Traditional Jewelers by Accent Magazine

AC C E N T THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS ♦ FALL/WINTER 2011

FASHION ISLAND, NEWPORT BEACH, CA & MALIBU COUNTRY MART, MALIBU, CA

WELCOME

Dear Valued Clients and Friends, This year Traditional Jewelers celebrates 20 years in Fashion Island, 32 years in Newport Beach, and 36 years in the jewelry industry! We are appreciative of all your support over the years and we’re moving forward with an exciting future planned for the year ahead. This issue of Accent highlights the best of 2011 to help with all your watch and jewelry gift giving. A newcomer to Traditional Jewelers branded timepieces is IWC (International Watch Company). We are excited about this great partnership and we look forward to sharing the IWC collection with all of you. Another new launch was our Bridal Campaign last fall, and we have been thrilled with your positive response. We have expanded our bridal selection to include diamonds with a large variety of cuts, clarity, color and carat weights tailored to meet our clients’ budgets and tastes. We hope you’ll come in soon to see it for yourself! Meanwhile, our on-site jewelers are busy redesigning many of your ring mountings into more contemporary styles, working closely with your ideas and requests. We are also launching our own Traditional Jewelers’ Classics collection, which will be set with DeBeers Forevermark Pictured above, our Malibu store on Cross Creak Road. Fashion Island location laser inscribed diamonds. pictured on cover. We are excited to offer you this wonderful addition to our diamond collection for the perfect engagement, wedding, birthday or anniversary gift. Please save the date for our Signature Jewelry Event, set for November 17th, where you can shop these collections and see what’s new from all of our world-renowned jewelry designers. We hope to see you there! Again, thank you all for 32 fabulous years in Newport and for letting us be part of the special occasions in your life. Cheers!

Lula Halfacre CEO

Erik Halfacre President

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Contents fall/winter 2011 FA S H I O N I S L A N D 203 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE NEWPORT BEACH, CA ( 9 4 9 ) 721- 9 010 HOURS: M O N - F R I : 10 : 0 0 A M - 8 : 0 0 P M S AT : 1 0 : 0 0 A M - 7 : 0 0 P M S U N : 11 : 0 0 A M - 6 : 0 0 P M

COUNTRY MART 38 35 C R O S S C R E E K R OA D # 19 MALIBU, CA ( 310 ) 317- 910 0 HOURS: M O N : C LO S E D T U E S -T H U R S : 11 : 3 0 A M - 6 : 0 0 P M

F R I & S AT : 1 2 : 0 0 P M - 9 : 0 0 P M S U N : 12 : 0 0 P M - 5 : 0 0 P M

P U B L I S H E D B Y T H E B J I FA S H I O N G R O U P PUBLISHER STU NIFOUSSI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN DESIGN DIRECTOR HANS GSCHLIESSER MANAGING EDITOR JILLIAN SPRAGUE PROJECT MANAGER LISA MONTEMORRA DESIGNERS

FEATURES 2 Welcome Letter 10 Employee Profile: Natalie Halfacre 14 Traditional Jewelers Events

50 Trends: Power Pieces 52 Art: Sensational Ceramics 56 Travel: Having it All 60 Spirits: Diamond Drams 62 End Page: The Ultimate Gift

CYNTHIA LUCERO JEAN-NICOLE VENDITTI PRODUCTION MANAGER PEG EADIE DIRECTOR OF PREPRESS HUGH K. STANTON PRESIDENT AND CEO BRITTON JONES

