Michael Spiers
magazine 2021
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Adam Spiers Time to Reflect · 10 ·
Georg Jenson Curve Collection · 44 ·
Our ‘Family’ in their words · 18 ·
· Our World of fashion and Jewellery 48 ·
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The many Facets of Diamonds · 72 ·
The Art of Coming Second Revisited · 103 ·
Your Time to Choose the best watch · 82 ·
The Art of coming first Doubled · 106 ·
time to reflect in this strange new world, you do have time to think, and that enabled me to unravel the confusion a little and get back to what is really important. It was there all the time: I just needed to remind myself. Adam Spiers
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The Annus Horribilis we all shared It had been on my ‘bucket list’ for a while: to hike up to the top of a mountain, not accessible by lifts, with my son, Zach, and ski down in thigh high powder making fresh tracks in pristine snow! Following our guide, Zach enjoyed a great run down the couloir. Unfortunately, I succeeded in seriously hurting my knee during a less than elegant fall which required a helicopter to lift me off the mountain to hospital! It was a calamitous start to the year. But as we all know, much worse was to come with the coronavirus emergency which led to lockdown, an entire nation confined to barracks, just one of countless countries facing the same grim challenge. · 12
The Queen referred to 1992 as her “annus horribilis” after a disastrous year for the royal family which ended in a major fire at Windsor Castle. 2020 was our annus horribilis and one shared by everyone in this country and millions of people around the world. I am not afraid to admit that, probably like many people, the early days of the pandemic left me feeling despondent. We all faced the uncertainty of a world turned upside down where we had lost control over our lives: business, personal, the everyday. But in this strange new world, you do have
“Our business is not first and foremost about beautiful jewellery and magnificent watches: it’s about people… our family, our colleagues and our clients.”
time to think, and that enabled me to unravel the confusion a little and get back to what is really important. It was there all the time: I just needed to remind myself. Our business is not first and foremost about beautiful jewellery and magnificent watches: it’s about people… our family, our colleagues and our clients. With that in mind, it was clear that we had to draw on all our resources of professionalism, ingenuity and determination to keep the business running. In short, we had to fight. When you decide to fight it is handy to have people of character, resolve and courage at your side. I knew that was exactly what I have in the Michael Spiers ‘family’. They did not let me, or each other, down. In the early days of the company, my father Michael faced many challenges, though none on the scale of the pandemic. He always faced them with fortitude and an iron resolution to win through. And he did. During the lockdown, we stayed connected within the company with weekly updates and store WhatsApp groups while working hard to maintain contact with clients. On re-opening it meant massive changes to everything we do, from how people worked to the wearing of
protective equipment (we introduced masks before the government made it mandatory). I’m proud to say that all colleagues remained on full pay throughout the lockdown. They were kept engaged with the help of our brand partners who provided online training. The launch of the new Michael Spiers website was fortuitously timely as it gave us a sophisticated tool with which to stay in touch with clients. We decided two years ago to create a website that would offer a full online buying experience. We are pleased to say that we are now able to offer our clients who prefer not to venture out, the opportunity to buy a beautiful gift for their loved ones or for that special occasion. Most of the items available in the stores are on the website and we offer a full delivery service. We think of it as our ‘fifth store’.
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“For me perhaps the most emotional moment was the first day we got back to work. It was lovely to see and feel the life all around you again. There were tears all round.”
The website meets a specific need, but the heart and soul of Michael Spiers stays on the high street in our four stores. So, as part of our commitment to fight, we continued the huge spend on expanding our Truro showroom. Despite the uncertainty brought about by the emergency, we believe in the future and continued to put our money where our belief is. It could be said that staying in touch with one another in the everyday sense was one of the biggest challenges of the pandemic, especially during the lockdown. I know intuitively that very many of our clients, like our teams, would have found ways to reach out to those most affected by the solitude imposed. One thing that struck me many times during the lockdown was how much our colleagues missed being at work. Just how much became evident when we reopened out stores. During lockdown, I had stood in an empty store and it hits you. There are no people. The business is about people and our teams understand that as well as I do. Lockdown was an emotional roller coaster for many. For me perhaps the most emotional moment was the first day we got back to work. It was lovely to see and feel the life all around you again. There were tears all round. You might think that the business has changed because of events, that our clients have a different view about items of beauty, but it is a counter–intuitive fact that, if anything, the desire is stronger than ever. · 14
At the time of writing, Britain was heading into a new lockdown. But I know that the fantastic fighting family of Michael Spiers will see it through. We hear a lot about the ‘new normal.’ Michael Spiers represents the ‘old normal’, the normal normal… It may be something to do with the adage that ‘diamonds are forever’. Our jewellery and watches are as close to ‘forever’ as it gets, something that we understand and to which our clients connect. Never mind the ‘new normal’, as far as I and the whole team are concerned, we remain the traditional Michael Spiers (even if we are all wearing funny masks). We’re just staying in touch with each other and our clients in new ways. Here’s to better times, an annus mirabilis, in 2021.
