Reis-Nichols Jewelers

ACCENT • THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS • SPRING/SUMMER 2016

FACES OF CUSTOM DESIGN & MANUFACTUR RING RUNWAY TO O EVER RYD DAY TIME EPIE ECE TRENDS INT TERESTING EARRINGS 100TH RUNNING OF THE INDY 500

CONTENTS

Spring/Summer 2016

IN D IA N A P O L IS FASHION MALL COMMONS (317) 255-4467

G R E E N WO O D GREENDALE CENTRE (317) 883-4467

REISNICHOLS.COM

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 C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R HANS GSCHLIESSER MANAGING EDITOR

5 Reis-Nichols Events

JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

8 Mirror Mirror

PROJECT MANAGER

10 Interesting Earrings

LISA MONTEMORRA

12 Spotlight: Custom Design & Manufacturing

DESIGNER JEAN-NICOLE VENDITTI

14 Spectacle Worth Celebrating: 100th Running of the Indy 500

PRODUCTION MANAGER PEG EADIE

16 Timepiece Trends

PRESIDENT AND CEO

19 Patek Philippe Watchmaking

BRITTON JONES

20 Color Safe

CHAIRMAN AND COO

22 Embellished Extras

MAC BRIGHTON

24 As Seen On…

Jewelry has been enlarged to show detail. Due to the fluctuating prices

26 Modern Mod

of diamonds, gold and platinum, prices are subject to change. While we

28 Ruffles & Romance

have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine,

29 Events: Town & Country 30 Heavy Petal

we

are

not

responsible

for

errors

or

omissions.

Copyright 2016. Accent® is published by Business Journals, Inc, P.O. Box 5550, Norwalk, CT 06856, 203-853-6015 • Fax: 203-

31 Boho Chic

852-8175; Advertising Office: 1384 Broadway, 11th Floor, NY, NY

32 Perfect Gems

10018, 212-686-4412 • Fax: 212-686-6821; All Rights Reserved.

34 Pierced Ears

46 Perfect for a Princess

The publishers accept no responsibilities for advertisers’ claims,

38 Weddings: Bridal Bliss

48 Châtelaine by David Yurman

unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or other materials. No

40 Giving Back: Forevermark

50 Paved in Jewels

42 Engagement Styles

52 Stephen Webster’s Gold Struck

part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the publishers. Volume 14, Issue 1. Accent® is a trademark of Business Journals, Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. Printed In U.S.A.

OYSTER PERPETUAL YACHT-MASTER II

rolex

oyster perpetual and yacht-master are 速 trademarks.

events

Roberto Coin Collection Show Celebrating the essence of Italy, Roberto Coin and The New Yorkerr partnered with ReisNichols for a fantastic evening event at Capri Ristorante Italiano. Two caricature artists from The New Yorker magazine traveled from Chicago and Cincinnati to draw portraits of event guests. The evening featured a beautiful selection of Roberto Coin’s latest designs.

Panerai Spotlight at Fuelicious Reis-Nichols and Panerai watches created a poolside red carpet at Lucas Oil Estate for the second annual Fuelicious event, a celebration of wheels and wishes. A sommelier was flown in to host an Italian wine tasting, and guests shopped a showcase of the Panerai 2015 Collection, to benefit Indiana Children’s Wish Fund.

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events

“Get Lucky” Holiday Party Guests tested their luck at classic casino games while shopping the Greenwood store at this annual holiday event. Lucky attendees received personalized art by Karen Kovich, enjoyed a photo op with a (stand-in) Andrew Luck, and many even got lucky with a Hoosier Lottery scratch-off win!

Armenta Collection Show Emily Armenta visited Reis-Nichols Jewelers for the first time in November. Guests enjoyed libations, delicious bites and music while getting to know Emily. The designer traveled from Houston, Texas, bringing a special extended collection of her jewelry and handbag line, including several one-of-a-kind pieces.

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“Feel the Love� Holiday Party More than 500 guests attended the Reis-Nichols Jewelers holiday event at the Fashion Mall Commons location.

Hanging mistletoe, a kissing booth and even professional huggers were on site to get everyone in the holiday mood. The Dec. 4th event supported the <3 INDY T-shirt initiative to feed local children.

DJ Gabby Love and her sidekick dancers entertained.

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from the

RUNWAYS

MIRROR MIRROR

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STEPHEN WEBSTER Superstud Crystal Haze amethyst necklace, sterling silver, $695 ROBERTO COIN Black Jade Collection diamond ring, 18K, $3,900 JOHN HARDY Palu earrings with black sapphires, $450 ch ROBERTO DEMEGLIO Aura bracelets, ceramic with 18K overlay, $330 each

FROM TOP: ANTHONY VACCARELLO, BALMAIN, ISABEL MARANT, LOEWE, LOEWE. RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY OF ACCESSORIES ESSORIES MAGAZINE.

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trends

i n t e r e s t i n g EARRINGS

Exciting earrings are all over the red carpet and runways. Here are a few of our favorites at Reis-Nichols.

WEAR THESE STUDS ALONE, OR ADD THIS STUNNING “JACKET”

THESE BEAUTIES ADD A LITTLE FEMININE EDGE

From top left: Reis-Nichols diamond ear jackets, 14K, $2,595; Jade Trau reverse hoops, 14K, $675; Stephen Webster Superstone ear climbers, sterling silver, r $595; Doves mother-of-pearl studs with diamond jackets, 18K, $2,360; Zoe Chicco diamond curved bar earrings, 14K, $2,875; Jade Trau Luna diamond upside-down hoops, 14K $2,080

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Artisan-Crafted Bamboo Collection

John Hardy and Bamboo Collection are Registered Trademarks.

spotlight

THE FACES OF

Custom Design & Manufacturing

It takes several artisans, each with their own unique skill, to create a single piece of jewelry.

It is a traditional art that dates back centuries, yet continues to evolve. Reis-Nichols Jewelers, family owned and operated in Indianapolis since 1919, is respected for having one of the most progressive design and manufacturing studios in the country. The faces, and more importantly, the hands behind the jewelry are reflections of the labor-intensive processes involved in creating and restoring small and intricate works of art.

