of the future with the Tesla Roadster in 2006. Musk argued that the nascent electronic car industry needn’t be restricted to boxy, utilitarian vehicles. He envisioned luxury roadsters and even high-performance racecars (the Tesla Roadster was the first EV to top 200 MPH, and was soon participating in eco-races in Australia). He made a point of investing personally in American manufacturing and dropping a significant amount of his and other people’s (including the U.S. DOE’s) money into manufacturing. Soon pundits speculated each $128,000 car rolling off the line actually cost millions more based on investments vs. actual production. Various delays, along with a 2009 Roadster recall and battery pack fires in the Model S in 2013, made it seem as if the Tesla might be another rich kid’s vanity toy destined to be tossed aside. (Remember the DeLorean?) Flash forward to 2014, and Musk’s vision is very nearly rock solid. The company posted profits in 2013. Buliding vertically, Tesla offers a growing range of cars. The full-sized, five-door Model S, with a remarkable 97 MPG

highway, expanded sales in the U.K. and Europe significantly during the first part of the year, while the falcon-winged, dual-motor, all-wheel drive Model X is expected to reach buyers by 2015. Just as importantly, the company opened its 100th charging station in Hamilton, New Jersey (also the 22nd state to approve Tesla’s unusual direct sales approach: you can scope the models on a showroom floor, but you must buy online). The most unusual Tesla Supercharger aspect of the Supercharger Station stations? Topping off your batteries doesn’t cost a cent. With enough stations, you can now theoretically cross the country for free. Even more mind-boggling to the traditional Carnegie-era capitalist: in a blog post dated June 12, 2014, Musk made waves by announcing that all of Tesla’s hard-earned (and expensive) patents would be released into the public domain. In an era when the concept of open-sourcing headbutts against the lucrative intellectual property universe (think patented human DNA), the announcement was a potentially world-changing one. “If we clear a path to the creation of compelling electronic vehicles,” Musk wrote, “but then lay intellectual property landmines behind us to inhibit others, we are acting in a manner contrary to that goal.” All of this adds up to a rosy future for Tesla, which claims to have more orders than they can possibly fill. Though he’s no longer associated with the company, Tarpenning is convinced of the significant role luxury EVs play. At a 2012 Silicon Valley Band of Angels lunch, he noted that in 10 years, “all the supercars will be electric or electric assisted.”

photography

I REMEMBER WHEN ROCK WAS YOUNG... Inside the glitter with famed photographer Tom O’Neal.

COURTESY OF CASEY O’NEAL

DAVID A. ROSE

f you remember when music was purchased at record stores, you’ll of course also remember the striking album covers that housed those black vinyl discs embedded with your favorite tunes. One of the people responsible for that wonderful album art is Californian Tom O’Neal, best known these days for his work with Rolex, shooting photographs for their motorsports and yachting competitions as well as for other Rolexsponsored special events. Some of the stars he photographed during the early days of rock included Jimi Hendrix, The Mamas and The Papas, The Doors, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Janis Joplin, The Rolling Stones and Joni Mitchell. Here, he remembers those times in his own words. “It was quite a while ago but I have pretty vivid memories of working with some of the most iconic rock stars, from the beginning of their careers to when they became monstrously successful. Of all the rock stars I worked with, I am most proud of the photos I did with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The Déjà Vu album cover is the most iconic I’ve ever done. It’s one of my

favorites but it took the most work: I spent months on it, interacting with the band rather than the record company. If you ask them, they’ll tell you this is their favorite album cover as well. “I did nine album covers for Steppenwolf and even though the band has gone through numerous transitions over the years, their leader John Kay still has the original images I took for the Born to Be Wild album. That song, associated with the biker attitude, is considered to be the very first heavy metal song, with lyrics such as ‘heavy metal thunder.’ It’s also said to be the most commercially successful song in the history of rock and roll, used more times in television commercials than any other song. “Many other groups preferred not to pursue commercial success in that way, opting not to make money for car companies or food products. The Doors were one such group. Even after the death of Jim Morrison, the band felt he wouldn’t have wanted to sell their songs for advertising purposes, despite the many offers. The only exception to this has been when Cadillac

allegedly paid the band $15 million for the use of the line ‘break on through to the other side.’ “I once spent two days with The Doors while they were rehearsing for a concert. What was most interesting was that during their breaks, Jim always sat by himself and would read or write in his little 5” x 7” black book. When he was writing, I would leave him alone. There were times though when I thought, well, he’s got a moment, so I would go over and we would have light conversations. He was extremely quiet and very nice to me, which of course was totally different from his onstage presence. There he showed a whole other personality. He was out of control on stage... “Mick Jagger was also different from his public persona. I met Mick at his home in London once to talk about the possibility of doing an album cover and I found him to be very professional, very businesslike and a

out with her. Hanging out with some of these artists required a lot of waiting time. Big Brother and the Holding Company was a San Francisco band but I was from Los Angeles, and there was a definite separation between the two lifestyles. Only Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young were able to cross over effortlessly. I got to know those guys very well and I know Graham Nash has said the first time he jammed with Stephen Stills and David Crosby it was at Joni Mitchell’s house. Crosby and Stills had just written a song and Nash was listening, and when they finished Nash asked them to play it again, and then again. After the third time they played it Nash joined in to sing it with them and it was at that precise moment that Crosby, Stills & Nash was born. They had never heard a sound like the threepart harmony they created that day. “Jim Croce was the most humble person I worked with, but Joni