ENDLESS LOVE Celebrate your endless love with our beautiful bridal and eternity ring collection.
michaelspiers.co.uk
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Our ‘family’ 2020 was a year like no other – the strangeness of life in isolation during lockdown and the emergence into a new normal where our everyday lives are still anything but. The Coronavirus pandemic devastated every business sector, none more so than retail. We had months of closures, then the challenges of reopening our showrooms in a world of social distancing. Michael Spiers rose to the challenge, coming back fighting, with everything the business is renowned for: quality and luxury in the hands of passionate and committed teams who want the best for their customers. That ability in the most difficult of circumstances was no accident. From the early days of its 60 year history, the company has placed its people at the centre of everything it does. The view from the top now, as it was then, is that the people that make up the Michael Spiers team, are ‘family’ not just employees. The fact that one still–serving director was hired by Michael Spiers himself at the launch of the business is testament to that fact. The family that works together, can take on the toughest of challenges. And the Michael Spiers family are doing just that during this pandemic. · 18
The astonishing thing about any family, is how different they are, in terms of their interests. They are walkers, wine lovers, volunteers in hospital chapels, food lovers and even one so passionate about pubs on beaches that she got married in one! Each with an inside knowledge of the Michael Spiers product range, but always with a passion to know more. So guess what several were doing during lockdown? Working with brand partners, over the internet, to extend their knowledge and understanding of the collections even further. And each has an inner desire for a particular piece of jewellery or watch. Time to meet some of the ‘family’.
in their words
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Austin Walker, Sales Advisor Plymouth
The great singer songwriter Elton John had it that Saturday night was ‘alright for fighting.’ Plymouth man Austin has a more constructive view about weekend leisure pursuits. Among his many hobbies is wine tasting “especially on a Saturday night.” But the man who has worked for Michael Spiers for seven years, still finds time for a raft of other hobbies including squash, paddle boarding and home renovations.
“Michael Spiers showed their continued appreciation and support to employees by investing in our studies and certifications in some of the world’s leading brands.” It was a good balance in a difficult time, he added. “This kept me motivated, upskilled and content with both family and career.”
And he makes the most of living in one of the beautiful locations in the country with a passion for rambling along the coastal paths.
Austin’s life outside work time is as colourful as his favourite piece within the showroom – the emerald cut tanzanite and diamond three stone ring set in platinum.
When the Michael Spiers ‘family’ pulled together during lockdown, the enforced ‘downtime’ enabled Austin to spend more time with his family, but also allowed him to develop his career.
“I have always admired Tanzanite. This gemstone is beautiful and when sunlight shines into our showroom, it enhances the multitude of colours: purple, blue and burgundy red. This ring oozes confidence.”
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“I have always admired the uniqueness of Tanzanite....This ring oozes confidence.”
He also has a favourite watch – a tough call for a self–confessed “watch geek” – and it is one from a stable taking healthcare to some of the most needy people. “I am going to surprise everyone and go completely outside the box and pick the ladies’ Speedmaster 38mm ‘Orbis’. Austin explained the reason behind his choice. “Since 2011, Omega has supported Orbis International and its Flying Eye Hospital in bringing high levels of care to some of the world’s most remote regions. This specially created Speedmaster 38mm watch supports that partnership and the continuing fight against preventable blindness.”