Having such a state-of-the-art facility enables you not only to design and create a piece of jewelry all your own, but also to have jewelry and watch repairs done on site. BJ Nichols, president of ReisNichols Jewelers, mentions, “A piece of jewelry is oftentimes a person’s most sentimental and treasured item. Knowing that your valuables are here, on site, offers our customers a tremendous peace of mind.”

There is a story behind every piece of fine jewelry they create. “Our heart and soul goes into it,” BJ says. It’s a labor of love... and one the local artisans at Reis-Nichols Jewelers take very seriously.

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as featured in

“OUR HEART AND SOUL GOES INTO IT.” BJ NICHOLS

13

spotlight

A

SPECTACLE worth

Celebrating

TAG HEUER IS A BRAND SYNONYMOUS WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE, AND FOR THOSE OF US IN INDIANAPOLIS, HIGH PERFORMANCE IS SYNONYMOUS WITH INDYCAR. SO IT MAKES SENSE THAT TAG HEUER WAS ATTRACTED TO ALIGN ITS BRAND WITH “THE GREATEST SPECTACLE IN RACING.”

involvement in motorsports extends from legends like Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, Steve McQueen and Jenson Button to mythical races including Le Mans, the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500.

The Indianapolis 500® is full of well-storied traditions, including the presentation of a limited-edition TAG Heuer timepiece to the winner, since 2004.

TAG Heuer, the worldleading luxury Swiss watch brand recognized for its prestigious sports watches and chronographs, is REQIH XLI SJÁGMEP watch of the Verizon IndyCar Series and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The partnership includes entitlement sponsorship of the TAG Heuer Pit Stop Challenge, held annually on Carb Day before the big race.

To commemorate this partnership and to celebrate XLI FVERH¸W RI[IWX XMXPI EW XLI SJÁGMEP XMQITMIGI SJ XLI Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Verizon IndyCar Series, TAG Heuer has created two different limited-edition Indy 500 Chronograph models.

“The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is proud of its long association with TAG Heuer and excited that the partnership has expanded to include the Verizon IndyCar Series,” says Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Company, the parent of IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “TAG Heuer is an iconic brand and a perfect representation of the speed, precision, technology and innovation that are the pillars of our sport.”

For more than 150 years, TAG Heuer has stood at the forefront of the auto racing industry. Crafting and perfecting timepieces of ultimate precision, TAG Heuer’s 14

With only 100 available worldwide, the $5,700 CARRERA CALIBRE HEUER 01 Chronograph (pictured, far left) features an automatic movement with skeleton case back. The $1,600 FORMULA 1 Chronograph (pictured, left) is limited to 1,000 available worldwide and comes with an alternate Nato strap. Both models don the INDY 500 logo celebrating the 100th running of the infamous race and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s “wings & wheel” logo.

TAG Heuer also presents each watch in a commemorative box.

As TAG Heuer’s largest authorized retailer in Indiana, both limited-edition INDY 500 watches will only be available at Reis-Nichols upon their mid-April release date. Call or visit either of our stores to purchase a piece of history, sure to be a collectors’ favorite.

TAG HEUER CARRERA CALIBRE HEUER 01 Chris Hemsworth works hard and chooses his roles carefully. He handles pressure by taming it, and turning it to his advantage. #DontCrackUnderPressure was coined with him in mind.

watches

Jaeger-LeCoultre Grand Reverso Lady Ultra Thin Duetto Duo, stainless steel, $11,600 Two back-to-back dials are operated by a single movement.

timepiece trends Complicated Movements Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a world traveler tracking multiple time zones, or wish to glance at your wrist to know the current phase of the moon, ďŹ ne Swiss timepieces can offer incredible technology, sophistication and convenience.

FRONT

Patek Philippe Jaeger-LeCoultre

Calatrava moon-phase, 18K gold with diamonds, $34,135

REVERSE SIDE

Geophysic Universal Time, 18K gold, $25,000

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller dual time, 18K gold, $46,150

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Patek Philippe

timepiece trends

TAG Heuer Carrera, stainless steel, $2,600

Calatrava, 18K gold, $34,702

Classic Styles Swiss timepieces are revisiting the clean lines and simplicity of their roots. Original designs meet contemporary technology resulting in beautiful timekeeping with enduring style.

Raymond Weil

Tissot

Maestro, yellow gold PVD plating, $1,295

Flamingo, stainless steel, $325

Cartier Tank Anglaise, stainless steel & 18K yellow gold, $7,550

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watchmaking

Generation A new horology

program ensures the future at PATEK PHILIPPE.

BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

A

NEXT

ccording to Patek Philippe U.S. president Larry Pettinelli, there is watchmaking, and then there’s Patek watchmaking. “A few years ago, we realized we were behind the eight-ball finding qualified watchmakers, since hiring from other brands is not always ideal. So we founded a school in NYC that teaches watchmaking the Patek way.”

Pettinelli acknowledges that finding the right students is not easy. “Even very smart kids often lack the concentration and/or the mental stability to do this kind of work. Think about it: these kids grew up clicking from one social media site to the next; they think in two-second blips. Watchmaking, on the other hand, is a slow, painstaking process that requires infinite patience. The first time you fix a watch, it might not work so you need to begin all over again.”

Starting with 400 applicants, Patek eventually brought in four groups of 20 students who they thought had the appropriate levels of skill and passion (passion being every bit as important as skill). They went through intensive interviews, dexterity tests, a two- to three-hour written test (that Pettinelli describes as “ridiculously hard, i.e. finding areas of bizarre

shapes with multiple arcs and angles”), logic tests and more. (A final exam takes place at corporate headquarters in Geneva.)

“Finalists also have to sit at a bench and, using a loop and tiny tools, take a watch completely apart and put it back together,” Pettinelli adds.