Left to right: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Deja Vu album cover, 1969. Joni Mitchell Leaning, now part of the Smithsonian permanent collection, 1969. A young Tom O’Neal, 1972. Jim Morrison in rehearsal for Smothers Brothers Show in Los Angeles, 1968. proper English gentleman. He was very sharp and knowledgeable about printing and fabrication techniques, what the album would go through when being shipped in a carton, the liability of possible damage during shipping, etc. The album cover I did for them had a raised surface with just the name ‘The Rolling Stones’ and he loved that design. “Often when I met with the leader of a band to talk about an upcoming album cover, they would be so stoned that you couldn’t understand anything they were saying. Or they weren’t stoned but you still couldn’t understand what they were saying. Some just weren’t at all articulate and they used a lot of filler phrases like ‘I don’t know man...’ and ‘We want it to be like, you know man? Well it’s kinda like we really want it to be cool... can you do that?’ The chemistry of some of these bands was so short-lived that with just a brief moment of success, or even the possibility of success, their heads would change and massive egos would take over. Some of these bands actually started spending their money before they even signed a contract. “I worked with Janis Joplin but it took a long time before I got to hang

Mitchell was the most fascinating. She was such a dichotomy: the more I got to know her, the more I realized how exceptionally brilliant she was. But I also saw her fragility and extreme femininity, a kind of Lady Marian from the Robin Hood stories. She had a certain princess royalty about her too, but at the same time she was very engaging and very warm. Although she seemed fragile, she had immense power about her. My portrait of her is now on permanent display at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, as is an outtake from the Déjà Vu album. “I was inside the glitter of the recording industry and for the bands, it was fun, it was romantic and they got rich. But for the record companies, it was a business: record sales were revenue buckets and not for tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars, but for millions of dollars. And what really contributed to the selling power of these albums was the photograph or the graphic design of the cover. My job was to get a customer into a store to pick up an album, look at the album cover and think, this looks cool, then turn it over, examine it, and then take it directly to the cash register.”

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DRESS-UP

Our fall fashion looks are ready for your most sophisticated holiday get-togethers. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about dressed-up luxe. CLOTHING BY ROWE BOUTIQUE. PHOTOGRAPHY BY KYLE WIDDER

THE MAKING OF...

FALL FASHION

Creating the fashion section for our magazine begins months in advance and involves a team of dedicated people both inside and outside our organization. The process starts with careful planning and scheduling. The shoot is scheduled as close as possible to the publication deadline to allow for the very freshest fashions, and looks are often substituted at the last minute. Jewelry is carefully chosen for each look, but is always subject to change once weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on set. It takes a full day to capture all the looks, and the ďŹ nal images are chosen from thousands of shots. Each shot must be carefully examined and retouched as needed before the layout is done in-house at Diamond Cellar Holdings. Special thanks to: Maren Roth and her team at Rowe Boutique, Kyle Widder, KDW Photography, and our models.

Bruce G. Weber white topaz and diamond pendant necklace in blackened sterling silver and 18K yellow gold $1,067, Bruce G. Weber gray chalcedony and diamond pendant necklace in black sterling silver $1,650, Roberto Coin Pois Moi station necklace in 18K yellow gold $2,500, Carla Amorim Peninsula green agate disk necklace in 18K yellow gold $8,030 • Denise Roberge coin cuff bracelet in sterling silver and 22K yellow gold • David Yurman Starlight X ring $1,650 • Penny Preville wrap diamond ring in 18K yellow gold $2,500 • Lagos Enso gold beaded X ring in sterling silver and 18K yellow gold $550 • Baume & Mercier Hampton in stainless steel and 18K rose gold on brown calfskin double-tour strap $2,100 • Carla Amorim Peninsula Green Agate drop earrings in 18K yellow gold $3,850

Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” RACHEL ZOE

Penny Preville beaded bracelet in 18K yellow gold $4,225, Penny Preville beaded side twist bracelet in 18K yellow gold $4,095 • Marco Bicego Murano link drop earrings in 18K yellow gold $1,770 • David Yurman morganite and diamond cable wrap ring $6,950 • Rolex Datejust timepiece in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold with diamonds $19,700 • Bruce G. Weber multi-stone and diamond necklace in sterling silver and gold alloy $3,630

A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” COCO CHANEL

Lagos amethyst statement ring in sterling silver and 18K yellow gold $5,000 • Ippolita Stardust diamond earrings $12,500 • Marco Bicego Lunaria necklace in 18K yellow gold $7,410 • Ippolita shiny bangle bracelet in 18K yellow gold $1,495, Ippolita shiny wavy patterned bangle bracelet in 18K yellow gold $1,495, Ippolita matte wavy bangle bracelet in 18K yellow gold $1,495, Ippolita Glamazon hammered bracelet in 18K yellow gold $695, Ippolita Glamazon hammered bracelet in 18K yellow gold $1,295, David Yurman Willow hinged bracelet in 18K yellow gold $5,900, Marco Bicego Cairo seven-strand bracelet in 18K yellow gold $6,740, Marco Bicego Marrakech twisted ﬂexible bracelet in 18K yellow gold $990, Ippolita Stardust wide bangle bracelet in 18K yellow gold $ 12,000, David Yurman Labyrinth cuff bracelet in 18K yellow gold $ 8,800, Marco Bicego Marrakech bracelet in 18K yellow and white gold $2,290 • Tudor Glamour timepiece in stainless steel with diamonds $5,400

