Fink's Jewelers by Accent Magazine

ACCENT The Magazine of Life’s Celebrations • Spring/Summer 2015

JEWELRY SHADES OF SUMMER

CATCHING UP WITH KRISTIN CHENOWETH

GIFTS FROM THE HEART

OYSTER PERPETUAL GMT-MASTER II

rolex

oyster perpetual and gmt-master ii are trademarks.

FINKS.COM

CHAIRMAN & CEO MARC FINK EVP & CFO WALT GAYNOR VP OPERATIONS MARK BAIR VP INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES TODD STAFFORD DIRECTOR OF MARKETING LINDSEY SINOZICH

CONTENTS

Spring/Summer 2015

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 PUBLISHER STU NIFOUSSI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN DESIGN DIRECTOR HANS GSCHLIESSER MANAGING EDITOR JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

FEATURES 4 Fink’s Family Profile: Lindsey Sinozich 6 Fink’s Family Profile:

Tina Steenburgh 8 The John Hardy Bali Experience

PROJECT MANAGER LISA MONTEMORRA DESIGNERS

10 Here We Grow Again 12 Spring Gift Guide

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

20 Celebrations: Engagements and Weddings 22 Fink’s Events: See and Be Seen 24 From the Runways 28 Timepieces: Worry Over Watchmakers 30 Gifts: From the Heart

32 Guy Style: Men’s Trends

Accent® is published by Business Journals, Inc, P.O. Box 5550, Norwalk, CT 06856, 203-853-6015 • Fax: 203-852-8175; Advertising Office: 1384 Broadway, 11th Floor, NY, NY 10018,

34 Personalities: Kristin Chenoweth 36 Social Media: Hashtag How-to

212-686-4412 • Fax: 212-686-6821; All Rights Reserved. The publishers 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 13, Issue 1. Accent® is a trade-

38 Culture: Fashion Facelift 40 Spotted: As Seen On… 42 Trends: The New Heirlooms

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

44 Experts: All About Bridal Rings

VIRGINIA Roanoke 419 at Colonial Avenue .................................................540.342.2991 Valley View Mall.............................................................. 540.362.3779 Lynchburg 16960 Forest Road ......................................................... 434.237.6301 Charlottesville Barracks Road Shopping Center ............................434.284.4060 Richmond Chesterfield Towne Center .......................................... 804.379.7171 Short Pump Town Center ........................................... 804.377.8589 Fredericksburg The Village at Spotsylvania Towne Centre ...........540.736.1290 Dulles Dulles Town Center ........................................................571.434.6540 Norfolk MacArthur Center ............................................................. 757.640.1132

NORTH CAROLINA Greensboro 1951 Battleground Avenue...........................................336.292.8355 Charlotte Northlake Mall ................................................................. 704.927.4888 SouthPark ..........................................................................704.366.3120 Raleigh North Hills........................................................................... 919.881.8247

Durham The Streets at Southpoint ............................................ 919.281.8407

www.finks.com facebook.com/FinksJewelers twitter.com/FinksJewelers pinterest.com/FinksJewelers instagram.com/FinksJewelers FinksJewelers.polyvore.com

ÂŠ 2015 John Hardy Limited

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

FINK’S FAMILY PROFILE

indsey Sinozich joined the Fink’s Jewelers family in 2004, and she likes to say that everything she knows about marketing she learned here. “The marketing director, my boss at the time, became my mentor and taught me all I know. When she moved from Roanoke in 2006, I was promoted to the director position.” Accepting the promotion was a no-brainer, says Lindsey. “At the end of the day, it’s quite simple: What woman wouldn’t love working

with jewelry!?” Despite describing her own jewelry wardrobe as “minimalist,” Lindsey finds it impossible to choose just one favorite designer. “I like each for different reasons,” she explains. “I have a few classic pieces that I wear often and I’m obsessed with dangly earrings; my favorite pair is a retired style from Roberto Coin. I love Ippolita for its fashionable yet sleek designs and colorful mix.” When asked to name her favorite jewelry piece, however, Lindsey is much more decisive. “My engagement ring is definitely my favorite! It’s hard working in the jewelry business; we know all the options and sometimes that can make you fickle. But I’ve always loved the Ashoka diamond, which is exclusive to Fink’s in our area. In fact, we’re one of only 10 retailers in the entire world to carry the Ashoka diamond. I love how rare and beautiful it is.” She also mentions Ippolita’s Stella Lollypop ring in mother of pearl with diamonds, which she received as a gift to commemorate her 10-year anniversary at Fink’s. “It’s one of my favorite pieces because it can be dressed up with a little black dress, or worn with jeans and a blazer for a more casual look.” Now in her 11th year with our company, Lindsey continues to enjoy the perks and challenges of her ever-growing role. “This job allows me to tap into both sides of my personality,” she reveals. “I’m a definite Type A; planning and organizing are my strong suits. Creating strategic media plans for 14 stores in 10 markets requires lots of forward thinking, and I enjoy that. I also love fashion and the art of advertising. For example, I’m constantly impressed by Louis Vuitton’s ad campaigns,” she says, adding that she could have framed the company’s vintage train ads from 2012 and hung them as art. This intense passion for the industry is clearly chief among the reasons for Lindsey’s success. “I’m fortunate to really enjoy what I do and the people I work with. Marc Fink always says, ‘You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with.’ I’m lucky to learn from people who have been in the jewelry business for decades.” When she’s not working, Lindsey spends her time enjoying life as a newlywed. “My husband, Mark, and I married this past Valentine’s Day, and after an amazing honeymoon in the Caribbean we’re settling into our life here in Roanoke.” The active couple enjoys hiking, traveling and spending time as a new family with Mark’s seven-year-old son. As a self-proclaimed “girly-girl,” Lindsey admits she’s learning to adjust to life with boys. “I’ve learned more than I ever wanted to know about spiders and slugs. But on the plus side, I’m getting pretty deadly with a light saber,” she laughs.

“You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with. I’m lucky to learn from people who have been in the jewelry business for decades.”

