Hyde Park Jewelers

A C C E N T/ T H E M A G A Z I N E O F L I F E ’ S C E L E B R AT I O N S ♦ S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

BOLD& BEAUTIFUL! THE NEW GEMSTONES

Special Watch Section:

IT’S ABOUT TIME! PLUS: Jewelry on the Runways Celebrity Spotlight Gorgeous Gifts!

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P H O E N I X

Breguet, the innovator.

The first wristwatch, 1810 In tribute to the first wristwatch created for the Queen of Naples in 1810, Breguet reinvents the ladies’ watch in a classic case with a contemporary profile. The various models in the Reine de Naples collection radiate a refined blend of expertise, elegance and precious materials, lending their aesthetic backdrop to an array of horological complications, art and jewellery. History is still being written ... www.breguet.com/inventions

Dear Friends,

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his year marks Hyde Park’s 35th Anniversary, and I can’t help getting a little sentimental when I think about all of our staff, family, friends and clients who have made the journey with us and helped mold Hyde Park into the special place that it is today.

While we certainly enjoy the everyday honor of helping our clients select the perfect piece for any occasion, I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention how much we value our partners in the community. As a business with humble beginnings and strong local roots, we recognize the importance of giving back to those who have contributed to our success. This issue of Accent magazine highlights several community organizations that Hyde Park had the privilege to work with in 2010, including The Children’s Hospital, Colorado Grand, Denver Health Foundation, Phoenix Symphony, Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS and Global Downs Syndrome Foundation.

As each year moves us forward, we find ourselves constantly challenged to stay ahead of current trends, not only in jewelry, but also in technology. We recognize the influence that technology has on our daily lives, and we are constantly seeking out new ways to better serve our clients. I am excited to announce our new website (www.hpjewels.com) which now allows users the convenience of online shopping. Along with our other online outlets, including Facebook, Twitter and the Hyde Park Blog, we hope that you find the new website educational, informative and enjoyable.

We hope that you enjoy this issue of Accent magazine and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Warm Regards,

Michael Pollak CEO, Hyde Park Jewelers mpollak@hpjewels.com

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2011 JOHN HARDY LIMITED

NAGA COLLECTION

Contents spring/summer 2011 DENVER

Cherry Creek Shopping Center 3000 E. 1st Ave. Denver, CO 80206 Phone (303) 333-4446 PHOENIX

Biltmore Fashion Park 2442 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85016 Phone (602) 667-3541 LAS VEGAS

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Forum Shops 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. South Las Vegas, NV 89109 Phone (702) 794-3541 W W W. H Y D E P A R K J E W E L E R S . C O M MICHAEL POLLAK

CEO SHEREEN POLLAK

President DA M O N G R O SS

COO

S U S I L E X I E R - A LT M A N

Denver Store Manager SANDI PERRY

Las Vegas Store Manager NANCY CASEY

Phoenix Store Manager JENNIFER FERKENHOFF

Director of Marketing

FEATURES

PUBLISHED BY THE BUSINESS JOURNALS FASHION GROUP

2 Welcome Letter

PUBLISHER

Stu Nifoussi

6 Join the Conversation

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

8 Hyde Park Events

Karen Alberg Grossman

12 Hyde Park Community

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

Hans Gschliesser

20 Accent Advisor

MANAGING EDITOR

22 Spring Fashions

Jillian Sprague PROJECT MANAGER

24 Watch Out

Lisa Montemorra

26 Red Carpet: Shining Stars

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Beth Bernstein

30 Trends: The Joy of Jewelry

DESIGNERS

34 Fashion: From the Runways

Cynthia Lucero Jean-Nicole Venditti

52 Essay: The Family Pearls

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Peg Eadie

WATCH SECTION

DIRECTOR OF PREPRESS

Hugh K. Stanton

40 Watch Advisor 42 Speed: Grand Sport 46 Collecting: Passion or Investment?

48 What’s New: Chanel 50 Interview: Larry Pettinelli of Patek Philippe

PRESIDENT AND CEO

Britton Jones

ON THE COVER Model: Ashley Elizabeth. Makeup: Maggie Bearden. Hair: Faizah Husniyah. Photograph and artwork: Edwin Santa. Ivanka Trump white agate earrings and tassel necklace, MCL by Matthew Campbell Laurenza assorted bracelets, Bell & Ross and Chanel white ceramic watches.

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CHAIRMAN AND COO

Mac Brighton Copyright 2011. 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, 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 9, Issue 1. Printed In The U.S.A.

THE SIMPLICITY OF INNOVATION.

LUMINOR 1950 8 DAYS GMT Hand-wound mechanical movement P.2002 calibre, three spring barrels, second time zone with 12/24 h indicator, 8-day power reserve with linear indicator, seconds reset.

Steel case 44 mm Ă˜. Steel buckle.

www.panerai.com

Join the

CONVERSATION HYDEPARKJEWELERS.COM View our unparalleled selection of fine jewelry and timepieces. Shop an expansive collection of loose diamonds and engagement rings.

E-MAIL Be the first to receive store and product news, event invitations, special offers and more. Sign up at hydeparkjewelers.com.

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FACEBOOK If you’re someone who always wants to be the first to have the latest and greatest, like us on Facebook to receive news of product arrivals and brand announcements.

TWITTER@HPJEWELS Receive up-to-date information on product and brand news, Hyde Park and community events, and much more buzz-worthy messaging.

HYDE PARK EVENTS CARTIER FINE WATCHMAKING DINNER October 2010

Last October, Hyde Park had the distinct honor of co-hosting an exceptional evening with Cartier at the new Four Seasons Hotel in Denver. The event featured Cartier’s exclusive Fine Watchmaking Collection, a groundbreaking collection that features Cartier’s own in-house movements. Cartier has limited its locations in the United States offering this collection to eight Cartier boutiques and only two dealers, one being Hyde Park’s Denver location. Hyde Park’s CEO Michael Pollak says, “These are exceptional watches and we are very honored that they have provided us with the opportunity to offer them to our customers.”

During the event, a small group of esteemed guests had the privilege of experiencing a handson introduction to the watches. Cartier’s senior vice president Martin Gatins was in attendance, along with several other Cartier representatives and Hyde Park personnel, to answer questions and highlight the watches’ special features. Guests were treated to a five-star dining experience in an elegantly decorated ballroom and received a parting gift at the end of the evening.