People will stare. Make it worth their while.” HARRY WINSTON

On left: Bruce G. Weber diamond bracelet in 18K white gold and black rhodium $50,600 • Roberto Coin Fantasia diamond ring $11,400 • Michael Bondanza red agate and black jade ring in 18K yellow gold $3,245 • Vintage Rolex Cellini timepiece in platinum $11,550 • JB Star open teardrop earrings in 14K white gold $2,750, Bruce G. Weber Riviera diamond necklace in platinum $71,250 On right: David Yurman diamond cabled teardrop earrings in 18K yellow gold $5,900, Marco Bicego Cairo ﬁve-strand necklace in 18K yellow gold $9,980, Marco Bicego Cairo sevenstrand necklace in 18K yellow gold $14,360 • Roberto Coin Pois Moi diamond ring in 18K white gold $11,100, Lagos Enso ring in sterling silver and 18K yellow gold $375 • Michael Bondanza black onyx and citrine ring in 18K yellow gold • Rolex Datejust in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold with diamonds $20,150 • Roberto Coin Animalier Cobra bracelet in 18K yellow gold $19,000, Lagos 6mm caviar smooth station bracelet in 18K yellow gold $4,950, Penny Preville Deco diamond bracelet in 18K white gold $5,790, Lagos 9mm caviar bracelet in 18K yellow gold $7,400

Kwiat Evergreen diamond pendant necklace in 18K white gold $5,850, Bruce G. Weber colored and white diamond necklace in 14K white gold $19,742, Kwiat diamond string necklace in 18K white gold $5,450, Cento by Roberto Coin blue sapphire and diamond necklace in 18K white gold $15,740 • David Yurman Hampton cable ring in sterling silver with gray diamonds and blue sapphires $1,450 • Baume & Mercier Hampton in stainless steel with diamonds $4,350 • Stephen Webster Thorn Noir diamond bracelet in 18K white gold $27,000 • Stephen Webster Thorn Noir London blue topaz and diamond earrings in 18K white gold $13,500 • On model: David Yurman Labyrinth diamond ring in sterling silver $2,950

Bruce G. Weber diamond dangle earrings in 18K white gold $21,320, Bruce G. Weber Pearl and diamond necklace in 18K white gold $24,500 • Bruce G. Weber diamond halo ring in 18K white gold $29,925 • Stephen Webster Le Dents De La Mer long Crystal Haze knuckle ring with gray cat’s eye $825 • Roberto Coin Animalier snake bracelet with cognac diamonds in 18K rose gold $41,000

Fashions fade, style is eternal.” YVES SAINT LAURENT

David Yurman Renaissance black onyx cable bracelet in sterling silver $2,600, David Yurman Renaissance turquoise and peridot cable bracelet in 14K yellow gold and sterling silver $3,400, David Yurman Renaissance black onyx and ruby cable bracelet in sterling silver $2,400 • Stephen Webster Le Dents De La Mer tassel earrings in 14K yellow gold, sterling silver and black rhodium $650 • Stephen Webster Superstud split ring in sterling silver with white mother-of-pearl inlay stones $450, Stephen Webster Superstud jade inlay ring in sterling silver $550 • Scott Kay Guardian necklace in sterling silver $525, Scott Kay multi-length necklace in sterling silver $1,105, Stephen Webster Jewels Verne collection tassel pendant necklace in sterling silver $995 • David Yurman Thoroughbred timepiece in stainless steel $2,400

PEACE OF MIND STARTS WITH PROOF OF QUALITY. Weight Carat 1.53

ColorE Grade Grade Clarity VS1

Grade CutExcellent

Laser Inscription Registry Number GIA 16354621 Natural Diamond Not Synthetic

For over 80 years, GIA has brought clarity and global standards to gem evaluation. A GIA report means expert, independent veriﬁcation from the creator of the 4Cs and the world’s most widely recognized gem authority.

Look for GIA-graded diamonds and jewelers who offer them. www.4cs.gia.edu CARLSBAD ANTWERP BANGKOK DUBAI GABORONE HONG KONG JOHANNESBURG LONDON MOSCOW MUMBAI NEW YORK OSAKA RAMAT GAN SEOUL TAIPEI TOKYO

WHY DIAMOND KNOWLEDGE STARTS WITH THE 4CS Every diamond is unique—a precious expression of celebration and aspiration around the world. And yet all diamonds share certain features that allow us to compare and evaluate them. Recognizing the need for one standard to describe a diamond’s quality, GIA created the 4Cs: a universal language that diamond buyers everywhere can understand.

Here are some quick pointers to help you become better educated about each of the 4Cs.

Carat Weight 1.53

Color Grade E

Clarity Grade VS1

Cut Grade Excellent

CARAT WEIGHT

COLOR GRADE

CLARITY GRADE

CUT GRADE

Carat weight is the measurement of how much a diamond weighs. All else being equal, diamond price increases with carat weight, because larger diamonds are more rare and desirable.

Diamonds are valued by how closely they approach colorlessness – the less color, the higher their value. GIA’s D-to-Z Scale begins with D, representing colorless, and continues to Z, for diamonds that appear light yellow or brown.

Diamond clarity refers to the relative absence of inclusions and blemishes. The GIA Clarity Scale contains 11 grades, with most diamonds falling in the VS (very slightly included) or SI (slightly included) categories.

In evaluating cut for the standard round brilliant diamond, GIA takes into account seven components: brightness, ﬁre, scintillation, weight ratio, girdle thickness, symmetry, and polish. It then assigns a cut grade ranging from Excellent to Poor.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 4CS AND HOW TO CHOOSE A DIAMOND ON GIA’S OFFICIAL

CHANNEL.

spotlight

KWIAT

Since 1907, Kwiat has been one of America’s most trusted family-owned houses of diamond jewelry design. Kwiat designs are feminine and delicate, crafted to be worn and adored. Every design is created to celebrate the Kwiat’s extraordinary diamonds and the woman who wears them. The Cobblestone collection is a modern twist on a classic style. Refined, tapered diamond designs stack smoothly and sensuously hug the skin. They must be worn to be fully appreciated.