LINDSEY SINOZICH

Marketing Director Corporate Office Roanoke, Virginia

FINK’S FAMILY PROFILE

TINA STEENBURGH Sales Associate Short Pump Town Center Richmond, Virginia

ver an impressive 36-year career in the jewelry industry, Tina has worked as a gemologist appraiser, a buyer and a sales associate, and has held positions at three different Fink’s locations. During her 17 years with us, she has been excited and challenged by the moves, saying, “It is always satisfying to meet new customers and expand my client base. Each store has been bigger and more beautiful than the last, and the knowledge I’ve gained from every phase of my career has helped me to be successful in the next.” The joy Tina gets from interacting with her clients is evident. “I really do care about my customers: their lives and their needs,” she says. “I truly enjoy pleasing them and I think they can sense that. It helps me connect with people.” Currently, she has the most fun selling diamond engagement rings, and her favorite jewelry styles are by Marco Bicego and Roberto Coin. (“The Italian gold designers are incredibly talented,” she explains.) Most of all, she enjoys helping her customers find exactly what they are looking for. “I love it when I find something that a client has been wanting, and I see her face light up. Or when I show a man a watch and see how excited he gets about all of its functions.” In fact, she describes her perfect day as one where she could “sell an engagement ring to a very happy couple, and then a Rolex to a loyal client.” Constantly surrounded by the most beautiful, high-quality jewelry and watches the world has to offer, it’s no wonder our associates are prone to daydreaming. When she pictures herself as Cinderella on her way to the ball, Tina imagines wearing Marco Bicego’s Lunaria choker and matching earrings, because, she says, “They would be perfect with any princess gown and make me feel beautiful.” But for more casual (and realistic) date nights, Tina sticks with her favorite diamond stud earrings accented by a Roberto Coin blackand-white diamond pendant. She would also wear her Rolex timepiece, which she earned as a reward after reaching an ambitious million-dollar sales milestone. Despite her accomplishments, Tina remains grounded and grateful. “The best advice I’ve been given is not to let your failures destroy you. If you keep working and praying, success is around the corner.” With this winning attitude, it’s safe to say that Tina has found it.

“If you keep working and praying, success is around the corner.”

Fishermen on Bali's southern coast

BALI EXPERIENCE the John Hardy

Fink’s Jewelers’ own Neil LaGarde and Vicki Robinson take the trip of a lifetime.

Art supplies used in the John Hardy design studio

The John Hardy bracelet clasps Neil and his wife designed

Carving bracelet clasp designs into wax

ach year, as a special reward to top sellers, renowned jewelry company John Hardy offers an all-expenses-paid trip to its unique Bali compound. The John Hardy Bali Experience allows those who sell John Hardy jewelry to get an up-close and personal look into how and where the jewelry is made, and provides a rare opportunity to get to know the skilled artisans who bring the designs to life. Each Fink’s Jewelers store was given a goal, and the salesperson within the company who went over the goal by the highest percentage won the trip for themselves and a guest. The store manager whose total store sales of John Hardy jewelry were the highest percentage above the goal also won. “This incentive brings a lot of excitement to the stores!” says Neil LaGarde, store manager at our North Hills store in Raleigh, North Carolina, and one of last year’s winners. “Not only can we look forward to a possible

John Hardy's bamboo jewelry showroom

trip to the John Hardy compound, but we get to share the wonderful story behind the brand with many of our customers during this time.” Vicki Robinson, assistant store manager at our Short Pump Town Center location in Richmond, Virginia, was the other lucky winner. Because the small Indonesian island is literally on the other side of the world, neither Neil nor Vicki had ever given serious thought to visiting Bali. “I knew it would be an interesting place to travel to, but I never thought I’d have the opportunity,” explains Vicki. “I’ve always loved John Hardy’s designs and I personally wear a lot of the jewelry,” she tells us. “I love the fact that the pieces are made in Bali by the Balinese people; I like that each collection has a meaning. My favorite is the Naga Collection based on the legend of the Balinese dragon, because the pieces are said to bring love, prosperity and protection to the wearer.”

Neil echoes Vicki’s sentiments and says he and his wife also own and wear Handing out school several John Hardy jewelry pieces. supplies with the East “With some brands, there are many hands involved in making a single Bali Poverty Project piece of jewelry, and different parts of the process may be done at different facilities. But John Hardy makes everything right there on the Bali compound,” Vicki explains. “I was very excited about being able to go there and experience it from start to finish, and to learn more about the people who work there.” Because it was such a long journey, some planning needed to be done before the trip got underway. “My wife and I had toured a bit around Europe,” says Neil, “but that’s the most exotic place we’d been before.” “We researched different areas of the island, got an idea of the culture there, and looked into the climate so we’d know if our trip was during the rainy season or the dry season. We also had to get shots!” Vicki shares. Once they were finally en route, both Neil and Vicki say the flight was pretty rough. “But once we arrived there isn’t a single negative thing I could say!” adds Vicki. Hardy has assisted in building roads and a school, and we were able to The first stop was a visit to John Hardy’s rainforest compound, where collaborate with them to help the villagers plant bamboo.” Neil and Vicki joined members of the brand’s marketing team for a In addition to this service work, other highlights for Neil included a day comprehensive tour and a brainstorming session. They were later trip to Mount Batur, where he and his wife had tea overlooking the ancient welcomed into a John Hardy employee’s home, where they were honored volcano. He also enjoyed visiting the inland city of Ubud, then touring the with a washing of the feet, a Balinese dance fishing villages of the southern coast. Neil and his performance and special local delicacies. Head “We also got to participate in the Hindu ceremony wife as they prepare to bring designer Guy Bedarida also hosted a welcome celebrating the anniversary of the local temple,” says Neil. an offering into dinner at his own home. “They dressed us up in the proper attire and really welcomed the temple ack in the John Hardy design studio, Vicki us in. The Balinese are very much focused on their religion. and Neil had the chance to design and Every morning you would see them set out offerings to the carve wax molds of their own bracelet gods. The people are so in touch with their culture, and that’s clasps, which the company later cast for them in something we never knew before this trip.” sterling silver and sent home to the States as Vicki couldn’t agree more. “I spent the day in a temple. one-of-a-kind souvenirs. “It was harder than I There were natural healing waters: prayer stations where you thought it would be!” admits Vicki. “To realize would actually get in the water. I had huge koi fish swimming the detail and the talent that goes into it blew around me and they completely submerged you as they me away.” prayed over you. I had never experienced anything like that. “You talk about being hands-on, but it was still a shock to see how “For me, learning about Balinese culture and getting to spend a few much of the jewelry making process was really done by the artisans,” days experiencing their life was incredible. Everyone was so kind and so emphasizes Neil. “I think there’s only one machine in the entire facility and happy with what they have.” She also enjoyed seeing the local architecture, it does the casting of the molds. But from carving the designs into wax to sculptures and woodwork. “There is so much creative talent there,” she polishing and finishing, everything else is done by hand.” says, “including the amazing artists that make John Hardy jewelry. The trip Neil and Vicki were also impressed to see firsthand how involved John gave me a greater appreciation for the brand and it’s something I will Hardy is in the surrounding communities. The brand donates food and remember for the rest of my life.” necessities to Balinese villages, routinely plants bamboo to offset its carbon footprint, and employs local artisans. Its Jobs for Life program even Vicki with her husband in front of Mount Batur provides skills training to teens from a nearby orphanage. During their time in Bali, Neil and Vicki had a chance to give back through John Hardy and the East Bali Poverty Project. “We rode into the mountains in the back of 4x4s until we came to one of the poorest villages in the world,” Vicki shares. “We stopped at the school, handed out food and supplies to the children, then went and visited with the rest of the people in the village. Everyone was so nice and so thankful. It was one of the most touching experiences of my life because it made me realize how truly blessed we are.” Neil says the villages that need John Hardy’s help most are remote and cut off from the rest of the island. “They’re trying to grow crops on the side of mountains in volcanic soil. It doesn’t produce foods with enough nutrition, so they’ve struggled with mental and physical defects. John

what’s new

AT CHESTERFIELD TOWNE CENTER: We DOUBLED the square footage of our store. We EXPANDED our selection of top watch and jewelry styles from around the world. We DEDICATED spaces to some of your favorite brands, including a Rolex Corner, a Tag Heuer Boutique and a Pandora Boutique.

here we

grow again

You’ll love Richmond’s new look!