18 Best Bets

CHAIRMAN AND COO

22 Accent Advisor

BRIDAL SECTION

24 Designers: Roberto Coin

32 The Rings: Keeping it Real

26 Designers: Jeweler to the Stars

36 The Proposal: Setting Sail

28 Spotlight: JCK Design Center

38 The Jewels: Shine On

44 Designers: Transformative Power

40 The Memories: Capture Your Love

46 Fashion: From the Runways

42 The Stories: Brooching the Subject

magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the

48 Profile: Hit the Links

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EMPLOYEE PROFILE

Natalie Halfacre W

e are pleased to announce that Natalie Halfacre, daughter of Marion and Lula Halfacre, has now joined our Traditional Jewelers Fashion Island store as a full-time sales associate! After graduating from Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts with a degree in Television and Broadcast Journalism, Natalie worked part-time at Traditional Jewelers’ Malibu location while interviewing for a position in the television industry. It was then that she realized her passion for the jewelry industry far exceeded her passion for television, and therefore she decided to join the family business. This decision has greatly pleased Lula Halfacre, Natalie’s mother and owner of Traditional Jewelers, and would definitely warm the late Marion Halfacre’s heart, who would surely be overjoyed with pride. Natalie received her Graduate Gemologist degree in August of 2010 at the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, CA, joined the Women’s Jewelry Association and soon thereafter served a three-month internship at Shreve & Company in San Francisco. During the internship Natalie furthered her knowledge of the jewelry industry by working on the sales floor under the mentorship of Richard Horn, past president and current chairman of Shreve & Co. and a dear friend of her late father, Marion. Natalie’s experience with Shreve & Co. was invaluable, allowing her to build relationships with co-workers and vendors, forging new relationships and strengthening existing ones. Natalie started full-time on the sales floor at Traditional Jewelers in Fashion Island on December 1, 2010, exercising her expertise with a passion for life and people, thoroughly enjoying being part of the Traditional Jewelers team. While she enjoys learning about the intricacies of the many fine watch brands at the store, and matching her clients with that perfect timepiece to fit their lifestyles, Natalie, a young bride-to-be, finds herself most comfortable at the diamond solitaire case. On April 28, 2011 Natalie got engaged to Gavin Wilkinson, whom she met while working for the Tennis Channel in Australia in January 2009. Natalie likes to joke, saying, “It is so much more fun to show diamonds when you have one of your own!” Natalie will be married on February 10, 2012 at the Pelican Hill Resort, and will reside in Corona Del Mar continuing to work at Traditional Jewelers in Fashion Island. Please stop by to welcome Natalie to the great team at Traditional Jewelers, which is celebrating 20 years in Fashion Island and 32 years in Newport Beach!

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TRADITIONAL JEWELERS EVENTS

JAEGER-LECOULTRE VIP DINNER AT THE RITZ On June 24th, Traditional Jewelers hosted a special VIP dinner in honor of Philippe Bonay, president of Jaeger-LeCoultre. The dinner was held at The Ritz restaurant in Newport Beach and gave our Jaeger-LeCoultre collectors a unique opportunity to meet Mr. Bonay and view a prestigeous collection of fine Jaeger-LeCoultre timepieces, specially flown in for this occasion. Featured in the space of the famed 'Wine Cellar', an exhibit of superb skills and crafts was on display showing timepieces that are unique, elegant and refined. "From the creation of the world's smallest mechanical movement, to the legendary swivel-case Reverso, Jaeger-LeCoultre is a rare manufacture with a vision and passion for the measurement of time," said Bonay. This was a rare opportunity greatly enjoyed by our guests and the Jaeger-LeCoultre team.

A. LANGE & SÖEHNE WATCHMAKER EVENT AT THE PELICAN HILL RESORT On May 20th, Traditional Jewelers was honored to host a Lange & Söehne ‘Watchmaker Event’ in the beautiful Newport Room at the Pelican Hill Resort.Representing this fine brand was Gaetan Guillosson, North American president of A. Lange & Söehne, watchmaker Martin Jonas and key staff members, who did an amazing job with the set-up of many of the intricate items in the space. Guests enjoyed the impressive array of fine collector’s timepieces specially flown in, and were encouraged to try their hand at assembling the tiny watch movement components set up at the watchmakers bench. A microscopic camera projected the process onto a big screen for all the guests to enjoy. It was a great evening with a superb spread of delectable foods and fine wines and a great opportunity to get to know this exquisite brand in more detail.

TRADITIONAL JEWELERS EVENTS

DELICES DE CARTIER COMES TO NEWPORT BEACH On August 18th, a beautiful late summer evening, Traditional Jewelers was privileged to host the fabulous ‘Delices De Cartier’ exhibition in the famed Cabana room, at The Island Hotel in Newport Beach. The Cartier team set up the room in soft pastels with coral colored roses to stage the ‘Sweets of Cartier’ in a fabulous selection of glass towers and bells, making the viewing of these unique jeweled Cartier timepieces the perfect experience. From diamond Roadsters to the ladies’ diamond studded La Dona and the famed gentleman’s Calibre timepiece, Cartier curated a fabulous collection of their finest timepieces. It was an animated evening with great company, fine foods, wines and champagne, and an opportunity for Traditional Jewelers to share a special evening with our guests.

TRADITIONAL JEWELERS

BestBets

AARON BASHA Zodiac bracelet. Price upon request.

ROBERTO COIN Haute Couture cocktail rings in 18K white and yellow gold with gemstones. Priced from $14,200 to $38,000.

ROBERTO COIN Ipanema necklace in 18K yellow gold and precious gems. $14,000

MARCO BICEGO Jaipur link bracelet in 18K yellow gold. $3,850

BAUME ET MERCIER Linea timepiece. Price upon request.