BAUME & MERCIER One of the oldest Swiss watch manufactures still in operation, Baume & Mercier has consistently celebrated the individuality of women through its timepiece creations. More keenly attuned than ever to their needs and wishes, the Maison has unveiled Promesse, an intensely delicate and timeless collection representing a true ode to femininity. This elegantly understated watch is driven by a Swissmade quartz caliber or a mechanical self-winding movement. The classic shape of the oval bezel is enhanced with mother of pearl, capped with 18K red gold or gracefully highlighted with diamonds. The pure and contemporary silver-colored dial, decorated with drapé guilloché or carved in shimmering azure mother of pearl, provides a readable display with the help of Roman numerals and indexes. By expressing her personality through Promesse, the woman who has chosen or received it as a gift celebrates in her own way the cherished values of the Maison: elegance born of harmony and self-fulfillment.

bringing it home

Have Jewelery WILL TRAVEL By seeking out the best from around the globe, Bruce G. Weber Precious Jewels offers a boutique experience in a big box jeweler world.

rom friendship bracelets to engagement rings, from a unique statement necklace to an understated pair of earrings, all jewelry has something in common: It tells a story. That is why Diamond Cellar Holdings takes so much pride in seeking out the unique, quality pieces that cannot be found in the flooded stocks of big chain jewelry stores. “We are unique among jewelry companies,” says Andy Johnson, Diamond Cellar Holdings CEO. “We are a family of local stores, with global reach.” Johnson is the second generation of the family to run the Diamond Cellar in Columbus, Ohio, which was founded in 1947 by his father, Robert W. Johnson. What started as a trade-shop, repairing and creating jewelry for the local department stores, has grown into a nationally recognized company, which includes Donoho’s Jewellers in The Woodlands, Texas and Bruce G. Weber Precious Jewels in Tulsa, Oklahoma. And Johnson grew up with the business. “I watched my father at the bench and developed an appreciation for true craftsmanship,” he shares. As Diamond Cellar Holdings grew, so did its relationships within the industry. Johnson and his father got to know some of the most prominent jewelers in the business and developed relationships with the finest brands. These relationships helped when it came time to make decisions on growing the business. “The biggest, most important brands are very selective when it comes to who represents them. We tried to always do the right things, to build the business with integrity, and the important brands noticed that,” says Johnson. Today, Diamond Cellar Holdings is one of the largest independent, family-owned jewelry companies in the country, offering the best of both worlds when it comes to service. Locally operated, each store has an obvious commitment to learning about their customers and understanding their specific desires. Globally recognized, they have partnerships with the

most respected designers in the industry. The buyers of Diamond Cellar Holdings travel the world, searching for the perfect combination of durability, value and design. While national chain jewelers must select pieces that are most likely to appeal to the masses, Diamond Cellar Holdings is able to offer edgier, more interesting pieces that will resonate on a local level in the three markets they serve. “Our clients shop with us because they’re looking for true fashion, not cookie-cutter pieces. We become the filter for all the jewelry that’s out there, carefully selecting the best of the best,” says Michelle Holdgrafer, Bruce G. Weber store director. “It’s knowing the difference between a fad and a trend, and then selecting pieces that balance a fashion-forward look with wearability at home in Tulsa.” Years before it becomes mainstream in the United States, they sneak a glimpse at what the “it” fashion will be while visiting Fiera di Vicenza, the Italian gold and design show, and Baselworld, the world’s largest watch and jewelry show, held annually in Switzerland. They also visit China, another important and emerging jewelry market, traveling to Hong Kong as part of their global search for the finest fashions, as well as packaging and display trends. Their passion for seeking out quality jewelry is limitless, going from New York to L.A. and making many stops in between. At the annual JCK show in Las Vegas, the premier jewelry event in the United States, Diamond Cellar Holdings representatives sift through hundreds of designer booths to hand-pick the most refined brands. As a result, they know every piece that finds its way into the showcase will shine brighter and last longer than the overwhelming majority of jewelry offered at other stores. Whether it is worn for sentimental reasons or simply to showcase a personal style, jewelry makes a statement about who we are. Diamond Cellar Holdings is a jewelry company that embraces these values more than any other.

Diamond Cellar CEO Any Johnson with Roberto Coin (left) and Peter Webster (right), co-founders of Roberto Coin.

Left to right: buyer Laura Schmidbauer, designer Penny Preville and store director Michelle Holdgrafer.

golf

JACK NICKLAUS IN PARADISE Redefining the Los Cabos resort experience. EDWARD KIERSH

n the tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, high above sheer, windswept cliffs offering stunning panoramas of the Pacific Ocean, the legendary “Golden Bear” has collaborated with Mother Nature to design a breathtaking—and provocative—$40 million, eight-years-in-themaking golf course that promises to redefine the Los Cabos resort experience. Opening this October, Jack Nicklaus’ challenging 7,224-yard, par-72 Quivira Golf Club, featuring three holes that “literally hang over the ocean,” will be the centerpiece of two luxury resorts and three high-end real estate communities. It will also be “unlike any other course in Los Cabos,” according to Nicklaus, who has designed five other courses in the area, since even high-handicap golfers can savor the jaw-dropping views

provided by the unique mountain-ocean-desert ecosystem. “Many people will think it is the most spectacular golf course [in the world], while some will struggle with it,” says Nicklaus, the “Golfer of the Century” with 120 professional PGA tour victories and 18 major championship wins. And now, he’s the designer of 380 courses worldwide. “Yet this property was far too unique to try to create a resort course that would be suited just for high-handicappers. It was a course where you had to take advantage of all the spectacular [topographic] situations, and whether they were too difficult or not, you had to employ them. This is a terrain that offers more elevation changes and oceanfront exposure than any other course in Los Cabos. If you look at golf as a fun experience and want to play in an exciting place, you will love Quivira.” (continued)