Out of 80 finalists, six candidates and one alternate were ultimately chosen. “We found some wonderful people,” Pettinelli confirms. “They were working as musicians, baristas, dock workers, all looking for a life path. We teach them the watch business, what constitutes quality, complicated movements, high-level finishing and more. When they get done with our school, they’re qualified to work anywhere. But their acquired sense of pride in Patek Philippe is the overriding factor.”

And why not? A fourth-generation Stern family business (one of very few not owned by a conglomerate) boasting beautiful Swiss watches with unparalleled investment value (as evidenced at auctions; the Sterns are careful not to manipulate the market by buying back their own pieces), Patek Philippe is luxury watchmaking at its very finest.

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from the

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COLOR SAFE

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WILLIAM HENRY dinosaur bone, fossil, & sterling silver beaded necklace, e, $450 DAVID YURMAN lapis signet ring, $450; malachite chevron ring, $475 el blade, $1,275 WILLIAM HENRY Banner pocket knife, sterling silver with Damascus steel DAVID YURMAN leather cord bracelets, sterling silver, $350 each JOHN HARDY red coral Naga bracelet, sterling silver, $450

FROM TOP: BOTTEGA VENETA, BOTTEGA VENETA, BOTTEGA VENETA, STELLA JEAN, CORNELIANI. RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY OF ACCESSORIES MAGAZINE.

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SWITZERLAND SET THE STANDARD. DETROIT JUST RAISED THE BAR.

THE RUNWELL FE ATURING A BLUE DIAL WITH DATE INDICATOR IN A STAINLES S-STEEL CASE, DE TROIT-BUILT ARGONITE 705 QUART Z MOVEMENT AND AMERICAN-TANNED BROWN LE ATHER STR AP. BUILT TO L AST A LIFE TIME OR LONGER UNDER THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SHINOL A GUAR ANTEE. E XCLUSIVELY AVAIL ABLE AT FINE WATCH AND JEWELRY RETAILERS.

from the

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EMBELLISHED EXTRAS

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MARCO BICEGO Paradise necklace, 18K, $4,530 PONTE VECCHIO Vega diamond necklace, $5,200 REIS-NICHOLS diamond starburst necklace, 14K, $2,475 ANNE SPORTUN ruby bead bracelet, 18K, $6,720

FROM TOP: ANTHONY VACCARELLO, CALVIN KLEIN, GUCCI, CALVIN KLEIN, MARC JACOBS. RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY OF ACCESSORIES MAGAZINE.

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速ROBERTOCOIN

POIS MOI COLLECTION

as seen on...

Simple, elegant styles by designers Jade Trau and ZoĂŤ Chicco are all over the red carpet and inside your favorite fashion magazines. Find them for yourself at Reis-Nichols!

Gigi Hadid adds some sparkle to her casual style with Ja ade Trau bracelets featuring Forevermark diamonds.

Av vailable at Reis-Nichols, all in 18K gold, from top, $2,550, $2,700, 00 $2,700, $2 700 $2,500 $2 500

Julianne e Houg gh stuns on the red carpet in mini Luna diamond ear c climbers, 14K, $940

Featured in Vogue, these unique earrrings can be worn two ways! ys!

Forget Me Knot convertible diamond d earrings, 14K, $7,650

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Jessica Alba dons a similar version of this tear drop necklace, 14K, $515, on the cover over of SHAPE Magazin Magazine. Jennifer Garner wears a simple, elegant lariat necklace, ecklace, like this diamond diamon triangle necklace, 14K, $750.

trends This season’s jewelry recalls the fun and free spirit of the ’60s and ’70s.

BY LORRAINE DEPASQUE

MOD

MODERN

What do you get when you combine ethereal gauzy chiffons, neutral-hue combos, maxi dresses with bold geometric patterns, crayon-bright color mixes, and miniskirts? “Timeless, ageless, modern clothes that mix 1970s staples with 1960s basics,” said David Wolfe, creative director at trend forecasting agency The Doneger Group. “It’s what style this year is about.”

How exciting is this duo-decade fashion, offering options not only in the dresses, scarves and bags you buy, but especially your jewelry! “Because clothes from the spring/summer runways cater to a variety of tastes,” noted jewelry blogger Katerina Perez, “the season’s most on-trend pieces are fine and dainty as well as chunky and statement.” (She would know: at press time, the editor in chief of luxury fine jewelry and precious gem site katerinaperez.com was nearing 100,000 Instagram followers.) Perez, who’s worked at high-end houses like Tiffany & Co. and Asprey, emphasized, “With both options in style, the idea is to accessorize with voluminous jewelry, either by wearing a single strong piece or by layering smaller fine ones to create that large look.”

STATEMENT JEWELRY MUST-HAVES First and foremost, Perez said, you need a choker or collar—“I recommend at least one that covers the whole neck.” The late Cindy Edelstein, former president of the Jeweler’s

or gemstones on the tip.” However, if you happen to be a hoop girl, Perez pointed to two that are in-vogue: very simple, thin metal styles or big,

cuffs are still trending, both bloggers say, especially

the throat… for spring and summer, in

general

designs.

bracelet that can take you day into night. Wide

she wrote, “It’s fun to see the drama back at necklaces

geometric

and earrings this season, it’s best to shop for a

neckwear this season, as it harkens back to the early 1970s. On her blog, Cindy’s TrendTracker,

bigger

colorful,

Once you’ve decided on your perfect neck piece

Resource Bureau, was also excited about such jeweled

open-worked

’60s-look

geometric ones with graphic patterns in

are

important—that means long links, too.”

cutouts or gems or enamels. Many of

Large earrings are also key to the

the coolest 2016 versions have a negative-space design—“as do lots of

season, said Edelstein. “Elongated

the

designs with fringe and movement are chandeliers and waterfall styles are both

simplistic ones that are dangly and almost touch the shoulders—styles on a chain maybe, with decorative elements

über-sized

rings,

too,”

your jeweler to show you some great cocktail rings.” On awards show red carpets

coming back.” Perez, too, recommended chandeliers and lengthy earrings, adding, “I like

new

emphasized Edelstein. “Be sure to ask

still strong and, at the same time, big

since the beginning of this year, you’ve seen Hollywood A-listers from 18 to 80 wearing gem-colorful designs, frequently on both hands and even stacked.