STEPHEN WEBSTER Murder She Wrote bangle in 18K gold with black opal crystal haze, black diamonds and mixed blue sapphires. $14,000

ROBERTO COIN CENTO Flower cluster and pavĂŠ pear shape earrings in 18K white gold. Starting at $12,500

ROBERTO COIN CENTO Bella Cestina engagement ring. Starting at $21,000

OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean Chronograph. $7,700

Polished Rock Candy multi oval cascade earrings in 18K gold with black shell and diamonds. $4,495

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TRADITIONAL JEWELERS

BestBets DAVID YURMAN North Star cuff links. $795 Signet ring with black diamonds. $895

TAG HEUER New Link Automatic Chronograph in stainless steel. $3,800

RAHAMINOV Diamond stud earrings framed with black and white diamond melee. $30,000

RAHAMINOV SHAMBALLA Rose gold and black pavĂŠ diamond bead bracelet. Price upon request.

Black and white diamond melee bangle. $9,600

ACCENTADVISOR

I HEAR A LOT ABOUT JEWELRY WARDROBING: WHAT ARE THE “MUSTHAVE” ITEMS? While there are no hard and fast rules, a great timepiece is an absolute essential. Since you wear this item often, if not daily, it should be something that embraces your personal style and suits your way of life (i.e. don’t get a leather strap or dainty diamond-encrusted model if you swim or play sports every day). There are many great options in well-priced materials such as ceramic, stainless steel and gold. Select features that meet your needs and reflect your personality. Another key item is a necklace or pendant that has special meaning to you, or showcases your individual style. Keep in mind that since your neck area is one of the first things people notice, a distinctive piece is memorable. Lastly, select great earrings that you don’t have to think about. These could be diamond studs, bold hoops, or something more elaborate, but keep it relevant to your regime, something you can put on and then forget about for the day!

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT FALL/WINTER 2011 JEWELRY TRENDS?

I NEED SOME GIFT IDEAS FOR MEN: ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Jewelry is certainly an integral part of a woman’s wardrobe, perfect for jazzing up any outfit. Though we all have those traditional jewelry pieces, wearing them on a daily basis hardly inspires enthusiasm. So mix it up! To ensure that your look doesn’t get pigeonholed, diversify your jewelry collection to include trend pieces that can be paired with classics. According to top designers around the globe, fall/winter 2011 is the season to go bold! Chunky statement jewelry in bright colors is a key fashion trend—choose pieces that stand out from, rather than blend in with, your outfit. Go for extra-large bracelets, shiny danglers for ears, notable necklaces. If you’re a fan of motifs, now’s the time to mix and match various icons (animal, floral, religious) to create a unique look that’s very “you.” Lastly, remember to invest in bangles (or other bold bracelets) this season, a must-have for every fashionista. Those who love chunky rings can brandish huge retro-inspired styles that not only look great but are also easy on the pocketbook.

Whether your guy’s a corporate type or a musician, there’s some great new men’s jewelry in our store. Obviously, a good watch is always the ultimate gift and we have plenty of fabulous options. (Many of today’s best styles are more elegant and classic than in seasons past; rose gold is also trending.) Cuff links are always a great gift, allowing a man to express his personality, even in the boardroom. Choose a motif that relates to his interests or passions (sailing, golf), or match the gemstone or enamel to his favorite color. For the guy who’s cool and contemporary, neck or wrist jewelry that combines high-tech metals with natural and/or precious materials will bring out his inner rockstar. You know it’s in there somewhere! A romantic idea: why not buy each other new gold or platinum bands to celebrate your love and your ever-evolving relationship?

IMAGE COURTESY OF STEPHEN WEBSTER

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DESIGNERS

Roberto Coin L eading Italian jewelry designer Roberto Coin announces the opening of his 7th boutique in the United States. In partnership with the wellknown, local family-run Newport institution, Traditional Jewelers, the Roberto Coin for Traditional Jewelers boutique opened at the Newport Beach Fashion Island Mall during the first week of September of this year. The boutique’s interior features white travertine marble, deep, rich woods, burnished mirrors and a separate “Roberto Coin Cento Collection” Diamond Corner, which is a brand new concept specific to this boutique. Previously, the boutiques have featured rich mahogany woods complemented by green detailing, brown carpeting and brown ceilings, a signature of Roberto Coin and similar to other boutique locations around the world including those in Venice, Rome, Dubai, Atlanta and Charleston. The new concept follows the recent global boutique openings in Moscow and Prague. Opening in the heart of Orange County, the Roberto Coin for Traditional Jewelers boutique at The Newport Beach Fashion Island Mall is 1,100 square feet and a premiere coastal location for the innovative designs of Roberto Coin. The new boutique continues to bridge the relationship with the brand’s independent retail partners. The boutique will feature some of the iconic collections from Robert Coin such as Appassionata, Ipanema, Mauresque, CapriPlus, and the Roberto Coin Cento Collection, a unique 100facet cut, almost double the traditional 57-facet cut diamonds. “We are excited about our continued expansion of our brand with another boutique opening,” says Peter Webster, co-owner and president of Roberto Coin, Inc. “The success and encouraging consumer response from our other boutiques has inspired us to launch in locations that we find perfect to expand our name. Collaborating with some of the most well-