AT SHORT PUMP TOWN CENTER: We INTRODUCED luxury brands Cartier and Tudor to the Richmond market. We ADDED a Rolex Corner and a Tag Heuer Boutique.

ver the last year, we at Fink’s Jewelers have been hard at work on a complete remodel of our Chesterfield Towne Center location, as well as an expansion effort at Short Pump Town Center. The newly unveiled stores have elevated Fink’s to the next level of luxury, and the results are a testament to our reputation for quality and value. We couldn’t have done it without the dedication of the entire Fink’s family! “The remodeled Fink’s at Short Pump Town Center is stunning. With the new Rolex and Cartier Boutiques, it seems much more open and spacious,” explains store manager Steve Pridgen. “The new look gives the customer a feeling of truly being in a luxury store, but they’ll still see the familiar faces of our veteran staff. Our customers have come to rely on them for the special occasions in life. The knowledgeable staff coupled with the beautiful new ambiance truly enhances the shopping experience.” Combined, these changes have elevated the presence of Fink’s Jewelers in the market and given us space to offer the largest selection of fine jewelry and timepieces in the Richmond area. You’ll find world-class designers like David Yurman, Mikimoto, John Hardy and Roberto Coin, as well as Swiss timepieces from Cartier, Rolex, Tudor and more. And of course, both locations offer a vast selection of Superior Quality Fink’s diamonds. “We absolutely love our new store!” exclaims Anita Adam, store manager of Chesterfield Towne Center. “It is bright, beautiful and elegant. Customers love how big it is and comment that it rivals stores in New York. They appreciate having a broader selection that is both unique and of a higher quality than other jewelry stores. By doubling the size, we were able to increase our designer lines and build a sophisticated Rolex Corner that is a first for Richmond! Fink’s is a family-owned and operated business that has much to offer our customers. It has become a shopping destination for our loyal clients living near or far.” At these updated stores, as at every Fink’s Jewelers location, we’re proud to set the standard for selection, quality and service. But don’t take our word for it. Visit us soon at Chesterfield Towne Center or Short Pump Town Center to see the new-and-improved Fink’s Jewelers for yourself!

IT’S A FINK’S EXCLUSIVE Sapphire and diamond pendant, $1,795. (Chain sold separately.)

Diamond station necklace, 16-18”, $4,250. Diamond drop necklace, 16-18”, $2,095. Sapphire and diamond cross necklace, 18”, $650. Bezel-set diamond tennis bracelet, $4,375. Sapphire and diamond earrings, $1,395. All in settings of 14K gold.

IT’S A FINK’S DIAMOND Platinum and 18K rose gold Asscher-cut diamond engagement ring, $38,000. Platinum and 18K yellow gold cushion-cut fancy yellow diamond engagement ring, $17,500. Other rings shown are available in a variety of carat weights and prices. Let our diamond specialists help you find the perfect one for her today!

DAVID YURMAN Albion is one of David Yurmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most recognized designs, first introduced in 1994. A celebration of the beauty of cushionshaped gemstones with signature checkerboard faceting, Albion creates a greater play of color and light. Now, David Yurman unveils a refined new iteration with softer, more sensual edges and a setting that holds the stone closer to the skin. Colored gemstones are backed with sterling silver for enhanced brilliance, and diamonds are set in a mosaic pattern, creating scintillating sparkle. Necklace in sterling silver with black onyx and diamonds, $1,650. (Chain sold separately.) Timepiece in steel with a white diamond dial, $3.300. Timepiece in steel with a black enamel dial, $1,850. Bracelet in sterling silver with prasiolite and diamonds, $2,300.

Bracelet in sterling silver with diamonds, price upon request. Earrings in sterling silver with black orchid (lavendar amethyst over hematine), $1, 200.

ROBERTO COIN Primavera mesh bangles with diamonds in rose and white gold, each $2,300. Pois Moi bangle with diamonds, $2,640. Pois Moi square pendant in mother of pearl, 18â&#x20AC;?, $980. Inside-out diamond hoop earrings, starting at $1,000. Sideways diamond cross ring, $900. All in settings of 18K gold.

IPPOLITA From the sterling silver Rock Candy collection with turquoise, bronze turquoise, blue ammonite, larimar and clear quartz. Five-stone ring, $495. Pear-shape necklace, $395. Cluster stud earrings, $795. Five-stone bangle, $525.

JOHN HARDY From the men’s Classic Chain collection, designs in sterling silver. Gourmette large dog tag pendant, 26”, $550. Large dog tag pendant with turquoise, 26”, $695. Gourmette medium link ID bracelet, $895.

From the Palu collection, designs in sterling silver with a hand-hammered finish. Triple drop earrings with moon quartz, $795. Ring with moon quartz, $895. Disc bracelet with moon quartz, $1,395. Slim flex cuff, $495. Slim kick cuff, $595.

STEPHEN WEBSTER 18K white gold and black diamond Thorn cuff, $6,500. 18K white gold and diamond Thorn pendant, $2,500, and ring, $5,500. 18K yellow gold and diamond feather pendant, $3,750, and earrings, $6,000.

OMEGA

TAG HEUER

Men’s SEAMASTER AQUA TERRA 150M Master Co-Axial chronometer in steel with a black dial decorated with the Teak Concept pattern, $6,000.

Men’s AQUARACER 300M quartz watch in steel with a blue dial and unidirectional turning bezel, $1,500.

Ladies’ SEAMASTER AQUA TERRA Omega Master Co-Axial chronometer in red gold with a white mother-of-pearl and diamond dial on a leather strap, $29,100.

Ladies’ CARRERA quartz watch in steel with a mother-of-pearl diamond dial, $2,250.

STEPHEN WEBSTER From the Thorn collection in sterling silver, black rayskin dog tag pendant, $595, and matching cufflinks, $795. From the London Calling collection, beaded bracelets in gray coral, howlite and lapis, each $250.

HAMILTON

BREITLING

LONGINES

Men’s JAZZMASTER VIEWMATIC automatic watch in steel with a silver dial on a brown leather strap, $725.

SUPEROCEAN HERITAGE 46 divers’ watch in steel with a blue dial and bezel on an Ocean Classic bracelet, waterresistant to 200M, $4,405.