Clockwise from top: Calibre de Cartier Flying Tourbillon in 18K rose gold, one of the many marvels in Cartier’s Fine Watchmaking Collection. Doormen donned Cartier’s iconic garb to add to the evening’s decorative touches. Left to right: Michael Pollak, Hyde Park CEO; Sophie and Thierry Kennel, general managers of Denver’s Four Seasons Hotel. Left to right, representing Cartier: Rowena White, public relations; Martin Gatins, senior vice president; and Estelle Marie, group watch manager.

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MODERN ROCK CANDY® IN 18K GOLD WITH GEMSTONES. ©2011 IPPOLITA®. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

HYDE PARK EVENTS GRAND UNVEILING OF REMODELED DENVER STORE November 2010

Last November we unveiled the newly remodeled Hyde Park flagship store in Denver with an intimate gathering of longtime clients and friends. Guests enjoyed cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres while browsing new jewelry and watch collections and mingling with friends. The store’s new design incorporates sophisticated, contemporary elements in an environment that conveys a welcoming, residential atmosphere. At the end of the night, guests left with a sweet treat: a custom Hyde Park red velvet cupcake from Big Fat Cupcake.

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© 2010 CHANEL®, Inc. J 12®

CHANEL.COM

29 MM

New model: 29 mm diameter.

Watch in white high-tech ceramic. 40 diamonds (est. TCW: 0.90 carat).

Mother of pearl dial. 8 diamond indicators.

PHOTO BY IMAGE-INDUSTRY

HYDE PARK COMMUNITY

THE CONCERT, THE ENCORE BENEFITING THE PHOENIX SYMPHONY October 2010

GALA 2010—WHAT MATTERS MOST BENEFITING THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL September 2010

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he Children’s Hospital Gala is among the Denver-metro area’s premier fundraising events, and for the past eight years, Hyde Park Jewelers has become a valued partner in making the Gala such a success. Through donations of amazing jewelry, one-of-a-kind trips and gift cards, Hyde Park, along with various brand partners, has contributed more than $400,000 to the event over the eight-year partnership. Last year’s event featured comedic entertainment by Jay Leno followed by a night of dancing with Party on the Moon.

The Children’s Hospital Gala has raised more than $28 million for children and families throughout its 33-year lifetime. Funds raised through Gala directly benefit kids and families who need Children’s care. For more information about The Children’s Hospital Gala, please visit www.thechildrenshospitalfoundation.org.

yde Park and Chopard teamed up to sponsor the inaugural evening for THE Concert and THE Encore benefiting the Phoenix Symphony.

Guests enjoyed a lively performance by Grammy award-winner Donna Summer and the Phoenix Symphony, followed by dinner and dancing.

Attendees were invited to purchase ‘surprise boxes’ containing Chopard jewelry and other gifts, with all proceeds providing additional funds for symphony programs.

About The Phoenix Symphony: The Phoenix Symphony has been proudly serving the citizens of the Phoenix metropolitan area and Arizona since 1947.

What began as an occasional group of musicians performing a handful of concerts each year (in a city of fewer than 100,000 people) today serves more than 300,000 people annually, with almost 200 concerts and presentations throughout the greater Phoenix area and beyond.

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BE BEAUTIFUL BE YOURSELF JET SET FASHION SHOW BENEFITING THE GLOBAL DOWN SYNDROME FOUNDATION October 2010

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t the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, fundraising and awareness go hand-in-hand. The foundation’s marquee fundraiser, the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Jet Set Fashion Show, has provided the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award to its international spokesperson, music icon Quincy Jones, Timothy P. Shriver, DeOndra Dixon and Karen Gaffney. Each year the fundraiser has attracted 1,200 attendees including celebrities Jamie Foxx, Tom Arnold, Jeff Probst, David Duval, Josh Kelley and Chauncey Billups. The highlight of the evening is a fashion show featuring beautiful guest models who happen to have Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities. The Be Beautiful Be Yourself Jet Set Fashion Show is the largest single fundraiser in the nation for Down Syndrome.

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Rock Tradition.

Ivanka Trump is proud to be a founding partner of Girl Up, a United Nations Foundation’s campaign.

HYDE PARK COMMUNITY

THE COLORADO GRAND BENEFITING THE COLORADO GRAND CHARITIES September 2010

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yde Park and Chopard embarked on an exciting new adventure this year, participating in the 23rd Annual Colorado Grand event. As sponsors, Hyde Park and Chopard had the privilege of joining in the rally of 85 vintage sports and racing cars (all built prior to 1961) and covering over 1,000 miles through some of Colorado’s most spectacular scenic areas. The event provides funds to carefully selected Colorado charities and awards college scholarships to select graduating high school seniors from some of the smaller communities that the event travels through.

COLORADO KEY TO THE STATE PRESENTED BY HYDE PARK JEWELERS November 2010

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n November 16, 2010, in an official proclamation and ceremony, Governor Bill Ritter unveiled the Key to the State of Colorado. The Key was created by Hyde Park’s resident jewelry designer Philip Stone and presented by Hyde Park to Governor Richard D. Lamm in 1984. For the last 25 years, the Key has been primarily in secure storage and not available for public viewing. Last November, the Key took up residence at its new home in the Colorado State Capitol Rotunda, presented alongside busts of some of Colorado’s past governors.

The elements of the Key include precious materials which are indigenous to Colorado. The Key is composed of 3 ounces of 14K yellow gold, 1 ounce of 18K yellow gold, 1.5 ounces of sterling silver, 2.6 carats of yellow sapphires, 2.7 carats of blue sapphires and 4.75 carats of round brilliant diamonds, and took 55 hours of labor to complete. The design incorporates Colorado’s snow-capped mountains, as well as the official Colorado state seal. The precious metals are symbolic of Colorado’s first days as a regional mining center, and the colors of the sapphires represent the Columbine, Colorado’s state flower. The current estimated replacement value of the Key is $25,000.

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SCAN. EXPLORE.

FIND YOUR TAG HEUER

Invented in 1887 by Edouard Heuer and reengineered for our new in-house Calibre 1887 movement, the oscillating pinion enables our CARRERA chronograph to start in less than 2/1000th of a second.