respected local retail partners, such as Traditional Jewelers, broadens our relationships with the local community and future Roberto Coin customers in addition to our already loyal clientele.” Says Eric Halfacre, president of Traditional Jewelers, “Roberto Coin and Traditional Jewelers have enjoyed a successful partnership for almost 20 years. We feel that the opportunity for the boutique partnership will only further cement this strong and unique partnership. We also look forward to offering the full array of Roberto Coin to our existing (and potentially new) clients.”

About Roberto Coin Roberto Coin has been an icon in the jewelry industry for more than 30 years. His designs include his signature Appassionata Collection and the most recently successful Roberto Coin Cento Diamond Collection. His collection is available in over 400 stores nationwide including better jewelry and specialty stores and now features supermodel Christy Turlington Burns as the face of his new advertising campaign. His designs can have also been worn by such celebrities as Ashley Judd, Salma Hayek, Diane Lane, Brooke Shields, Emmy Rossum, Alicia Keys and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Since 1977, Venetian jewelry designer Roberto Coin has devoted his life to a passion for innovative design. Finding inspiration in the most unlikely of places, he is truly an artisan at work. Experimenting with light, texture, color and pattern, Coin’s style is ever evolving. His diverse collection, designed to fit every woman, is defined by a common thread—a thoughtful balance of elegance and creativity. Included in every piece of Roberto Coin jewelry is his signature ruby. The ruby symbolizes peace, prosperity and happiness and is a special wish from the designer.

DESIGNERS

Jeweler to the Stars

ads Kornerup, the designer behind Shamballa Jewels, is not from the classic reformatory or traditionally schooled—neither as a jeweler nor as a marketing expert. Nevertheless, he has succeeded in creating a jewelry concept that doesn’t follow conventional rules, but still generates great interest from both genders alike. Back in the ’90s, when Kornerup started out designing expensive jewelry for men in New York, most people thought he was crazy. Until that point, the only acknowledged accessory for men had been the watch—sometimes accompanied by cufflinks or a wedding ring. But things change, especially in America; here the jewelry business got a huge boost from the hip-hop community, as the top artists became prominent figures displaying the new male jewelry trend. They weren’t afraid to be called feminine, but happy to show off their jewelry with pride. Celebrities, fashion designers and musicians picked up the trend and it soon caught the public’s eye, quickly bringing jewelry for men to the mainstream. Not many believed this would be the case back when Mads Kornerup was just getting started. Actually, there were plenty of raised eyebrows as he experimented with religious symbols and signs in his innovative designs, which also included sharp colors and, last but not least, diamonds—for men! Despite the skepticism, the demand for his creations and the many copycats of his styles have proved that his design instincts were right. But not everything in the Shamballa story has been smooth sailing: 9/11 forced Mads and his family to return to Copenhagen and the business was hit hard.

However, a partnership with his brother Mikkel Kornerup, who runs the administrative side of the company, resulted in a much stronger base for growth despite being further from the city lights of the Big Apple. Shamballa Jewels’ greatest success so far has been the Shamballa Ball bracelet that customers individually create from over 50 different balls. Twelve styles are available in gold, white gold and platinum and each can be personalized with initials, monograms and/or birthstones. This way, the wearer can design a significant piece that best reflects their personality and style. Welcoming personal preferences and needs plays a big role in the spirit of Shamballa Jewels. It’s why Mads often travels to the private residences of the stars, to ensure that his relationships with the clients remain as close as possible. Among the celebrities who wear Shamballa Jewels are Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher, Michael Jordan, Sharon Osbourne, LeBron James, Madonna and many more. In 2010, the Kornerup brothers completed the first freestanding Shamballa Jewels store in Copenhagen, and new stores also opened in Paris and London. Moreover, new markets around the world are continuously growing, as the brand continues to build on the success of its precious but wearable jewelry that represents personal needs and experiences. One of the greatest national and international success stories in the Danish jewelry business is the rise of Shamballa Jewels. The popular jewelry brand has generated a significant following in Hollywood as well as in Europe. Their remarkable story of starting out as a very masculine brand, yet becoming a huge success among women, has helped define a bold new way to wear precious jewelry.