Men’s HERITAGE COLLECTION automatic watch in steel with a silver dial on a brown alligator strap, $1,675.

Ladies’ VALIANT quartz watch in steel with a mother-of-pearl Roman dial, $495.

Ladies’ MASTER COLLECTION automatic watch in 18K yellow gold and steel with a silver “barleycorn” patterned diamond dial, $2,825.

MARCO BICEGO From the Lunaria collection, designs in hand-engraved 18K gold. Earrings, $660. Horizontal pendant, $1,310. Station necklace, $3,820. Bracelet, $770.

JOHN HARDY From the Palu collection, designs in hammered sterling silver with rosewood or black sapphire accents. Small hoop earrings, $495. Link station sautoir necklace, $1,650. Hinge bracelet, $1,600. Slim cuff, $995. Wide cuff, $1,300. Dome ring, $495. Slim hoop MIKIMOTO earrings, $395.

JOHN HARDY From the Palu collection, designs in hammered sterling silver and hammered sterling silver with rose wood. Medium hoop earrings, $350. Link station sautoir necklace, $1,650. Small hoop earrings, $495. Wavy hinged cuff, $895. Large cuff, $1,300. Slim cuff, $995. Dome ring, $495.

From the Morning Dew collection, white Akoya pearls with diamonds in 18K gold. Pendant, 18”, $1,400. Earrings, $2,250.

PENNY PREVILLE Diamond “V” necklace, 18”, $1,685. Diamond pavé bar necklace, 18”, $1,990. Wrap around diamond ring, $2,495. All in settings of 18K gold.

IT’S A FINK’S EXCLUSIVE Monogram ring, $780. Monogram necklace, $510. Earrings, $550. Sterling silver cufflinks, $225. All in settings of 14K gold except where noted.

ALEX AND ANI Featuring the new Road to Romance collection and assorted expandable wire charm bangles. Available in Rafaelian gold and Rafaelian silver finishes, prices starting at $28.

IT’S A FINK’S EXCLUSIVE White topaz, white mother of pearl and lapis combine to create this Ivory Sky color scheme set in 18K gold with diamonds. Ring, $1,850. Pendant, $2,150. Earrings, $1,650.

Celebrations

| Engagements and Weddings ................................................

Mac Michals and Amy Petersen

Thomas and Brittany Mitchell

Roanoke, VA 路 Engaged: December 12, 2013

Roanoke, VA 路 Married: August 16, 2014

Paul Speckin and Katherine Dokko

Chris Hollingsworth and Magdalena Jedrkowiak

Fredericksburg, VA 路 Engaged: October 11, 2014

Raleigh, NC 路 Engaged: November 7, 2014

Want to share your recent engagement or wedding pictures in Accent Magazine? Submit them to our marketing department by email at finks@finks.com or tag us using the hashtag #fjCOUPLES.

......................................................................................................................................................................

Curtis and DeeDee McCullar

Nathaniel and Alexa Warner

Norfolk, VA 路 Married: September 13, 2014

Richmond, VA 路 Married: September 13, 2014

Janet Dob and Cynthia Viejo

Christopher and Allison Stewart

Charlottesville, VA 路 Married: November 25, 2014

Raleigh, NC 路 Married: December 20, 2014 Corey Cagle Photography

Fink’s Events

| See and Be Seen .................................................................... HOLIDAY BUZZ 1. Our customers had a wonderful time at our Lynchburg Holiday Event, where they enjoyed a wine tasting and expanded trunks from many of our designers.

DASH-ING SURPRISE 2. Chris and Caitlyn won a stunning ASHOKA diamond by William Goldberg from Fink’s when they participated in Virginia Tech’s Dash at Half event.

THE BACKBONE OF STREETS 3. Joey, Brittany and Carlos from our Streets at Southpoint store enjoyed attending the North Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Association event that we sponsored.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE 4. John Hardy designer Guy Bedarida visited both of our Richmond, VA stores in the fall. The renowned designer shared the inspirations behind his designs and engraved customers’ favorite John Hardy pieces.

PINK PROMISE 5. Fink’s was delighted to partner with Roberto Coin in the fall to help “Unlock the Cure” to breast cancer. We did a special raffle to raise money for Susan G. Komen and each person that participated received a key for a chance to unlock a beautiful pair of Roberto Coin earrings.

HEART BALL 6. Our Greensboro staff had a fantastic time at the Greensboro Heart Ball, where $250,000 was raised for a wonderful cause.

DASH TO THE ALTAR 7. Austin and Briette won a beautiful Fink’s Diamond when they participated in Liberty University’s Dash at Half. The couple had already planned to get married and were just waiting for the perfect ring.

VIP 8. Italian designer Marco Bicego made a special appearance at our MacArthur Center location in Norfolk, VA. The designer brought his special one-of-a-kind trunk and signed our customers’ favorite pieces.

SPECIAL DELIVERY 9. The Fink’s dog, Mac, delivered balloons to celebrate a special milestone with some of his favorite customers, Maribeth and Rosemary.

......................................................................................................................................................................

from the

RUNWAYS

SORBET SHADES

1 3 4 5 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

PENNY PREVILLE Blue Jean pear-shape aquamarine enhancer, $2,950 ROBERTO COIN Cocktail Collection earrings with amethyst and diamonds, $5,400 IPPOLITA Wonderland two-stone post earrings in mystic, $695 JOHN HARDY Classic Chain cuff with mixed blue sapphire feather, $3,500 MARCO BICEGO Murano 18K yellow gold ring with pink tourmaline, $975 DAVID YURMAN Cable Wrap ring with lemon citrine and diamonds, $1,450 ZUHAIR MURAD RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY OF ACCESSORIES DIRECTIONS

POIS MOI COLLECTION

from the

RUNWAYS

PUMPED-UP PEARLS

2 4

3 5 6

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

IPPOLITA 18K Rock Candy large pear necklace in mother-of-pearl doublet, $2,195 IPPOLITA 18K Rock Candy large octagon clip earrings in mother-of-pearl doublet, $1,995 ROBERTO COIN 18K yellow gold rock crystal and mother of pearl diamond drop earrings, $3,200 MIKIMOTO Morning Dew 9mm Black South Sea pearl and diamond earrings, $3,650 MIKIMOTO Classic white gold ring with Akoya pearl, $2,150 MIKIMOTO 1914 Black South Sea pearl strand, prices starting at $6,000 ELIE SAAB RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY OF ACCESSORIES DIRECTIONS