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David Treweeks, Assistant Manager Plymouth
David ‘went for gold’ but then found a greater prize – people. Joining Michael Spiers 20 years ago, he trained in the company workshop for seven years as a goldsmith. Then he switched to work as a salesman in the showroom, working his way up to assistant manager, a position he has held for seven years. The retail world has been compared to theatre on a small, everyday scale which may explain its appeal to David who was involved in amateur dramatics. “I play piano and sing and used to tread the boards, but have not been able to continue this for a while. But I would like to return to this at some point,” said David. “I like to travel and enjoy villa holidays abroad with my friends and partner as well as trips away to London and · 24
places in and around Devon and Cornwall.” David grew up in the small village of Freathy near Whitsand Bay in Cornwall, where his parents still live. He moved to Plymouth 14 years ago and recently set up home in Sherford with his partner and their two British shorthair cats. His favourite Michael Spiers piece is the Omega Planet Ocean, and he put his money where his preference was. He owns one.
Jessica Brayley, Store Manager Exeter
There is no doubting who the boss is in Jessica’s house. She met her fiancé Jeremy at work and they will be tying the knot in June 2021. “We met at work, so I’m the boss at work and at home!” said Jessica who has worked for Michael Spiers for ten years. Theirs is a rather cosmopolitan household. “We have a daughter Naomi who is 15 months old. She is starting to talk … but only in French at the moment as her dad is from France.” And the cat only meows in Greek. “Greece has to be our favourite place as it’s where we found our cat Bowie (named for his different coloured eyes). We rescued him when he was a kitten from the streets in Rhodes and got him flown back to England,” said Jessica, whose hobbies include going to
the gym, working out and of course, travelling. But, like everyone at Michael Spiers, she speaks the international language of beautiful jewellery and watches. Her showroom pick – the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 with coral red dial and an Oyster bracelet.
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Team players don’t lose the habit when they leave work. Ask Mollie. With Michael Spiers for three years, she is an enthusiastic participant in the CrossFit sport. As much a lifestyle as a sport, it emphasises a combination of safe exercise and sound nutrition. Its aims range from better health, to weight loss, to improved performance. She said: “Olympic lifting is my favourite aspect of the sport as well as the team spirit that surrounds it. “I also enjoy going on trail walk adventures with my partner Joe and dog Nellie, as long as there's a good pub at the end of the trek!” Back at the showroom, her favourite item is the 18ct gold square cut ruby and Asscher cut diamond bracelet. It’s no coincidence that ruby is Mollie’s birthstone.
Mollie Budden, Assistant Manager Exeter
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Hannah Elswood, Sales Advisor Taunton Perhaps it’s her love of photography that enables Hannah to help turn the showroom window into the perfect picture. Her nine years at Michael Spiers has seen her combine her skills at ensuring each and every customer finds what they are looking for, with helping make the showroom windows look fabulous. Of the latter work, she said: “I have already made an impression on our customers before they walk through our door! “I love helping customers and feel a great achievement when I have helped them find their perfect item, be it a watch, an item of jewellery or even by helping them with a repair
to an already much-loved item.” Her own showroom pick is a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 in white Rolesor with an aubergine diamond set dial and Oyster bracelet Hannah is an outdoor girl which provides the setting for her much loved photography. Her favourite adventure was climbing Mount Snowdon. A photographer and Michael Spiers staffer at the top of her game.
