Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry by Accent Magazine

AC C E N T ♦ T H E M AG A Z I N E O F L I F E ’ S C E L E B R AT I O N S

POWER PIECES MAKE A STATEMENT PLATINUM PLEASURES PLUS: Gold Makes a Marriage Cruising in Style The Perfect Proposal

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FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

Contents fall/winter 2011 B AT O N R O U G E 7560 CORPORATE BOULEVARD 225.926.4644 MALL OF LOUISIANA, 225.766.6000 NEW ORLEANS LAKESIDE SHOPPING CENTER 504.832.0000 SHREVEPORT 6605 YOUREE DRIVE, 318.222.2929 L A F AY E T T E ACADIANA MALL, 337.981.8071 JACKSON, MS. NORTHPARK MALL, 601.957.6100 SAN ANTONIO, TX. NORTHSTAR MALL, 210.541.9575 THE SHOPS AT LA CANTERA, 210.699.9494 PRESIDENT & CEO LEE MICHAEL BERG C H I E F O P E R AT I N G O F F I C E R KENNETH S. GIKAS VICE PRESIDENT GREG JOHNSON

VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER MALL OF LOUISIANA JOHNNY TATE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER JANE HARRINGTON ADVERTISING MANAGER AMY GRAHAM BOARD OF DIRECTORS BRENDA BERG CHAD BERG RYAN BERG SCOTT BERG P U B L I S H E D B Y T H E B J I FA S H I O N G R O U P PUBLISHER STU NIFOUSSI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

46 Food: Culinary Class

2 Welcome Letter

48 Designers: Transformative Power

6 Lakeside Expansion

50 Travel: Having it All

8 Memorable Events

52 Profile: Hit the Links

10 Washington DC Mardi Gras

54 Spirits: Diamond Drams

12 Formula 1 in Spain

58 Crossword: Dazzle & Shine

18 Not Your Basic Black

C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R HANS GSCHLIESSER MANAGING EDITOR JILLIAN SPRAGUE PROJECT MANAGER LISA MONTEMORRA PRODUCTION MANAGER PEG EADIE DIRECTOR OF PREPRESS HUGH K. STANTON PRESIDENT AND CEO BRITTON JONES

20 Big Bright Bold

BRIDAL SECTION

22 Long Layering Necklaces

32 The Rings: Keeping it Real 35 The Jewels: Shine On

Prices are subject to change without notice and may vary

24 Profile: Timeless Beauty 26 Exquisite Cut Stones

36 Endearing Moments

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

28 Decadent Yellow Diamonds

38 The Proposal: Setting Sail

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

30 Alluring Sapphires

40 The Memories: Capture Your Love

ers accept no responsibilities for advertisers claims, unsolicited

43 Interview: Irresistibly Ivanka

CHAIRMAN AND COO MAC BRIGHTON

depending on size, quality and availability. Copyright 2011. Norwalk, CT 06856, 203-853-6015 • Fax: 203-852-8175; 686-4412 • Fax: 212-686-6821; All Rights Reserved. The publishmanuscripts, transparencies or other materials. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the publishers. Volume 9, Issue 2. Accent® is a trademark of Business Journals, Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and

44 Fashion: From the Runways

Trademark office. Printed In The U.S.A.

IMAGE OF BANGLES COURTESY OF IPPOLITA. COVER: PENNY PREVILLE BLACK DIAMOND COLLECTION.

FEATURES

2011 JOHN HARDY LIMITED

BEDEG COLLECTION

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2011-2012 SEASON

September 21 | MCCOY TYNER QUARTET Eight time Grammy award winning & NEA Jazz Master pianist

January 12 | DIANE SCHUUR Two time Grammy award winning jazz singer and pianist

April 26 | TERENCE BLANCHARD & PONCHO SANCHEZ

October 13 | JOHN PIZZARELLI World-renowned jazz guitarist and singer

Cubano Be! Cubano Bop! Tribute to Chano Pozo & Dizzy Gillespie

October 20 | JOE LOVANO US5 Grammy-winning saxophonist/composer featuring James Weidman, Esperanza Spalding, Francisco Mela & Otis Brown III

May 17 | PATTI AUSTIN Grammy-award-winning Jazz vocalist

ALL JAZZ MASTERS EVENTS ARE AT 7PM & 9PM | TICKET PRICES ARE $45 & $25 MANSHIP THEATRE | DOWNTOWN BATON ROUGE | 225.344.0334 | MANSHIPTHEATRE.ORG Special thanks to the River City Jazz Masters Series sponsors:

Proudly supporting the series and its educational initiatives.

www.artsbr.org 225.344.8558

The River City Jazz Coalition thanks: Verge and Cheri Ausberry, C.J. Blache and Sherri McConnell, Gary and Joyce Dennis, Maria and Brian Despinasse II, Leo and Gwendolyn Hamilton, Tim and Stacia Hardy, Dr. Antoine Keller and Allison Chauvin, Cornelius and Karen Lewis, Drs. Jamel and Nicolette Martin, Ronald and Belinda Mason, The John and Virginia Noland Fund, Albert and Roberta Sam and The Josef Sternberg Memorial Fund.

PROFILE Mikimoto strands are world-renowned for their perfectly matched pearls; this process becomes exponentially more difficult when strands are longer.

Timeless Beauty

MIKIMOTO CULTURED PEARLS—A PERFECT BALANCE OF TRADITION AND INNOVATION BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

A Unique History

After many years of trials and tribulations, Kokichi Mikimoto succeeded in creating the world’s first cultured pearl in 1893. He then sent artisans on missions to Europe to master the techniques of jewelry production and design. This knowledge, supplemented by the Japanese aesthetics of form, line and workmanship, produced the distinctive originality of Mikimoto designs. In 1899, equipped with his first collection, Mr. Mikimoto opened the first Mikimoto Pearl Store, Japan’s first specialty pearl shop, in Tokyo’s Ginza district. After improving his cultivating and harvesting techniques, he was able to ship his product overseas, making cultured pearls available to women around the world.