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LAYERING LOOKS TO LOOK FOR

PRECIOUS METALS OF THE MOMENT “I’m seeing more and more being done in yellow gold,” added Edelstein, “because

the demand for yellow gold jewelry keeps growing and growing.” Simultaneously, white gold and black gold designs are also on the rise and, if you like darkened metals, you definitely should think about adding some blackened metal jewelry to your wardrobe. Wolfe says that, going forward into fall/winter, clothes will take on “antique effects, such as jacquards, brocades and tapestries.”

Multiple-ring wardrobing is in fashion for casual everyday as well as evening. And a few rings—even if all are big—should be worn on one hand, just like you see on the runways and celebrities. As for draping necklaces in different lengths, one on top of the other, Perez favors a look she found to be an unexpected surprise on spring’s catwalks: body jewelry in the form of fine web-like designs in chains covering the torso—“like we saw from Calvin Klein and Alexander McQueen.”

Certainly, body-chain layering is fun, as is “layering” on the ears, said Edelstein. “If you’re in your 20s and 30s, especially—or a woman of any age who wants a surefire current jewelry look—mix and match studs and climbers and cuffs up and down the lobe. You can do it for day and evening.”

Several cuff bracelets—some in thinner bangle silhouettes—look really right.

COLORED STONES THAT ARE GEMS THIS SEASON Wolfe advised to “watch for clothes in a practical color palette: lots of black, grays and whites,” carrying through the end of 2016. Such basic neutrals are perfect backdrops to the whole spectrum of gem colors. “Naturally, white diamonds go with everything,” said Edelstein, “but, to be on the cutting edge of style, I suggest you ask your jeweler to show you some designs with opal, labradorite, and emerald too. These three gems, especially, are trending, and they’ll pop those neutrals!”

As a jewelry lover, you probably know that, for at least the

last two years,

opal’s been over-thetop hot.

“And it still is,” Perez said, agreeing with Edelstein. “There’s a lot of fashion interest in colored gems in general—and don’t make the mistake of thinking that’s limited to sapphire, ruby and

2016 Colors of the Year, Rose Quartz (a pastel pink) and Serenity (a pale blue)?

Neither is very ’60s or ’70s inspired, for sure, and Wolfe doesn’t see them as hugely important in fashion.

Edelstein suggested not making them ultra-important in your jewelry purchases this year. Nevertheless, “They’re beautiful colors,” Perez noted,

emerald.” Perez mentioned current fashionista interest in natural gems with very ’60s-retro hues: “bright-colored spinel, rubellite, garnet and Paraiba tourmaline.”

What about the two shades that the forecasting agency Pantone Color Institute named as the duo of

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“and, although they’re not to everyone’s taste, because Pantone named them as significant for 2016, you’ll be seeing more rose quartz and blue chalcedony jewelry by summer.”

Still, more important than the actual gem, she emphasized, “Highstyle designs this season focus on jewelry volume or

shape, as I said earlier.” And, in keeping with the ’60s-redux look, “Sculptural,

geometric pieces or those with patterns take center stage, and they’re mostly executed in rounded, curvy shapes—think silhouettes like discs, waves and halfmoons.”

from the

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RUFFLES & ROMANCE

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REIS-NICHOLS 18.35 carat opal with tsavorite diamond necklace, 18K, $16,995 PENNY PREVILLE pearl & diamond earrings, 18K, $2,995 REIS-NICHOLS 4.88 carat aquamarine ring, 18K, $9,895 ROBERTO COIN diamond Princess bangle, 18K, $5,900 ROBERTO COIN CENTO Rosette diamond earrings, 18K, $16,940

FROM TOP: OSCAR DE LA RENTA, GUCCI, JASON WU, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN, SALVATORE FERRAGAMO. RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY OF ACCESSORIES MAGAZINE.

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events

Town & The ROLEX CENTRAL PARK HORSE SHOW highlights a passion for excellence, the common denominator that links fine watchmaking and equestrian competition. BY DAVID A. ROSE

F From top: Isabell Werth riding El Santo under the New York skyline; Winner Daniel Bluman receiving his Rolex watch after winning the Rolex Grand Prix; Rolex Testimonee Kent Farrington on Uceko.

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or five days last autumn, New York City’s magnificent Central Park showcased a different kind of horse revelation. Unlike the steadfast but weary steeds that pull tourists through the park in period carriages, the second annual Rolex Central Park Horse Show featured world-class mounts participating in multi-discipline competitions that thrilled all those in attendance.

Wollman Skating Rink was transformed in a matter of days to a top-level equestrian facility thanks to Mark Bellissimo’s International Equestrian Group, in partnership with several New York City organizations. “Here we are overlooking the magnificent New York City skyline,“ said Bellissimo.

“This will become one of the greatest show jumping events in the world in a couple of years, and we are excited to see that happen.”

The event was truly international, with competitors from America, Canada, England, Germany, Ireland, Sweden and Spain. Daniel Bluman, a Colombian now living in Florida, won the Grand Prix with his horse Conconcreto Believe. “I’ve been wanting this since I was very young and I have been close a few times,” said Bluman of receiving his firstever Rolex watch as part of his prize package. “To be able to win today in Central Park was a lot of pressure, but I am very pleased tonight.”

Horsemanship requires a quest for perfection, a goal that Rolex shares with the equestrian sport. Like the world’s most finely bred horses, Rolex timepieces have long been symbols of elegance, precision and prestige.

from the

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HEAVY PETAL

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PENNY PREVILLE diamond flower necklace, 18K, $4,590 REIS-NICHOLS diamond leaf ring, 14K, $1,450 ROLEX pink flower Datejust, stainless steel, $6,700 PENNY PREVILLE flower petal earrings with diamonds, 18K, $2,755 ROBERTO COIN CENTO diamond flower earrings, 18K, $24,500

FROM TOP: GIORGIO ARMANI, OSCAR DE LA RENTA, JASON WU, MICHAEL KORS, OSCAR DE LA RENTA. RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY OF ACCESSORIES MAGAZINE.