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SPOTLIGHT

JCK DESIGN CENTER RECOGNIZES JEWELRY DESIGNERS AND THE RETAILERS WHO SELL THEIR UNIQUE DESIGNS The Design Center at JCK Las Vegas has announced its top 50 designer retailer stores for 2011/2012. . "Today's consumers are keen on purchasing jewelry that has been customcreated, either for themselves or as a gift," noted Yancy Weinrich, industry vice president of JCK Events. "The individuality and uniqueness of designer jewelry is attractive for those consumers who like to wear significant and meaningful jewelry either by design, material or design 'story'. The retailers who are recognized by the exhibitors/designers in the JCK Design Center are particularly attuned to and passionate about presenting, merchandising and selling designer jewelry. It is quite an honor to be nominated as a Designer Retailer." The Top 5 Retail Designers recognized included: Amethyst, Bethesda, MD; Hamilton Hill Jewelry, Durham, NC; The Clay Pot, Brooklyn, NY; Traditional Jewelers, Newport, CA. The Top 10 Designer Retailers that received honors included: Mix at The Breakers Luxury Hotels, Palm Beach, FL; Reinhold Jewelers, San Juan, PR; Sausalito Jewelers, Sausalito, CA; Tassels, Atlanta, GA; Ylang 23, Dallas, TX.

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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

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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

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:

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

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.

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

THE STORIES

BY JILLIAN SPRAGUE

Brooching the Subject

t a charity event about six months before my wedding, my mother’s best friend Deborah was approached by a woman she’d never seen before. “I’m sorry to bother you,” the stranger said sheepishly, “but is someone in your family about to be married?” “No, why do you ask?” Deborah replied. The woman insisted; she was convinced she had the right person. “Are you sure? Someone whose name starts with an L?” “Well…my best friend Laura’s daughter is getting married this fall.” “Yes, that’s it! Laura’s mother has a message for her.” Since my grandmother passed away over 20 years ago, this came as quite a surprise. But Deborah was intrigued by the mysterious woman. “She would like the bride to wear her gold brooch at the wedding.” The stranger started to walk away, but turned and added, “I’m sorry to have to say this… She also mentioned that she isn’t too happy with the hors d’oeuvres they’ve chosen.” The next day, as my mother and I listened to the story, we found ourselves believing the woman’s claims. She wasn’t looking for money, after all, and there were details it would have been impossible for her to know. My grandmother did in fact leave a brooch to my mother, a beautiful gold swirl set with tiny diamonds. Not only that, but my mother had recently been thinking of the pin: days earlier while looking through her jewelry box, she had B R I D A L

taken it out and set it in a visible spot so she would remember her mother each time she walked by. In a few weeks, as I walk down the aisle surrounded by family, I know those who have passed will be there in my heart. But for a more tangible presence, my bouquet will be wrapped in lace cut from my mother’s wedding dress, held together by my grandmother’s brooch. And as I float through the cocktail hour, proudly displaying my other new piece of jewelry—and my new husband—guests will be nibbling on caviar instead of chips. S E C T I O N

ILLUSTRATION BY DARIA JABENKO

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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.

RED CARPET

Bright Spots BREATHTAKING BEAUTY AND EYE-CATCHING ACCESSORIES HELP THESE LEADING LADIES STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD. BY AMY SCIARETTA

Paula Patton

Rachel McAdams

hether out on tour or singing on her home stage, Carrie Underwood is always polished to perfection. At American Idol’s finale results show, the cute country star rocked in a long-sleeved mini dress. Her Art Deco diamond and raspberry tourmaline drop earrings play off the geometric pattern of her dress and add a pop of color. Classic: the definition of Paula Patton at the 2011 Simon Wiesenthal National Tribute Dinner. In a simple black spaghetti strap sheath, she let her 18K yellow gold and diamond earrings steal the show, proving she knows how to accessorize Just Wright. If anyone can convince us that bronzer is overrated, it’s this light-skinned lady. Rachel McAdams looked anything but bland for the premiere of Sleeping Beauty at the 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival. Fierce red lips and an armful of diamond bangles added a feminine touch to her menswear-inspired neutrals.

CARRIE / RACHEL: AMRAPALI. PAULA: CARRERA Y CARRERA.

Carrie Underwood

RED CARPET

JENNIFER / OLIVIA: CARRERA Y CARRERA. ERIN: DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH.

Jennifer Morrison

Olivia Wilde

Erin Andrews

Jennifer Morrison knows how to make an entrance! At Comic-Con 2011 in San Diego, she clearly dazzled the crowd in simple but stunning 18 karat yellow gold hoop earrings, an understated accent to her multi-colored accessories. Olivia Wilde is reputed to be one of Hollywood’s most confident leading ladies. To the premiere of Universal’s “Cowboys and Aliens” she appeared as elegant as ever in stacked rings and an intricate white gold and rose cut diamond bracelet. A sure showstopper! Erin Andrews is always radiant! While her beautiful smile is brilliant on its own, it is further enhanced by sparkling earrings. Here, for the 36th annual Gracie Awards Gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Andrews wears amazing diamond chandelier earrings with pavé diamond accents. WOW!