IMAGES COURTESY OF MIKIMOTO

f all the love stories over the ages, does anything beat the intensity of Cleopatra and Marc Antony? Betting him that she could consume the wealth of an entire nation in one meal, Cleopatra removed a pearl earring, crushed it, and drank the powder mixed with wine. Under her spell and hopelessly enchanted, Antony neglected his duties to the Roman Empire, thus changing forever the course of history. Since ancient times, pearls have indeed symbolized everything from purity of love to victory in battle. From symbol of chastity to mystical aphrodisiac, pearls have reflected the power of love. Worn by ancient Greeks at their wedding ceremonies to ensure marital bliss (and prevent new brides from crying), pearls are worn today by modern brides for strangely similar reasons. After all this time, pearls still represent innocence, sophistication and timeless beauty. In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto successfully created the world’s first cultured pearl, launching today’s cultured pearl industry and making cultured pearls available to women all over the world. The company is internationally respected for its dedication to beauty and quality. Since each pearl is as different and individual as a fingerprint, quality grading standards are essential. Mikimoto has maintained the highest standards of quality and consistency by devoting more than a century to understanding the sea and researching the oyster. They’ve developed a proprietary grading system,

unique within the cultured pearl industry. Although no single factor can solely represent the worth of a pearl, luster and surface perfection are most important. There are four Mikimoto grades: A, A+, AA and AAA, with AAA being the highest quality. A mere three to five pearls out of every 100 harvested are deemed worthy to bear the Mikimoto name. While there is nothing more cherished than a classic strand of Mikimoto pearls, numerous fashion options abound. For 2012, these include:

LONGER STRANDS Ranging in length from 32 to an astounding 100 inches, these longer strands are the perfect accessory and a wonderful gift for today’s modern woman. Taking the classic beauty of a traditional choker to a whole new level, these versatile strands, whether worn for day or evening, alone or layered with another piece of jewelry, add glamour to any occasion. Not only a unique fashion look, these long strands truly showcase the superior quality for which Mikimoto is revered. Each strand is a work of art, requiring incredible skill, judgment and craftsmanship. Mikimoto strands are worldrenowned for their perfectly matched pearls and this process becomes exponentially more difficult when strands are longer. Demanding the finest judgment and artistic sense, only Mikimoto has the ability to sort and match such long lengths of pearls.

PEARLS IN MOTION

contrast to the classic, feminine elegance of white pearls, Mikimoto Black South Seas are pearls with attitude, emitting an air of confidence. Day or night, from the boardroom to the runway, Black South Sea pearls are the perfect complement to any outfit, and an icon of style and taste. Because of their breathtaking natural hues, fashion mavens and connoisseurs alike consider Mikimoto’s Black South Sea cultured pearls to be among the most distinctive of all gems. With their hypnotic depth of color ranging from light gray to peacock green to midnight black, these treasures of the sea seem lit from within, conferring a remarkable radiance and sophistication upon those fortunate enough to wear them. In 1914, Kokichi Mikimoto established a culturing site for Black South Sea pearl oysters on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa, Japan. Since that time, the brand has remained the authority on Black South Sea cultured pearls of the highest quality. Almost a century later, Black South Sea jewelry remains a formidable fashion trend as style-savvy consumers are embracing these gems as never before. Mikimoto’s international design team uses Black South Sea cultured pearls to create jewels of impeccable style and quality, from a perfectly-matched choker to a multi-colored 45” strand that can be layered or wrapped.

CARING FOR PEARLS

The rules are simple: Wipe gently with a soft cloth after wearing and store separately so they don’t get scratched. Remember: pearls are organic gemstones, and thus vulnerable to acid, alkaline and humidity. That said, pearls beg to be worn; left alone in a box they risk dehydration, so wear them often and flaunt your elegance and style!

With Pearls in Motion, the possibilities are unlimited. This unique concept in jewelry design offers the versatility to wear Mikimoto cultured pearls in an infinite number of ways. Place the cultured pearls anywhere along the slim, elegant chain. The gems will remain in place thanks to Mikimoto’s exclusive, patented mechanism.

BLACK SOUTH SEA Mikimoto Black South Sea cultured pearls, with their exotic origins and mysterious color palette, are a versatile must-have for today’s trendsetters looking to make an edgy fashion statement. In direct

BAROQUE COUTURE COLLECTION

The natural beauty of Mikimoto’s Baroque South Sea cultured pearls is derived from their superb luster and irregular, yet beautiful, silhouettes. The unique organic shapes of these pearls make them a constant marvel to behold, a true fashion statement and conversation piece. Baroque Couture is a collection of one-of-a-kind Mikimoto jewelry inspired by the Baroque pearl. The Baroque Couture Collection uses the distinctive shape and size of each individual pearl as the subject of each exclusive design. Nature determines the setting and Mikimoto designers fulfill each pearl’s destiny. Says Amy Kim-Araneo, Mikimoto’s vice president of product development and design: “Designing baroque pearl jewelry is incredibly exciting and challenging because no two pearls are alike, so each piece takes on its own personality. The unique shape of each pearl truly dictates the design…as if it knows what it wants to be. The organic, fluid designs of Baroque Couture really conform to the body and showcase a more modern, less traditional look in pearl jewelry.”

Rock Tradition.