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BOHO CHIC

Organic style marries a modern muse with a fun, ďŹ&#x201A;irty, feminine twist! Incorporate just one piece into your look, or go all out!

Jade Trau Nightingale gale ale Collecti Collection ion necklace & earrings, 14K, $655 & $1,420

Stephen Websster Jewels Verne Ste ho h oop earrings, sterling silver, $575

David Yurman Petite P tit R Renaissance i tassel necklace, 18K, $2,900

Shinola Birdy, Birdy stainless steel with double doublewrap leather strap, $475

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PerfectGEMS

Explore the little luxuries the world has to offer.

CLUTCH MOVE

KEY ACQUISITION Paper may be the traditional gift for a first anniversary, but when you’re married to “The King,” you have to take it up a notch. In 1968, Priscilla Presley made a grand gesture to new husband Elvis: she took the walnut piano he had originally bought as a gift for his mother out of storage, had it adorned with 24-karat gold leaf, and returned it to the music room at Graceland. The lavish Memphis mansion is where Elvis lived until his death in 1977 and where the piano remained for many years. In more recent times, it was purchased by Julien Auctions, a leading celebrity auction house, then placed on exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame. It has since been acquired by the Hard Rock International’s memorabilia collection for an astonishing $600,000, and you will soon find it on display in one of the company’s many hotel properties.

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KEY ACQUISITION , ART ACCELERATED , CLUTCH MOVE BY BRIAN SCOTT LIPTON. FEEL THE BEAT IN THE HEAT BY SHIRA LEVINE

Opera buffs can literally own a piece of history in the form of a handmade clutch by New York City designer Clara Kasavina. A Russian émigré, Kasavina brilliantly transforms cloth from the Metropolitan Opera’s stage curtains, as well as occasional costume swatches from previous productions like Don Carlo and The Merry Widow, into beautifully crafted handbags. These exquisite clutches also feature crystal clasps from the opera house’s gorgeous chandelier, along with hand-sewn silk linings. Smartly, they hold just enough for a night out on the town, including opera glasses. Brava, diva!

ART Accelerated For the past 40 years, some of the world’s greatest artists, including Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol, Jenny Holzer and Jeff Koons, have taken part in the BMW Art Car series, creating vehicles that can hold their own on the race track as well as look great in museums. Joining their ranks are 36-yearold Chinese artist Cao Fei and 85-year-old American artist John Baldessari, who were selected by a jury of major museum and gallery directors and will each put their own touch on a BMW M6 GTE this year. The vehicles will compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the 24 Hours of SpaFrancorchamps, among other races, before joining their forebears at the BMW Museum in Munich. Talk about performance art.

Feel the BEAT In the Heat

Street cred can, in fact, be bought. Or in this case, taught: workshops in graffiti art, skateboarding and dropping beats are among some of the newest entertainment offerings at swanky tropical resorts. Take the W Hotel Vieques, a 25-minute flight from San Juan, where the world-famous Bioluminescent Bay and long stretches of undeveloped beaches lure visitors. The W’s three-day DJ Dispensary class equips participants with mixing and scratching skills while also educating them on music history and the science of curating stellar playlists.

With one-on-one tutoring or twice-daily group lessons, plus nightly sunset spin sessions, amateurs evolve into pros with skillz they’ll be proud to add to their LinkedIn profiles once they return stateside.

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essay

PIERCEDEARS

W

hen I was 10 years old, my treasured birthday present was to finally get my ears pierced. It felt like a lifetime that I had yearned for this; I know I lobbied for it a full two years prior to my 10th birthday. My father was adamantly against it. My mother, as she often has on issues that were important to me, acted as the gentle and persistent persuader. My father relented. I was elated.

The task was performed at no charge by my great uncle, who was a successful Manhattan doctor. In the end it seemed so simple, a little like a wedding day after long preparations. Ice to numb the earlobes, antiseptic solution, very long needles, an antibiotic ointment on the posts, and done.

Stud earrings in 14K gold, part of my birthday gift, were adorning my ears.

It took minutes; I was thrilled. It was without official ceremony but a rite of passage nonetheless.

Ear piercing dates back to ancient times, signifying wealth, status or bravery, marking the entrance into puberty, or acting as protection from demons and poor eyesight. The first evidence of piercing dates to 5,000 years ago in the remains of the oldest known mummified body, found in a block of ice in Austria in 1991.

The Book of Exodus relates Moses’ brother Aaron commanding the Israelites: “Take off the gold rings that are on the ears of your wives…” in order to create the

BY LAURIE SCHECHTER

golden idol they demanded. In the 16th century, sailors wore earrings allegedly to represent that they had sailed around the world and to pay for a proper burial.

One American anthropologist posits that primitive tribes pierced their ears so that demons and spirits would slip through the earlobes instead of entering where they normally could, through the ears. And in the 1960s an earring in a man’s right ear signaled he was gay; worn on the left, the man was straight.

When my nieces were born, they had their ears pierced immediately, something truly foreign to me. My brother (their father) had married a woman (their mother) from Colombia, and I now know it is a common—if not requisite—practice in the worldwide Latino community. In fact, it now seems to be standard in many cultures. Proponents of early piercing argue it’s less traumatic at that young age, with less risk of infection. Opponents think the practice vulgar and barbaric, like early 20th-century American women who considered pierced ears at any age to be uncivilized. (Their distaste led to the invention of the screwback earring and caused pierced ears to fall out of favor until the latter half of the century.) Apparently the piercing debate is longstanding and universal.

Today, multiple ear piercings and even mismatched earrings are growing trends, The New York Times reported recently, especially among women in their 30s and 40s. It’s a perfect opportunity for women and jewelers alike to show personality in a multitude of ways. Perhaps this is the new rite of passage.

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GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING BY JOHANNES VERMEER, 1665

A rite of passage.