1.866.675.2080 www.tagheuer.com

HYDE PARK COMMUNITY

MEN’S NIGHT OUT BENEFITING DENVER HEALTH December 2010

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ast December, Hyde Park partnered with Denver Health Foundation for Men’s Night Out, a benefit to help raise money for men’s health initiatives at Denver Health. The event sparkled from start to finish thanks to the event chairperson—Hyde Park’s CEO Michael Pollak— along with many generous donors and committee members. This free event had a swanky 1960s Mad Men theme, based on the award-winning television series. Guests mingled among celebrity sports figures, including Haven Moses, Randy Gradishar, Billy Thompson and others, enjoyed a gourmet spread from Elway’s Cherry Creek, TAG, Kona Grill and Rum Cakes by Kelli, and refined their discerning palates at the drink tasting station from Glen Grant Scotch and Patron Tequila.

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HYDE PARK COMMUNITY GoDaddy.com founder and CEO Bob Parsons presents a $500,000 check to Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS at the company’s annual holiday event.

Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS

HYDE PARK’S TOM BETZ RAISES AWARENESS FOR PHOENIX CHARITY

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outhwest Center for HIV/AIDS has been on the front lines of the fight against HIV and AIDS for nearly 20 years. The Center’s vision is to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS and fulfill their mission to reduce infection, improve quality of life for those impacted by the disease, and contribute to worldwide research. Southwest Center serves Arizona’s men, women, children and at-risk youth, the homeless, immigrants and families, most of whom are living below the federal poverty level.

When not acting as asssistant manager in Hyde Park’s Phoenix location, Tom Betz serves as the chairman of the board of directors for the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS for 2011. He has been involved with the board and agency since 2006. “My involvement began at the suggestion of a client whose brother had passed away from AIDS. I am blessed to be able to serve on this board and support the agency. I am so gratified at the dedication of those that volunteer, support and work for Southwest Center.”

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says Tom. The organization’s efforts have helped many education initiatives, they reach out to more than people affected and afflicted by AIDS—gay and 25,000 individuals who are at risk of obtaining and straight, men, women and children. They recently transmitting HIV and AIDS. The Southwest Center received a generous gift of $500,000 from provides more than 20 prevention and education GoDaddy.com to support their work and to advance programs tailored to meet the cultural and women’s programs connected to domestic violence socioeconomic needs of each target audience. A and HIV. Michael and Shereen Pollak of Hyde Park number of programs are partnered with communityJewelers are kindly supporting the Night For Life 2011 based nonprofit agencies as well as medical gala in May. “I will tell anyone that volunteering is the institutions such as Phoenix Children’s Hospital and best gift you can give yourself, next to a great piece of Maricopa Integrated Health System. They also serve jewelry,” Tom adds. as one of Arizona’s largest HIV/AIDS testing and Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS is the only AIDS counseling centers. In 2010, 1,899 individuals were service organization in Arizona that combines research, tested, of which 39 were diagnosed as HIV-positive (a prevention/education and wellness services under one 2.63 percent positivity rate, which exceeded the roof. They are Arizona’s oldest and largest nonprofit state’s expected number).

AIDS service organization serving 70 percent of • Clinical Trials and Research: Research at the Arizona’s at-risk and impacted citizens living with Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS focuses on clinical HIV/AIDS, because 70 percent live in Maricopa County. trials and university research partnerships. Clinical As chairman of the board of directors for the Southwest Arizona Department of Health Services estimates that trials are dedicated to preventive vaccines and Center for HIV/AIDS, Hyde Park there are 13,000 individuals in Arizona diagnosed with promising therapies treating HIV/AIDS and associated assistant manager Tom Betz HIV/AIDS, and another 4,000 who are undiagnosed and complications. The clinical trials program conducts plays an integral role in raising awareness for the mission of the are unaware of their disease. studies involving HIV antiretroviral medications and organization.

• Wellness and Life Management: In the Wellness and has contributed to the availability of 29 of the 30 Life Management Program, more than 1,200 current FDA-approved HIV medications. In 2010, individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS are assisted by licensed professionals they provided 150 participants with new, life-saving medications through who are trained specifically in HIV knowledge including behavioral health the Southwest Center’s 15-year clinical trial program and tested HIV home counselors, registered dieticians and naturopathic physicians. Services test kits. This program is the largest privately supported HIV/AIDS clinical provided by these professionals help to offset the negative side effects of trial operation in the Southwestern United States.

HIV prescription medicines. In 2010, Southwest Center saved Arizona taxpayers an estimated $16 million in avoided hospital stays. (The average To learn more, visit www.swhiv.org or contact Tom Betz at length of hospital stay for an HIV patient is eight days at a cost of $2,000 the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS: Phone 602-307-5330, Ext. 2213 per day. Because of the wellness support services, more than 1,000 1144 East McDowell Road, Suite 200, Phoenix, Arizona 85006 Arizonans impacted by HIV/AIDS avoided hospital stays.) In 2010, 879 clients received over 7,500 visits. Most of the HIV/AIDS clients are below the poverty level and cannot afford to cover basic service fees.

• Prevention, Education and Outreach: Through community prevention and

Children and families impacted by HIV/AIDS attend Camp Incredible, presented by Phoenix-based Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS, where they learn about healthy living, chronic disease management, and find fun and encouragement for their lives.

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ACCENTADVISOR

HOW DO I MIX FINE AND FASHION JEWELRY?

I’VE BEEN SEEING A LOT OF BLACK USED IN FINE JEWELRY. WHAT ARE THE KEY

Use a pretty black dress or a simple top as the backdrop for mixing pieces. Wear a gold medallion

STONES AND METALS, AND HOW CAN I WEAR THEM?

pendant along with multiple chains in blackened and tonal antiqued base metal. Or you can mix in real baroque pearls with a large colored pendant in crystal rather than a precious gem. A low-risk way to mix real and faux is on the wrist; you have more room to be playful as it’s further from your face. Here, mix leather or suede wrap styles with pavé charms, or Bakelite and wood with precious stones. Throw in some high karat gold thin bangles to create a truly eclectic look. This season, designers are even mixing these materials into one piece to offer a statement at an affordable price. But if you prefer simplicity, stick to a pair of cuffs in wood with center gemstones, and a mesh necklace with chains of matte gold. The combination will be different and dramatic, and take you through the season in style.