Indicative of that excitement, several holes that rise more than 350 feet above sea level afford views of frolicking whales and crashing waves. Yet perhaps most exhilarating is the dramatic three-quarter-mile drive to the fifth hole, which crosses arroyo-spanning bridges and traces a switchback route up the side of a mountain. An awe-inspiring climb already dubbed “the greatest drive in golf,” this marvelous ascent is more than 200 feet above sea level, and once ending at the tee at the short par-4 fifth hole, an exclamation point awaits golfers: amazing vistas of assorted wildlife, far-flung boats and white beaches far below. The par-3 sixth, its concave clifftop green carved from the base of a massive dune, is equally dramatic. The layout then weaves through the dunes, returns to the cliffs at the dazzling par-3 13th hole, proceeds inland through the desert toward distant mountain peaks, and drops sharply from a set of elevated tees at numbers 16 and 17, a pair of thrilling par 4s. Quivira’s par-4 18th hole, stretching to 469 yards, is a classic links-style creation that plays to an infinity-edge green overlooking the sea. In the wind, Quivira could prove bedeviling, for as even Nicklaus admits, “I am eager to play it—on a nice calm day.” If the course proves too challenging, golfers can take solace in the other luxuries that abound at Quivira. Each of the two Pueblo Bonito Resorts & Spas offers lavish accommodations; luxury estates and residences dot this exclusive, 1,850-acre community. And the thatched-roof clubhouse, besides featuring fine dining, is the ideal place to conclude any golf adventure. It’s a welcome oasis, a place to bask in refreshments and to celebrate this Land’s End escape with three miles of pristine creamy beaches.

pearls

ADDING PANACHE This season’s wardrobe essential is a take on every season’s wardrobe essential: perfect pearls! KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

Next to sound judgment, diamonds and pearls are the rarest things in the world.” –Jean de la Bruyere

here are few creations of nature as beautiful, versatile, romantic, or transformative as genuine pearls. Coveted as far back as 51 BCE (the age of Cleopatra), even a simple strand of lustrous, well-matched pearls will add instant panache to everything you wear, from a T- shirt and jeans to a little black dress. Dressing with pearls does not require complicated how-to charts. Simply clasp on a single strand to enhance the elegance of everything in your wardrobe, or splurge on a longer length to be worn doubled or tripled for maximum impact. Akoya, fresh water, Black, White or Golden South Sea, Conch, Melo, Baroque, Keshi, Mabe, natural or cultured: the choices are vast, the rewards more so. Follow your heart and choose pearls that most closely reflect your spirit; talk to our highly trained associates and we’ll help you make the perfect selection. For holiday 2014, options include suspended settings that showcase the pearl from every angle, and pearls mixed with colored gemstones (mint tourmalines, star sapphires) or with fancy-cut diamonds. Another suggestion: once you own that perfect strand of luminous white or ivory pearls, why not test the magic and mystery of Black South Sea cultured pearls? In 1914, exactly a century ago, Mikimoto established its first Black cultured pearl farm on Okinawa Island. In celebration of this milestone anniversary, Mikimoto has launched a limited-edition multi-colored Black South Sea cultured pearl necklace and bracelet set with signature clasps. Consider too Mikimoto’s Black and White South Sea cultured pearl gradient lariat set in 18K white gold with pavé diamond clasp (pictured far left), the Baroque Black South Sea cultured pearl and pavé diamond ring (pictured left), or Black South Sea pearl and diamond Embrace earrings. Could there be a more meaningful holiday gift? Or as the poets put it: “Love makes everything beautiful, even tears become pearls if they flow in someone’s love.”

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PERFECTGEMS

EXPLORE THE LITTLE LUXURIES THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER. DONALD CHARLES RICHARDSON

ESCAPE ARTISTS

There are many opulent hotels on the glamorous island of St. Barths. Then there’s the Taiwana. Set on Flamands Beach, Taiwana is the island’s most private retreat. Within moments of your arrival, the staff knows your name and room number and is quickly learning your preferences in wine and food. Both are superb at this resort (and if you wake up hungry in the middle of the night, you’ll find someone on duty in the restaurant to supply a snack or ice cream). The rooms are sleek and sumptuously supplied with Frette towels, robes and linens. There’s an excellent Neville hair salon and spa. But it’s the ambiance of an exclusive club that truly sets Taiwana apart and makes it one of St. Barth’s most stylish places to unwind.

RICHARD TERMINE

CAT HITS HIGH NOTE

Celebrated for producing works composed for intimate venues, New York’s Gotham Chamber Opera is now in its 12th season. Performances have included rarities from the Baroque era, such as Mozart’s Il sogno di Scipione and Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, and contemporary operas including I Have No Stories to Tell You by Lembit Beecher and The Raven by Toshio Hosokawa. During the 2014/2015 season, the company will present a revival of a favorite, El gato con botas (Puss in Boots), by Xavier Montsalvatge, at New York’s El Museo del Barrio. The opera tells the children’s story of a miller who inherits a mangy cat with magical talents. The cat woos a princess for the miller and, after defeating an evil ogre through trickery, happily unites the miller and princess. They marry and provide a warm home for the cat (which is probably what the cat had in mind all along).