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weddings

BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

BLISS

Cap Sleeves Between the ubiquitous strapless gown and the full lace sleeves popularized by Kate Middleton, cap sleeves are the perfect choice for warm-weather weddings where sleeves aren’t practical (and a great option for brides getting married in a house of worship where more modesty is required). Nashvillebased designer Olia Zavozina points out that 2016 trends are “all about customizability, allowing a bride to create her own unique look.” So whatever length you’re looking for, consider sleeves that can be removed for dancing late into the night.

Back Details No matter what type of wedding ceremony you’re planning, chances are guests will spend at least a few minutes looking at your back as you say your I Dos. So why not give them something worth staring at? Keyhole cutouts are sweet yet sexy, while lace and tulle insets leave a bit more to the imagination, Satin, pearl or crystal buttons down the back of your dress lend an airy, antique feeling —just make sure your attendants are on hand to assist!

Lace Capes “Lace is always on trend for me,” reveals Los Angeles-based designer Claire Pettibone, “and I’m always looking for new ways to use it to create beautiful, romantic gowns.” One fresh take on lace is the cape, including the shorter, shawl-like version from Olia Zavozina, below, and Pettibone’s trainlength option at left. (When choosing this style, skip the veil and let your train do the talking.)

This ornate detail will grow in popularity for fall and winter weddings, and carry forward as a trend into 2017.

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IMAGES COURTESY OF CLAIRE PETTIBONE, OLIA ZAVOZINA AND FRANCESCA MIRANDA

Bridal

Vintage touches breathe new life into wedding day dresses.

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giving back

PROACTIVE Taking a

APPROACH

At the recent Town & Country Philanthropy Summit, Forevermark CEO Stephen Lussier spoke passionately about wildlife conservation, emphasizing the plight of the white rhino. We caught up with him after the event to find out more.

BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

by the Botswana Rhino Management Committee, this program was established in response to the decimation of the rhino population.

Because of poaching and indiscriminate hunting, in the early ’90s, Botswana had an estimated population of between 17 and 27 individual rhinos. Through breeding and protection programs, by 2012 Botswana reestablished an estimated population of 160 to 170 white rhinos. More recently, to protect them from continued poaching increases and to diversify the genetic pool in Botswana, a number of rhinos have been relocated from South Africa.

Tell us why Forevermark places such importance on partnering with mining communities.

How much De Beers-owned land is set aside for biodiversity?

Diamonds are a natural resource and, as a result, form part of the inherent wealth of the nations where they are sourced. That’s why it’s so important that we do all we can, as partners with government, to enable these countries to achieve the maximum benefit they can from this scarce resource. As long-term partners, we have been active in Botswana for over 50 years; we feel a responsibility to the country and its citizens.

Our land-based diamond and coal mining licenses cover 1,135,841 hectares of land, of which only 26,754 hectares (2.4%) is disturbed by our actual operational footprint. We set aside a total area of 195,128 hectares for conservation, which amounts to seven hectares of land for conservation for every one disturbed by our mining operations.

Why the focus on wildlife conservation, and in particular on the African white rhino?

At the core of Forevermark is our promise of responsible sourcing, and to us this means far more than doing no harm. It’s about making a proactive contribution to the countries and communities where our diamonds start their journey. Fortunately, diamonds still have a long run in Botswana, the world’s major producer. Current resources should extend into the second half of this century, and of course we continue to explore for new deposits. But in the end, diamonds are a finite natural resource so alternative income resources are required. We understand how important wildlife tourism is to these countries and want to do what we can to help.

As the rhino is a threatened species, it’s a very good place to start.

As a part of De Beers Group, Forevermark is involved in a number of projects, but specifically the white rhino breeding program in Botswana, focused on creating safe havens to repopulate the white rhinos in Botswana, and then repopulate them across the continent. Now overseen

40

Why should the general public care about the future of rhinos and other threatened species?

Well, quite simply, we all share this planet, and at Forevermark we believe we have a responsibility to ensure that all of nature’s miracles have the opportunity to survive and thrive.

There is nothing like seeing them firsthand, these practically prehistoric-looking creatures. It’s like a connection to our deep past.

Whether it’s the white rhinos in Botswana or orphan elephants that have lost their mothers to poachers, it’s an instant emotional connection. I recently visited an elephant orphanage in Nairobi and am now the proud sponsor of two baby elephants that were rescued, having been abandoned by the herd when their mothers were killed by poachers. Poaching is just such a senseless and painful waste; it’s fundamentally immoral. And in the African context, these species are part of what makes Africa unique. Losing that when we can do something about it would be a loss beyond description. Imagine your children never having the opportunity to see a rhino or an elephant or a tiger. It need not be like this.

© Forevermark Limited 2014-2015. Forevermark™,

™,

I T ’ S A LO N G J O U R N E Y TO B E C O M E T H E O N E .

™ and A Diamond is Forever™ are Trade Marks of The De Beers Group of Companies.

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engagement styles

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Take classic, add a splash of attitude and a willingness to be noticed, and you have contemporary style engagement rings.

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Weight Carat 1.53

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for a

Princess Reis-Nichols is now an exclusive sponsor of the 500 Festival Princess Program.

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ith a rich history spanning more than 100 years, no other singular sporting event has a legacy like the Indianapolis 500®. No other organization GETXYVIW XLI WMKRMÁGERGI SJ XLI QSRXL PSRK GIPIFVEXMSR surrounding the Indy 500 quite like the 500 Festival.

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The 500 Festival Princess Program has a long LMWXSV] SJ GIPIFVEXMRK -RHMERE¸W QSWX GMZMG QMRHIH TSMWIH EGEHIQMGEPP] HVMZIR GSPPIKI EKIH [SQIR 7MRGI QSVI XLER -RHMERE GSPPIKI [SQIR LEZI LEH XLI LSRSV SJ WIVZMRK EW E *IWXMZEP 4VMRGIWW )EGL ]IEV [SQIR EVI GLSWIR XS WIVZI EW EQFEWWEHSVW JSV XLI *IWXMZEP ERH TEVXMGMTEXI MR RYQIVSYW WXEXI[MHI SYXVIEGL TVSKVEQW XLEX MRGPYHI ZMWMXW XS hospitals, schools and various youth programs.