The trend started with designers adding a black rhodium finish to white gold and mixing it with high karat yellow gold for a richer look. As the darker metal began to sell and the prices for gold went up, the next step was to use blackened or highly oxidized silver. (Some designers still use black rhodium plated 18K white gold, which can mean a slightly higher price tag.) These metals look great with the of-the-moment diamonds—also black—which are spectacular in rose, brilliant and polished rough cuts. Black can be done in styles from gothic to feminine, such as pavé leaves and flowers with a black diamond center. If you want to add color to your black jewelry look, try a hint of rough cut fancy sapphires, the pretty watercolor shades of moonstones and aquamarines, or the

IMAGES COURTESY OF JOHN HARDY

more saturated orange hues of citrines.

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SpringFashions

NORMAN SILVERMAN

JOHN HARDY

JUDE FRANCES

IPPOLITA

AARON BASHA

NORMAN SILVERMAN Diamonds-by-the-yard chain necklace with toggle clasp in 18K white gold featuring 5.47 carats of round brilliant diamonds and 0.31 carats of pavĂŠ diamonds. JOHN HARDY Bedeg dome ring in sterling silver. JUDE FRANCES Oval kite diamond and pearl ear charms on small diamond huggie hoops in 18K white gold. IPPOLITA Scultura Collection rings featuring undulating forms and beautiful organic shapes in gemstones of turquoise, black onyx and mother of pearl set in sterling silver. AARON BASHA Assorted charms in 18K white gold and enamel featuring diamonds and gemstones on diamond heart link bracelet.

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TEMPLE ST. CLAIR

PAUL MORELLI

IVANKA TRUMP

MARCO BICEGO

PENNY PREVILLE

GUCCI ROBERTO COIN TEMPLE ST. CLAIR Rock Crystal Egg Amulet pendants with blue moonstones on round link necklace in 18K yellow gold.

PAUL MORELLI Yellow beryl and white diamond Star Anise large stud earrings in 18K yellow gold. MARCO BICEGO Africa Collection bangle bracelets in 18K yellow gold featuring cultured freshwater pearls and diamonds. IVANKA TRUMP 18K rose gold chain featuring mother of pearl and diamonds, 36�. ROBERTO COIN Martellato Collection bangle bracelets in 18K yellow and rose gold with assorted gemstones. PENNY PREVILLE Leaf bypass ring in 18K yellow gold featuring 0.38 carats of diamonds. GUCCI Bamboo charm hoops earrings in 18K yellow gold.

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WatchOut

BELL & ROSS

CARTIER

JAEGER-LECOULTRE

CHOPARD

JAEGER-LECOULTRE Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire, 18K yellow gold case, mechanical movement, moon phase and date feature, black crocodile strap. CARTIER Calibre de Cartier, 42mm stainless steel case, Cartier Manufacture selfwinding mechanical movement, silvered opaline dial with date and small seconds display, polished and satin-brushed stainless steel bracelet. BELL & ROSS Vintage BR 123 Original Beige, 41mm satin-finish stainless steel case, mechanical automatic ETA 2895 movement, beige dial with numerals, index and hands covered in photoluminescent coating, brown calfskin strap with satin-finish stainless steel folding buckle. CHOPARD Imperiale, 18K rose gold case, 58 diamonds (2.27 carats), five amethysts (0.58 carats), mother of pearl dial.

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BAUME & MERCIER

PANERAI

CHANEL

OMEGA TW STEEL BAUME & MERCIER Linea, 27mm stainless steel case, quartz movement, diamond bezel, mother of pearl dial with snailed finishes, polished and satin-finished stainless steel bracelet with triple folding clasp. PANERAI Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic, 44mm polished steel case, automatic P. 9000 Calibre movement, black dial, black calf strap, water-resistant to 300 meters, PAM00359. OMEGA De Ville Chronoscope GMT, 44mm stainless steel case, automatic co-axial movement, official chronometer, gray dial with black subdials, black alligator strap, water-resistant to 100 meters. CHANEL Premiere, stainless steel case set with diamonds, quartz movement, mother of pearl dial set with four diamond markers, white rubber strap. TW STEEL TW131, 48mm rose gold PVD case, quartz movement, black dial featuring date and chronograph display, water-resistant to 100m, black rubber strap.

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RED CARPET

Shining Stars AWARDS SEASON PROVIDES A PLETHORA OF CELEBRITY EYE CANDY

BY JILLIAN SPRAGUE

Amy Adams

Kim Kardashian

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ith a smile like that, who needs jewelry? Halle Berry and her earrings were radiant at the 13th Annual Costume Designer Guild Awards, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Take your spring style cue from her and try a piece that mixes different stone colors and metal tones. Here, white and champagne diamonds set in black and yellow gold are subtle, but so-right-now.

At the Vanity Fair Campaign Hollywood 2011 Kick-off with Chrysler, Amy Adams chose a classic earring shape with a modern twist. Her textured hoops in blackened gold were an unexpected surprise peeking out from underneath those perfectly tousled waves.

Reality star Kim Kardashian rocked a bold yellow gold choker and simple studs at the People’s Choice Awards in L.A.’s Nokia Theater. While her show, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, won the award for TV’s Guiltiest Pleasure, her Art Nouveau-inspired necklace was our pick for eye-catching accessory.

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JEWELRY THIS PAGE LEFT TO RIGHT: AMRAPALI, HELLMUTH, RINA LIMOR

Halle Berry

RED CARPET

LeAnn Rimes

Nicky Hilton

She plays the love interest of a devilish serial killer on Showtime’s Dexter, but Julia Stiles looked heavenly in star-shaped stud earrings at the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards. A dramatic ruffle and bold fuchsia lips—both huge trends this spring—made for stellar red carpet style.

LeAnn Rimes sparkled in sequins at the Grammys. Head-to-toe metallic can be hard to accessorize, but her stacked gold bangles and mother of pearl earrings complemented instead of competed with her beautifully draped gown.

It’s tough to contend with angel wings covered in peacock feathers, but at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Nicky Hilton’s diamond necklace and earrings were almost as jaw-dropping as the models. Almost.

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JEWELRY THIS PAGE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: H. STERN, AMRAPALI, MOUAWAD

Julia Stiles

Diamond jewelry so exquisite… …it celebrates romance.

