ACCENT The Magazine of Life’s Celebrations • Fall/Winter 2016/17
HOLIDAY GIFTS One For Me, One For You...
SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL LOVE STORIES
SPECIAL
Bridal Section
THE ROLEX DEEPSEA Built for extremes and capable of withstanding depths of up to 3,900 metres, exceeding the demands of professional divers. It doesn’t just tell time. It tells history.
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FINKS.COM
CHAIRMAN & CEO MARC FINK EVP & CFO WALT GAYNOR V P O P E R AT I O N S MARK BAIR V P I N F O R M AT I O N T E C H N O L O G I E S TODD STAFFORD VICE PRESIDENT MATTHEW FINK
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DIRECTOR OF MARKETING LINDSEY SINOZICH
PUBLISHED BY 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
4 Welcome Letter 10 Fink’s Family Profile: Tamara Werth 11 Fink’s Family Profile: Allan Bake 12 Recognition of Loyalty
JILLIAN L A ROCHELLE PROJECT MANAGER LISA MONTEMORRA DESIGNER JEAN-NICOLE VENDITTI PRODUCTION MANAGER PEG EADIE
14 A New Look in Dulles 16 Fink’s Events: See & Be Seen 18 Holiday Gift Guide 26 Marco Bicego: The Art of Authenticity 28 Forevermark: In the Rough 30 Insurance: Better Safe Than Sorry
Prices are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on size, quality and availability. Copyright 2016. Accent® is published by Business Journals, Inc, P.O.
32 From the Runways 34 Timepieces: Watch Out!
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36 Timepieces: Celebrity Watch 38 Rolex: Desperately Seeking Daytona 48 Wine: Sparkling Diversions
ties for advertisers’ claims, unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or other materials. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of
50 Giving Back: Pass it On
BRIDAL SECTION
52 Décor: Small Spaces
42 Love Stories
54 Perfect Gems
44 #SheSaidYes
56 Amenities: Jet-set Pets
46 Top 10 Tips for Big Day Bliss
the publishers. Volume 14, 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.
DEAR FRIENDS, This has been a very exciting year for Fink’s Jewelers, and for me personally. My son, Matthew, joined the family business, continiung my grandfather’s legacy into the fourth generation. After graduating from Lehigh University in 2013, Matthew worked for PwC in Manhattan as a public accountant. He then worked for several national companies and gained a lot of knowledge about the retail world. Though he has a financial background, Matt is quickly learning all other aspects of the jewelry business—from merchandising and marketing to store remodels and personnel recruitment. He is already leading several initiatives that have made a positive impact on the success of our business. Matt has always known he wanted to join the business, and now that he’s here he says, “Every day is different and I’m learning a lot. The best part about joining Fink’s is getting into the stores and meeting our associates. Many of them I’m meeting for the first time, but some of them I’ve known almost my entire life. They’re part of the Fink’s Family.” Matt brings new excitement and youthful enthusiasm to the business. For me, it’s a bit surreal to work side-by-side with my son. It brings back fond memories of working with my father. We collaborate on lots of important business strategies… but the biggest decision we make every day is where to eat lunch. He’s even cleaning up my diet (as best as he can). As always, we hope you enjoy our fall issue of Accent magazine and we look forward to seeing you during the holiday season! From our family to yours, Happy Holidays!
Marc Fink, President and CEO
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Introducing The Artisan Handcrafted Modern Chain Collection
The O riginator of Cult ure d Pe arls.
S i n c e 18 9 3 .
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 SouthPark Mall .................................................................704.366.3120 Lake Norman Birkdale Village............................................................... 704.927.4888 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
FINK’S FAMILY PROFILES
T
TAMARA WERTH Sales Associate MacArthur Center Norfolk, Virginia
amara Werth started working in the jewelry business in 2004 and joined the Fink’s family only a year later. “I was working in Richmond, in a small boutique next door to Fink’s at Stony Point Fashion Park, when a member of Fink’s management approached me about joining the team.” Tamara says she was excited and also a bit nervous to work with fine jewelry—but she turned out to be a natural! “I really enjoyed working with the Stony Point team, then I was transferred to Norfolk,” she says. “Much to my delight, the MacArthur Center team was equally amazing. This made me realize that Fink’s only hires top-quality employees.” Our commitment to quality also extends to the designer collections we carry, and Tamara lists Marco Bicego, David Yurman, Mikimoto and Rolex among her favorites. “I find their designs to be classic and timeless,” she explains. “It’s delightful when a customer gets to take home a newly purchased piece by any of the designers carried by Fink’s.” Tamara’s favorite piece in her personal collection is Bicego’s 18K gold Marrakech twist necklace. Other go-tos include a white ceramic watch, diamond wedding band, long sterling silver Quatrefoil necklace, and a stack of cable bracelets with diamonds and gold by David Yurman. For an elegant affair, Tamara would choose dangling Ashoka-cut diamond earrings and a tennis bracelet to match. While being surrounded by these brilliant gems is an obvious perk, she also enjoys that her job allows her to meet new people and forge lasting friendships. “I often become close with my customers and always look forward to their next visit,” she shares. “One of my best friends was originally a client. We had a wonderful time looking at beautiful pieces of jewelry together, forming a close bond.” Tamara’s other passion is teaching; she worked as a senior instructor at the Lviv Polytechnic National University in Lviv, Ukraine for over 20 years. “I taught Russian language and literature to foreign students from around 100 countries, and I’ve been successful at Fink’s because of my teaching background and my ability to connect with people. I believe it is partially due to talent, but mostly due to hard work and my love and respect of people.” If she wasn’t selling jewelry or teaching, Tamara’s ideal day would include “visiting a new place with family and friends, making new memories. Good conversation, good company, and good friends are very important to me.”
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“All my life I’ve been encouraged to be persistent and be myself. I hold this advice close to my heart because it has helped me excel in my position and secure relationships with my clients.”
A
ALLAN BAKE Sales Associate The Streets at Southpoint Durham, North Carolina
llan Bake came to us from Carlyle & Co., where he worked in a store that would eventually become a Fink’s Jewelers. In fact, “I sketched the store from memory for Marc Fink in hopes he would relocate to this beautiful location,” Allan shares. One of the things he loves most about working here is selling engagement rings to excited couples. “I consider it such an honor to be involved in helping someone pick out the most important piece of jewelry they’ll ever own,” he says. “I’ve learned over the years that every girl dreams of having a beautiful engagement ring. I’ve also learned that every girl wants something unique and special she won’t see on everyone else’s finger. I love the quality and selection that Fink’s has to offer, from some of the most beautiful hand-picked diamonds in the world to the settings that show them off.” For Allan, another highlight of the job is doing custom work. In fact, when asked who his favorite designer is, he names himself! “Sometimes finding the perfect piece of jewelry requires a little extra work,” he explains. “Each year I’ve been with Fink’s I’ve done more custom pieces. I love the entire process.” He can take the idea from a customer’s imagination, design a sketch for them to approve, and then bring it to life. “I love the look on someone’s face when I present the perfect piece they’ve only been able to dream of,” Allan says. For the first time Allan has joined the Million Dollar Club, for reaching $1 million in sales for the fiscal year. In addition to an obvious passion for his work, Allan says he’s successful because he is able to offer people “good old-fashioned corner jewelry store values in a world where the business has grown so big.” He’s also quick to thank his good friend and mentor Reg Carver, with whom he has worked closely over the past 10 years. “I’ve worked with Reg longer than anyone in my entire career. I can honestly say I learned more in the last 10 years with him than I did in the 20 years before—he’s the best!” When Allan isn’t at Fink’s selling, designing, or continuing to learn about our industry, he loves to travel with his wife, Misty. “My perfect day is when my beautiful wife and I have jetted away to a luxury resort and our butler is bringing us little fruity drinks with umbrellas in them as we relax in a cabana by the beach.” If they can’t make it down to paradise, the Bakes also enjoy a quiet night at home. But for these casual occasions, Allan admits he doesn’t wear any jewelry at all. “I take it all off when I get home!” he laughs. But for special events, “I wear my father’s Girard-Perregaux watch. It was passed down to me and is inscribed on the back ‘To Earl from Mary Ann - All my love. June 8, 1957.’” Speaking of special events, there’s one on the horizon for Allan Bake: This fall, he celebrates 30 years in the jewelry business. We couldn’t be happier that he’s spent the last seven of them here at Fink’s, and wish him many more years of success in the industry! And after that? “I always tell people, if you call my store and my mobile and can’t get in touch with me, and I haven’t returned your email, I’m on a little beach in the Bahamas selling seashell necklaces. Hey, we all need a retirement plan!"