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Cynthia Billington, PA to Directors
The pearl symbolises hidden knowledge which may partly explain Cynthia’s favourite Michael Spiers piece: a stylish diamond and cultured pearl pendant. “The pearl is my birthstone and diamonds are obviously, after my dog, a girl’s best friend.” The (not so) hidden knowledge becomes apparent when you read the roll call of her life outside of work. She enjoys gardening, reading (particularly biographies and history) and needlework. Then there are the narrowboat holidays, visits to National Trust properties and travel documentaries. She’s particularly looking forward to the end of the covid restrictions so she can enjoy once more another of her great loves, the theatre. Cynthia, who has been with Michael Spiers for 17 years, after leaving De Beers in South Africa, thoroughly enjoys her varied job. She has been married to husband Michael for 44 years and has a daughter, a son, two · 28
grandsons and two granddaughters. And don’t forget her beloved golden retriever Holly. And if that isn’t enough, Cynthia still finds time to work as a volunteer at a hospital chapel. A very rounded lady lives by an adage from another very rounded lady, the late American poet, essayist and civil rights activist Maya Angelou. And it’s one she believes dovetails with the Michael Spiers ethos. “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
George Savage, Group Rolex Manager
For George, the lure of the beautiful South West proved irresistible. His brother migrated from Croydon, and George did too. So you might expect his pastimes to include surfing the waves that surround the peninsula. In fact, you are more likely to find him on the piste pursuing his passion for snowboarding (though not in the South West). That passion goes back to a six-month season he spent in France working as a chef/host. George has worked in the jewellery industry for ten years and in the four years with Michael Spiers, he has progressed from sales advisor, watch manager, and store assistant manager to become group Rolex manager. He said: “I have had a passion for watches in particular since my first day in the job. I am originally from Croydon in south London and after seeing the life my brother was enjoying in the South West I decided to move here too.” That passion for watches leads him to his choice of a Michael Spiers piece. “Easy,” he said. “Rolex Day-Date 40 in platinum. This is the ultimate watch lover’s luxury watch. Platinum looks a lot like steel. It’s still quite subtle but you know how special it is.” · 29
fope.com
Keiran Barrett, Watch After-sales Service Manager
Move over Dr Who, there’s a new Time Lord on the block and he works for Michael Spiers. Keiran is very excited in the now because it is leading towards a great future for the company, and it was a chance meeting in the past, that led him to where he is today. Keiran’s journey with Michael Spiers started 15 years ago when he left university after completing a course on horology (the study of time) and the mechanical restoration of time pieces. A meeting with Michael Spiers’ chairman Keith White MBE led to Keiran being appointed as watchmaker at the Plymouth store. That opened the door to him undergoing training in Switzerland with some of the world’s top watch marques, such as Cartier, Breitling, Omega and Rolex. Keiran is ever thankful that Keith took him under his wing. · 32
He said: “It’s a very exciting time to be with Michael Spiers as we are now planning a big expansion of our workshops to join the Rolex world service programme; a step we are taking to ensure we continue the highest of standards and meet our Rolex client’s expectations and needs and, of course, continue offering a service second to none. “We operate a busy workshop that involves every aspect of the watch repair and refurbishment, from refinishing the case and bracelets to the complete rebuilding of a watch mechanism. The service work is a very time intensive and delicate procedure. We use specialist tooling such as microscopes, eye glasses and state of the
“It’s a very exciting time to be with Michael Spiers as we are now planning a big expansion of our workshops to join the Rolex world service programme”
apples, pears and blueberries. His next garden project will be to build Callum his own swing and slide, and when he’s older a zip line! Kieran’s favourite Michael Spiers piece is, of course, an iconic watch. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 in 18ct yellow gold. “I work on Rolex watches every day and this classic watch is steeped in history, yet is equipped with a new generation movement that is at the forefront of the art of watchmaking.” Kieran also has a penchant for cufflinks and has a small collection at home. These include a pair of vintage sports cars by Deakin and Francis. “I enjoy wearing cufflinks and these are elegant and eye-catching”
art polishing equipment to achieve the highly detailed refinish on a watch case to factory specification.” Keiran’s spare time is spent with his wife Laura and son Callum, who is nearly two. “The joy of time spent with him, seeing his personality come through, is just so rewarding. He’s just so cheeky and fun! It’s one of life’s true treasures and I cherish every moment.” Keiran loves a game of golf with his father and spending time in his garden growing · 33
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and in my opinion it’s the epitome of the classic and timeless beauty of Genevan watchmaking.” Very much the Renaissance man he is currently learning a completely different skill – being a good dad.
Giordano Chirieleison, Senior Sales Executive Truro
“I have been living in Cornwall since 2016 with my wife, Helen, and my one-year-old daughter, Joya, who is teaching me the challenging art of being a dad,” he said.