timepieces

worry over

checked and the watch adjusted to within desired specifications before it can be released back to the customer. If it’s a complicated watch, the time necessary to service increases exponentially. For a vintage watch, finding replacement parts can require hours of detective work. Educating a new generation of luxury consumers to understand exactly how much goes into servicing a watch is an important step forward. It’s demanding work, and a hurried watchmaker is a bad watchmaker. To clients used to getting a car sent in for repair back within a few days, it’s mystifying that it should take so long. The problem watch owners and JACK FORSTER watch brands alike are facing is that there just aren’t enough people around who Above: watch can be many things: an heirloom, a tool, even a know how to service a watch properly. It’s Watchmakers at work in Shanghai. work of art. But what all watches have in common is that difficult enough when you’re trying to get they’re machines, and like any machine, they need to be a fairly simple, three-handed wristwatch taken care of. Though most customers give little thought to maintenance cleaned and oiled; if you have something more complicated—a when they buy their first watch, the purchase is actually the end of one chronograph, perhaps, or something really challenging like a perpetual story and the beginning of another—one that involves a lifetime relationship calendar or tourbillon—it’s critical to entrust the timepiece to one of the with whoever is going to keep the watch in good running order. Making sure increasingly few skilled watchmakers around. Nobody wants to wait weeks there are enough watchmakers to go around is increasingly a challenge. or months to get a favorite watch back, and luxury brands know that since Servicing even a simple watch means taking apart a tiny mechanism every watch they sell is going to need service sooner or later, something has no bigger than a quarter, with hundreds of parts, without damaging to be done to fill the gap in trained watchmakers. anything. Then each part must be meticulously cleaned before the entire Fortunately, progress towards this goal is being made. movement is reassembled, with the correct amount of lubricant applied to One of the biggest names in watchmaking, Rolex, is also one of the moving parts that, in some cases, are no bigger than the eye of a housefly. front-runners in making sure watches it sells are watches it can keep A properly serviced watch will also have its seals changed, to maintain the running. Here in the U.S., one of the best-equipped schools for watchmakers water resistance it had when first sold. Then its performance has to be is the Lititz Watch Technicum in Lititz, Pennsylvania, launched by Rolex in

The watch business is booming—and that’s got luxury brands determined to make sure watches can be produced and repaired in, well, a timely way. BY

FAR LEFT AND NEXT PAGE COURTESY OF LITITZ WATCH TECHNICUM; ABOVE RIGHT COURTESY OF PATEK PHILIPPE

watchmakers

2000. The cost of tuition is entirely underwritten by Rolex and watchmakers there work in spotless, NASA cleanroom-style facilities, using a combination of traditional tools and state-of-the-art equipment. Though most watchmaking programs teach servicing a watch rather than making one from scratch, Technicum students must actually make their own timepieces before graduation. Still, the Technicum graduates only a handful of students each year. According to a story watch historian Stacy Perman wrote for Bloomberg, there were 43 watchmaking training programs in the U.S. in 1976, compared to only a dozen in 2006, when the story ran. And it’s not just an American problem. In countries like China, where boom economies have driven an explosion of watch sales, the difficulties in getting a watch serviced can present a major headache to owners, and a crisis of confidence in brands. he principal of the Lititz Watch Technicum, German-born Herman Mayer, traces the shortage in trained watchmakers to a global event: the advent of inexpensive quartz watches. Says Mayer, “Reduced demand was caused by the quartz dominance starting from the late ’70s. That situation led to watchmaking losing its attraction as a field of employment. The full-fledged watchmaker as a professional had disappeared from the awareness of the general public by the time the renaissance of the mechanical high-end started.” Companies with the ability to do so are taking steps to make up for the shortfall. The Richemont Group, which owns some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including Cartier, IWC and Vacheron Constantin, supports the schools known as the Institutes of Swiss Watchmaking, with training centers in Dallas, Hong Kong and Shanghai. The Institute’s U.S. campus, the North American Institute of Swiss Watchmaking, bases its 3,000-hour program on the curriculum set by WOSTEP (Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Education Program), the current industry standard for watchmaking schools seeking to offer students a comprehensive general introduction to the craft. The Swatch Group, which owns Blancpain, Breguet and Omega, among others, has a total of six watchmaking schools worldwide: in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Miami, and Glashütte and Pforzheim in Germany; it also has a partnership with the British School of Watchmaking in Manchester. The Nicolas G. Hayek Watchmaking School in the United States (started in Seacaucus, NJ in 2005 and located in Miami since 2009) provides a comprehensive, 3,000-hour curriculum that gives graduates a well-rounded understanding of both Watchmakers the theory and practice of at work inside watchmaking. It even includes courses the Lititz on time and physics, and the evolution Watch Technicum. of instruments for reckoning time. Beat Aebi, head of Swatch Group

Customer Service, says such training is essential for the future of luxury watchmaking. “Our products are made to last a lifetime,” he says. “Many people come back to us and expect high levels of service [for] watches that have been passed down from generation to generation.” And though watchmaking as a profession is still an unusual choice, Aebi says that, increasingly, “Many students seek us out. It is a passion to become a watchmaker, and they have parents or grandparents who were watchmakers and have passed down the passion and skills.’’ A few independent watchmaking programs also still exist. The Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology has a program that’s one of the oldest in the country, having been established in 1946. The program offers an associate’s degree and enjoys the support of Rolex, which provides material (state-of-the-art equipment) and financial assistance. Still, relieving the shortage will be a gradual process, since watchmakers can’t be trained overnight. Most programs require at least two years of training and 3,000-plus hours just to reach a level where trainees are considered qualified to service quartz and simple mechanical movements. The OSU program, one of the most highly regarded in the USA, graduated only six students last December. And while basic training programs provide a solid foundation, it’s only the beginning. Learning how to handle the really big guns of horological complexity—repeaters, perpetual calendars, tourbillons—takes many more years, and there’s no way to rush the process. Help, at least, is on the way, as more and more watch brands strive to make sure that at least basic repairs can be taken care of more quickly. For watch customers and collectors, it helps to remember that if you buy something meant to last a lifetime, it’s worth taking a little extra time to care for it—and worth appreciating the skill and dedication it takes to be a watchmaker.

gifts

from the HEART Notable moms on Mother’s Day, push presents and their most memorable jewelry gifts. BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE & JULIANNE PEPITONE

ROSIE POPE “I had my daughter, Vivienne, on Mother’s Day a couple of years ago. I would have to say she is my most memorable Mother’s Day gift! This year I am hoping for jewelry. Being a mom of four and running a business, I don’t have too much time to get ready in the morning. But with jewelry, I can throw earrings and bracelets on and feel a little more put together. “My favorites are four bracelets my children gave me with their names written on each one. The best part about them: my oldest wrote all the names out and they stamped each into the metal, all in his handwriting. It was a special gift because it was a way of the kids welcoming our youngest, Bridget.”

HEIDI KLUM “I’m always loving to be surprised. My kids do beautiful art; we have an art teacher who comes to our house every week and guides them. They’ve done beautiful clay pots that they designed and painted. Last Mother’s Day my kids painted on canvases. I love art, so they’re always making something beautiful for me. So that’s always, for me, the best. I don’t want them to go and buy something; I’d rather they make something for me.”