NEW EBEL BRASILIA

WEDDINGS

TheBigDay

THE RINGS

BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

Keeping It Real WHY THE WORLD GOLD COUNCIL HAS ADDED A DOSE OF HUMOR TO THEIR NEW MARKETING CAMPAIGN.

he fact that almost 78 percent of women in the U.S. purchase gold wedding bands (according to a study by The Knot Market Intelligence) should keep the folks at the World Gold Council pretty happy. But according to Michael Pace, VP of marketing for the U.S. at the World Gold Council, there is no reason to get complacent. In fact, by adding some levity to their ad campaign, this organization is reminding both brides and grooms that gold plays a central role in a happy marriage. “We’re changing the tone of how we speak to younger consumers who are searching for their marriage bands, so the ads really engage them and stand out in the bridal category,” Pace explains. “The ‘Gold Makes it a Marriage’ campaign is also backed up big time by a new Facebook page with videos, ads and some very interactive features.” There’s even a ‘Makes it a Match’ app that takes information from your Facebook page and your partner’s, comparing them to show what you have in common.

The main message of the new campaign, according to Pace, is that most of the intricate details of your wedding (no matter how special) don’t last, and even the memories eventually fade, but the rings remain with you always. A gold marriage band is a symbol of a timeless and precious relationship and should therefore be a priority in your list of purchases for your wedding. “Your great uncle nearly breaking a hip to Bust a Move makes it a wedding; gold makes it a marriage” is a typical headline from the campaign. Then there’s a wonderful video, in which real married couples of all ages are asked about specific aspects of the big day. As might be predicted, their memories are vague and inconsistent; their responses are thus highly comical, especially some of the details that young couples obsess over (e.g. “We argued about the exact angle to set up the chairs…”). “Gold is the original and authentic metal of love and was used for marriage bands by the Romans as far back as the 2nd century A.D.,” explains Pace. “Our new campaign focuses on this intrinsic value: your relationship is genuine—make sure your ring is too. Our goal is to create an emotional connection with both brides and grooms…” And speaking of grooms, Pace says 97 percent of married men in the U.S. wear a wedding band, according to The Knot Market Intelligence study, and that most often it’s the only piece of jewelry they wear. So we say to those brides-to-be: You want him to keep the ring on his finger? Make sure it’s fabulous and make sure it’s real gold!

THE MESSAGE IS THE MESSAGE A key advantage of using gold for wedding bands is that it’s highly malleable and thus engravable. In fact, throughout the ages, messages printed on gold bands have revealed many wonderful secrets of adoration and adulation. For those who can’t get beyond ‘I luv u’, here are a few suggestions: To the moon and back • Worth waiting for • A deal’s a deal • A lifetime of happiness • You jump, I jump See www.facebook.com/gold for more information about how ‘Gold Makes it a Marriage’ B R I D A L

S E C T I O N

ACCENT INSERT: FRONT trim 8.75”x10.75” ISSUE: Fall Materials Supplied Insert: PDF/X-1a SHIPPED TO: Lisa Montemorra • 1384 Broadway, 11th Floor • New York, NY 10018 • Telephone: 212 710 7416 • Fax: 212 686 6821 • Email: lisam@busjour.com

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

Color Grade E

Clarity Grade VS1

Cut Grade

Excellent

Laser Inscription Registry Number GIA 16354621

Natural Diamond Not Synthetic

A GIA report is certainty from the source. As creator of the 4Cs and the International Diamond Grading System,™ GIA sets the standards for diamond assessment, worldwide. Unbiased. Scientific. A report from GIA gives you a clear understanding of your diamond’s quality. Look for GIA Diamond Grading Reports and the jewelers who offer them. www.4cs.gia.edu

THE UNIVERSAL STANDARD BY WHICH GEMS ARE JUDGED.

AGENCY: The Shand Group, Chris Weakley 805 969 1068 ADVERTISER: GIA

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PRODUCTION CONTACT: Melissa Helvey 818 242 2427 ISSUE: ACCENT Insert FRONT

8/31/11 12:56 PM

THE JEWELS

BY HANNAH ROTH These platinum, sapphire and diamond rings are very similar to the engagement ring worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

Shine On CHOOSE THE METAL THAT’S HOT WITH THE STARS.

latinum has long been heralded as the crème de la crème of jewelry settings. Not only is the metal durable and resistant to corrosion, but platinum is also rare and eternal, much like the qualities of love. Most celebrities choose platinum for their rings because they want their large diamonds (20.5 carats in Kim Kardashian’s case!) to be as radiant and beautifully showcased as possible. Another admirable quality of platinum is its natural white color, which flawlessly sets off the brilliance of the diamond and enhances the wowfactor. Here, some sparkling examples of why platinum is a gorgeous option for highlighting a gorgeous rock: Emily Blunt’s engagement to John Krasinski was made even more special by the addition of her three-carat Edwardian diamond and platinum ring. The custom-designed ring features side-scalloped detailing of alternating diamond and platinum ripples, emphasizing the

flawless cut and clarity of the center stone impeccably. The unique engagement ring given to Katherine Heigl by nowhusband Josh Kelley boasts a three-carat pear shaped diamond flanked by rows of pavé diamonds. The everlasting quality of platinum jewelry is apparent in this design—half of the platinum band is actually from Heigl’s mother’s own engagement ring! Beyonce and Jay-Z, the power-couple to rival all power-couples, exhibit their love in an equally powerful fashion. Beyonce’s 18-carat emerald-cut diamond set in platinum is reportedly worth $5 million and is a prime example of the brilliance and clarity a diamond can project when properly displayed.

FAST FACTS:

IMAGES COURTESY OF PLATINUM GUILD INTERNATIONAL

• Platinum is naturally white, so it won’t cast any color on a diamond. • Platinum will never fade or change color. • Platinum is the strongest metal, making it the best option to securely hold large diamonds. • Platinum is eternal, with everlasting radiance and durability. • Platinum won’t chip or scratch. • Platinum is the most precious of metals.

This brilliant cut diamond with pavé surround is comparable to Natalie Portman’s platinum and diamond engagement ring.