K TLAR CUSHION

The world’s most brilliant cushion cut diamond™

The Kotlar Cushion diamond is an exceptionally fitting symbol of your greatest love, your most significant achievement or your deepest commitment.

Sold only by jewelers recognized for their integrity and expertise.

TRENDS

The Joy of Jewelry COLORFUL GEMS FIT FASHION’S BRIGHT OUTLOOK

BY LORRAINE DEPASQUE

THE GEMS Adam Graham, marketing director of The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), agrees that bright blues and greens, as well as shades of purple, are leading trends in colored gemstone jewelry this year. Among the azures, he points to traditional blue sapphire, aquamarine, tanzanite and blue topaz, but emphasizes that lesser-known stones like labradorite, turquoise, blue moonstone, chalcedony and blue shaded black onyx are extremely significant as well. With dramatically-sized jewelry in vogue, it helps that many of the latter gemstones can be purchased in high quality at affordable prices.

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IMAGES COURTESY OF IPPOLITA, STEPHEN WEBSTER, ROBERTO COIN

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his season, there’s one simple rule on the road to great jewelry style: Don’t get stuck in neutral! Get into gear and follow the direction of spring 2011 fashion, which is all about color.

Does this mean that neutrals like black—so strong these past few years—are no longer fashionable? Is it time to abandon your Little Black Dress? “Absolutely not,” says Meredith Smith, designer and cultural trend analyst at The Doneger Group in New York City. “Even though fashion’s biggest names flooded the spring runways with bright-colored clothes, you can still wear your classic LBD. However, the perennial cocktail classic and other neutral-toned attire needs to be popped with colorful jewelry and accessories. Right now, our culture is all about finding joy; adorning ourselves in happy, escapist colors (like bright blues and greens) is one way to do that.”

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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WONDERING AND KNOWING.

“This year, you’re also going to see more engagement ring center stones in blues and greens,” notes Graham. “Kate Middleton’s blue sapphire from Prince William has re-ignited the trend that his mother, Princess Diana, started back in 1981, when she received the engagement ring from Prince Charles. Blue sapphire is a great option for women who don’t want to be too ‘bling’, and at the same time, it’s a high-end gem of great color.”

At the AGTA’s annual Spectrum jewelry design awards for 2011, Graham tells us, “One of the winning pieces was a platinum ring with a neon-green tsavorite center stone. Our panel of judges, all in the fashion or jewelry industries, said it represents a definite style direction.”

In fact, many of the best jewelry designers are also premiering dazzling fashion collections with great green gems, especially green tourmalines, peridots, green diamonds, emeralds, green agates, green sapphires and tsavorites. “And for the past year,” says Graham, “celebrity stylists have been requesting to borrow green gemstone jewelry for their A-list clients to wear to awards shows.”

The green jewelry they’ve been borrowing will coordinate with many red carpet fashion styles according to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of The Pantone Color Institute, which named ‘Peapod’ green as one of its top fashion colors for spring/summer. “We’ve learned that green really works well as a neutral and we see people more inclined to wear it on a regular basis,” she says.

This past fall, Pantone chose ‘Purple Orchid’ as its number-one fashion color and, for spring/summer, the passion for purple continues, with ‘Lavender’ in its top ten selection. Jewelry designers are showing violet gem creations in everything from deep amethysts and fancy purple sapphires to pastel pinky-purple sugilites and quartzes.

embellishment.

LAYERING NECKLACES While models strutted down the runways wearing mega-necklaces, in this case you have another option. Instead of investing in one massive neck piece, a more practical purchase might be to buy several long chains and links that can each be doubled or tripled. With layering necklaces, you can experiment and create many different looks, for both daywear and evening. Play with the necklaces, graduating the lengths differently to accommodate the neckline of whatever you’re wearing. To complete the look, add a 16-inch chain with a pendant or enhancer. In this season of bold color, choose one with a bright gemstone center.

EPIC RINGS Typically, you ladies buy these supersized and super stylish rings for yourself. (Well, why not—you deserve it!) They’re statement pieces that reflect your personality and personal style, so be sure to select gemstones you really like—plus, since it’s on your hand, you’ll be looking at it all day. Should you invest a lot of money in this epic ring? That depends, to some degree, on whether you’ll be wearing it every day or if you’ll want to buy several and switch—much like some people do with watches. Unlike the big cocktail rings of eras past, the epic ring is no longer a dress-up-only accessory.

GUMDROP EARRINGS And you thought gumdrops were just those chewy sugar-coated candies you shouldn’t be eating! Think again: It’s the season’s strongest earring silhouette. More medium-large than ultra-large in size, this drop-style earring focuses on one prominent colored gem that hangs to about midneck. It’s classic, yet, at the same time, fashion. Ask your jeweler about the earrings’ stone shape and cut. Some gumdrops have slices of color with a flat bottom, allowing light to pass through the gemstone, much in the way natural light shines through a stained glass window.

MORE THAN ONE METAL COLOR No, you can’t be a yellow-only or white-only jewelry lover anymore. It just isn’t fashionable. If most—or all—of your jewelry is still the same metal color that you’ve been wearing forever, this is the season to start collecting pieces made in different surface colors. If you want to stick to karat gold for your precious metal, that’s okay, but there are many different gold colors to choose from: rose, blackened and sometimes peach. Even the texture on a piece slightly changes the look of the color. (For example, a high-polished blackened gold bracelet will appear to have a different hue than a satin-finished or matte blackened gold piece.) Once you begin to add different colored pieces to your jewelry wardrobe, you’ll see how all the shades really do work together. And no need to worry if you don’t have “enough” of a certain color when you start. Part of the fun of jewelry is collecting it over time.

FIVE TO BUY Now that you know what these post-winter pickme-up colors and coordinating gemstones are, which jewelry pieces in particular should you be considering? Ultimately that depends on your individual style as well as what jewelry you already own, but here are the five jewelry musthaves we highly recommend: BIG BANGLES The number-one jewelry item adorning spring runway models was the big bangle, and they usually wore two or three per arm. The uber bangles—not slim stackables and not ultra-wide cuffs—almost always featured stones, beads, or some sort of bright

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getty 1 / Peter Dazeley

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WATCHES

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WHAT TO KNOW WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR TIMEPIECES

WATCH ADVISOR

IS IT OKAY TO WEAR A SPORTS WATCH AS AN EVERYDAY WATCH?