IVANKA TRUMP “My first Mother’s Day was obviously memorable, but last year was my favorite. Arabella was old enough that we could really spend the day together doing our favorite ‘girl things.’ It was also my first Mother’s Day with two kids. It felt so complete. “I have a special place in my heart for handmade gifts. I have Arabella’s artwork in my office and am always excited to add to my collection. That said, I think the best gift would simply be the day spent with my family—no phones, no internet, no distractions!—making breakfast, then exploring the city together. “I didn’t get ‘push presents’ when my children were born—the children are the best gifts I could ever receive! My husband did give Arabella a necklace when she was born and I keep it for her. She knows when she is old enough it’s hers, and until then, I always ask her before I borrow it! “The best jewelry I ever received was my engagement ring. It was purchased from my collection, which was a very supportive—and smart—move on my husband’s part.”

guy style Stephen Webster for STEPHEN WEBSTER “Ceramic has been around for a while in the watch world and I wanted to work out how to incorporate it into our men’s jewelry. It’s inexpensive but it still looks substantial and feels good. After about three years, our Ceramic Link collection is finally ready. The idea is you invest in the clasp, which we’re making in rose, yellow and blackened gold with various

Guy Bedarida for JOHN HARDY

gemstones. My favorite designs include the Revolutionary, the Churchill and the HALF

CORONA, which

“This has been our best year yet for men’s; we’re

looks like a vintage cigar cutter. The

actively growing the collection with the help of

ceramic bracelet is affordable

our very talented men’s designer, Nicolas Robert. Men are really getting comfortable buying jewelry, as long as it’s something cool with an interesting story behind it. They love our pieces that incorporate mixed materials, like metals with leather. They don’t want to overspend, and most of all, the pieces need to be comfortable. They should be simple, sleek and easy to clasp. “We recently introduced a highly polished

BRONZE FINISH that looks like rose gold. I love it used on our Classic Chain reversible

MEN’S TRENDS A look at what’s hot from our favorite designers. BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

bracelet, which we’ve made more flat and rectangular, less chunky than in the past.

enough that guys can buy it in different colorways; we have manly options like oxblood, gunmetal gray and matte black. There are different widths available, but chunkier seems to be more popular at the moment. “Our designs are never basic, but you could say they’re moving in a more classic-clean direction, with the interest coming from MIXING MATERIALS (like leather, mother of pearl and black sapphires with various metals) rather than novelty designs.

“Cuff links have been historically strong for

“Whereas women generally don’t want to

us. (I wear them every day even though I spend a lot of my

tell each other about how their jewelry was made, men like jewelry that

time in the middle of the jungle!) Another thing I’m excited

has a meaning and that they can talk about. In other words,

about is the introduction of the John Hardy EAGLE theme.

men like a story—and that works out for me

The eagle is obviously an American icon and it has a history in

because I’m a big storyteller!”

Bali as well. It has been a huge success at all of the trunk shows and personal appearances where I’ve shown it.”

Evan Yurman for DAVID YURMAN “I admire men who take risks with their choices in terms of accessories. Layering pieces to create a signature look really resonates with me. I also appreciate collectors: men who accumulate and wear their jewelry like talismans to remind them of special places and times in their lives. When designing for women, the first thing we ask ourselves is ‘Is it beautiful?’ With men, we find ourselves asking ‘Is it interesting?’ We look for innovative materials, unusual techniques and design motifs steeped in history. “I’m most excited about our FACETED

METAL collection. The inspiration came from a high jewelry piece that we created out of platinum to mimic the

facets of a remarkably cut diamond. We took this idea of applying a stone-cutting technique to metal and created bold, tailored pieces that seamlessly blend sterling silver and gold. “We’re launching a collection called Heirloom in both green and BLACK

JADE this spring; it’s the first time that we’ve

used these stones. We have also introduced a limited run of Paraiba Tourmaline pavé into our Frontier collection. This stone is remarkable for its vibrant blue color and exceptional rarity.”

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personalities

Right: Chenoweth’s 2014 CD release of career favorites.

Diminutive

Diva

Kristin Chenoweth’s big voice and bright smile have been lighting up stages and screens for decades. BY BRIAN SCOTT LIPTON

hat Kristin Chenoweth lacks in height she makes up for in vocal power, acting ability and fashion sense. The 4'11'', 46-year-old superstar has thrilled Broadway audiences with her work in such shows as You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (which earned her a Tony), Wicked and Promises, Promises. She’s also a frequent TV and film actress, best known for her roles as Annabeth in The West Wing, Courtney in Four Christmases, Olive Snook in Pushing Daisies (for which she won an Emmy) and April in Glee. And did we mention she regularly sells out concert halls and major arenas? Last fall, Chenoweth released her latest CD, Coming Home, a concert version of which also aired as a PBS special. She’s currently appearing on Broadway opposite Peter Gallagher as

From top: Chenoweth in The Good Wife; with Peter Gallagher in On the Twentieth Century; in Glee; as Glinda the Good in Wicked.

tempestuous 1930s film star Lily Garland in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of the hit musical On the Twentieth Century. Accent recently caught up with Chenoweth to chat about her career, her fashion choices and her favorite pieces of jewelry. The character of Lily Garland in On the Twentieth Century has long been on your radar. How does it feel to finally get the chance to portray her on Broadway? It’s definitely been on my bucket list. The composers, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, told me before they passed away that I was the next rightful owner of that role. I’ve always kept that in the back of my mind, and it seemed like now the time was right. And here I am doing it! I’m very nervous, because it’s a difficult score to sing, and there’s some major physical comedy. When you play a character like Lily, who is a bit of a diva, which parts of your personality do you draw from? I guess there is strength in me that I can only see at times when I’m being pushed to the limit, and Lily is a push-to-thelimit type of character. And vocally she’s a soprano, so that is right in my wheelhouse. The character you’re best known for may be Glinda from Wicked. Do you ever get tired of singing songs from that show at your concerts? Sometimes I wonder if the audience really wants to hear Popular again, but they prove me wrong every time. They always do! How did you choose which songs to record for Coming Home? It’s a culmination of songs I’ve been singing my whole life, so it’s more of a career record. Gospel music is a big part of my life, so I included a song I grew up singing, Little Sparrow, which is a tribute to Dolly Parton. There’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow, which I’ve been singing since I was itty-bitty. And I Could’ve Danced All Night from My Fair Lady shows my vocal training. Everything I do is represented on that album. What are your favorite things to do off-stage? When I need to get away, I like to go to Cabo San Lucas and lie by the pool and drink margaritas and hang out and eat. I also like to just stay in bed and watch TV. Tell us about your sense of fashion, both in real life and on the red carpet. I keep it pretty simple. I think simple is better when you’re petite. And I like to mix and match. If I get a dress from Zara, then I’ll pair it with Christian Louboutin shoes. Do you have a surefire look for attracting attention? I don’t think cleavage ever hurts. How do you use jewelry to complete a look, and what are some of your favorite pieces? I don’t do a lot of big jewelry unless I’m on stage. Personally, I like smaller stacked necklaces and rings. I have a brand-new pair of broken arrow earrings that my friends gave me knowing I’m from a little town in Oklahoma called Broken Arrow, so currently those are my favorite. Have you inherited any family jewelry heirlooms that mean something particularly special to you? There is a black onyx ring that my grandma had. She gave it to my mom and my mom, not too long ago, gave it to me. That’s one of my prized possessions. So is another ring that my grandma had throughout her life; it’s an opal with diamonds around it. Those are the kind of things on which you can’t put a monetary value.