This three-stone ring closely resembles Kim Kardashian’s 20.5 carat stunner.

B R I D A L

S E C T I O N

THE PROPOSAL

BY AUSTIN DIAS

Setting Sail

fter searching for weeks, I finally stumbled across the perfect ring. The center stone appeared to float among the tiny diamonds that surrounded it. Next, I went to visit her parents to ask them for their blessing. They were excited and shared their wisdom with me. Her Mom asked if she could see the ring, but I politely declined since I didn’t want anyone to see the ring before Jessica. I had been planning to propose on a weekend that was over a month away, but couldn’t stand having the ring, since I knew it belonged on her finger. I had a few ideas for what the ultimate proposal would be, but I finally settled on one that involved our love of sailing and was going to take a large amount of preparation, teamwork and secrecy. The plan involved borrowing a sailboat and organizing a crew of friends to sail the boat. I worked with a friend from a local sail making company to put “Marry Me?” on the spinnaker sail. Meanwhile, I was also contacting some of my best buddies to help crew the boat on this special mission. I created a plan for them that detailed multiple possible locations for the proposal: all depended upon the day’s wind direction and even included a “no wind” plan that involved putting the sail up and motoring backwards to make the spinnaker fly! The final piece of the puzzle was to have a professional photographer taking paparazzi-type photos while the proposal was unfolding. The night before, I called Jessica and told her that I had just received a gift certificate to a nice restaurant on the bay. I wanted to wait until the B R I D A L

last minute to make it seem like it was nothing special, until I found out her roommate had already made plans with her! I spent the next day scrambling to contact her roommate to convince her to cancel. Now the plan was in place! I met the crew at the boat and they all looked sharp in their khaki pants and white polos. They told me that I needed to leave! I was pretty nervous as I reviewed the plan over and over again. Finally, after what felt like the longest day of my life, I picked up Jess and headed down to the bay. I asked her if we could go on a walk and she agreed that it would be nice. The ring was burning in my pocket! Then we noticed a boat dangerously close to the rocks… “What is that boat doing?!” she asked, concerned. “I don’t know, let’s watch,” I replied. The big white spinnaker sail flew up and in large red letters she read, “Marry Me?” She turned around to find me on one knee and the ring sparkling in the sunset. She cried with excitement and said, “YES, YES, YES!” My ultimate proposal came together perfectly, with my friends cheering wildly, and I held my fiancée in my arms as she wore the ring of her dreams. The Jewelry Information Center’s second annual Ultimate Proposal Contest invited couples to submit their special proposal stories at www. JIC.org, and asked America to vote for a favorite amongst 10 Top Finalists. More than 6,000 people cast their vote to choose the winner. Austin Dias and his fiancée, Jessica Williams, won a seven-night Caribbean cruise from Norwegian Cruise Lines and a pair of platinum and diamond wedding bands. The story has been edited for ACCENT. S E C T I O N

BY JILLIAN SPRAGUE

BEFORE THE FIRST DANCE AND THE CAKE CUTTING COMES THE EXCHANGE OF RINGS, THOSE ICONIC SYMBOLS OF YOUR ETERNAL VOWS. CAPTURE THE BRILLIANCE OF YOUR WEDDING RINGS IN A PHOTOGRAPH AS TIMELESS AND UNIQUE AS YOUR LOVE.

ALL IMAGES BY JACKIE PFEFFER / CLICK. PICTURES

THE MEMORIES

B R I D A L

S E C T I O N

A profound and eternal love deserves a diamond of breathtaking beauty.

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.

ACCENT FALL 2011

INTERVIEW

Irresistibly Ivanka TALENTED, DRIVEN, AND VERY MUCH HER OWN PERSON, IVANKA TRUMP CONTINUES THE LEGACY. BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

How and why did you get into the jewelry business? My mother’s Legacy jewelry collection always inspired me, and my love for the classic aesthetic helped propel my vision. I realized the luxury fine jewelry market was missing a fresh, young design approach. That’s where my vision of “Rock Tradition” plays a vital role—it’s a modern twist on jewelry’s most important classic. I’ve always had a passion for jewelry. I wanted to make women of my time feel comfortable buying fine jewelry. Where do you get the ideas and inspiration for your designs? My creative vision is Heirloom Chic, the youthful reinvention of important legacy jewelry. Heirloom Chic puts a modern twist on classic jewelry, capturing a sense of fine workmanship, tradition and offhand elegance. I’m influenced by everything around me, especially my travels. Tell us a little about your fall 2011 collection. My 2011 collection is named Noor, meaning “light” in Arabic. It’s an exquisite new line of Art Deco-style jewels inspired by the sensual transparency of vintage lace, the play of light through its delicate pattern, and the intricate ornamentation of Byzantine architecture with its mosaic and arabesque patterns. I drew inspiration for the Noor collection beginning in 2010 while traveling to Morocco, Turkey and Baku, Azerbaijan. Design elements from these rich cultures were incorporated into the interior of the Trump Soho lobby and spa while some references were transformed into sketches for the new jewelry collection. What is your personal favorite piece from your collection? It has to be the medium signature oval diamond earrings: they really make a statement but are classically understated at the same time. How would you describe your jewelry style at the office? I stick to chic, timeless items like delicate bangles, banded rings and elegant earrings. I have a pair of rose gold rock crystal bangles from my fine jewelry collection that are perfectly understated for the office. I love statement jewelry, but there’s a time and place for it. If you do choose to bring statement jewelry into the office, it‘s important to balance it with a more conservative outfit. What have you learned (about business/life) from your father? I love working with my father! I’ve learned a great deal from him over the years. He taught me that hard work never goes out of style and to always be prepared for interviews, meetings, discussions, everything. Work hard. Create a strong and consistent identity—your name and reputation are your best assets. I couldn’t ask for a better mentor. What advice would you give to a bride-to-be about her wedding? Enjoy every moment—it goes by too quickly! How do you think motherhood will change you? It’s hard to say until I know my daughter’s needs and personality, but I hope to do as much as possible, while trying to be flexible and accommodating.