“I treated myself to a Rolex Datejust with a diamond dial and diamond bezel when I celebrated 25 years in the business. It only took my wife 25 seconds to say, ‘Take a link out of that—I want to wear it to work tomorrow.’”
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Steve Pridgen
Jody Davis
Gail Hoback
Pamela Bessette
20 years
20 years
10 years
10 years
Chad Maxey
Mellaney Gordon
Missy Trevey-Boitnott
10 years
10 years
10 years
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TAG HEUER CARRERA CALIBRE HEUER 01 Chris Hemsworth works hard and chooses his roles carefully. He handles pressure by taming it, and turning it to his advantage. #DontCrackUnderPressure was coined with him in mind.
updates
A
t Fink’s, our goal is to create a world-class customer experience, from the designer brands we offer to the knowledgeable sales staff and bench jewelers waiting to meet your every need. A big part of the Fink’s experience is the look and feel of our stores, which is why we’re especially proud to present our new location at Dulles Town Center. The space is located in Center Court near Starbucks, and is nearly 50% larger than our previous space in the mall. For you, this means a more inviting shopping environment, more jewelry on display and even more reasons to visit us! We also have a jeweler in store who can handle almost any kind of repair, as well as state-of-the-art CAD-CAM technology to help you design the custom jewelry of your dreams. We know you’ll especially love our dedicated spaces that showcase Breitling and TAG Heuer watches, as well as a David Yurman boutique and a Rolex corner—brands for which Fink’s is the only authorized retailer in Loudoun County. We remain dedicated to bringing you the best jewelry and watch brands the world has to offer, showcased in modern, inviting spaces. Visit us at the beautiful new store in Dulles Town Center, open seven days a week, and let us know if we’ve met your expectations!
A New Look
IN DULLES
®ROBERTOCOIN
POIS MOI COLLECTION
Fink’s Events
SEE & BE SEEN
1. CUSTOMER CONNECTION Dan Schaffer, MacArthur Center store manager, connected his customers Rafael Collado and Michael Corvigno when he discovered they all had a love for Breitling watches and aviation. Rafael invited Dan and Michael to enjoy the ride of a lifetime on one of his jets.
2. MISS AMERICA Fink’s Jewelers was proud to adorn Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell with a stunning diamond Riviera necklace as she attended a fundraising gala in Martinsville, VA.
3. NASCAR LEGEND Ike Savvas, Greensboro, NC store manager, and his wife Cindy were delighted to attended a charity event on behalf of Fink’s Jewelers at the home of racing legend Richard Petty.
4. RED NOSE DAY Our MacArthur Center staff in Norfolk, VA shared a laugh while they participated in Red Nose Day to support the Comic Relief charity.
5. TEE TIME Mitch Skaggs, merchandising manager, met Rickie Fowler while attending a Rolex corporate outing at Oakmont Country Club.
6. DOG DAZE
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Our furry friend Grover Shreeman is wrapped up and ready for the holiday season ahead.
7. SNOOPY SALE Allan Bake, sales associate at our Streets at Southpoint location in Durham, NC, celebrated the purchase of the limited-edition Omega Snoopy timepiece with his customer Ron Wisman.
8. ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION Fink’s Jewelers was excited to be part of the Alzheimer’s Association Gala in Charlottesville, VA this year. Store manager Rob Matthews presented the lucky raffle winner with a pair of diamond stud earrings from Fink’s.
9. BALI BUSINESS
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Floy Pence from our Chesterfield Towne Center location in Richmond, VA earned a once-in-alifetime trip to Bali from John Hardy Jewelry for her outstanding sales performance this year.
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Holiday
GIFT GUIDE Check out our HOT list for the season!
MARCO BICEGO Masai two-strand crossover diamond bracelet, $3,390 Masai two-strand diamond necklace, $6,640 Masai two-row pavé diamond hoop earrings, $2,410 Masai two-strand ring with diamonds, $1,850 All in settings of 18K gold.
OMEGA
CARTIER
Men’s SPEEDMASTER Grey Side of the Moon watch with platinum dial and gray leather strap, $12,000 Ladies’ DEVILLE watch in stainless steel with mother-of-pearl dial featuring rose gold and diamond accents, $3,000
Men’s CALIBRE DE CARTIER diver blue watch in a steel case with blue rubber strap and Super-LumiNova indicators, $7,900 Ladies’ CLE DE CARTIER watch in steel with a silvered flinqué sunrayeffect dial and blue Roman numerals, $4,750
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LONGINES Men’s MASTER COLLECTION MOON PHASE watch in steel with silver textured dial and dark brown alligator leather strap, $3,325 Ladies’ LA GRANDE watch in an ultra-slim round stainless steel case with white mother-of-pearl dial and diamonds, $1,475
HEATHER MOORE Heather Moore Jewelry uses recycled precious metals and vintage tooling to create the finest personalized collection. Each piece is handcrafted in Moore’s hometown of Cleveland, Ohio and is made to the customer’s specifications. As you experience life and grow, so can your personal collection of hand-stamped charms. Let one of our sales professionals help you custom design your very own Heather Moore piece today!
FINK’S DIAMONDS 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!
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IPPOLITA Rock Candy® mixed-prong and bezel cascade earrings in Eclipse, $1,695 Rock Candy® 5-stone necklace in Eclipse, 16-18”, $895 Glamazon® skinny hammered bangle, $250 Rock Candy® mixed stone and metal bangle in Eclipse, $795 Glamazon® flat hammered bangle, $295 Rock Candy® all-around bangle in Eclipse, $1,495 Senso™ wide organic surface oval bangle, $795 Rock Candy® mixed-stone and metal bangle in Eclipse, $1,495 All in settings of sterling silver.
MIKIMOTO Classic elegance Akoya cultured pearl earrings with diamond pavé, $3,500 Diamond ribbon pearl strand enhancer, $3,400 All in settings of 18K gold.
CITIZEN Men’s ECO-DRIVE CALENDRIER watch with blue dial, $337.50 Ladies’ ECO-DRIVE watch with rose gold-tone and Swarovski® Crystal silver dial, $206.25
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DAVID YURMAN Clockwise from top: Stax Silver Ice drop earrings, $1,850 Stax Silver Ice medium pendant, $1,500 Classic quartz watch in steel with mother-of-pearl diamond dial and diamond bezel, $4,500 Stax Silver Ice Ring, $1,200 Stax Silver Ice wide cuff, $2,900 All in settings of sterling silver, except where noted. Chain sold separately.
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MARCO MOORE Rose quartz oval pendant with pink sapphire and diamond halo, $2,150 Rose quartz oval earrings with pink sapphire and diamond halo, $2,725 All in settings of 14K rose gold.