“Sometimes I wonder if the audience really wants to hear Popular again.. . they always do!”

social media

hashtag how-to E

ven the social media-savvy among us might assume that the use of hashtags in user-generated posts is a relatively new phenomenon— something that’s say, two or three years old at the most. While hashtags have certainly gained popularity during this timeframe, you might be surprised to learn that their origin dates a bit further back. Like, way back. We’re talking 1990s here. Before Facebook dominated the globe, and even before the rise of MySpace (remember THAT?), hashtags were employed online by Internet Relay Chat technology as a method for categorizing items into subject groups. There they remained in relative obscurity until August 23, 2007. On that day, Google employee (and later Google+ user experience designer) Chris Messina tweeted a now-infamous question to his followers about grouping conversations within BarCamp, an online network devoted to discourse about technology as it relates to the internet. @chrismessina: “how do you feel about using # (pound) for groups. As in #barcamp [msg]?” Happy birthday to you, hashtags. That day in 2007 marked the real beginning. Tech-savvy Twitter users quickly adopted the hashtag based on Messina’s inquiry, building a momentum that spread within the social platform and then slowly transitioned to other services like Facebook. By the time Instagram, Vine, Google+ and Pinterest were created and gained their own audiences, the hashtag had been steadily earning its place in the collective consciousness. For those who aren’t as familiar with this context-providing device formerly known as the pound sign, let’s provide a quick primer. In a nutshell, to “hashtag” something means to add the pound sign in front of a word or phrase that categorizes your post by subject matter, thereby making it more searchable to a larger audience beyond your own friends and contacts. But it’s almost easier to define the hashtag by providing an example.

For instance, let’s say that Kelly, a Facebook user with more than 600 friends, posts the following line about a new restaurant along with a picture of its exterior. “I love the pasta at this noodle restaurant in Westport! Yum! #foodie” Ordinarily, Kelly’s photo and associated text would be visible to mainly the 600-plus people in her network. But with the addition of “#foodie,” virtually any member of the Facebook community can locate Kelly’s post by entering #foodie in a search (depending, of course, upon Kelly’s privacy settings). In such a search, her entry would appear along with hundreds of other posts that contain similar content, making it easier for foodies around the globe to interact with one another…and learn about Kelly’s favorite noodle joint along the way. So exactly what role have hashtags played in our world of fine jewelry and timepieces? According to top-hashtags.com, a website devoted to tracking the most-used hashtags, people’s posts about jewelry are often punctuated with #fashion, #swag, #jewelry, #diamond, #celebritystyle. A quick review of social media posts by well-known jewelry designers and retailers reveals that other tags like #aotd (accessory of the day) and #jotd (jewelry of the day) are commonly used as well. The biggest rule in the world of hashtags is that there are no rules. Clever or nonsensical, comedic or dramatic, they’re merely a way for content creators to get their posts noticed. For lovers of modernity’s increasingly scarce resource—privacy—they’re just more noise in an already too-talkative world. But for those who enjoy the chatter, hashtags are, well, #trendy. So go ahead: post a picture of the tennis bracelet you received for Christmas, or of the Rolex you just inherited. Then choose or create your own hashtag. #WeWantToSee

IMAGE BY CHRIS NAVARRO

BY ADAM GEBHARDT

culture

Italy’s designers step up to preserve cultural landmarks. BY ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON

ast spring, in the wake of crippling recessions, Matteo Renzi, Italy’s newest (and youngest) prime minister, called on the private sector to help fund emergency restoration of collapsing structures in the ancient wonder that is the buried city of Pompeii. Heavy rains and flooding had caused severe damage, and the government was unable to cover the whole bill. Now the program is expanding to the country’s museums, fountains and other icons, particularly in Rome. And its fashion giants—including Fendi, Bulgari and Tod’s—are stepping up to the plate. While corporate sponsorship of public projects is nothing new in the U.S., it’s fairly unprecedented in Italy, where there’s a resistance to mixing private and government programs. “The ideological refusal to permit the private sector to intervene—as if only the public sector could guarantee the guardianship of heritage—must end,” Renzi announced last March. Soon after, luxury jeweler Bulgari said it would put $2 million toward an extensive refurbishment of the storied Spanish Steps in the Piazza di Spagna, where decades of heavy traffic have taken a toll on the 290-year-old structure. Scheduled to begin this year, it will help celebrate Bulgari’s 130th anniversary as a “special gift from

Roberto Cavalli held a runway show beneath Milan’s Arch of Peace and donated $120,000 towards its restoration.

GETTY 1; RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY OF ACCESSORIES DIRECTIONS

Fashion Facelift

Bulgari to its city,” CEO Jean-Christophe Babin said in a statement. These gestures are not completely without precedent: In 2010, Roberto Cavalli presented his collection beneath Milan’s Arch of Peace in exchange for a $120,000 donation toward its restoration. What’s changed is the scale—and the ability to do some branding during construction. Tod’s, the shoe company famous for its elegant driving moccasins, announced it is helping to finance a series of projects at Rome’s 2,000-yearold Colosseum. Plans for the $30 million comprehensive restoration have been in the works since 2012. (They met with some controversy, since part of the agreement involves promotional opportunties for Tod’s in exchange for the funding.) A series of restorations of the site’s arches, facades and entrances will keep the famous amphitheater partially shrouded in scaffolding for over two years. In the end, though, the city should be able to enjoy its massive monument for another few millennia. And last summer, Fendi announced it would dedicate almost $3 million to a restoration of the Trevi Fountain, the Neptune-and-chariot adorned destination built in the 18th century and made famous in the films La Dolce Vita and Three Coins in the Fountain. While tourists might lament visiting the site while it’s drained and under scaffolding, it’s also possible they’ll catch Fendi’s creative genius Karl Lagerfeld, who loves photographing Rome’s fountains. For Fendi, restoring the city’s fountains (more projects are planned) makes sense. Insists Silvia Venturini Fendi, creative director of accessories and thirdgeneration designer, “It’s our duty to pay tribute to the city of Rome which has given us so much.”

CENTO COLLECTION

spotted

Idina Menzel wears Forevermark during a performance at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.

As Seen On... Our favorite stars share a love for our favorite brands!

Sarah Jessica Parker wears Mikimoto at the Great American Songbook Gala.