La dolce vita (the good life) is Italian shorthand for everything from good food and wine to beautiful jewellery and watches. So it is probably little surprise that Giordano found his way to Michael Spiers some three years ago where he began as a part–time sales assistant. He has brought that Italian sense of style in everything to his adopted home in Cornwall. “Being Italian, I get passionate about everything Michael Spiers” said Giordano whose pastimes include painting and writing. Passionate also about a watch from the Patek Philippe stable - the Complication Reference 5396R-015. “It’s a stunning watch · 35
Danielle Whillians, Sales Advisor Truro
The beaches of Cornwall are second to none in the world. The pub is an institution unique to Britain. A pub on a beach? Close to Nirvana perhaps and the perfect location for Dani when she married two years ago. She and her husband Luke chose the Seiners Arms at Perranporth Beach for their wedding ceremony and later a barbecue on (naturally) the sands. “We are not formal people,” she said. “So we could not see ourselves having a church wedding and a sit down dinner.” Michael Spiers showroom windows are a thing of beauty to passers–by and, it seems, to future members of staff, Dani being no exception. She worked for another jewellers and gave the Michael Spiers window admiring glances on her way to work. · 36
“The Michael Spiers windows were always so beautifully dressed and the quality of the jewellery was wonderful, so it was fantastic to join the team,” said Dani, whose special item from the showroom window is the platinum brilliant cut 3 stone diamond ring. She lives in Newquay with her husband and “fur babies” Doug, a miniature labradoodle and Teddy, a pomapoo. And she loves to travel, having covered regions of Europe and several countries in Asia. “I love to visit new places and see other cultures,” she said. Next up on the travel itinerary is Croatia (covid permitting). “Oh, and I quite fancy visiting Indonesia, too.”
Natalie Mitchell, Sales Advisor taunton
She flew through the air (or rather danced) with the greatest of ease… and now applies her artistic flair to Michael Spiers showroom windows as well as guiding customers through the pieces on offer. Natalie spent many years off the ground pursuing her love of aerial arts. She said: “I have a background in performing arts and enjoyed many years of aerial arts classes learning pole, silks, and hoop skills.” Now back on earth, she spends a lot of her spare time at the gym where she enjoys a combination of the physical and mental side of exercising. Her showroom pick is an emerald cut diamond ring. “I think they are an elegant, timeless design and a staple in any jewellery box.”
Natalie applies her mental agility to staying ahead of the game in the jewellery business. “I have worked for Michael Spiers for seven years and always feel I can add to the knowledge and experience I have already gained in the ever-changing watch and jewellery world,” she said.
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THE CURVE COLLECTION
Nature. Form ed.
G E O R G J E N S E N .C O M
Symon Rowland, Assistant Manager Taunton
“After so long in the trade I was, of course, already aware of Michael Spiers’ unparalleled reputation”
Symon, and his wife, Emma, like to “go wild” whenever time allows, although he admits she sensibly likes to balance it with some comforts in life.
Symon’s showroom pick is the Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Ref. 5524G in White Gold which would definitely cut a dash on a wild night on Dartmoor.
Wild as in wild camping which is where a passion for the great outdoors meets a keenness for gadgets and kit necessary when your tent is pitched in some remote corner of a field. “Emma and I are lucky enough to live in a beautiful part of South Devon. We are blessed with spectacular coastal and estuary walks as well as the breathtaking scenery of the wilds and woods of Dartmoor right on our doorstep. This allows us to indulge in our passion for walking and hiking at every opportunity,” said Symon. “It must be said that she is (perhaps sensibly) more keen to finish the day in a warm and welcoming country hostelry than a cramped and draughty tent pitched on the moors!” After 30 years at the bench as a goldsmith, Symon joined the Michael Spiers team in the summer of 2016. Symon said: “After so long in the trade I was, of course, already aware of Michael Spiers’ unparalleled reputation and it has been an honour to become part of the Michael Spiers family.”
“Its beautifully finished case and superbly engineered movement appeals to both the craftsman and technical enthusiast in me.”