JOHN HARDY Dot carved chain French wire earrings with black onyx and 18K gold accents, $795 Dot multi-station necklace with black onyx, $1,795 Dot small kick cuff with lapis lazuli and 18K gold accents, $1,495 Dot small kick cuff with diamonds and 18K gold accents, $2,900 Dot small kick cuff with malachite and 18K gold accents, $1,495 Dot black onyx ring with 18K gold accents, $895 Men’s Modern Chain medium bracelet with 18K yellow gold accent on clasp, $1,195 Men’s Modern Chain medium bracelet, $995 Men’s Classic Chain small square link bracelet, $695 All in settings of sterling silver.
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ROBERTO COIN Princess flower station necklace, $3,570 Princess flower diamond pendant, $1,650 Inside-out diamond hoops starting at $880 Princess flower diamond earrings, $2,700 Princess multi-flower diamond ring, $2,250 All in settings of 18K gold.
BREITLING
ALEX AND ANI
Men’s AVENGER HURRICANE 50mm watch with BreitlightŽcase and strap that combines rubber with a high-resistance Military textile fiber, $8,390
Featuring pieces from the Celebration of Life Collection, bringing forth symbols that honor liberation, love and free thinking. Available in Rafealian gold and Rafealian silver finishes, $38 to $48.
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SABEL COLLECTION Exclusive natural color rough-cut diamond pendant with diamond circle surround, $1,195 Three-row diamond dinner ring, $3,895 Emerald-cut and round diamond ring in 18K gold, $9,995 Emerald cut diamond ring with pink diamond halo in 18K white and rose gold, $12,995 All in settings of 14K gold, except where noted.
SABEL COLLECTION Oval sapphire and diamond pendant, $1,495 (chain sold separately) Three row-sapphire and diamond ring, $3,095 Sapphire and diamond three-stone ring, $3,395 Sapphire and diamond alternating hoop earrings, $1,350 Princess-cut sapphire and round diamond bracelet in 18K gold, $10,350 All in settings of 14K white gold, except where noted.
SABEL COLLECTION Alternating black and white diamond bracelet with black rhodium finish, $18,650 Black diamond feather dangle earrings with black rhodium finish, $6,395 Alternating black and white diamond hoop earrings, $3,250 Black diamond ring with black rhodium finish, $6,595 Black and white five-row diamond ring, $3,695 All in settings of 18K white gold.
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TAG HEUER
SHINOLA
Men’s CARRERA automatic watch in brushed and polished steel with a gray dial and steel bracelet, $5,150 Ladies’ LINK watch in steel with white mother-of-pearl dial and diamond bezel, $4,400
Men’s CANFIELD CHRONOGRAPH watch in steel with midnight blue dial and premium leather strap, $850 Ladies’ CANFIELD watch in steel and rose gold plating with white dial, $900
WILLIAM HENRY Clockwise from top left: Kells Cross III reversible pendant in sculpted and skeletonized sterling silver with fossil dinosaur bone and black onyx on a braided Kevlar cord, $995 Spearpoint Estacada knife in titanium and stabilized Blue Spruce pinecone with black-coated Wave Damascus-steel blade , $1,100 Chablis 1208 twist barrel pen in carbon fiber with red acrylic accents, $395 Bishop bracelet in sterling silver with inlaid fossil dinosaur bone and piston clasp with citrine gemstone, $1,750
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designers
The Art of
MARCO BICEGO’s unique
A UTHENTICITY “T approach to jewelry, food and life.
he Marco Bicego woman has a tremendous sense of personal style. She is not afraid to experiment with jewelry in unconventional ways,” explains Bicego. After many years working with his father, a successful Vicenza jewelry maker who specialized in gold chains, Marco Bicego launched his own collection of handcrafted fine jewelry in 2000. Famous for its multi-colored gemstones in exclusive faceted cuts, its hand-twisted coils and hand-engraved gold, his collections (crafted in Italy) are inspired by the nature and the architecture of his extensive travels around the world (Africa, Cairo, Jaipur, Murano and other fascinating locales). Here, we speak with this passionate designer about his craft, and his life.
You’ve traveled extensively: what’s your favorite place in the world to visit? It’s hard to choose. Most recently, my travels to East Africa inspired my Masai collection. The Masai people wear incredibly detailed ornaments that organically hug the body’s natural shape. My Masai collection follows this same accentuation, with each piece delicately hand-coiled with yellow and white gold, accented by stations of diamonds.
BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN
hundreds of fine lines into our pieces. Our jewelry is still hand-crafted, now by second-generation goldsmiths, giving each piece a unique, imperfect quality.
What’s still on your bucket list? There is so much of the world that I still hope to see. I think it is fair to say that my collections are a beautiful way to catalogue my travels, from my Masai collection to my Jaipur collection, which was inspired by the “pink city” in India, where stone-cutting has been perfected over the ages. I want to continue traveling, transforming those inspirations into timeless pieces.
What would you be doing if not jewelry? Without a doubt, cooking. Growing up in Italy, my mother was always cooking and I would help her in the kitchen. We always used fresh ingredients sourced locally. As I would help her, I’d begin interpreting her recipes as my own. I love cooking for family and friends and now have a nostalgic list of recipes to pass down to my children.
Describe your favorite meal? My favorite meals would absolutely be with my family and friends, whatever we eat and wherever we come together. They are my greatest supporters and are incredibly important to me. I love cooking with mushrooms, which I hunt for during truffle season, so I love making Fettuccine ai Porcini—it’s both simple and delicious!
Who do you most admire and why? What’s your favorite place in the world to live? It would have to be Italy, of course! My heritage is the foundation of my work and has formed my identity. You can see the skills of old-world Italian craftsmanship through our use of the bulino technique to etch
I’d have to say my father, Giuseppe Bicego. The gold chain business he founded in Vicenza evolved into a very successful company. Without his expertise, encouragement and guidance in my formative years, my art would never be where it is today. For that, I am forever grateful.
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spotlight
IN THE
ROUGH
FOREVERMARK’s focus on helping women in need and strengthening mining communities. BY JULIANNE PEPITONE
W
hen famed National Geographic photographer Annie Griffiths visited a South African diamond mine for the first time in 1981, she was surrounded by burly male guards who kept eyes on her as they strained to hear the radio report of Princess Diana’s wedding to Prince Charles. But when she visited again in July 2015 to chronicle women’s advancement programs, she found herself instead greeted by proud female entrepreneurs and mining workers. The women were part of De Beers’ Forevermark programs that support career training and development for women in the communities where it mines. It’s part of a larger sustainability focus aimed at “building forever”—that is, building up communities to be socioeconomically strong even after the local mines are eventually tapped. “We tend to think of diamonds as something frivolous or symbolic,” admits Griffiths. “I’ve been working in Southern Africa for years and it never occurred to me until I saw it that the diamond business could be a real force for good in the local community.” She met scores of women including Sophia Mphuthi, an entrepreneur who started her own driving school in Kimberley, South Africa, using money from De Beers’ Zimele fund. De Beers says the fund benefited over 62 South African businesses in 2014, creating over 1,175 jobs in farming, jewelry design and other areas. More than one-third of the people who benefited directly from that funding were women. Overall De Beers has spent about $28 million on socioeconomic development programs, according to Nicky Black, the company’s head of social performance. Nearly 50,000 people have benefited as a result of the programs, which focus on education, entrepreneurship, health care and
other core concerns. Through the initiative, Forevermark has trained women for careers as miners, geologists, engineers, craftspeople, managers and more. “For the consumer, [forever] connotes these intense eternal emotions,” explains Black. “But for the community, it means sustainable development. Where will we be in 20 years?” De Beers is acutely aware that mining communities are dependent on a finite resource, and investing in women and girls ensures a possibilityfilled future. “The science shows that women play a remarkable role as connectors and foundation stones of their communities,” Black says. “When you support a woman you are in turn supporting her family, the community and society.” It makes business sense, too, Black insists, citing studies that show “if you spend a dollar on a woman’s development you get more bang for your buck than almost any other intervention, including inoculation and sewage. The actual outcome is greatest, and that’s what ‘forever’ means to us.” The efforts in South Africa mirror De Beers’ larger focus on building up its female workforce across the world. Women comprise nearly 24 percent of global employees, compared to 16 percent in the mining industry as a whole. “We’re outperforming the industry and we’re pleased by that, but I think everyone would say that’s still not enough,” Black says. “We’re working to change it.”