Taraji P. Henson wears Tacori at the 46th Annual NAACP Image Awards.

Estelle wears David Yurman during a performance at the New Yorkers1 for Children Fall Gala.

IDINA MENZEL COURTESY OF DOMAIN LA; SARAH JESSICA PARKER BY PATRICK MCMULLAN COURTESY OF MIKIMOTO; TARAJI P. HENSON COURTESY OF MICHELLE MARIE PR

BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

COURTESY OF D’ORAZIO & ASSOCIATES

Cara Delevingne wears John Hardy at the Serpentine Gala Summer Party. Jennifer Lopez wears Harry Kotlar during an appearance on Ellen.

Hillary Clinton wears Marco Bicego at the Democratic Convention.

Kate Walsh wears Roberto Coin at The Hollywood Reporter’s Women In Entertainment: Power 100 Breakfast. 2

trends

the new heirlooms

Today’s jewelry merges the best of past and present.

BY BETH BERNSTEIN

When considering buying fine jewelry, a woman should ask two important questions before making a purchase: Will the styles endure or at least make a comeback? And will they retain their intrinsic value? Renowned jewelry houses and savvy independent designers ask themselves these same questions before jumping on a new trend direction. For spring/summer 2015, the hottest jewelry styles possess these qualities and are part of an evolving trend we’ll call “The New Heirlooms.” This is jewelry that recalls the past with vintage silhouettes or antique details, but has been reworked with a current sensibility to appeal to today’s modern woman.

GO FOR THE GOLD

BRING ON THE BLING At the same time, we’re witnessing a return to Art Deco-inspired long, linear and ultra-clean shapes, many with fluidity of movement. These appear in white gold and feature varying cuts of diamonds, reminiscent of Cartier in the ’20s and ’30s. Cabochon and sugar loaf cuts of emeralds, sapphires, spinels and rubies are also trending. The cuts are generally set in white gold or platinum and featured in flexible bracelets, large stone rings, lariat necklaces and tassel earrings, which flow and swing when a woman turns her head. Arm bracelets and hand and hair jewelry are renewing this category with the youthful spirit it needs to inspire a new generation of fine jewelry devotees.

FROM TOP: ROBERTO COIN, MARCO BICEGO, IVANKA TRUMP, PENNY PREVILLE

At the auction and collector level, signed pieces by storied design houses (think Boucheron, Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels) have been fetching record prices. Inspired by the renewed demand for bold jewelry, chunky yellow gold styles are back in all of their adorning glory. Retro looks from the ’40s and ’50s, including single bracelets with multiple charms and large, intricately designed links, are back. For a fresh look, they can be stacked with early antique serpent styles that wrap several times around the wrist, or ’70s-style buckle bracelets. Looks popularized in the ’80s by designers such as Elsa Peretti and Paloma Picasso are being rethought in modern forms: wider-than-wide cuffs, knuckle rings and pendants that dangle at 32” or longer. Large hoop earrings in various oval, marquise, round and square shapes take on an organic feel, while stud earrings, stackable rings and bib necklaces all incorporate movement. Many also sport colored gemstones, which range from more muted varieties of labradorite and moonstone to fancy colored sapphires and various hues of tourmaline. There’s also a return to figurative Art Nouveau shapes with touches of enamel and intriguing color combinations.

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.

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experts

All About BRIDAL RINGS

Our magazine’s trend specialist is now wedding expert to the world.

orraine DePasque has a passion for jewelry: she’s been writing about it for most of her career and for many years in this magazine. So her recent appointment as about.com’s first-ever wedding bands and engagement rings expert comes as no surprise. Here, we chat with her about her new position and about the basics of buying bridal rings. Congrats on the new job! We always knew you were an expert… Thank you! About.com has roughly 900 experts, but I’m the first to specialize in engagement rings and wedding bands, which became a separate category on the site this past November. What are some of your favorite topics? I recently wrote about platinum, black diamonds and eco-friendly jewelry. Social responsibility is huge with the bridal demographic: they care about ethical sourcing, reclaimed metals, recycled materials, sustainability, etc. What’s the hottest trend in engagement rings for 2015? White metal is still number one, meaning platinum of course, but also white gold (14K and 18K). Yellow gold has also been trending for the past year or so, and estate jewelry is a growing piece of the business. There’s also more interest in natural colored diamonds (thanks to celebrity preferences) and even other colored gemstones. When Prince William presented Kate with his mother’s sapphire engagement ring, it was all about blue; this year, Pantone’s Color of the Year is Marsala, so rubies— equally as durable as sapphires—should be newly popular. How about diamond cuts: what’s popular now? Round is still the top trending cut: perhaps 80 percent of the business, followed by cushion cuts, followed by squares. But some of the older cuts, especially marquises and pear shapes, are starting to come back. The other continuing trend is halos: everything from a single halo around any cut stone, a multi-halo, or even an intricate floral halo. How are the trends evolving? It’s interesting. I learn a lot about consumer preferences from Pinterest, and when I recently posted two modern engagement rings (both platinum

with round diamond center stones, one tension set), the response was overwhelming. So while the majority of women have been leaning toward classic or retro, there’s a definite trend emerging toward contemporary. Another observation: this generation wants special, even customized, wedding jewelry. I truly believe there’s a special ring for everyone, which is why I love what I do. If there’s a particular way you’d like to customize your ring, talk with your jeweler about it; this is what they do every day and they can offer suggestions on personalization. What about trends in wedding bands? Personally, I like wraps if you plan to wear your band on the same finger as your engagement ring. But I’m seeing more and more women buying a slim band that may or may not match the engagement ring, especially if they plan on wearing that on the right hand. And women are putting other slim bands of all kinds on their jewelry wish lists, so their husband knows exactly what to buy for their first anniversary, birth of their first child, or even a birthday. Then you can stack them all with your wedding band, creating a dramatic right-hand ring! The whole stackable ring fashion look has sparked this trend, and it’s not going away anytime soon. Buying jewelry online is a controversial issue: what’s your opinion? While the internet is okay for research (but don’t believe everything you read!), I’d never suggest buying wedding jewelry online. There are so many elements that go into a ring; if you don’t work with a reputable jeweler, so much could go wrong. I’ve heard horror stories about chipped stones, stones that don’t line up, stones that don’t reflect light, insecure settings. So my best advice is to form a relationship with a trustworthy jeweler, a real person (or family) who’s been around awhile and who stands behind their work. After all, it’s the most important purchase you’ll ever make, a reflection of your personal style, and something you’ll be looking at every day of your life. Don’t risk it! For more information on wedding jewelry, check out engagementrings.about.com or finks.com/shop/bridal-boutique.

FROM LEFT: STEPHEN WEBSTER, FOREVERMARK, STEPHEN WEBSTER, HARRY KOTLAR, TACORI

BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

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FINK’S JEWELERS ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS

SPRING/SUMMER 2015