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.

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TRENDS

POWER PIECES FASHION’S STRONG FAVORITES MAKE A STATEMENT. BY LORRAINE DEPASQUE

his year’s number-one accessory is, without question, statement jewelry! It’s all about dramatic designs that reveal your self-assured personal style—jewelry that wows instead of whispers. Remember the fashion “winners” at the Academy Awards? Gwyneth Paltrow in mega-sized multi-color gem earrings with a matching brooch pinned at the hip of her curvehugging Calvin? Natalie Portman in rubellite tassel earrings swinging stylishly as she accepted her Best Actress Oscar? Helen Mirren in a bold white diamond pendant that added décolletage dazzle to her neutral gray Vivienne Westwood? Now that’s what we’re talking about! And not just for red carpets and evening wear. “This is the season—and the year—for bold jewelry fashion statements for day and night,” says Cindy Edelstein, president of the

Jeweler’s Resource Bureau, marketing and trend specialists in contemporary fine designer luxury brands. “To be in style, you need huge rings, long and dangling earrings, and a signature wide cuff—or a stack of ‘wristies’ to build that wide-at-the-wrist look. Also be sure to buy at least one statement necklace. If not, then you need several of the new extra-long links and chains to layer and create that big look at the neck.” In the necklace category, “Dramatic collars are important,” adds Jeanne Johngren, president of the Contemporary Jewelry Design Group (CJDG) and owner of an eponymous jewelry line. “Especially strong are unconventional ones with defining elements of a brand or designer making them extra special and further showcasing your distinctive style.”

PEARLS WITH A NOTICE-ME “EDGE” Trite but true, there’s no other way to say it: These are not your grandmother’s pearls. In fact, insiders in the jewelry world no longer talk of “pearls” but instead “pearl fashion.” Unusual pearl statement jewelry is a must this year. “There has been a lot of pearl jewelry on the runways,” says Broili, “but it’s not about stark white pearls. Rather, the more warmed-up versions.” Some of the best brands are showing new collections with pale pinks, creams, and lavenders and, to underscore the special statement look, the pearls are often in irregular shapes—perfect in their imperfection!

When it comes to the hottest jewelry trends, it simply isn’t the time for simple. So, first and foremost, when choosing your statement jewelry, consider what fashion insiders call “the silhouette.” In the case of jewelry, that means big, wide, or long. Nothing small, itty-bitty, or dainty. Not now anyway. To help you make selections, here are some notes on the silhouettes of the season in several specific jewelry categories: CUFFS They needn’t be massive and bulky like back in the ’70s, but they should definitely be wide. Pierced or with cutouts maybe—not filigree, but more like the look of crochet or lace. RINGS Four of the new fashion favorites: chunky cocktail rings, with or without stones; uberwide bands; flat retro-looking cigar-band styles made to resemble the paper or foil loops fitted around cigars; and big “cuff rings” that are open at the bottom, allowing you to slightly adjust the fit yourself. EARRINGS Not quite “shoulder-dusters” (Remember that term?), the lengthy earring looks fresh, either worn slim like a stiletto, wider with bead tassels, or with the metal shaped into generously-sized marquise or teardrop patterns. LINKS AND CHAINS To mimic the size of a large collar or a big multi-strand choker, you need several, each at least 34 to 36 inches. Remember, this is statement jewelry, so the more the better. And because it’s your personal statement, buy a wardrobe of links and chains that are different from each other in terms of metals, gems and materials.

IMAGES COURTESY OF MARCO BICEGO, MATTIOLI, ERICA COURTNEY, DANIEL GIBBINGS AND ROBERTO COIN

SIZE MATTERS

HUGELY HOT (AND HAUTE) GEMS “This year, there is a riot of colored stones set in jewelry,” says Edelstein. Adriane Broili, designer and trend forecaster at The Doneger Group in New York City, adds, “The colors are usually bold and bright with an eastern influence—especially from Japan—but also strong shades à la African fusion.” James Alger, a gem cutter and stone importer who supplies the newest cuts and best gems to some of the biggest names in jewelry, says that this year, pinks are red hot, especially pink tourmaline, morganite and pink sapphire. “I haven’t seen pink stones so popular since 2002, when Jennifer Lopez got her 6.5-carat pink diamond engagement ring from Ben Affleck!” And speaking of pink diamonds, as they’re rarer than some other diamond colors— yellow, cognac and black, for example—natural color pink diamonds are the perfect choice for statement jewelry. Designers this season are sprinkling the smaller-size pinks in rose gold for a tone-on-tone jewelry look that becomes a great distinguishing everyday accessory—almost a “neutral” because of the monochromatic metal/gem combination. While pinks are important, so too are many of the blue and green gemstones. STATEMENT BLUES If you haven’t looked at blue chalcedony lately, do ask your jeweler about it. A treasured gemstone of the ancient world, contemporary designers are once again featuring this quartz, which has an ethereal adularescence. Also take a second look at aquamarine, another blue that high-end brands are rejuvenating by using it in transparent and translucent cuts in fresh and fashionable collections. STATEMENT GREENS The “newest” dramatic greens include green chalcedony, prasiolite (green quartz), chrysoprase and zultanite, a gem with colorchanging properties found only in Turkey. Zultanite’s kiwi and khaki greens are some of the shades this diaspore mineral can take on.