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™ are Trade Marks of The De Beers Group of Companies. ® and © Forevermark 2016. Forevermark ®,
It’s a long journey to become the one. In our constant pursuit of absolute beauty, every Forevermark diamond undergoes a journey of rigorous selection. This is why less than 1% of the world’s diamonds are worthy of the Forevermark inscription – our promise of beauty, rarity and responsible sourcing.
insurance
Take no shortcuts when it comes to safeguarding your treasures.
F
SAFE
or cinephiles, the phrase “jewelry insurance” may conjure up scenes of Cary Grant as a French Riviera cat burglar in To Catch a Thief, trading quips with the austere agent from Lloyd’s of London. In fact, insuring precious gems may be a tad less glamorous, but certainly a necessity for nearly everyone—not just wealthy dowagers showing off their jewels around a roulette table. It starts when a man decides he’s ready to propose to his sweetheart. From the moment he leaves the jeweler he should have a policy in place covering the cherished engagement ring—even before he plans his elaborate proposal scenario involving the bottom of a Champagne glass or a golf hole. “Ideally you would receive an appraisal and insure an engagement ring right when you purchase it,” says Trina Woldt, VP and chief marketing officer of Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, one of the oldest in the business. Most jewelry insurance claims are not due to theft but loss, “which includes accidental loss and mysterious disappearance,” she explains. “That could be anything from the dog eating it to having it fall from cold fingers while shoveling snow. And you’d be surprised how many people lose their rings on their honeymoon because they’re not used to wearing a ring and forget that fingers shrink in water.” And on the off chance that a dashing cat burglar does enter your home, be advised that your homeowner’s policy might not provide the ideal coverage. It’s also important to note that filing a jewelry claim under your homeowner’s might cause your premium to increase dramatically. Jeweler’s Mutual plans are comprehensive and cover any kind of loss or damage. Its policies offer to repair or replace a lost item through the jeweler of your choice. In general, specialty jewelry insurance costs about 1 to 2 percent of the value of an item per year, so a $10,000 ring would only cost
BY CHRISTIAN CHENSVOLD
THAN SORRY
$100 to $150 per year to insure. “It’s a really affordable way to safeguard items that have both monetary and emotional value,” says Woldt. Deductibles can be as low as zero. (Watch insurance is its own category, but operates identically.) To decide whether you need it for an engagement ring, Grandma’s pearls, or other items, look at each of them and stop to evaluate your instinctive emotional reaction to finding out that they’ve gone missing. The stronger the emotional reaction, the more reason to insure. For those who want even more peace of mind and are more worried about theft than loss, there’s the option of acquiring a safe in addition to insurance. New York-based Empire Safe is a family business in operation since 1904, catering to both businesses and residences. Empire Safe’s products range in price from $2,500 to $35,000, and are recommended for residences with $100,000 worth of jewelry or more. Once again, cinephiles with vivid imaginations are probably picturing stealthy thieves with high-tech equipment trying to pick a lock. In truth, what a thief really wants to do is either break open your safe or move it, so avoid an inexpensive one. “Ninety-nine percent of people selling safes don’t deal with high-end clients,” says Empire Safe president Richard Krasilovsky. “They’re selling safes that can be opened with common tools in the house.” The primary deterrent is weight. Empire Safe designs apartment safes that weigh 500 pounds and are secured to the floor. “They’re strong and heavy and the objective is to intimidate the burglar so he’ll go to shop elsewhere.” In houses, a ground-floor safe can weigh over 1,000 pounds, come armor-plated on all sides, and offer fire protection as an added bonus. Because when it comes to your valued keepsakes, do you really want to take chances?
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IMAGE COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT / THE KOBAL COLLECTION
Better
IT’S MORE THAN A RING
INSURE ITS TRUE VALUE
from the
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ASYMMETRIC STYLE
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MARCO BICEGO Lunaria hand-engraved necklace with diamonds in 18K gold $6,950 JOHN HARDY Bamboo hinge bangle in 18K gold and sterling silver $2,950 SHINOLA Ladies' Birdy stainless steel watch with white dial and tan leather strap $475 JOHN HARDY Bamboo link necklace in 18K gold and sterling silver $2,495 MARCO BICEGO Lunaria hand-engraved two-element bangle with diamonds in 18K gold $2,430
RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY OF ACCESSORIES MAGAZINE
from the
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3 4
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
DAVID YURMAN Solari necklace in 18K gold, 17-18" $750 DAVID YURMAN Solari bracelet in 18K gold $950 IPPOLITA Senso open oval wavy disc earring with diamonds in sterling silver $995 IPPOLITA Senso organic surface large disc ring with diamonds in sterling silver $1,295 IPPOLITA Senso mixed organic surface disc necklace with diamonds in sterling silver, 37" $1,795
RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY OF ACCESSORIES MAGAZINE
timepieces
WATCH OUT! Why buying and servicing your timepieces with an authorized dealer is more important than ever. BY CHRISTIAN CHENSVOLD
I
t’s not hard to avoid obvious knockoffs when it comes to luxury watches. Just be careful you’re not ambushed by a Frankenstein. “Frankenstein” is a new watch industry term rapidly spreading among consumers, who are right to be leery. The term refers to watches that have been spliced together from some parts that are genuine and some that are counterfeit. Typically made in Asia, they can easily fool the eye—especially of a buyer blinded by the prospect of getting a great deal. The emergence of Frankenstein watches underscores the importance of buying a fine timepiece from an authorized dealer. “Buying a watch online is like gambling,” says Michael Pollak of Hyde Park Jewelers. “Sometimes you win, but mostly you lose.” And when you lose, you lose big, because these fakes often mimic very expensive models. A consumer spotted an $80,000 Audemars Piguet timepiece priced at a mere $40,000, Pollak recalls. But when the buyer sent it to the manufacturer for servicing, it never came back. In its place was a letter explaining that the watch was not genuine and had been confiscated for infringing on the brand’s trademark. The buyer has no recourse, and even a seller with 100% positive feedback could claim he didn’t know the watch was a Frankenstein. For Pollak, this all comes down to the perennial problem of not knowing a watch’s provenance when buying from an unauthorized dealer. The same thing applies for watches that are stolen. The seller may not even know it, he explains, but once again, as soon as the watch is taken in for servicing, a company such as Rolex will immediately check the serial number against a database of stolen watches. If it comes up as stolen, you’ll never see it again. “According to Rolex, the watch either
belongs to the previous owner, an authorized dealer or the insurance company,” says Pollak. Either way, “It does not belong to you.” Authorized retailers provide a clear paper trail of a watch’s history, can ensure that a watch comes with a manufacturer’s warranty and that parts are available should it need repair, and provide a trustworthy resource if the customer is dissatisfied for any reason. You’re also dealing with someone who’s intimately familiar with the brand. “You have the ability to speak with someone who has received the proper training on the brand you are considering,” says Hank B. Siegel of Hamilton Jewelers. Siegel says his service center sees thousands of watches each year, and the main issues are attractive fakes, genuine cases with fake movements, watches that were originally genuine but have been altered with non-genuine parts, genuine watches with fake warranty papers, watches reported stolen, and finally, watches that are genuine but without proper import documentation and duties paid, which leaves them subject to confiscation. “The bottom line is, unless you are buying from a retailer explicitly authorized by the watch brand, it’s buyer beware,” says Marc Green of Lux Bond & Green. “Whether from an auction house, website, non-authorized dealer, or anywhere else, there is always the looming question of whether something is genuine.” Authorized dealers are also imperative when having a watch serviced, as an unauthorized repairman could use counterfeit parts and turn your genuine, papers-and-all watch into a Frankenstein without your knowing it. “Some say authorized service centers are too expensive and take too long,” says Green. “We say you get what you pay for. You may take your Mercedes to the corner garage for a minor adjustment, but not when major parts are needed. With watches, you want them serviced correctly with a guarantee.”