GATHERING THE GRAPES At the 56-acre Hestan Vineyards located at the base of Okell Hill on Napa Valley’s eastern slopes, individually farmed blocks are planted with all five Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The grapes are co-harvested and cofermented to create Stephanie Proprietary Red Wine, a Bordeaux made from a layered blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Petit Verdot, 16% Malbec, 12% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Limited to 900 cases, Stephanie is a complex wine with an intriguing nose of licorice, clove and sweet spice mingled with cedar, tobacco and black currant. And rich mocha notes unfold on the supple palate, lingering well into the long, elegant finish.

ROCK STAR

Sculptor Kan Yasuda’s critically acclaimed work is exhibited and installed at galleries and public spaces all over the world. The Boboli Gardens in Florence displayed the first abstract sculptures in this 500-year-old collection; a solo exhibition featured 18 large works at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park; and a 17-acre sculpture park is dedicated to him in Japan. Working in marble (his studio is in Pietrasanta in northern Italy, near the Carrara quarries), Yasuda’s creations are gentle, tranquil and contemplative, encouraging interaction with the viewer. At his recent American debut show at Eykyn Maclean Gallery, when asked how an individual should chose a sculpture, Yasada replied, “Touch it, and if it touches you back…”

UN CHÂTEAU AVEC DES ANIMAUX EXOTIQUES As you drive into the Château of Thoiry, about 30 miles west of Paris, don’t be surprised if a giraffe strolls past your car. Many animals, such as camels and zebras, roam freely. Others, like tigers, leopards and cheetahs, are kept in the château’s zoo. While touring this 16th-century, 370-acre estate, you’ll also discover a maze, several gardens, a restaurant, and possibly the current Count and Countess of La Panouse, who still live in the château (part of which is shown to the public by costumed guides). Because architect Philibert de l’Orme designed the château to be in perfect harmony with nature, the most spectacular time to visit is during the summer or winter solstice, when the center arch marks the exact position of the sun.

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T H E B I G D AY

BY KRISTEN FINELLO

new twists on tradition WHEN IT COMES TO TYING THE KNOT, COUPLES AND EVENT DESIGNERS ARE CONSTANTLY LOOKING FOR WAYS TO PUT A UNIQUE SPIN ON TRADITIONAL ELEMENTS. FROM MUSEUM-WORTHY CAKES TO DRAMATIC DRESSES, STEAL THESE IDEAS TO MAKE YOUR BIG DAY A STANDOUT SUCCESS.

SENSATIONAL SEATS Not long ago, draping guest seats with fabric chair covers was a simple and popular way to add interest and elegance at a ceremony or reception. “Over time, though, everyone got tired of seeing so much fabric in a room and chair covers were replaced by the chiavari chair,” says Dallas-based celebrity wedding and event specialist Donnie Brown, author of Donnie Brown Weddings: From the Couture to the Cake. The chiavari, with its classic, elegant style, became the go-to for many couples and event designers. Now the chameleon chair—aptly named because it can be customized to complement virtually any wedding aesthetic—has become the seat of choice. “Chameleon chairs are the coolest chairs in the world,” says Brown, who has used them at many events. Made of steel, the basic chair comes in several styles and leg colors including black, gold and silver. Dress them up with seat cushions, chair covers and jackets (longer swaths of fabric) in dozens of fabric colors, from charcoal and platinum to eggplant and raspberry. For an even more dramatic look, choose chair covers or jackets with tulle, lace, metallic or ruffles. “Now you can completely customize your chairs to your event,” says Brown. “They are fabulous.”

DECADENT DÉCOR “Sparkle and glitz are really big right now,” explains Brown. One creative way to bring some bling to your event is to incorporate jewelry into the décor. Using brooches is especially chic. They can glam up cakes, escort cards, napkins (tie with a pretty ribbon and attach a brooch), menu cards and bridal bouquets. “One of the big things these days is using brooches on the cake,” says Brown. “I also

around each tier instead of piping.” Rhinestones can add a reflective element to guest tables too. “Instead of a fabric runner, arrange a wide band of rhinestones down the center of the table,” suggests Brown. Traditional linens are getting a high-style makeover with the addition of embellishments such as ruffles, stones and beads. Seasonally-hued stones in amber, black and brown are especially trendy for fall.

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COURTESY OF EDMONSON PHOTOGRAPHY

did a wedding where we decorated the cake by stringing rhinestone necklaces

ELEGANT AFFAIRS

THE FRESHEST FARE From cocktail hour to dinner, the focus is on fresh, tasty and elegant. “It’s about the quality of the food, not just having an abundance of it,” says Andrea Correale, president and founder of Elegant Affairs Caterers in New York. “People are eating less and looking for healthier items such as local, organic produce.” Farm-to-table is a huge trend and couples are displaying menu cards that list the sources of the food they’re serving. The long-popular antipasto table is out, says Correale. In its place she suggests a chef-manned burrata (creamy mozzarella) bar with a selection of pestos and a hanging bread display. Also popular are vegan sushi and dishes such as free-range organic chicken with kale or quinoa salad. For couples wanting to update the traditional Champagne toast, Correale serves flutes of Champagne Jello topped with a toast point and caviar. And whether it’s a rolling oyster bar, gueridon service (in which some dishes are partially prepared tableside on a food service trolley) or strolling waiters offering organic beet and taro root chips, interaction and old-time elegance are back big-time. In fact, even the venerable Viennese table has been replaced by butler-passed bites such as pie fries, cheesecake lollipops, and warm cookies with a shot of milk.