Getting Personal Describe Self: Driven Favorite Vacation Spot: Trump Waikiki Favorite Restaurant: Quattro at Trump Soho—fantastic light Italian food Favorite Cocktail: Champagne Favorite Movie: Snow Flower & The Secret Fan. It was amazing! Favorite Book: Atlas Shrugged On your iPod: Katy Perry and Kanye West Hero or Mentor: My parents What few people know about you: I am an expert bowler!

FASHION

MIXED MATERIALS FORMERLY FROWNED UPON, MIXED METALS AND STONES RULED THE FALL 2011 RUNWAYS. BY KELSEY WHITE

Runways

From the

FOOD

Culinary Class

CHATEAU D'ANCY LE FRANC

IT’S A LOT MORE THAN COOKING... BY DONALD CHARLES RICHARDSON

n a quiet afternoon, an American tourist wandering around a shop in Rome struck up a conversation with the young woman behind the counter. After chatting for a few minutes, the saleswoman looked curiously at the customer, then leaned forward and confidentially asked why the visitor was shopping instead of sightseeing. “After all,” she whispered, “you have everything in the U.S.” It’s true that finding things to bring home is becoming increasingly difficult. Every fashion house in the world is represented in the U.S., and American jewelry shops not only have a full range of pieces created in America, but an elaborate and extensive collection of European designs as well. That leaves T-shirts, baseball caps and coffee mugs. Do you really need another one? There is one other thing, one aspect of a vacation that won’t shrink, fade, or crack over time: memories. Walking through the Piazza San Marco late at night, your first moments in the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, watching

the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London… while cooking dinner. For some people, the last thing they want to do during a holiday is see the inside of a kitchen. But there are many others who find the opportunity to learn a new dish to be a marvelous souvenir. Coming home with cooking knowledge has several advantages. It’s not something that needs to be declared at customs. An innovative dish can kick your confidence up a notch and make you feel like a real chef. And, of course, once a group of friends are gathered around your dining room table, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to tell your trapped guests all about your vacation. Cooking classes have in fact become a staple at leading restaurants and hotels all over the world. At the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, the hotel’s chefs, under the direction of executive chef Siegfried Eisenberger (1998 coach of the Apprentice Team and captain of the U.S. Culinary Olympic Team) guide novices to gourmets through topics such as Entertaining at Home, Summer Grilling, Hors d’oeuvres Made Easy and Dessert Specialties.

island), where the chef teaches about Cretan food. Next, everyone adjourns to the kitchen for a practical lesson featuring local ingredients. Of course, all sit down together to share the meal and a bottle of the local wine. Chef Philippe Masseglia at the famous Le Bartolomeo restaurant at the Hotel Guanahani on St. Barths also takes a casual approach to cooking classes. Guests who dine at his restaurant and like a particular item on the menu can simply ask how it’s made. They’re invited into the chef’s kitchen where he greets them as friends, opens a bottle of wine, and teaches them how to prepare their favorite dish. Nearly everyone (except maybe Greeks and Italians) agrees that French cooking is the ultimate gastronomic experience. The French take both cooking and eating very seriously and the country abounds in cooking classes. These two are bound to whet the appetite. In the Loire Valley, the Château Hotel de la Bourdaisiere is a magnificent 15th-century castle owned by Prince Louis Albert de Broglie. In this sophisticated and majestic environment, the park and the gardens are cultivated in the big market garden tradition. To bring to light the simple beauty found in a vegetable, the master gardener sets flowers and aromatic herbs in original arrangements in crannies of chestnut trees around the property. There are also 80 acres of park and historic gardens including a grand vegetable garden, famous for its collection of 650 tomato varieties (the château hosts an annual tomato festival). Here, cooking classes are many and may include harvesting produce from the garden, preparing lunch or dinner under the guidance of the chef, and even tours of local vineyards. VILLA LE MASCHERE

To make you feel even more official, the Broadmoor will arrange for you to take your apron home with you. In the summer, guests at the Hasting House Country House Hotel on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia are invited to catch Dungeness crabs. You’ll board a boat, help pull up a crab trap, and learn how to clean and prepare your catch. Finally, the executive chef teaches guests how to cook crab specialties and everyone sits down to a communal dinner. Then there’s the Borgo Santo Pietro, a 13th-century villa surrounded by 13 acres of gardens in the Tuscan hillside not far from Florence. In this peaceful setting (800 years ago pilgrims rested here on their way to Rome) cooking classes are held in the kitchen, under the guidance of chefs Richard Gynn or Nicole Ianesi. Guests have the choice of cooking a pasta, bread, or dessert item. If you want to truly indulge in Tuscan cooking, each year in April and October Borgo Santo Pietro offers a three-night, two-day Tuscan cooking experience. This special package features a visit to the cheese production hub in the local village of Palazzetto and a tour of the herb and vegetable gardens at Borgo, guided by the veggie garden keeper, Davide. After gathering ingredients, cooking classes begin with traditional Tuscan specialties: breads, antipasti, pastas and sauces. Also in Tuscany is Villa Le Maschere. Built in the 16th-century by the Bettini family, this villa is situated in the hills of the Mugello region near Lake Bilancino. The stunning site is important not just for aesthetic reasons but because Mugello has the highest agricultural production rate in all of Tuscany. In its