IMAGE COURTESY OF TW STEEL

If you love it, why not?

Unless you’re talking about a tacky plastic watch, most of today’s better sports watches are thin enough to wear as an everyday watch, and offer features that most of us appreciate even at home or in the office. These can include water resistance, built-in chronographs, readable dials and various subdials, calendars and other complications.

That said, there’s nothing classier than a beautiful dress watch and for spring 2011, classical elegance is all the rage. Our suggestion: build a watch wardrobe that includes both sports and dress watches and alternate according to the occasion, and your mood.

WHAT ARE MECHANICAL WATCHES AND WHY ARE THEY SO EXPENSIVE?

As opposed to quartz watches that function electronically, a mechanical watch is driven by a spring which must be periodically wound. A series of gears power the balance wheel, which oscillates back and forth at a constant rate. A device called an escapement releases the wheels with each swing of the balance wheel, moving the hands forward at a constant rate and creating a ticking sound. It’s technology dating back to 17th century Europe, and the expense is the design, the old world craftsmanship, the maintenance and replacement parts, and of course the intrinsic value of precious metals and other fine materials.

But for those whose hearts beat to the pulse of a mechanical timepiece, there’s nothing else quite like it!

I HAVE MY GRANDFATHER’S TIMEPIECE FROM THE 1950 S ; IS IT WORTH THE INVESTMENT TO RESTORE IT?

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T H E D E C I S I O N T O R E S T O R E A V I N TA G E T I M E P I E C E is part rational (Will the restored timepiece be worth more?) and part emotional (This is my grandfather’s watch!). Bottom line: the joy of wearing an heirloom, especially one with family history, is unique and priceless.

That said, only you can decide if it’s worth the investment. Once you’ve made the decision to restore your vintage timepiece, entrust it only to a qualified technician with proper training in assessing and working on older timepiece movements. Improper repair of an older watch can damage the movement irreparably. Incorrect replacement parts, finishing techniques and lubrication are just some of the issues we’ve seen.

In general, older timepieces cannot be expected to function with the same level of accuracy as new models. However, if properly restored, the watch should be suitable for daily wear. One must allow ample time for the work to be completed, as parts might not be readily available, and the technician might have to search the marketplace for the proper part, or in some cases, make the part by hand.

Once the work is done, consider enhancing your newly restored vintage watch with an interesting strap—perhaps one in a bold color or with contrast stitching—to make a unique statement.

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With its soft lines and subtle alternating finishes, the Linea is a timeless icon of femininity that naturally becomes associated with life’s most beautiful highlights. Each Linea is fitted with an interchangeable strap.www.baume-et-mercier.com

by David A. Rose

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GRAND SPORT THE INTERSECTION OF HISTORY AND TECHNOLOGY

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t was a late afternoon in September when two young men were driving to Salinas, Calif., in a brand new 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder. The owner of the car planned to compete in the Salinas Sports Car Race that weekend, but rather than transport the car by trailer from Los Angeles as intended, he felt he needed seat time in the new car before he raced it. As they approached an intersection near Cholame, a 1950 Ford coming from the opposite direction suddenly crossed lanes and the two cars collided head-on. The driver, James Dean, was Hollywood’s newest heartthrob. He died within minutes of the crash, and a legend was born.

Although only 90 Porsche 550 Spyders were made between 1953 and 1956, many have survived. At the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion held at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in 2010, one of the 600 cars entered was a Porsche 550 Spyder identical to the one James Dean was to race 55 years ago.

Vintage racing has grown to become one of the most exciting forms of motorsports. It brings to life what most people will only see on the pages of

coffee table books, in museums or in movies.

Rolex has sponsored motorsports since the 1930s. As the leading name in luxury timepieces, it’s fitting that they are title sponsor for one of the world’s most significant vintage race events.

“Motor racing has an enormous following around the world. It appeals to those who appreciate the ultimate in technology as well as extreme competition,” said Peter Nicholson, vice president and director of communications, Rolex Watch U.S.A. “Since split-second timing is so critical for drivers and crews, it is fitting that Rolex adds its reputation for precision timekeeping to these magnificent events.”

Participants at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion hail from 13 countries and bring with them the most exotic cars on the planet to race at TOP: A full field of three-liter Formula 1 racecars, considered the pinnacle of motor racing from 1966 to ’83. BOTTOM: A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona was presented to Graham Wallis.

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FOCUS: SPEED Laguna Seca’s challenging 11-turn circuit. Not long ago, one would have been able to see a Type 35 Bugatti Grand Prix car only in a museum. Last year 90 Bugattis were in Monterey, 35 of them racing in the Bugatti Grand Prix as part of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. (They later toured the California coastline as part of the Bugatti Rally 2010.)

At vintage races, the cars are not necessarily the only stars. Patrick Dempsey, a passionate driver best known for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd on TV’s Grey’s Anatomy, raced a Mazda GTP Prototype at the event. Always a crowd favorite, he was visibly thrilled with his racecar—and his results. Jay Leno and other celebrities are perennial attendees, but this year it was a true American legend who garnered the most attention. Dan Gurney, who was honored at the event, is widely considered to be the greatest American racecar driver of all time. As a driver he has won races in Indy cars, Formula 1, NASCAR stock cars and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

He was the only American to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix in a car of his own design when, in 1967, he won the Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit Spa

said Gurney. “I don’t know what it is about human beings...we all have an affinity for the internal combustion engine and its sounds and smells, as well as all the history. It’s great to see decades touching each other and new generations appreciating similar things.”

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is part of Monterey Auto Week, when sophisticated people, exotic cars, fine food and superb wines combine for a celebration that has become internationally recognized as a showcase for luxury and glamour.

Automobile enthusiasts and connoisseurs of culture enjoy the

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Patrick Dempsey and Jay Leno; Graham Wallis in his 1929 Lagonda, for which he won The Spirit of Monterey Trophy for overall excellence.; some of the many cars raced or built by Dan Gurney.; Patrick Dempsey races the Jeremy Barnes Mazda RX-92 GTP. Francorchamps in the beautiful Gurney Weslake Eagle F1. Despite all his wins, Gurney is most well-known for his sportsmanship, which has won him the respect and admiration of peers and race fans around the world.