ATTENTION-GETTING METALS & MATERIALS “Darkened metal jewelry is especially important right now, much of it multi-culturally influenced and vintagy in look,” says Broili. “But the blackened and grayed metals can also have a very modern feeling,” says Edelstein. “In fact, darkened metals are part of what I see as one of the newest trends—something I call ‘Techno Funk.’ It’s fun and casual, with pieces made for lots of layering, draping and stacking.” The newest combinations of metals and materials on a single piece of jewelry really amp up the look-at-me element. Great show-stoppers often mix white, gray and blackened silver together. Or they combine precious gold or platinum with materials like enamel, ceramic, stainless steel, cobalt, titanium and, in some cases, esoteric meteorite or unusual woods. Bronze/high-karat yellow gold is a particularly important fashion pairing, as is palladium with sterling silver and touches of gold.

ART

Radiolaria Grid by Nuala O’Donovan

Sensational Ceramics FROM MUD TO MARVELS BY JACQUELIN CARNEGIE

to see how this history informs even the most contemporary pieces by today’s ceramists.”

Irish Inspirations “The Clay Girls” is how these three supremely talented artists jokingly refer to themselves. Each one takes inspiration from nature and then, in a uniquely distinctive way, pushes the technical boundaries of the clay. SARA FLYNN It’s hard to believe that Sara Flynn’s pieces are solid material—they have the contours of shapes still in the process of forming. Flynn’s hand-thrown pieces—sculptural, decorative vessels—are meant to highlight movement and volume. Her husband, Stuart Poole, develops all

PHOTO BY GERRY MORGAN

orget candy dishes and coffee mugs: today’s potters are creating museum-quality work. These artists in particular—Sara Flynn, Frances Lambe and Nuala O’Donovan in Ireland; Felicity Aylieff in England; and Daphne Corregan, an American in France—are producing pieces of “material poetry.” “Clay has a history that stretches back to the beginning of man’s creativity,” explains Brian Kennedy, curator and arts consultant for the Crafts Council of Ireland. “As a material, it occupies that great position between functional and artistic. Over the ages, artists have used clay to create everything from cooking vessels to religious effigies. It’s fascinating

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ADRIAN SASSOON GALLERY, LONDON, UK

GERRY MORGAN ROLAND PASCHHOFF

SYLVAIN DELEU

Clockwise from left: Butterfly Season (Hú Dié Ji Jié) and a stunning collection of seven-foot high “vases” made in China by Felicity Aylieff; Nuala O’Donovan’s porcelain Teasel Chrysanthemum; Daphne Corregan’s Communicating Vessels; Spiny Indented Form by Frances Lambe the glazes, many based on ancient Chinese ones whose ingredients and firing methods remain the same today. “Initially, I went to the Crawford College of Art in Cork to be a painter,” Flynn explains. “But I got my hands on clay and was hooked. I’m also intrigued by the history of the material, and my own work is influenced by 20th-century potters such as Hans Coper and Joanna Constantinidis. In 1998, I began working with porcelain and instantly fell in love with it. Hand-throwing demands focus and calm; it’s an amazing way to spend one’s ‘working’ day!” FRANCES LAMBE Perhaps because Frances Lambe’s studio at Allardstown in County Louth is in a renovated cowshed, her pieces look as if they have been “birthed” by Mother Nature. “Time stands still when I’m working with clay,” Lambe says. “I work slowly, carefully developing ideas. My inspiration comes from an interest in marine biology, botany, geometry, geography and astronomy, and a deep connection to the place where I live—the glacial-formed ‘drumlin’ landscape and the rocky shoreline, where the land meets the sea.” NUALA O’DONOVAN Before Nuala O’Donovan went to the Crawford College of Art in Cork to study ceramics, she studied architectural drawing and environmental interior design and construction. It shows. Working in porcelain, she creates structural marvels that reflect the natural world. “The starting point for my work has always been patterns from nature,” O’Donovan says. “The forms are constructed slowly, over a period of weeks or months, and fired a number of times during the process. The finished forms reflect regular patterns as well as the irregular characteristics found in nature.”