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True luxury timepieces, like the Calibre de Cartier shown here, can only be purchased from and serviced by authorized retailers.
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timepieces Chris Hemsworth wore TAG Heuer on the set of a photo shoot.
John Travolta wore Breitling at a boutique opening.
CelebrityWATCH A timely look at men’s style. BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE
Patrick Dempsey wore TAG Heuer at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Eddie Redmayne wore Omega at the opening night party for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
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CLINT J.
STEFAN M.
THERE’S A FUNNY THING THAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU BUILD FACTORIES IN THIS COUNTRY. IT’S CALLED JOBS.
VALISA M.
ALEX S.
AVAIL ABLE E XCLUSIVELY AT FINE WATCH & JEWELRY RETAILERS
timepieces
Desperately Seeking
DAYTONA What one young business exec wouldn’t do for the newest ROLEX… BY JARROD WEBER
M
y first recollection of a Rolex Daytona was this beautiful stainless steel work of art on my father’s wrist. Although I was too tied up with school, sports and dating to truly focus on watches, I couldn’t help but admire the pure beauty of this magnificent timepiece. Never since have I seen a watch I admired as much. So of course I felt tremendous joy when, upon graduating law school, my parents placed two green boxes with gold crown logos on our kitchen table. “Mom and I are so
proud of you,” my dad said, somewhat choked up. “We think you’ve earned your first Rolex.” He then opened both boxes: in the first was a brand new Rolex Daytona, the other contained the Daytona I’d always admired on his wrist. He asked which I wanted. I immediately chose my father’s for its sentimental value. I can’t think of any possession I’ve ever had or will ever have that means more to me than that Daytona. I’m sure that at the right time, my son will acquire this priceless family keepsake. But for right now, I want, I need, I crave, I simply must have the new Rolex Daytona with black dial and ceramic bezel. Ever since the extreme buzz surrounding its release at the Baselworld Watch Fair in March, I’ve been relentless in trying to figure out how to acquire this elusive prize. Most say there’s a five-year wait list... I can’t wait five weeks, let alone five years! The Daytona was the Rolex model first given out to winners at the Rolex 24 at Daytona Speedway. At some point in time, Paul Newman (himself a motorsports enthusiast and race car driver) started wearing it, and from then on, watch aficionados, collectors and guys in the know wanted nothing else. Since its launch in the 1960s, the watch has gone through a number of redesigns, all of which are now collector’s items that have appreciated significantly in value. The modern Daytona as we know it was released in the late 1980s; at that time, Rolex outsourced the movement to Zenith. In 2000, Rolex developed the capability to make the chronograph movement in house. They also made small cosmetic changes to the face of the watch (on the black dial, the sub-dials became silver rather than white; on the white dial, the sub-dials were also silver rather than black). For either dial option, purchasing a Rolex Daytona has become a dance of persuasion, persistence and finesse, convincing dealers to sell you one out of the maybe two or three watches they’ve been allotted. The release this year of the new stainless steel Daytona is the first significant design change since the ’80s. The bezel is now made of Cerachrom material that’s virtually scratch-resistant to ensure longevity. The sub-dials on the white dial are now black rather than silver, offering a bold contrast recalling Paul Newman’s iconic timepiece of yesteryear. Everyone wants one. All are told to put their names on the list. It’s an undisclosed list with obscure criteria: Are you famous? Are you quasi-
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famous? Will you be photographed in the watch? With whom? People are determined to figure this out. I’ve been on the hunt, calling dealers throughout the Tri-State area as well as across the country. Since Rolex authorized dealers are not permitted to ship out of state, a buyer needs to purchase in person. I’ve researched the home state of my alma mater (Michigan) discovering cities I didn’t know existed (to which I’ll be traveling if they call me!). My wife is Romanian and fluent in the language;
she’s phoned her home country and I believe I’m top of the list in Bucharest. Yesterday, my father and I attended a Rolex Daytona event. We tried on the watch and I’m more committed than ever to finding it. I’m on their wait list, but they were not all that encouraging. Leaving the event, I texted my wife: “Isn’t it time you visit your family in Romania?” (Editor’s note: Jarrod wrote this essay hoping it would move him up on the list. Sorry Jarrod, but you’ll have to wait in line with the rest of us!)
“
The Daytona was the Rolex model first given out to winners at the Rolex 24 at Daytona Speedway. At some point in time, Paul Newman started wearing it, and from then on, watch aficionados, collectors and guys in the know wanted nothing else.
’’
Left to right: Cosmograph Daytona in Yellow Rolesor, Cosmograph Daytona in 18K Everrose Gold with Leather Strap, Cosmograph Daytona in 18K Yellow Gold
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it’s the decision of a lifetime.
Virginia
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North Carolina
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www.finks.com
BRIDAL
SHUTTERSTOCK
A SPECIAL WEDDING SECTION FROM ACCENT MAGAZINE
Love Stories
FINK’S ENGAGEMENTS & WEDDINGS
Brett Lineberry and Ariel Dean
Chad Biggs and Christopher Creech
Raleigh, NC • Engaged January 1, 2016
Raleigh, NC • Married September 26, 2015
Amber Hatley Photography
Southern Love Studios
Claire Brown and Dan Sager
Tiffany Woolwine and Eric Ellington
Raleigh, NC Engaged April 12, 2016
Richmond, VA • Engaged March 4, 2016
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Jim Weidner and Shannon Begle
Joshua Medlin and Erika Falkenberg
Lexington, VA • Engaged January 16, 2016
Fredericksburg, VA • May 15, 2016 Hope Taylor Photography
Sarah and Larry Roach
Lisa Brandenburg and Leslie Woods
Hurt, VA Married July 16, 2016
Key West, FL • Married April 22, 2016
Misty Smith Photography
Senses at Play Photography
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bridal
Propose with one of these trending styles and post the good news!
#SHESAIDYES BY LORRAINE DEPASQUE
A FEW FAVORITE CUTS Perhaps celebrity engagements (Blake Lively, Julianne Hough) have played a role in its popularity, for never in recent times has the oval been so in demand. “This fancy diamond cut is one way a bride can have something out of the ordinary,” says Guttery, “and depending on how the stone is cut it can really elongate the finger and look very graceful on your hand.” Nonetheless, according to The Knot’s study, 49% of modern brides still prefer the traditional round, while princess cuts come in as second most popular.
GEM AND METAL COLORS TO LOVE If you do decide on a classic round center diamond, another way to differentiate is by choosing a stone other than a white diamond. “Colored
gems are in vogue for bridal,” says Guttery, “especially ruby, emerald and all shades of sapphire.” He mentions aquamarine, too. Light blue gems and pink stones have notably become more sought-after in bridal since the Pantone Color Institute named Serenity (a pastel blue) and Rose Quartz (a light pink) as the 2016 Colors of the Year. A pink gemstone set in rose gold is a beautiful, feminine, tone-on-tone look. Just the same, says Baillie, “Our latest research shows that 68% of brides still want 18K or 14K white gold for their wedding rings.” That said, more and more, as women look for artisanal flair, they’re buying yellow gold, reports Guttery. “Specifically, rich and buttery 18-karat. The glow it gives off is radiating, and the textures and patterns in yellow gold look great.”