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500 Festival Princesses also participate in XLI TVSKVEQ¸W TIVWSREP ERH TVSJIWWMSREP HIZIPSTQIRX GYVVMGYPYQ JYVXLIV IUYMTTMRK XLIWI ]SYRK [SQIR [MXL XLI XSSPW WOMPPW and connections necessary to make a TVSJSYRH MQTEGX [MXLMR XLIMV GSQQYRMX] ERH XLI 7XEXI SJ -RHMERE 6IMW 2MGLSPW LEW GVIEXIH E GYWXSQ OEVEX KSPH HMEQSRH ERH IQIVEPH RIGOPEGI JSV IEGL TVMRGIWW XS WIVZI EW E GLIVMWLIH VIQMRHIV SJ XLMW WTIGMEP XMQI MR XLIMV PMZIW &VIRX 7IPOI E[EVH [MRRMRK '%( EVXMWX HIWMKRIH XLI TMIGI XLEX JIEXYVIW E XVEHMXMSREP [EZMRK ÂEK TEXXIVR ERH E µ ¶ SR XLI VIZIVWI WMHI XS GSQQIQSVEXI XLI XL VYRRMRK SJ XLI -RHMERETSPMW race this year.

collections

NEW

CLASSICS CHÂTELAINE, an expanded collection from David Yurman, features stunning colored gemstones, from the cool hues of amethyst and blue topaz to the fiery warmth of garnet and champagne citrine.

F

ounded in New York City in 1980 by David Yurman, a sculptor, and his wife Sybil, a painter, the David Yurman brand is inspired by a passion for artistry and innovation in the classic tradition with contemporary movement. David and Sybil’s talents set the framework for a mastery over the discipline of fine jewelry and the creation of designs that incorporate a wide range of cultural influences. Artistic inspiration is at the core of the company’s foundation, evident in the newly updated Châtelaine collection.

Simply put, the Châtelaine collection exalts the stone. Each piece, from cocktail rings to pendants, bangles and more, presents signature gems in delicate settings that allow maximum light to enter. Diamond-covered prongs embrace gemstones with the style of traditional fine jewelry settings. Line bracelets and earrings are classic styles updated with color, and drop earrings play with shape and scale, mixing gemstones of various colors and cuts. Châtelaine was introduced to David Yurman’s worldwide fans in 2007, with an emphasis on checkerboard cuts. New for 2016 are black onyx in sterling silver settings, and champagne citrine and tanzanite set in 18K gold.

Despite the boldness of Châtelaine and other collections within the world of David Yurman, the company’s success began with a small, intimate gesture. David crafted several pieces of jewelry for his then girlfriend, Sybil. At an art opening in New York, the gallery owner fell in love with a piece Sybil was wearing and asked if it was for sale. David answered “no,” but at the same moment Sybil answered “yes.” Sybil took the necklace off and left it at the gallery, and within a few hours, four necklaces were sold. This necklace, called Dante, marked the beginning of their artistic exploration within the art of jewelry, and a company was born. The mark of intricate and sculptural artistry is integrated into Yurman’s collections using Renaissance-inspired, richly colored stones, cable details in the finest 18K gold and sterling silver, brilliant diamonds, and lustrous pearls.

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scene

An inside look at dressing RED CARPET stars.

PAVED IN

JEWELS T

BY LAURIE SCHECHTER

o use a sports analogy, awards season is the playoffs of the red carpet. Generally beginning with the Gotham Awards in November and picking up speed at January’s Golden Globes, awards season is a special kind of sprint, typically featuring the same competitors appearing at multiple ceremonies until the championship: the Oscars. Finding out what the stars are wearing, from gowns to hairstyles to, of course, the bling, is often more anticipated than finding out who wins.

The impact of stars’ jewelry choices should not be underestimated; the high-voltage attention on what celebrities wear can enhance a jewelry designer’s name recognition—and their bottom line. It can also catapult an unknown onto the radar. Actresses may make the final result appear effortless, but the task of putting together a red carpet look is anything but. It takes creativity, flexibility, talent, hard work, nerve, gratitude, and most

important, good relationships with the right people.

The tradition of loaning jewelry pieces to celebrities for awards show red carpets began in 1943, when Harry Winston decorated Jennifer Jones at that year’s Academy Awards. Today, as soon as the nominations are announced, a complex system of stylists, celebrity public relations reps, and fashion and jewelry designers kicks into gear. Some actresses let their stylists guide them, while others spearhead the efforts themselves. Still others have contracts with jewelry houses precluding them from wearing anything else. Pieces can be custom designed or pulled from existing archives and collections.

Designers like Roberto Coin, known for his use of bold materials including gold and diamonds, are red carpet favorites. “I love working with celebrities,” says Coin, “as they usually know what they want. When I am asked to create from a drawing, I translate the look into

50

TIME TO SHINE Left: Roberto Coin Unique diamond collar necklace.

Right: Roberto Coin shares a laugh with The Danish Girl’s Alicia Vikander.

my language—the language of gold.” The most frequent request is to give the celebrity something that makes them feel unique. “I always add my personal interpretation. The best moments are those in which a woman is surprised and pleased at a result that was not expected.”

The most sought-after stylists, whose talents are displayed in fashion editorials and red carpet work, develop a wealth of resources to pull from and acquire the most influential clientele. The celebritystylist relationship has proven to be a game changer.

No one knows this better than Ginnina D’Orazio, president and founder of the Beverly Hills based D’Orazio & Associates. A 4,000-square-foot showroom with maximum security that represents over 20 jewelry houses, D’Orazio insists it is the first and the best of its kind. “We do it right and we don’t cut corners,” she explains. The showroom was established when D’Orazio, a certified gemologist, saw a need for a red carpet and fine jewelry-focused showroom that would go “above and beyond PR.” When asked whether some celebrities are paid to wear certain designers and brands, D’Orazio replies, “None of [our] brands pay. We don’t even gift.” Relationships and the best selection are what drives D’Orazio’s business. She counts A-listers like Jennifer Lawrence, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Amal Clooney and Lady Gaga among her clients.