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BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL SCULPTURAL, STRONG AND SENSUOUS GEORG JENSEN’S CURVE DESIGN INSPIRES A DYNAMIC NEW COLLECTION OF STATEMENT PIECES
Curve Ring Sterling Silver 18ct yellowgold £1,350 Returning to one of its best-loved jewellery designs, the Curve ring, Georg Jensen presents an entire collection inspired by its soft, sensual forms and sculptural power. Not only has Curve stood the test of time, its voluminously futuristic lines – soft and bold at the same time – present a classic, elegant design ready for contemporary interpretation. Originally created for the storied Danish silversmith jeweller by long-term collaborator, Regitze Overgaard in 2006, the new collection, which Overgaard also designed, seamlessly extends her original cloud like form to bangles, necklaces, rings, pendants and earrings. Sharing the subtle combination of strength and softness that is Overgaard’s design signature, the new Curve pieces, created in silver, gold and bi- metal mixes, can be worn alone or in combination. · 44
The design’s voluptuous form, with variations in size, enables the wearer to go as bold as they prefer, whether choosing the sizeable Curve cuff for a statement look, or layered necklaces and stacking rings for everyday wear. Precious mixes of silver and gold add a supremely stylish dimension to the adventurous nature of the Georg Jensen Curve 2020 collection. A natural evolution of Georg Jensen’s tradition of organic forms in design, the Curve collection draws its power from Regitze Overgaard’s search for the perfect curve, where the tension and energy settle into equilibrium. Free from excess detail, the pure, smooth lines mirror the Danish design
04/11/2020 11:56
house’s tradition of drawing on nature’s own sculptural beauty and crafting it into a distinct jewellery language of their own. The Georg Jensen craft tradition of harnessing light in precious metal, so that it appears simultaneously soft and vibrant, is also reflected in Curve, a joyously bold collection designed to inspire confidence, presenting the wearer with an elegantly modern combination of choice, individuality and style.
Curve Pendant Sterling Silver 18ct yellow gold £275
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two hearts one love
michaelspiers.co.uk
Platinum emerald cut diamond three stone ring. £75,000 18ct white gold baguette cut diamond line bracelet. £39,950 18ct white gold sapphire ring with baguette cut diamond shoulders. £18,950 18ct white gold mandarin garnet ring with baguette cut diamond shoulders. £6,750 Platinum baguette cut diamond eternity ring. £3,250 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 in white Rolesor with diamond bezel and white mother-of-pearl diamond-set dial. £16,250
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18ct white gold brilliant cut diamond collar. £24,950 18ct white gold brilliant cut diamond five stone drop earrings. £8,950 18ct white gold aquamarine and diamond cluster ring. £6,950 18ct white gold brilliant cut diamond line bracelet. £29,500 Platinum brilliant cut diamond daisy ring. £14,950 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 in yellow Rolesor, with diamond bezel and black mother-of-pearl diamond-set dial. £17,200
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Platinum diamond solitaire ring. £39,950 18ct white gold brilliant cut diamond line necklace. £24,950 18ct white gold brilliant cut diamond loop drop earrings. £2,750 18ct white gold ruby and diamond bracelet. £19,950 Tudor Clair de Rose watch in steel with diamond dial. £2,130 Platinum baguette cut diamond eternity ring. £10,500
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Mikimoto Fortune Leaves earrings with White South Sea cultured pearls and diamonds, set in 18ct white gold. £16,000 Platinum diamond three stone ring. £35,000 Mikimoto Pearl necklace with diamond buckle. £9,000 Patek Philippe Ladies TWENTY~4. Self winding mechanical movement, grey sunburst dial, with diamond bezel in steel. Ref. 7300/1200A. £21,410 Mikimoto Fortune Leaves ring with White South Sea cultured pearl and diamonds, set in 18ct white gold. £13,800
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18ct white gold brilliant cut diamond hoop earrings. £1,845 Platinum brilliant cut diamond ring. £1,945 Platinum diamond solitaire ring with diamond shoulders. £27,000 18ct rose gold diamond scatter ring. £6,950 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 in Everose Rolesor, with silver diamondset dial. £10,200 18ct white gold brilliant cut diamond disc pendant. £6,995
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Platinum tanzanite and diamond three stone ring. £12,500 18ct white gold brilliant cut diamond stud earrings. £22,950 18ct white gold princess and brilliant cut diamond bracelet. £29,500 Platinum brilliant cut diamond solitaire ring. £15,950 Platinum brilliant cut diamond seven stone eternity ring. £3,995 Omega De Ville Trésor ladies watch in steel with diamond set bezel. £3,800 18ct white gold brilliant cut diamond pendant. £13,450
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18ct white gold diamond Jazz drop earrings. £5,750 18ct white gold diamond Jazz dress ring. £5,500 18ct white gold diamond Jazz necklace. £5,500 Platinum emerald and diamond three stone ring. £39,500 Platinum baguette and princess cut diamond ring. £3,950