ONE-OF-A-KIND CONFECTIONS No longer just a sweet treat to finish off the meal, cakes are becoming an important design element at weddings. “Couples want a cake that reflects their individuality and harmonizes with the look and feel of their event,” says Allison Kelleher, owner of AK Cake Design in Portland, Oregon. “That could mean an elegant white cake with sugar flowers or a bold, brightly colored creation.” Today’s cakes are impressive works of art that feature elements such as mosaics, metallics and hand-painting. So-called “naked” cakes—tiers of cake and filling without an iced outer layer—are also popular with couples favoring a natural look. They can be served as one large cake or individual mini cakes. Also hot: unusual cake shapes such as spheres and taller-than-usual tiers. “Cake tiers have typically been four inches high but now we’re

taller,” says Kelleher. “When stacked all together they make for a lovely and graceful cake.”

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LARA FERRONI

seeing individual tiers that are five to six inches or

ISABELLE ARMSTRONG

DRESSES THAT IMPRESS Every bride wants a dress that wows, and the latest looks don’t disappoint. White is timeless but dresses in soft tones such as blush and peach are gaining popularity with fashion-forward brides looking for a new twist on tradition, says Tara Nattini, president of bridal design house Isabelle Armstrong. “The silhouette may be classic but the color makes it modern.” For another contemporary take, brides are opting for subtle yet striking ombre designs that gradually transition from white or ivory to a color such as pink or peach. Also on-trend: gowns that highlight the bride’s back. “The back is really the focal point when the bride is walking down the aisle, so we’re accentuating it with crystals and lace, says Nattini. “Plus, jewelers are doing dramatic necklaces that trail down the back and dresses with bare backs really show them off.” Finally, taking a cue from Duchess Katherine, and more recently, Kim Kardashian, brides are opting for sleeves to the elbow or wrist. “Once considered very traditional, sleeves are becoming more modern and trendy,” says Johanna Kraft, designer and production manager at Isabelle Armstrong. Her fall collection includes gowns with detachable sleeves that give brides two looks in one dress: classic long sleeves for the ceremony and a sexy, sleeveless reception style.

WE ARE FAMILY When it comes to choosing attendants, couples are ignoring outdated rules and following their hearts. For one thing, they no longer feel obligated to have an equal number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, so there’s no pressure to fill a spot or leave out someone you’d like to include. “I’m also seeing a lot more male/female role reversals,” says Brown. A bride, for example, might have her brother or a close male friend on “her side” rather than only asking sisters or female friends. Having parents or even grandparents in the bridal party is another new twist. For her March MICHAEL CASWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

2014 wedding, Cali Solorio of Austin, Texas asked her beloved grandmother and great aunt to serve as flower girls. The ladies joyfully tossed petals as they walked down the aisle. “We got so many compliments. People couldn’t stop talking about them,” says Solorio. “I loved having them in my wedding and I’m so glad we decided to do something untraditional that people will remember.”

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THE HONEYMOON

BY KELLY E. CARTER

LIFETIME ADVENTURES

HORSEBACK RIDE IN BOTSWANA

SURF IN THE MALDIVES Add romance to action with a stay in an over-the-water bungalow at a luxurious resort in this tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean. Known for its spectacular whitesand beaches and shimmering turquoise waters, the Maldives are also where water-loving lovers can hang 10 together on some of the most perfect waves in the world. Surf breaks are endless but immediate access from resorts is limited. Charter a boat to reach the best breaks and escape the crowds that pack boat shuttles from hotels during the busy months. Surfing in the Maldives is available year round, but June to September are the prime months for honeymooners chasing the best swells. Avoid the masses in the Central Atoll and the more isolated South Atolls, but expect plenty of company in the Malé Atolls. TropicSurf can arrange luxury surfing experiences with five-star boats and resorts, expert guides and tailored trips such as a romantic dinner on a deserted island or a private seaplane to a secluded surf break (which would take a boat several hours to reach). Visit tropicsurf.net.

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Safaris, one of travel’s ultimate thrills, are even more exciting from the saddle. They don’t get any better than in Botswana, where game is wide-ranging and plentiful. Home to all of the Big Five (lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros), Botswana also boasts Africa’s largest concentration of elephants. Ride through the glittering Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and the expansive horizons of the Okavango Delta, where it’s possible to come across elephants, zebra, hippos and giraffes. Lovebirds who go during green season, the early part of the year and when the dry savannah turns verdant, have to put up with a little rain but benefit from the numerous birds drawn to the lush landscape. In the Kalahari they’ll have the opportunity to ride alongside the zebra, wildebeest and springbok migration, and should be able to enjoy a more personalized experience thanks to fewer crowds. Those who disdain pre-packaged tours can have Explore Africa design a highly-customized, private experience tailored to their budget, created for beginner to advanced riders, and offering accommodations ranging from luxury lodges to mobile camps, whether it be for one day or two weeks. Special honeymoon arrangements can be made as well as handcrafted, one-of-a-kind adventures. Visit exploreafrica.net.

IMAGES COURTESY OF UNCHARTED AFRICA

During sundowner, newlyweds can toast while gazing at a spectacular sunset.