DESIGN ’N DETAIL Whether in the precious-metal surface of your wedding ring, the prongs and bezels holding the gems, or the overall aesthetic, today’s bride is looking for detail, Guttery emphasizes. “Even if a ring itself is simple, the head may have scrollwork, a shank might have an unusual pattern of pavé diamonds and cutouts, or the focus gem may be held by artistic prongs. Also, a lot of today’s designers are re-interpreting elements from past eras—Edwardian or Deco, for example—and incorporating them into their signature bridal styles. Something I’m definitely noticing is more ornate scrollwork.” One last thing: Before you begin your search for that once-in-a-lifetime ring, be sure to ask your jeweler about two-stone designs, including bypass styles. It’s a retro silhouette that’s made its way into modern bridal—and lots of (soon-to-be) engaged women are falling in love with it.
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IMAGES COURTESY OF HARRY KOTLAR, RAHAMINOV, PENNY PREVILLE
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hite, yellow, or rose gold? Round, square, or cushion cut? Classic, modern, or vintage style? When deciding on an engagement ring and wedding band, the choices may seem overwhelming. “We found that one bride-to-be went online and actually looked at 3,800 engagement rings in one day,” chuckles Bernadette Baillie, director of education for TheKnot.com. “That’s huge dedication!” Baillie recalls the story while discussing the results of her popular wedding site’s 2016 Luxury Bridal Jewelry & Engagement Ring Study, for which The Knot surveyed 13,000 Millennial couples. To help get your own research underway, we also spoke with jewelry expert Benjamin G. Guttery about what’s trending in wedding ring designs, diamond cuts and colors, precious metals and more. Guttery, a GIA graduate/jewelry trend forecaster/brand advocate, is also founder of the blog Third Coast Gems.
®ROBERTOCOIN
NEW BAROCCO & CENTO COLLECTIONS
bridal
Wedding planning can be an emotional roller coaster. We asked licensed marriage and family therapist Marissa Nelson for advice on how to stay calm and enjoy this special time in your life.
10TIPS BY LAURIE SCHECHTER
TOP
OW TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULT IN-LAWS: Remember, marriage is a transition for everyone. Relationships improve with time, effort and shared experiences. Be patient, be kind, and most important, don’t take things personally. HOW TO MANAGE CONFLICT IN YOUR BRIDAL PARTY: If you are unhappy with a bridesmaid’s actions, express yourself, says Nelson. Calmly talk to your friend about what you needed from her, how she upset or disappointed you, and how together you can move forward. WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR PARENTS DON’T LIKE YOUR FIANCÉ: Sit down with your parents without your other half. Clarify what their concerns are. Let them know that, while you understand, they should trust the way they raised you, Nelson advises. And remind them you know what’s best for you. Build respect and work towards acceptance through open lines of communication. HOW TO NAVIGATE WHO DOES AND DOESN’T MAKE THE GUEST LIST: It’s important to look around the room on your wedding day and have all the people that you love and have a bond with there, celebrating with you, says Nelson. Uninvited guests may be upset, but stick to your guns. Choose people because they’re special to you, not out of obligation. HOW TO GET YOUR GROOM INVOLVED: Your fiancé can contribute in different ways. Some give financial or emotional support. Others help closer to the wedding day, running errands or picking people up from the airport. Engage your fiancé so he feels his contribution matters, says Nelson. And don’t get upset if he isn’t involved in exactly the way you imagined. HOW TO KEEP THE PLANNING AS FUN AS THE WEDDING DAY: This wedding is a reflection of your personality and vision, so have fun and get
creative with unique touches that reflect who you are as a couple, says Nelson. Be silly. Enjoy being a bride and take it easy. This is time for pampering, and excitement about the future as a Mrs. HOW TO DEAL WITH LAST-MINUTE NERVES: Nerves are to be expected as you step into this new phase of your life. But don’t let those thoughts spiral to overwhelming you. Call on your bridesmaids or maid of honor to rally around you, with love, to calm you and assure you everything is going to be okay. HOW TO BE TRUE TO YOUR WEDDING DREAM EVEN IF OTHERS WANT SOMETHING ELSE: Being true to who you are as a couple means having a clear vision for your day, maintaining boundaries and keeping a united front. Know which wedding details are non-negotiable and which you are willing to compromise on, so that your family can be included in the process, suggests Nelson. HOW NOT TO FEEL OVERWHELMED EVEN WITHOUT A WEDDING PLANNER: Don’t try to take on every task by yourself or suffer in silence with a long to-do list. The key word is delegate. Have a team of friends and family that you trust to help execute your wedding vision. Most importantly, says Nelson, take everything one day at a time. SINGLE BEST ADVICE FOR THE WEDDING DAY: Detach yourself from the idea of perfection. You are stepping into and preparing for marriage. If some things don’t go as planned, it’s okay. Be present. Soak in all that is a day to celebrate love. Marissa Nelson is a licensed marriage and family therapist, an AASECT certified therapist and the founder of IntimacyMoons Couples & Singles Retreats.
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SHUTTERSTOCK
H
FOR BIG-DAY BLISS
A Tradition of Elegance, Exclusively at Fink’s Jewelers
wine
SPARKLING DIVERSIONS
I
n recent years, Americans have developed a renewed passion for sparkling wines beyond Champagne. While Italy is best known for Prosecco, Lambrusco and BY ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON Moscato, people are now discovering Franciacorta, a more complex sibling. Made in the metodo classico (or “Champagne method”), where secondary fermentation—the bubble part—occurs in the bottle rather than in steel tanks, bottles age at least 25 months for non-vintage and at least 37 months for vintage or millesimato wines before they are released. The Franciacorta DOCG (a region designated for control and quality of production) lies in Lombardy at the base of the Alps in northern Italy. Elegant, rustic vineyards stand on low slopes and broad valleys below daunting dolomitic Alpine peaks. Sparse trees, gravelly limestone soils and crystal clear lakes reflect the (relatively) cool weather conditions perfect for making bright, tart bubblies commonly evoking hints of pear, papaya, grapefruit and apple. “Franciacorta gives much of the same wonderment of brioche and hazelnut aromas as Champagne, but with refreshing hints of citrus, and a persistent effervescence,” notes wine educator Keith Beavers of VinePair.com. Beavers was part of a nationwide series of “Bubble Boot Camp” seminars this year organized by CitySip.com, of which one was a multi-day “Fun With Franciacorta” event in New York City. Though Italians and Romans have been making still wines in this part of Lombardy for millennia, sparkling wine is a newcomer: winemaker Franco Ziliani produced the first 3,000 bottles in 1961 while working for Count Guido Berlucchi (credited with dubbing wine “Franciacorta” for the first time). The appellation achieved DOC status in 1967 and DOCG in 1995. Today a number of stellar brands are available, notably Bellavista, Ca’ del Bosco and Berlucchi. Many wine writers and sommeliers consider Franciacorta Italy’s best sparkling wine and the one that, like Champagne, can cellar for years or decades. “With a total production that is only 1/20th of the production of Champagne and 1/30th of the production of Prosecco, Franciacorta will continue to focus on a natural approach to the winemaking process, and quality over quantity,” says Giulio Galli, managing director of TMT USA, which imports Bellavista. “We see an evolution where sparkling wines are no longer relegated to celebratory occasions, but are consumed in many different situations by a growing number of people.” Not everything elegant needs cost an arm and a leg: most Franciacortas are nonvintage, ranging between $15 and $35. But if it’s luxury expressions you seek, you have options. The Ca’ del Bosco Annamaria Cleminti Rosé ($100) is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes from 30-plus-year-old vines, with all steps of vinification and aging taking place in oak casks. And last year, Bellavista released a limited magnum opus (in magnum bottles) called Meraviglioso. The blend of six premium vintages from over the past 30 years will run you between $500 and $800 a bottle—if you can find one.