COOKING CLASSES HAVE BECOME A STAPLE AT LEADING RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS ALL OVER THE WORLD. panorama, white wild boar and sheep feed on chestnuts and porcini and the region’s famous cattle graze freely. Naturally, this location has a dramatic effect on the cooking classes. Master Chef Fabio Matteo Danzo begins his classes by selecting from the region’s (and the season’s) freshest ingredients. Students prepare a meal at the hotel’s Il Pioppo Nero restaurant. Once the cooking is completed it’s tutti a tavola overlooking the Tuscan countryside from which the wonderful meal emanated. The Greeks are famous for their hospitality, particularly around the dinner table; it’s not unusual for meals to go on for hours. One of the most famous areas for food is the island of Crete. Here, not only is the cuisine delicious, it’s also rumored to be one of the healthiest diets in the world. The Cretans eat primarily only what they grow or make. At the lovely Avli in Rethymnon, the cooking classes are relaxed events. Guests are invited to gather in the garden restaurant (one of the most beautiful locations on the

The Château d’Ancy-le-Franc, in Burgundy, is a Renaissance palace. It’s considered a work of art, by the famous Italian architect Sébastiano Serlio, master of symmetry and of 16th-century architecture, who was summoned to the French court by François I. The château sits on the lands of the Dukes of Burgundy and contains the largest collection of Renaissance murals in France. Cooking classes are taught by Parisian chef Judicael Ruch and take place in the old kitchens, which in the 17th century belonged to Louis XIV’s famous minister, the Marquess of Louvois, and once even hosted the king. Each course is paired with Laroche wines from the region. There’s more to gain than simply learning how to sauté or mix. Along with chefs and other students, you’ll meet sommeliers, gardeners and pastry experts. And once you arrive back at home, you can enthrall your guests with tales of kitchen adventures as you serve your latest accomplishment. As Julia Child said, “Dining with one’s friends and family is certainly one of life’s primal delights, both soul-satisfying and eternal.”

DESIGNERS You’ve talked about jewelry as enhancing and empowering women; can you explain what you mean by that? For me, jewelry has always had a transformative quality—a great necklace or the perfect stack of bangles can really lift a mood, inspire confidence, make a woman feel more beautiful, more sexy, more herself. When you feel beautiful, you feel confident and that’s empowering. In general, what inspires your designs going into 2012? It seems I can never get enough color, or sparkle! So for 2012 you’ll see a big emphasis on gorgeous colors in bright and tonal hues across all three metals. And then there is the bling factor—expanding my diamond category in a sophisticated and somewhat unexpected way has been fun for me. I just spent two weeks traveling in Asia and India and was completely inspired by EVERYTHING: the cuisine, the language, the architecture, the diversity and the dichotomy—especially in India. You really have this interesting sense that while this is the oldest living civilization on earth, it is also incredibly modern in many ways. My design sensibility has remained pretty consistent. What constantly evolves is my desire to work with new and interesting materials. How do you account for your incredibly strong following? When I started out, I was designing the kind of jewelry I wanted to wear but couldn’t find. No one was crafting truly wearable fine jewelry that you could wear everyday, all day. As I continued to develop my collection, it became clear that this concept of creating fashion fine jewelry resonated with women—all kinds of women. They embraced the wearability, the versatility and the collectability—the idea of building a wardrobe. What’s really inspiring is the range of women who wear my jewelry, from young ingenues to established actors to musicians and artists. What are you personally wearing a lot of these days? I love the simplicity and versatility of a long link chain. It’s the perfect day to night piece: I wear it doubled at the office and when I go out in the evening I wear it long with a great pair of drop earrings. The 19 gold and diamond bangles I wear everyday have become my signature and are definitely my favorites. Other than design, what are you doing these days? One of my goals this year has been to make time for art— to see it, to create it, to appreciate it. Art rejuvenates and inspires me; it makes me a more creative designer.

Transformative Power IPPOLITA’S JEWELRY INSPIRES CONFIDENCE. AND JOY! BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN Ideally, I would love to travel less and spend more time with my family just enjoying the simple moments—cooking a great meal together or watching a favorite movie. What are you most proud of? What would you change? I am most proud of raising a confident and independent daughter and instilling in her the importance of pursuing your passions, working hard and being a good person. Of course I am immensely proud of the business I’ve created, but this is a team effort and I work with an incredible group of people. I think we are all constantly evolving into the people we are meant to be, so while I embrace change, I really just try to live in the moment and be who I am.

TRAVEL

Having It All WHY SACRIFICE INTIMACY FOR VARIETY WHEN YOU CAN HAVE BOTH? BY LENORE RICH

adore the warmth and sophistication of a small ship (why should I dine with thousands?) yet hate to forego the myriad activities of a large one. Wanting both options, and unsure if I’d be craving a burger bar or a sushi bar, a pomegranate martini or a double chocolate milkshake,

I set out to discover a “luxurious and healthful small ship experience” aboard a mega-ship. Just to be safe, I booked two one-week cruises aboard Celebrity’s award-winning Solstice Class ships, each easily housing 2,850 passengers

and touted by Frommer’s as “the most fragrantly beautiful mega-ships ever built.” Venues include a spa (with treatments like bamboo massage, acupuncture, Botox, and 14K gold facials), a fitness center with spectacular water views, and state-of-the-art theaters (one equipped for “cirque-type” aerialists). Lounge options include a martini bar with frosted counters and a molecular bar tended by lab coat wearing mixologists who create tantalizing smoking concoctions with liquid nitrogen. Consider the “Lawn Club”, a half-acre of real grass on which you can play bocce, hone your putting skills, sunbathe, picnic or sip chardonnay under the stars. And—to satisfy the newly-emerging cruise demographic of 30 to 50 year olds—a fabulous nightclub! y mission was to have it all, but without the lines, crowds and 5,000-plus calories a day (despite my husband’s desire for all of this!). So here’s what I found: Booking one of 130 coveted “spa-inspired” AquaClass staterooms grants exclusive entry to “Blu”, a signature dining room that “puts a spin on spa cuisine.” Here, open-seating breakfasts (smoothies and frittatas included) and healthful dinners are available in a serene, intimate setting. Unlimited access to the relaxation room and “Persian Gardens” (a peaceful enclave within the spa), Frette robes, Hansgrohe shower panels, and a spa concierge are among the enhancements. If spa-inspired is not your thing but pampering is, consider Concierge Class or a Butler suite.