As he was honored, Gurney reflected back on his prime, when cars were fast, drivers colorful and tragedy seemed always to be lurking around the next corner. “We were certainly driven by enormous passion for the sport, and we had great respect for those who came before us...we weren’t thinking about future history at the time,” said Gurney. He thanked his role model Phil Walters (better known as Ted Tappet), who “could move through traffic gracefully without knocking anybody off the road.”

Gurney is thrilled about the growth and popularity of vintage racing and enjoys seeing enthusiastic gentlemen drivers behind the wheel of the cars that he and his peers made famous. “I’m sure these guys are as crazy as we were,”

atmosphere of elegance while attending auto-related shows, auctions, cocktail parties and elaborate dinners. At the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance, grand touring cars drive some of the most scenic portions of Monterey’s 17-Mile Drive and then parade down Carmel’s Ocean Avenue for bystanders to enjoy.

The festival of automobile culture culminates with the internationally acclaimed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where the world’s most extraordinary cars are judged for authenticity, function, history and style.

As the trailers and auto-transporters are reloaded with their valuable cargo and the participants catch their flights home, the quiet and lovely Monterey peninsula returns to its normal tranquility. But plans are already underway for making the next event, from August 19th to the 21st, 2011, even more unforgettable.

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CEO GOLIATH THE NEW

COLLECTION

by Jeffrey Felner

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PASSION OR INVESTMENT? WHETHER FOR INVESTMENT OR FOR THE PURE JOY OF IT, COLLECTING TIMEPIECES IS SERIOUS BUSINESS.

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nlike collecting coins or stamps, watch collecting reflects myriad passions: the passion for beauty, for craftsmanship, for precision, for personal style. Talk to watch collectors and one learns that the process is almost visceral: the urge to touch and try on a fine timepiece; the need for the next one, and then the next… (Is there a Watch Collectors Anonymous? Perhaps there should be…)

Yes, it’s an expensive hobby (the cost of the watch plus maintenance and insurance), but collectors defend their habit, relying on a trusted jeweler or dealer as their ultimate authority.

Collectors’ favorites these days include Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Patek Philippe and Omega.

For the more serious collector, consider Breguet and Audemars Piguet. Those who invest rather than collect are far more brand-conscious, knowing that the value of a particular watch over time depends on its condition and rarity, but also knowing that the stature and reputation of a certain brand contributes much

to a watch’s value. Investors are generally more concerned about a watch’s inner workings and complications than about its outer appearance. If you do your homework (and if you’re lucky), the watch you purchase for $125,000 from your jeweler could be worth $6 million at Christie’s or Sotheby’s 25 years from now. (But don’t count on it…)

That said, chances are the more you spend, the more your watch will be worth in the long run. But if you’re in it for the sheer joy of collecting, follow your heart, buy what you love (from a reputable dealer of course) and then flaunt your prized possession for all to admire. After all, a watch is more than a timepiece, more than a status symbol, more than a precious jewel and family heirloom (although it is all of these things). For more than any other acquisition, a fine watch speaks volumes about the one who wears it.

Chances are the more you spend, the more your watch will be worth in the long run.

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DECO DIAMOND TRI TONE

FOCUS: BRAND SPOTLIGHT

STREAMLINED STYLE

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o become a real classic, one must be ahead of one’s time. The J12 from CHANEL has become an icon in watchmaking, much like CHANEL No. 5 in the world of fragrance.

CHANEL launched its prestige watchmaking activity in 1987, and turned to G&F Chatelain, founded by brothers Georges and Francis Chatelain in 1947, for its expertise. As one of the world’s premiere watch assembly workshops, G&F Chatelain unites traditional skills and high-tech production methods, performed with the most experienced hands. All areas of production are gathered together in an 8,000 meter floor space, which allows the manufacturer full oversight of the production process.

In 2000, the J12 was born. It embodies many CHANEL milestones, as its first sports watch inspired by the nautical world, its first unisex watch, the first to be waterproof to 200 meters, the first with an automatic movement, and the first to be made of high-tech scratch resistant ceramic. J12 Chromatic, born out of titanium ceramic, represents the newest generation.

Step-by-step, the J12 acquires an inalterable resistance, comparable to the most noble of diamonds. As each component of the timepiece is

developed, there is one constant: the watchmakers’ eye must remain vigilant and decisive in his rigor of execution. The work of a tool is guided by a hand with intelligence and ingenuity.

Once the components have been carefully crafted, the J12 is not yet complete, as its elements are dispersed. The various parts must be assembled: the movement, developed and produced by Swiss specialists, its working order checked for precision and regularity; the watch hands, positioned in place before being trimmed with the bezel in unscratchable sapphire glass; the bracelet, composed of three completely articulated rows of links for greater flexibility and comfort; the diamonds, placed with great respect for the watch’s harmony of line, to enhance the mysterious hightech ceramic with their intense dazzle; and finally, the CHANEL patented triple-folding butterfly-style buckle, made of gold or steel.

On the workbench, the J12 takes its final form of distinction and allure.

This watch of inalterable high-tech ceramic can stand up to any challenge for years to come. It is ready to go places and seek adventure. Though fully complete, the story of this timepiece has just begun.

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by Roberta Naas

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THE NEXT GENERATION PATEK PHILIPPE IS ALWAYS LOOKING AHEAD.

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atek Philippe has long been regarded as the epitome of watchmaking.

This legendary family-owned, Geneva-based brand has been crafting some of the finest watches in the world since 1839. Indeed, it has an impressive 70 patents to its credit and has won an amazing number of awards throughout its existence. Still, the brand continues to push the technological envelope, always on the cutting edge of research and development in an effort to bring the best horological masterpieces to the forefront. This manufacture produces everything in house according to the strictest standards of excellence.

For this and other reasons, the brand can easily stand by its tagline: “You never really own a Patek Philippe; you merely look after it for the next generation.” Indeed, perhaps more so than any other watch brand, Patek Philippe timepieces hold their value from decade to decade, century to century. In fact, Patek Philippe holds a record for achieving 15 of the 16 highest

prices ever paid for a timepiece at auction. What’s more, at a Christie’s auction this past spring, a one-of-a-kind 1944 Ref. 1527 chronograph garnered $5.7 million, breaking a record for any yellow gold watch ever sold at auction.