FRANCIACORTA, Italy’s “secret” sparkling wine.
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giving back
PASS IT ON How to instill philanthropic values in the next generation. BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE
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o whom much is given, much is expected. But how can you foster a spirit of giving back so that your children actually want to make a meaningful contribution to society? Inspired by a “MultiGenerational Philanthropic Families” panel at Town & Country’s recent Philanthropy Summit, we offer advice from youth and parents who have risen to the challenge. LEAD BY EXAMPLE Barbara Bush, daughter of President George W. and Laura Bush, recalled being 18 years old and “very much searching for my own purpose when my father became president. I was lucky to be born to parents who showed me the world. I saw how much joy they, as well as my grandparents, got from working to help others. I realized I wanted to use my energy to solve problems.” She was especially moved by a trip to Africa, where she saw firsthand that an HIV diagnosis was a death sentence in the
“I can help because I can take on risk.” EMILY TISCH SUSSMAN
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developing world. She witnessed people getting sick because of unsanitary clinic conditions, and felt the frustration of poorly run supply chains that failed to deliver even basic medicines to the people who needed them. “I knew we had the science to fix this, but it’s an issue of access,” she explained. Bush went on to co-found Global Health Corps, dedicated to mobilizing young leaders to solve the world’s largest health challenges; last year, 6,000 people applied for 150 openings in paid fellowships. “Exposure is everything,” she said. “Seeing you engaged in your passion will help others find theirs.” START SMALL This should apply to both the age of your children and the scope of the charity work you involve them in. “With young kids, it starts by trying to get them to understand gratitude, generosity, compassion and empathy,” said Matt Winslow, COO of Cerion and member of the board of The Sands Family Foundation. Constellation Brands founder Marvin Sands, and his sons Richard and Rob, brought these values to both company and family. Now Matt and his wife Courtney (Richard’s daughter) strive to pass them
on to their own young children. “As they get older, kids start to notice the challenges in our society and discover there are people who are struggling. I’m a big believer that you don’t want children to feel a burden. The goal is to get them to want to give back from within themselves.” He recommends involving kids in small acts they can have fun doing, like choosing toys they no longer play with to donate to area children in need. “Around the holidays we also go out to purchase books for city schools. The kids can wrap their heads around this: ‘I have a lot of books that I like to read, and I can help get books to kids who don’t have them.’ It’s never too soon to start being good people and good citizens.” Winslow’s children are enrolled in Rochester, New York’s Harley School, which echoes the values taught at home with an emphasis on “empathy education” and a commitment to community service. As the British adage reminds us, “Charity begins at home but should not end there.” ON’T PUSH Once kids enter the teen years, pushing them can often lead to pushback. “We struggle with how to get our kids interested in giving back,” admitted Mark Kennedy Shriver in conversation with Town & Country editor Jay Fielden. Shriver, who works with Save the Children, comes from a family famous for its generous spirit (father Sargent Shriver was the first director of the Peace Corps, sister Maria helms Architects of Change, brother Tim is CEO of the Special Olympics, and the list goes on), but an effort is required to ensure that the family legacy continues. “They participate as buddies with Special Olympics athletes, which they really enjoy.” But with so much happening in teens’ lives these days, “it’s difficult to get their attention,” he says. Shriver recalled his own home growing up, which was filled with energy. He saw that a lot of work was involved in affecting social change, but that the work could lead to big results—and could offer a lot of fun throughout the process. Shriver notes that his parents always worked alongside their friends and family, and suggests using this angle to get teens to participate; they’re more likely to head to a charity event if they think of it as something fun to do with friends.
“Seeing you engaged in your passion will help others find theirs.” BARBARA BUSH
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“It’s okay to challenge the status quo and do things differently than those before you. We want the irony to spark conversation: ‘If this family is divesting in fossil fuels, maybe we should too...’” JUSTIN ROCKEFELLER 51
LET THEM CHOOSE “My family is wonderful! But I had to get out of New York to have a chance of finding my own way,” explained Emily Tisch Sussman of New York City’s philanthropic Tisch family. “When you’re born into privilege, there’s an assumption that you inherit the money and the name, not always the tenacity, drive and intelligence. But I was encouraged to find my own way to contribute.” Sussman attended Skidmore College and eventually returned to the city to pursue her law degree. She remembered seeing schoolmates forced to take jobs they weren’t passionate about in order to start repaying their college loans, and was thankful she had the opportunity to pursue a career in the public sector without financial stresses. “I’m coming from a stable place, but I saw people who had to take jobs at firms they hated because they had debt. I can help because I can take on risk.” While her parents’ charitable efforts center largely on the arts and education, Sussman has found her own passion fighting for the civil rights of others and encouraging youth participation in the political process. She is currently the campaign director for the Center for American Progress and previously served as executive director of the Young Democrats of America. When it comes to veering from the family path, there may be no more poignant example than that of Justin Rockefeller, whose greatgreat-grandfather John D. Rockefeller Sr. founded and made his fortune on Standard Oil. Now representing the fifth generation, Rockefeller is committed to divesting in fossil fuels, despite the industry ties his surname conjures up. He now works to redirect funds to socially responsible causes. “It’s important to invest effectively and in a way that aligns with your mission. It’s okay to challenge the status quo and do things differently than those before you. We want the irony to spark conversation: ‘If this family is divesting in fossil fuels, maybe we should too...’” Whatever causes spark the interest of your family’s next generation, Winslow suggests showing kids it’s not just about writing a check. “Obviously it’s important to shepherd money to the right places. But give your time and become involved at the ground level to make sure those funds are used intelligently.” Whether it’s social media savvy in the case of older teens, the ability to empathize and connect that’s innate in young children, or your own expertise in management, “we all have a talent that’s needed.”
décor
Small
SPACES
Big style for little kids. BY CHRISTIAN CHENSVOLD
W
hether they’re preparing to have their home photographed for a shelter magazine or just want to instill good taste from an early age, stylish parents are putting as much attention into the design of their children’s rooms as the rest of their home. And that means designers are having to add kids’ rooms to their repertoire. Fortunately, it doesn’t require a degree in child psychology or familiarity with the latest Disney characters. Stylish and functional children’s rooms have nothing to do with fantasy themes and everything to do with quality and taste. For interior designer Susanna Salk, the market for sophisticated children’s furniture and design has been growing for about a decade. In 2010 she wrote Room for Children: Stylish Spaces For Sleep And Play, which she calls the first-ever book on the topic. “In shelter magazines you never used to see where the kids lived,” she says, “and then suddenly magazines started putting kids jumping up and down on fabulous furniture on their covers. Parents today want to extend the style and function of their home into the children’s
And in this case, succeeding. “Give kids more credit,” Salk advises. “They don’t need dumbed-down-design rooms. Let them play a role and chances are they’ll take better care of it.” As for designers, Salk says they should treat design for kids the same as for grown-ups. “It’s just another room of the house, so ask ‘What do you love, what makes you happy, what do you need for this room to be functional?’” Cultivating taste in children at a young age is, of course, subject to the whims of fashion, which are always in motion. “As with fashion, kids’ furniture and design follows trends,” says Sasso Sidi Said, owner of New York-based Dodo Les Bobos, which offers children’s furniture and design services. “For a while it’s been black, white and gray, and geometric patterns. The parents like it as it’s away from the classic pink and blue, but girls from toddler to pre-teen are still very much into all shades of pink.” Kids can be fickle with their interests and change comes rapidly during adolescence, but high-end children’s interior design is meant to better
rooms, and give them the same attention and imagination that they’re giving to the rest of the house.” That imagination doesn’t include theme rooms, however, and Salk was adamant about not including them in her book. “The nicer the room, the less you’re going to need to change it. Why spend $10,000 on a Star Wars theme when in a year the kid will be sick of it?” You might think that getting kids to appreciate fine design is about as easy as getting them to do their homework or eat their vegetables. But, just as with studies and Brussels sprouts, that doesn’t stop parents from trying.