WOULD I CRAVE A POMEGRANATE MARTINI OR A CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKE?

Don’t Leave Home Without It! • Pack sample sizes of suntan lotions, insect repellent and cosmetics. Consider ear plugs, chargers, a mini flashlight, crazy glue, baggies. • An over-the-door shoe caddy or organizer is a space saver in the cabin and a catch-all for small items. • Duct tape, now in an array of colors and patterns, can save the day. Repair a torn hem or handbag, secure rattling hangers or drawers in rocky seas, secure your favorite cap to the deck chair or personalize your black luggage for easy identification. Turquoise? Leopard? Go for it! • Copies of passports, credit cards, tickets and prescriptions (including eyeglasses) should be left with a contact and also carried with you. Or why not email them to yourself for easy access? • Cross pack with your travel companion. If one bag is lost or delayed you’ll each have something to wear! And seriously consider travel insurance for those unexpected problems. • Alert credit card companies, particularly if traveling out of the country, and find out which of them assess (hidden) foreign purchase fees, often 3%. • A current passport with an expiration date well beyond your travel return date is crucial. Check the expiration when booking your trip. Need a visa? Injections? Plan ahead!

Specialty restaurants were well worth the surcharge. In Murano, five (gorgeous!) servers treated our party of four royally, flambéing, deboning and tossing contemporary French cuisine tableside. Qsine, one of the most innovative restaurants on land or sea, was a culinary adventure. Forewarned that this venue is best experienced with others, our table of eight newfound friends perused menu offerings on iPads and Rubics-cube-likegizmos. The internationally-themed food was creative, delicious and outrageous, evoking much good cheer for the duration of our four-hour meal. (Although we missed the evening’s scheduled entertainment, we created our own.) To avoid the elaborate lunch buffet on sea days (a tough task since the aroma is hard to resist), we opted for lunch at the more sedate creperie, conveniently located near the gelateria! (Those in the know head here as soon as they board.) Celebrity has designed on-board programs categorized as Savour, Discover and Renew. I can hone the art of wine pairing or choose to detox for health and weight loss. I can learn a new language with Rosetta Stone or practice it in the iLounge. An urge to tango? Prepare a gourmet meal? How about a Smithsonian lecturer? The possibilities are overwhelming... so I head to the spa to de-stress! Clearly, there’s something for every taste on the high seas and I know I’ll be back to try it all! Or I can just sink into the closest cocoon chair with a pineapple caipirinha and do absolutely nothing!

WITH LIMITED STORAGE AND NEW AIRLINE WEIGHT REGULATIONS, PACKING LIGHT IS KEY. • Create a wardrobe based on solid neutrals. (Yes— sage is a neutral!) Fabulous accessories are key. Will your tablemates remember that you wore the same “column of black” on multiple evenings, or will they remember your gorgeous leopard scarf, red belt, or statement necklace? • Men: Good time to come out of your comfort zone with great belts, ties and watches. Try that pink or lavender shirt you won’t wear at home and prepare for compliments. • Note: Several cruise lines have relaxed their dress code to Country Club Casual. Those who lament leaving their gown or tux at home, play up the accessories. Diamonds and gemstones spell instant black tie glamour. • Consider the purchase of a new camera or laptop on board. Celebrity, an authorized Apple reseller, gives lessons in the iLounge—you’ll have the entire cruise to get advice from the experts.

PROFILE

Hit the Links DICK TRACY’S RADIO WATCH HAS NOTHING ON TAG HEUER’S NEW LINK LUXURY SMARTPHONES. BY ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON

t’s been a busy year for TAG Heuer, with new releases like the limited edition Monza Chronograph evoking (and updating) 1930s Italian race culture, the introduction of the Carrera Heritage Collection, which harkens back to the 1960s, and landing the official watch and eyewear partnership for the 2011 Monaco Grand Prix. With an eye to the 21st century, the company also released the ultra-high frequency Microtimer Flying 1000 concept chronograph, which it says is the first mechanical chronograph precise to 1,000th of a second. Perhaps the most intriguing innovation for the company this year is the recent introduction of the TAG Heuer Link, an Android-powered luxury smartphone. This marks the company’s second foray into high-tech electronics, following the 2008 launch of the Meridiist mobile phone. The Link, billed as “the first Swiss luxury touchscreen smartphone,” combines elements of TAG Heuer’s emphasis on watchmaking precision and design with avant-garde technological prowess. The hand-assembled phone features Android’s 2.2 OS, eight gigs of built-in memory, a five-megapixel camera with auto focus and flash, 480x800 pixel/16 million color screen resolution, MP3 player (with available apps for FM radio and DivX video, and eventually video conferencing), along with all the usual niceties like Bluetooth tech, WiFi/WAPI

connectability and 3.5G download speeds (where available). The entire Android library of apps is at your fingertips, but the phone also comes preloaded with a host of TAG Heuer-themed add-ons. This, however, is where the Link phone diverges from the average, minimalist smartphone. Luxury touches begin with the battery cover, available in calfskin, 3D carbon leather, alligator or white lizard. Watch elements—a beveled face, watchband-inspired leather covers, a Carrerainspired crown and an etched TAG Heuer logo—draw on TAG Heuer’s 150year heritage. A variety of models offer up unique stitching, trim and housing: The “3D Carbon Leather” (in red or brown) is as sleek as a security briefcase, with satin-brushed stainless steel housing and contrast stitching. “Prestige” (in black or brown) is wrapped in alligator leather and features rose gold highlights on the loudspeaker, earpiece and crown. The exclusive “White Lizard” model (just released in September 2011) is encased in white lizard skin, with polished stainless steel sides and rear cover, set with over 1,000 VS-1 clear diamonds (2.53 total carat weight). Like TAG Heuer’s watches, the Link smartphone is designed for the most up-to-date functionality, but also to impress. In both cases, it crosses the finish line far ahead of the competition.