Naturally, the value of these watches lies in their incredible workmanship and esteemed complexity. Patek Philippe makes about 42,000 watches per year for worldwide consumption— and of the more complicated pieces, a very limited number are built. Only the finest, handpicked jewelers around the globe are selected to carry this brand.

Here, in an exclusive interview, Larry Pettinelli, president of Patek Philippe, USA, discusses the steadfast commitment of the brand to excellence and its belief that even the younger generation—one that flicks open its iPhones to check the time—can still

The value of these watches lies in the incredible workmanship and esteemed complexity.

Above: Men’s Annual Calendar, Ladies’ Nautilus 50

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understand the affinity for a timepiece New York (instead of Switzerland). that will long outlast them.

“We also work more closely than ever Pettinelli has been at the helm of with our retail jewelers to give them and Patek Philippe in the U.S. for four years their customers access to what they need now, but he has been with the company in terms of fine products,” says Pettinelli. since 1988, when he started as a trainee “We know that people have milestones in carrying watches for the son of the their lives to celebrate, and that they want distributor. It was two years before to pick things with value, especially today Pettinelli was even allowed to write an when they are scrutinizing every dollar order, and four years before he started they spend. A Patek Philippe will have discussing actual sales with retailers. inherent value from the minute they “‘There’s no reason to rush,’ I purchase it to 20 years down the road, and remember the owners telling me,” says 100 years down the road.”

Pettinelli, “’Because when we hire According to Pettinelli, he has built a someone, we hire them to stay for a long younger, higher-energy-level team at time.’”

Patek Philippe that understands today’s nd stay a long generation. “We don’t rest on our laurels, time, he did.

Larry Pettinelli, president, Patek Philippe, USA or take for granted that we are Patek and Today, 22 years that’s it,” says Pettinelli. “We keep later, Pettinelli developing new products, strategies and heads the relationships. Our retailers are our c o m p a n y in partners, and we try to give them great America and admits that the time has tools for their customers—for generations gone by in a heartbeat. As the to come.” awareness of Swiss watches rose, Among the most recent “great tools” Patek Philippe reached iconic status. are Annual Calendar watches, especially As vintage watch collecting grew and Refs. 5205 and 5207, the Nautilus global auctions became more and timepieces for women and men, and the more prevalent, the value of Patek exciting steel Twenty-4 for women.

Philippe timepieces became world Additionally, Patek Philippe takes its renowned. The brand blossomed and Generations ad campaign to a different the challenges were met in the U.S. as level, based on the concept of “Begin Your they were around the world: with a creed of exclusivity, Own Tradition.” It is centered on the emotions inherent in perfection and innovation. relationships (fathers and sons, mothers and daughters) and In the four years Pettinelli has been in charge in America, conveys the enduring value and beauty of something precious. he has taken a tighter reign over the brand’s distribution: The new campaign introduces the line “Something truly closing about 40 retail doors and making the product even precious holds its beauty forever.” more exclusive. Just about 100 retailers across America are now “It’s important to emphasize that we are building watches authorized to carry Patek Philippe timepieces. Those that do for the next generation, not just for now,” says Pettinelli. “We are are superbly trained, and most travel to Switzerland to visit the not an old, stodgy, conservative company. We offer newness, workshops and witness the revered watches being built. In innovation and excitement.” typical Patek Philippe style, the brand has also reorganized the way it services watches under warranty in America, and now offers faster turnaround by servicing most of their models in Left: Ladies’ Twenty-4

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“It’s important to emphasize that we are building watches for the next generation, not just for now,” says Pettinelli.

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ESSAY

THE FAMILY PEARLS A

s the cathedral bells pealed, the “new” bride and her groom turned to walk down the aisle. My mother and I were in Manila to celebrate her sister’s golden wedding anniversary. The assembled crowd of stylish men and women had spent months consulting their embroiderers, modistes and tailors—all to design traditional butterfly-sleeved ternos and barongs tagalog that would comply with the “Native Dress” request engraved in gold on the invitation.

While the keen-eyed could distinguish between piña that had been embroidered and tatted at one pet convent versus another, what really set the women apart were their pearls. My mother wore her prized princess length strand of golden 10 mm baroque natural (not cultured) pearls and her younger sister wore her stunning choker length strand of blue 8 mm natural pearls. But the real showstopper glowed on the bride—a perfectly matched 10 foot strand of creamy pink 6 mm natural pearls. As my aunt glided gracefully past us, she resembled my grandmother in the formal wedding portrait that hangs in the gallery of our family home in Manila.

A few days earlier, upon arriving at the traditional Spanish-style hacienda, my mother and her younger sister chatted about fittings with their modistes and donations to the convents while I lingered in the gallery studying the family portraits. At the very end stood the “lifesize” (at 5’10” I stand taller than the frame) oil painting of my maternal grandparents on their wedding day almost 75 years ago. The diminutive figures in the painting were resplendent in their native Filipino dress. I was struck by how realistically and beautifully the artist had rendered each pearl in my

grandmother’s necklace, which dramatically looped her tiny neck and grazed the hem of her dress.

Upon my grandmother’s death, she left each of her daughters the parure in her birthstone—emeralds for my mother, rubies for her elder sister and sapphires for her younger sister—but she left the “family pearls” to all three of them. After consulting our family jeweler, who had brokered the original acquisition of this extraordinary single strand that had taken over 50 years to match, the sisters decided to separate the necklace into three equal strands, each finished with a new platinum clasp adorned with a ruby, an emerald and a sapphire to represent the three sisters.

Over the years, as they dutifully had their pearls restrung annually, each one divided her strand and had the clasp reproduced to create a single strand with jeweled stations that could also be worn as nested strands, a shorter strand and a bracelet, or a choker with several bracelets. The “family pearls” (as my mother and her sisters always called them) had made many appearances over the years at various family events including weddings, christenings, anniversaries and even funerals. Once, as mother of the bride, my elder aunt had even worn her set combined with my younger aunt’s. But the entire original strand had never been reunited until that golden wedding anniversary. Almost another decade will pass before my own parents celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary—an event as rare and special as the pearls that will be worn to commemorate it.

While high-definition video has long replaced oil portraits, the idea of several generations and one very beautiful necklace reuniting to celebrate a milestone will never become outdated.

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IMAGE COURTESY OF MIKIMOTO

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