And Sofia Vergara popped in—no stylist needed—to pull jewelry the week before her wedding to Joe Manganiello.

“Celebrities’ styles are followed by many women,” adds Roberto Coin.

“When a celebrity wears a piece, the same piece is often immediately requested [by customers].” Coin has taken his awards show involvement one step further, as a sponsor of The Hollywood Reporter’s Nominees Night party in Beverly Hills, one of the most anticipated evenings of the season. It’s an opportunity for Coin to mingle with Oscar hopefuls and show off his designs in lavish displays. This year’s event attracted Alicia Vikander, Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Jason Leigh, who were among the guests treated to a performance by Grammy- and Oscarwinner Sam Smith. So far the extra exposure has paid off: Meghan Trainor, Elisabeth Rohm and Laverne Cox have all been spotted in Roberto Coin at recent high-profile events.

Forevermark is another red carpet favorite. “From the start, we have been seeking celebrity relationships and red carpet placements,” a

“

company spokesperson reveals. Its pursuit was met with immediate success. “Forevermark launched internationally in 2008, with Nicole Kidman wearing Forevermark at that year’s Academy Awards.” Other highlights include Michelle Obama in Forevermark

by Kimberly McDonald diamond bangles at the 2013 Inaugural Ball, and Kate Hudson at last year’s Golden Globe awards in Forevermark earrings designed in collaboration with Slane. The earrings featured Forevermark “exceptional” diamonds totaling over 22 carats.

Forevermark also notes that its ear cuffs—a new style that has exploded over the past year—have been embraced by Chloe Grace Moretz and Olivia Wilde. While the brand enjoys creating jewelry specifically to be worn on the red carpet, celebrity dressing is not without its challenges. One of the biggest: “the last minute dress change!” says the spokesperson. “Luckily, Forevermark diamonds are featured in a wide range of jewelry styles, so we can

Go-to choices among celebrities and stylists include large diamond studs, cocktail rings and diamond line bracelets; stacking them with diamond bangles is a recent trend.

’’

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BRING ON THE BLING Chloe Grace Moretz and Kate Hudson in Forevermark.

Melissa Etheridge in Roberto Coin.

accommodate a request pretty seamlessly.” The payoff for this flexibility is seeing Forevermark diamonds sparkling on all the biggest awards show red carpets.

One of Coin’s most memorable payoff moments came in 2007, when he worked with Melissa Etheridge as she was coming through her battle with cancer. Nominated for a Best Song Oscar, “she was looking for something very minimalist,” says Coin. “We gave her one of our Haute Couture rings that was as unique and as spectacular as Melissa. She won her only Oscar that year, and we are part of her incredible moment.”

It’s this type of moment fans are sure to remember when shopping for their next statement splurge.

book review

GOOD AS

GOLD STEPHEN WEBSTER’s new tome has him flying high.

BY BRIAN SCOTT LIPTON

S

tephen Webster’s jewelry doesn’t look like anyone else’s, so it’s hardly surprising that his book, Gold Struck: A Life Shaped by Jewellery, isn’t quite the kind of book that any of his colleagues would put out. “A book on jewelry seemed too dry to me, and I didn’t want something just to be left on the coffee table,” says the 56year-old British designer. Instead, Gold Struck incorporates personal writing, including a poem and a short story, along with photographs, which explore how he feels about this art form and give readers a glimpse into his life.

“I am glad that the book is being very well received, because it is such a personal tale,” says Webster. “I’ve been writing for many years and I like doing it, but I didn’t have a grand plan to do a book. I am always on planes, and I had to find a way to spend all that time. I say the book was basically all written at 35,000 feet.” (And mostly on an iPad!) As Webster admits, he has a bit of a love-hate affair with flying. “I was 16 when I started making jewelry, and back then, nothing else mattered—except girls. Still, you think, ‘This is always going to be my life, being in a room on a [jeweler’s] bench with some men,’” he says. “So when I discovered I had flown over one million miles, I wondered if I was a bad jeweler. But flying has taken me over the world. And the fact is, I need a very small space to do what I do for a day

job. Sometimes, the only need to get up from the bench is to make some tea.”

Webster notes that his jewelry business has changed drastically over the past few decades. “At the beginning, my clients were basically well-heeled people, the type who could buy art,” he shares. But after he gained some notoriety by designing a ring that was worn by Madonna, his clientele changed. “I am happy now because my line is much more creative; it’s bought by people who want to be excited about the jewelry they buy. They want it to be a conversation piece. That works for me, because I am not interested in making just another ordinary diamond ring.”

The designer would also like to attract a younger audience. “I want to educate the next level of consumers, those in their 20s and 30s, and get them to understand the importance of buying fine jewelry and not just buying whatever is on trend,” he says.

As for what’s next for Webster, his spring collection features such unusual stones as red tourmalines and rubellites. “Things that come out of the ground generally excite me, but not always the usual suspects. I like to work with stones that are harder to find.” And while there will always be new jewelry, Gold Struck may be his only book. Or not. “I have no ambitions for a next book, but I felt a bit empty when we finished the last page,” says Webster. “I felt like I closed a chapter of my life.”

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@reisnichols LET’S GET SOCIAL :ŽŝŶ ƵƐ ŽŶ ĂŶLJ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ƐŽĐŝĂů ŵĞĚŝĂ ĐŚĂŶŶĞůƐ͊ zŽƵ ǁŝůů ĮŶĚ ƚŚĞ ŶĞǁĞƐƚ ĂƌƌŝǀĂůƐ͕ ĐĞůĞďƌŝƚLJ ƐƚLJůĞ͕ ĐŽŶƚĞƐƚƐ ĂŶĚ ĞǀĞŶ Ă ĨƵŶ ƉĞĞŬ ďĞŚŝŶĚ ƚŚĞ ƐĐĞŶĞƐ͘ Tag your diamond, jewelry & watch photos with #reisnichols!

REIS-NICHOLS JEWELERS ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS

SPRING/SUMMER 2016