accommodate this change. “Not having theme rooms makes it easier to evolve into another stage,” echoes Said. Although children grow and will need their beds replaced, and will have to trade a toy chest for a study desk, neutral colors in decor make these changes simpler. In the past couple of years, Said has seen the market explode for children’s furniture, most of it Scandinavian and simple in style. “It’s wellthought out, functional, chemical-free and does not sacrifice on design. I think it’s important to give real design furniture to children, and to make them aware of the beauty and the work that was put into creating it.”
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PerfectGEMS
Explore the little luxuries the world has to offer. BY BRIAN SCOTT LIPTON
BALI HIGH
As if lolling on the sandy beaches of Bali wasn’t enough to lure you to this tropical paradise, the Ritz Carlton Bali has added another temptation. Their special Sarong Concierge, Tresna Dewi, will take guests on a halfday journey that includes seeing samples of local textiles used to make sarongs, visiting an artisan workshop to witness the behind-the-scenes production process of Endek (Bali’s capital’s official cloth), getting an etiquette lesson on how to wear and walk elegantly in the garment, and then visiting a nearby Hindu temple, clad in their sarongs, where they can take in the site’s beautiful décor and hand carvings. Is there a better way to be a local culture vulture?
THE GOLD STANDARD We already know how lovely gold can look on your neck, wrists or ears, but it turns out it’s even better on your face. Euphorie Cosmetics’ Le Royal Luxury 24K Gold skincare line uses the precious metal in everything from an anti-aging eye mask to a cellular serum, all-day moisturizer, facial peeling gel, night cream and filler cream—and with good reason. Gold restores lost elasticity to tissue, slows down collagen depletion and breaks down elastin to prevent sagging skin. Now, your face’s luster can match the shine of your favorite pieces of jewelry!
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The LUXURY of LAUGHTER C
artoons are always good for a laugh, but sometimes, they’re equally good at making us take a closer look at society. Nowhere was that truer than the cartoons featured from 1877 to 1917 in the magazine Puck, many of which are on display as part of With a Wink and a Nod: Cartoonists of the Golden Age at Chicago’s Richard H. Dreihaus Museum. The exhibition, which features 74 rare original drawings for the magazine, also includes illustrated commentary on America’s upper class by such artists as Samuel Ehrhart, Louis Dalrymple and Franklin Howarth. A companion exhibition, Gilded Age Luxury, showcases more than a dozen small luxury goods from the same period, including J.P. Morgan’s own walking stick. We suggest you run and see it before January 8, when these exhibits will close.
M
Heavenly REST
ost beds are for getting a good night of ZZZs, but not Swiss artist Conor Mccreedy’s latest art installation, My Blue Heaven. This ingenious, glass-encased design uses the artist’s famous Mccreedyblue pigment combined with the finest white leather, gold/brass pin buttons, and, most importantly, a specially created bed from Bernarda Beds made from the finest micro wood and top-quality silver. The wood base under the box spring was crafted from naturally fallen Austrian trees so it absorbs humidity, and the silver technology prevents any germs. As for the mattress, forget Sealy or Serta—it was personally commissioned and modeled exactly on the artist’s body and weight, movements and comforts. This one-of-a-kind work is currently traveling the world’s most renowned art fairs, and is expected to be on view during Art Basel Miami in December.
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THANKS
for the memories
Contrary to popular belief, not everyone finds taking a great photograph as easy as point and shoot. For travelers who lack even the most basic camera skills, or want to leave both their camera and cell phone behind, there’s Flytographer. This very clever service, now available in 175 of the world’s major cities, connects you online with one of its 350 qualified photographers, who can join you on your trip and capture those precious memories clearly and beautifully. And while the results are not instantly available, you only have to wait a mere five business days to see the finished product—which you’ll then have a lifetime to savor.
amenities
Jet-set
PETS
Have furry friends, will travel. BY BRIAN SCOTT LIPTON
E
xtra socks, check. Phone charger, check. Pomeranian, check. That’s right: millions of Americans these days are choosing to bring their beloved animal companion with them when traveling, whether for vacation or a special family occasion. But depending on where you’re going (and how long you’re going for), it’s not always as easy as making sure you’ve packed your cosmetic case.
GETTING THERE Experienced pet owners say if your destination is within driving distance (and Spot can fit in the backseat), traveling by car can often be simpler than flying. Just make sure you stop every four hours or so to let the dog walk and do his/her business, and never leave the pet in a car alone. If you must fly, don’t plan the trip last minute. Be aware that every airline has different policies—although few allow dogs larger than 20 pounds in the cabin. (Do you really want your pet in cargo?) Fees vary wildly. So do each airline’s rules as to how many pets are allowed on each individual flight, so booking as early as possible is advised. And get to the airport well in advance, as you may need extra time at security or before boarding to ensure your companion’s comfort and safety.
BEING THERE Tip number one: Standard policy at any hotel is that the pet cannot be in the room without his human companion. Fortunately, many chains will arrange for pet sitters or dog walkers upon request.
Kimpton Hotels, considered by many to be the most petaccommodating of hotel groups, will also provide water bowls, treats, pet beds, toys and pooperscooper bags. Some of their hotels go one step further, including an outdoor “Doggie Happy Hour,” where owners can sip and savor offerings from the hotel’s restaurant while pets are treated to their own delights. (Kimpton also happily houses cats, birds, and other pets of most any sort.) Meanwhile, at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills, the pet bowls are specially filled with Evian water. Many members of the Ritz-Carlton and Marriott family of hotels also do their utmost to accommodate canine companions. (That said, all hotels do not let pets into their restaurants or any area serving food, and leashes must be used in indoor public areas.) Some boutique hotels are going one step further. The Enchante Boutique Hotel in Los Altos, California not only provides some pet-friendly rooms with patios, but also offers all pets a welcome package including organic biscuits, and sells chef-made organic pet treats and other wonderful items in its gift shop. (The hotel also has agreements with a nearby dog behaviorist and a professional pet photographer.) Unsurprisingly, the Cypress Inn in Carmel, California—co-owned by actress and animal activist Doris Day—has a special area where you can wash off your pet after a walk on the nearby beach, and offers cozy petblankets for in-room use, among other amenities. So for those humans who consider their pets part of the family, there’s no reason not to include your beloved animal companion in the family fun of traveling.
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Know Your Diamond CARAT WEIGHT
COLOR GRADE
CLARITY GRADE
CUT GRADE
Look for diamonds graded by GIA, the creator of the 4Cs. Learn more at 4Cs.GIA.edu
CARLSBAD
ANTWERP
BANGKOK
DUBAI
GABORONE
HONG KONG
JOHANNESBURG
LONDON
MUMBAI
NEW YORK
RAMAT GAN
SEOUL
TAIPEI
TOKYO
PURE FORM
FINK’S JEWELERS ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS
FALL/WINTER 2016/17