SPIRITS

Diamond Drams MAKE YOUR NEXT COCKTAIL WITH THESE JEWELRY-THEMED LIQUORS. BY ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON

‘‘F

or me, the diamond dawns are set in rings of beauty,” wrote 19th-century American author John Townsend Trowbridge. Gems are everywhere if you look for them. Now you can adorn your home bar with boozy diamonds, pearls and platinum. Vodka is often passed through charcoal during the distillation process to remove impurities and enhance smoothness. What is charcoal but unfinished diamonds? As a result, many brands are opting for swankier filtration methods. Russian Diamond runs its vodka through quartz, “coconut” charcoal and crushed diamonds, while the new organic (and kosher) Croatian vodka Akvinta filters its elixir five times, through charcoal, marble, silver, gold and platinum. No need to limit your gemstone bar to vodka: Maestro Dobel tequila, a funky mix of various aged tequilas (12, 24 and 36 months) is “diamond distilled” (we think they mean filtered) and follows the “Four Cs” of alcohol: Clarity (filtering), Crispness, Complexity and Craftsmanship. Meanwhile, Armazem Vieria Cachaças (similar to rum) from the Brazilian island of Santa Catalina are barrel-aged and fractionally-blended using a solera system (like Sherry), and bottled as Emerald (4 years), Ruby (8 years) and Onyx (15 years, about $100) varieties. You can also pick up Platinum single malt

whisky in Scotland and Double Diamond (a skiing reference) whiskey from Colorado’s Downslope Distillery. For jewel-tastic spirits, it’s hard to beat the new Precious Vodka from Jewel Lines. The six-times distilled, three-times filtered liquid is encased in diamond-shaped carafes, each bearing a real gemstone—sapphire, emerald, ruby, topaz or peridot—in the stopper. Does all the fanfare make it taste any better than, say, Belvedere? Probably not, but it will kick-start some entertaining cocktail talk.

ROSITA RUBY MARGARITA by Victoria D’Amato Moran, San Francisco • 1.5 oz. Artá Reposado Tequila • 1/2 oz. Aperol Italian liqueur • 1 bar spoon orange marmalade • 3 oz. fresh ruby red grapefruit juice • 1/4 oz. fresh lemon juice Build in a mixing glass, add ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a thick lemon slice.

CROSSWORD

A Fine Jewelry Puzzle

Dazzle & Shine ACROSS 1. This cut has 56 facets and is used on most diamonds today, since it maximizes reflected light (a stone’s natural fire). 2. Ring that features an insignia, monogram, coat of arms, or family crest 4. Method of applying enamel to metal in which the design is first outlined on the metal surface using a metal wire. The space between the wires is then filled with enamel and fired to a glossy sheen. 5. From the French for “lemon,” a rare yellow type of quartz, a semi-precious stone that ranges in color from pale yellow to orange to golden brown 7. Design style (also known as Belle Epoque) popularized during the reign of Edward VII of England (1901-1910), describing jewelry that is delicate and elegant, often featuring bows, diamonds and filigree 8. A stone (usually a diamond) that has been cut into a long, rectangular shape; “stick” or “rod” in French 10. One of the flat surfaces of a cut gemstone or glass 13. Often referred to as the finest of the precious metals 15. Pearls produced by the large oyster Pinctada maxima in white, silver and gold. These tend to be the largest, rarest and most expensive pearls, coveted for their soft glow and large size. 16. A trinket or piece of jewelry thought to be a protection against evil 18. A mineral, a type of chrysoberyl, which appears to be different colors depending on whether it is viewed in natural or artificial light 21. Gemstone with a rounded, domed surface with no facets; a carbuncle 22. Ring set with a single stone

DOWN 1. The amount of white light that reflects through or from the surface of a gemstone 3. A yellow-green variety of olivine used as a gem; the birthstone for August 6. Intricate metalwork that is often open to the back, frequently flowery with many curves and spirals 9. Form of the mineral quartz, most popular in purple, but can range in color from pale lavender to a deep, reddish purple, to green;

5 6 7 8

16 17 18

birthstone for February 11. Popularized during the Victorian era, carvings traditionally done with shell or stone. Popular motifs include a silhouette, bust, or florals, carved in relief with a contrasting color background. 12. Design style popular from 1895 through World War I, characterized by curves, naturalistic designs and sensual art 13. An organic gem grown within oysters and a few other mollusks, formed after a foreign object (like a tiny stone) has made its way into the mollusk’s shell 14. Dark colored pearls produced by the large, black-lipped pearl oyster, a mollusk found in the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean; also called black pearls

15. Popularized in the Edwardian era, a very long necklace that showcases either a tassel or pendant. Traditional styles used rope or metal fashioned to look like rope. 17. Japanese word meaning “something as tiny as you can imagine,” such as a grain of sand. Used originally to describe very small pearls, it’s now used to refer to all very small nacre baroque pearls. 19. Translucent fossilized tree resin that comes in many colors, including yellow. Rubbing this gem produces static electricity. 20. A white precious metal that’s extremely expensive and is often used to plate precious and base metals, giving jewelry a hard, platinum-like sheen

the date just

DY Signatures

LEE MICHAELS FINE JEWELRY ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS

FALL/WINTER 2011