East-West Porcelain Poetry FELICITY AYLIEFF One of the reasons Felicity Aylieff, senior tutor at the Royal College of Art in London, likes working in clay is its long history as a material. Consequently, she spent a six-month residency in Jingdezhen, China, known for centuries as a renowned porcelain center. The specific

project she had in mind was making a series of large-scale vessels, using traditional techniques but applying them in her own innovative way. This resulted in a number of beautiful, seven-foot high porcelain “vases” covered with decorative butterflies, insects and flowers, reminiscent of traditional Chinese vases. “My fascination with the color palette and patterns of 18th- and 19thcentury Chinese porcelain is a constant source of decorative inspiration,” Aylieff reveals. “At art school I studied ceramics, but my minor was textiles. It’s from the textiles that I can trace back my interest in color and pattern, which in recent years has become a bit of an obsession in my work.”

Franco-American Flair DAPHNE CORREGAN American Daphne Corregan went to France to study ceramics and never left the region. Today, in addition to doing her own work, she teaches ceramics at the Pavillon Bosio, Superior School for the Visual Arts in Monaco. Her work is usually made from raku clay, hand-built with coils. In the past, the pieces were either raku-fired or smoked. More recently, they’ve been gas-fired. A lifelong interest in fabrics and folk clothing has influenced Corregan’s work, as have extensive travels to places like West Africa, North Africa, China and Egypt. “Traveling is a great source of inspiration,” Corregan notes. “The art, architecture, design, traditional crafts, textiles, ethnic costumes and jewelry of other cultures are compelling stimuli for me. Teaching is also inspiring. I tell my students that all artists must think and prepare, and be aware of everything happening around them, from economic crises to new scientific discoveries.” In addition to numerous galleries and museums, Sara Flynn, Frances Lambe and Nuala O’Donovan will exhibit work at dubh—dialogues in black this fall, at the American Irish Historical Society (www.aihs.org) in New York. Felicity Aylieff and Daphne Corregan will have pieces at the International Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fair, SOFA NY (www.sofaexpo.com) in spring 2012.

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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.

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.

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The Ultimate Gift GOOD HEALTH IS ALL THAT MATTERS, BUT GOOD DIAMONDS CAN’T HURT... BY HANS GSCHLIESSER

or better or worse took on significant meaning this year as I watched the woman I love suffer through a medical crisis. It started when, for some unknown reason, Janet stopped cooking. This was simply unfathomable to me. She loves to cook! And I love to eat. As if this wasn’t bad enough, she also stopped eating, saying that the mere smell of food was making her nauseous. She totally refused to go anywhere near the kitchen. As I am a terrible cook, we were both getting thinner by the day. “I know you want to lose a few pounds, but don’t you think this is a bit extreme?” I asked her. No answer. Was this some sort of psychological rebellion against me? It is about me isn’t it? Knowing something was very wrong, we called in doctors. There were endless tests with endless specialists but still no answers. In a state of helpless confusion I watched as my wife withered away physically and emotionally. I watched as the ambulance took her to the hospital, as she received more tests from more specialists. Then finally, a diagnosis: “Your wife is anorexic, has a brain hemorrhage and Bacterial Endocarditis, which has destroyed her heart valve. She needs open heart surgery.” I sat there white as a ghost as the blood drained from my body. Bacterial what? By now, Janet was gaunt, exhausted and terrified at the prospect of

surgery, which was to be scheduled after eight weeks of daily IV antibiotics, administered by me, at home. To regain her strength, she needed to eat. Luckily, supportive family and friends precluded the need for my cooking. Slowly she regained her appetite as the antibiotic killed off the nasty little Streptococcus Viridans bacteria. But the looming prospect of open heart valve replacement surgery haunted us every minute. Ultimately, the day arrived and we drove to the hospital in a state of disbelief. The surgery was scheduled for Valentine’s Day, which felt like a good omen. After five intense hours, the surgeon came out to inform me that all had gone well. I could finally breathe. And to celebrate the ultimate gift of my wife getting a new heart for Valentines Day, I surprised her with a pair of diamond earrings. The nurse ran into the room in a frenzy when Janet’s EKG lit up the monitor, but it was only her heart fluttering as she opened the box and saw the earrings. “I’ve always wanted these; I’m never taking them off!” she exclaimed with joy and gratitude. It was just what the doctor ordered to renew the twinkle in her eyes, the radiant smile, the prospect of normalcy. And how we both craved the monotony of normal routine living! Routine living, with a little extra sparkle.

DY Signatures

TRADITIONAL JEWELERS ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS

FALL/WINTER 2011