BACKROADS

TREK FROM CUSCO TO MACHU PICCHU Think of the fun newlyweds can have rubbing each other’s feet every evening after a lodge-to-lodge journey on foot from Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, to Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Machu Picchu, rising nearly 8,000 feet above sea level in a tropical mountain forest, may be one of the most famous sites in the world and is visited by countless travelers annually, but there’s still a way for couples to have a distinct experience while visiting this 15th-century Inca creation. With a voyage arranged through Backroads, honeymooners can have porters and mules transport their luggage while they tackle the trail on foot during the day. At night, they’ll sip bubbly in the outdoor hot tub of a luxurious hotel. As a way to control the tourism impact on the area, Machu Picchu mandates that all visitors take its buses to the cultural site. But honeymooners in search of romance can grab one of the early buses to enjoy the first light of the day and slip away to a quiet corner away from the crowds to take it all in. The more adventurous in search of the most impressive view can hike Machu Picchu Mountain, using a special permit from Backroads. As if the trip isn’t mind-blowing enough, the company can help make this an even more extraordinary expedition. For an additional fee, they’ll provide Champagne that guests can sneak in to the ruins and arrange for a private dinner with the chef at Sol y Luna restaurant, room upgrades at lodges, and a private meeting with a shaman to read their cocoa leaves. Visit backroads.com.

KITE SKI THROUGH ANTARCTICA This frosty, remote continent gives thrill-seeking twosomes even more reason to snuggle. By itself, Antarctica sounds like a journey beyond the imagination of many. Toss in the exhilaration of kite-skiing and the stimulation of ice climbing and newlyweds will relish an adrenaline-pumping honeymoon on the Earth’s southernmost continent, where stunning scenery, dotted by icebergs at every turn, overwhelms. Whisk across pristine snow while kite-skiing—more like cross-country than downhill skiing—or ascend virgin peaks while ice-climbing untouched mountains. Those who book an adventure with White Desert, which doesn’t require guests to be athletes, only in normal physical condition, follow as professional polar explorers guide them to nirvana. White Desert offers standard programs that include climbing, kite-skiing and a visit to the Emperor Penguin colony to see the real life stars of March of the Penguins, but also designs bespoke excursions to meet clients’ wishes, such as a special kite-skiing trip using 4x4 for support while out in the field. When a couple wed last December at its camp, which fuses old-world luxury and high-tech performance, the bride wore a white dress—along with a parka. Visit white-desert.com.

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Family Circles M

y 101-year-old Grandma Estelle and I have long played hand games together—a simple, tender way to enjoy each other’s presence. My favorite isn’t actually a game, but more a looting of my Bubbeleh’s jewelry—a way to get her rings off her fingers and onto my own. The seven rings she wears fit loosely, yet the hurdle of knotted knuckles, inevitable casualties of arthritis, slow the removal process. “Uh-uh! Let me do it,” she insists, pulling at a ring, wetting it with her saliva until it slides off. Once all are off, a pile of storied little treasures for me to play with; I curate them across my own fingers. First is always a sapphire ring accented with diamonds. “My birthstone,” she explains (again). “September 11th. You know, that day didn’t always mean what it does now. “Grandpa gave me this one.” A simple white gold band that’s now mine, which I stack daily on my finger. “One of my wedding bands… the first one. Grandpa proposed many times. I played hard to get. “I was a goodie-goodie. Always, always did as my mother asked. Not like you. I never did what I wanted. I had wanted to be a nurse you know: I like to comfort people.” Although my Grandma talks of this shy, timid girl she claims to still be, this is not the woman I know. “Ach, I’m just an actress and the world is my stage!” she balks, responding to my adoring compliments. “No one wants to hear what this old biddy has to say.” Yet ripe with opinion (she’s a voracious reader of both The Washington Post and The Washington Jewish Week), my Bubbeleh never hesitates to dish gems of wisdom, discussing politics and foreign policy with the same fervor she uses to deliver opinions about Bette Midler, Oprah, Judge Judy and her favorite, Dr. Oz. “This-a one was my mother’s… her wedding ring,” she continues, twisting at a large asymmetrical ring. It’s platinum with three large settings for diamonds, yet only two diamonds remain in place. One disappeared long ago and was never replaced.

I learned to appreciate platinum, black diamonds, rose and white gold from my Bubbeleh. But accessorizing with sentiment rather than status is what dazzles her. While she inspired my predilection for the fine and rare, what she treasures more than those seven stacked rings—which I’m certain she sleeps and bathes with—are the memories they inspire. “This-a one I bought myself,” she says proudly, admiring the thick gold 1940s ring with a clustered setting of tiny diamond chips. “This one here, it’s from your mom and dad. A garnet, I think.” Her other jewelry SHIRA LEVINE has evolved with her age. Her drawers were once filled with glittery gemstones: extraordinary clip-on earrings, the half-dozen other engagement rings. These now sit in a safe deposit box, replaced by little boxes housing various contemporary pieces I’ve brought her from my travels to Istanbul, Singapore, Cusco and Capetown. Her idea of what money buys is far from reality. “Please, don’t tell me you spent more than $25 on that!” she says to everything I’ve ever given her. Even Mikimoto and Cartier gifts elicit a practical truth: “Where will I wear it? To the loo?” Dropping the last ring, of mysterious origin (“Am I supposed to remember everything?”) into my hand, nails newly painted gold (by me), Queen Levine rises from her rocking throne. Sporting a drugstore tiara and bejeweled necklace, she curtsies and announces dramatically that she’s “off to the loo...”

Each ring a treasured tale from my grandmother’s life.”

CENTO COLLECTION

BRUCE G. WEBER ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS

FALL/HOLIDAYS 2014