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Gucci GG Running X ring with diamonds, 18ct yellow gold. £1,150 Double G ring, 18ct yellow gold. £1,150 X ring with diamonds, 18ct white gold. £2,340 Multicolour gemstone bracelet, 18ct yellow gold. £1,260 G-Timeless strawberry print watch. £710 Bangle, 18ct yellow gold. £3,110 Ring, 18ct yellow gold. £1,150
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Georg Jensen sterling silver Offspring necklace. £725 Georg Jensen sterling silver Offspring earrings. £255 Georg Jensen sterling silver Savannah ring.£190 Georg Jensen sterling silver Offspring bracelet. £485
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Platinum pear cut diamond ring. £85,000 18ct white gold diamond drop earrings. £6,500 18ct white gold mandarin garnet and diamond three stone ring. £6,250 18ct white gold emerald and brilliant cut diamond circle pendant. £3,750 18ct white gold brilliant cut diamond bangle. £3,650 TAG Heuer Link ladies watch in steel with diamond bezel and mother of pearl dial. £3,050
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Fope Eka MiaLuce collection Flex’it bracelet 18ct rose gold with diamonds. £17,385 18ct rose gold necklace with diamonds. £29,755 18ct rose gold ring with diamonds. £7,375 18ct rose gold earrings with diamonds. £ 13,450
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Voted Best Estate Agency in Cornwall 2017-2018 2019-2020
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Diamonds The Many Facets of
From darkness to perfect light
A diamonds epic journey, in space, time and skills, from the formation of a diamond to the unique pleasure of wearing it. Some three billion years ago, before nature got around to humankind, it was busy deep inside the earth where intense heat and pressure turned carbon atoms to crystalline form, or diamond. Magma brought diamond– bearing rocks to the surface. And that’s where the hard work begins.
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The Art of Diamond Cutting Out of the darkness of the mine, the diamond is far from being the thing of beauty we associate with the stone. Time for human skills to take over from nature. Andreas Krieger is one of the world’s leading diamond cutters, a skilled craftsman with a passion for the business. His company has a long association with Michael Spiers. and he explains his trade and what it takes to make the cut.
It does not look much when it arrives: a rather dull glassy lump. But for the diamond cutter it is their stock in trade and, in their hands, it will be transformed into one of the most desirable objects known. Diamond cutting is the art of turning that rough stone into faceted gems and it demands specialised skills, knowledge and equipment. It is an ancient art too, with the first guild of diamond cutters and polishers formed in Nuremberg, Germany in 1375. Into that ancient tradition came Andreas Krieger and it is little surprise to learn that he is the fifth generation diamond cutter in his family. “Really, you are either born into the business or the lure of the diamonds brings you to it,” he said. His route into the business was very much the former. “I have been involved in the trade my entire life,” he said. “I learned my love for diamonds at my father’s knee. I am a fifth generation diamond cutter so there really was only one option for me. It was a joy and a passion of mine to carry on the family trade. I hope my son will also follow this path.” The diamond cutting process involves a logical sequence of steps, from planning · 74
and cleaving through to polishing and final inspection. The apprenticeship to become a diamond cutter is a minimum of three years but, said Krieger, “you never stop learning and the development of new cuts and shapes always keeps you on your toes.” Learning the craft builds on a necessary temperament which has calmness at its core. “Calmness and definitely a steady hand,” he said. “You truly have to feel through your fingertips how the diamond is being cut; to isolate the energy of the stone and coax that to the surface. “You have to be a bit of a romantic.” Krieger admits to having been nervous the first time he cut a rough diamond. “As you learn, you progress through stones of increasing value.” Krieger’s firm specialises in stones in natural colours – pink, champagne and cognac – and so a high proportion of the stock orginates from Africa and Australia. It also has a focus on customised cutting. “The skill needed to cut to fit a diamond with absolute precision into a design is immense. But a seamless sparkling river of diamonds tapering around the
“you are either born into the business or the lure of the diamonds brings you to it”
finger is a remarkable joy to behold,” he said. Planning is crucial and technology plays an ever–increasing role in the craft. “Technology helps us maximise the yield from a rough stone, achieving less wastage and more saleable stones. It has also cut down the time examining the rough stone.” Automation has taken over a lot of routine work but Krieger believes the cutter will always have a role. “The larger the stone and the more unusual the cut I would still favour a talented cutter to bring the life out of the stone rather than a soulless machine.” While diamond cuts move in fashions, Krieger’s firm concentrates on classic designs. “That said, we are in constant communication with our retailers who are listening to the consumer and so we respond to that information.
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The Art of choosing a diamond Michael Cox is the first to pay tribute to the genius of the diamond cutter, a key player in what he calls “our absolutely beautiful industry.” He is a man who knows because, as a director of Michael Spiers and their head diamond buyer, he has studied countless gems over many years. “When you see the cutter at work, you marvel at their skills and you realise what an astonishing and great business this is,” said Michael. One of some very considerable adventure too, as evidenced by his long career that goes all the way back to the creation of the business when Michael worked alongside founder Michael Spiers. The critical decision by the company to move away from retailing standard items into creating its own beautiful jewellery saw Michael visit the London Diamond Bourse. There he met a legendary figure in the diamond business: Moshe Fry. This extraordinary figure had been one of the ‘Schindler’s List’ Jewish youngsters, who had been helped to flee Nazi Germany by Oskar Schindler.
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“What he didn’t know about diamonds was not worth knowing about,” said Michael. “He was an incredible man who had lived an amazing life. He taught me everything I know about diamonds today.” If Michael’s career was a bit like an ‘Indiana Jones’ film, the next scene would be of a cartoon aircraft flying across a map of the world. Michael was on his way to Bangkok on a coloured gemstone buying mission. He was also on his way to a different world. The gemstone trade in 1970s Thailand was the province of families working mines near Bangkok. The parents dispatched their children bearing precious stones to a trading centre in the capital. “That was the most amazing place I had ever seen,” said Michael. “On the ground floor were people sleeping and cooking on burners, waiting for a chance to get up to the higher floors where the trading rooms were. It could take them several days.”
The skill of the stone buyer is to search out the diamonds that are bursting with life
Likewise, it could take Michael days to complete a deal. He would be told a price for a parcel of gemstones by a youngster and his own offer would have to be taken on foot by the child to his parents for a decision. “It was the days before mobile phones so it was very time consuming, but in the end it was successful.” With a small fortune in gemstones in his pocket, Cox spent the entire flight wide awake. “I decided it was safer not to sleep, so I must have looked a bit groggy when I presented them to the Customs people.” Today’s diamonds are bought and sold under a certification system that defines and grades them according to a hierarchy based on weight, purity, colour and clarity. Does that mean an end to the specialist buyer such as Michael?
“I don’t think so,” he said. “You see, you can have a diamond as close to perfect as it is possible to get, with the highest rating, and yet it can be strangely lifeless. The skill of the stone buyer is to search out the diamonds that are bursting with life and almost have a character of their own.” Keeping tabs on the choice of cut of diamond – from marquise and emerald to brilliant – is a vital part of his brief. “Brilliant and princess cuts continue to be very popular, but we also love to be creative with more unusual cuts. In fact I’m working on an order right now which features three fabulous pear cut diamonds. “ ‘Our teams at Michael Spiers are the eyes and ears of our client’s desires, they are the ones so marvelously connected to the client and they are indispensable. It’s vital that we are in tune with our clients, after all that’s where all of our creativity stems from and who I am thinking of every time I select that special gemstone.”
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CHRONOMAT
The Cinema Squad Charlize Theron Brad Pitt Adam Driver
Your time to choose the best Time, the fourth dimension of space; Einstein’s concept of spacetime was a revolutionary new way of looking at the cosmos. Philosophers have puzzled over the nature of time for a very long, er, time. Creating precision timepieces helped shape the way we live now. At Michael Spiers, we understand that a watch not only tells the time but says a lot about the wearer. To that end the company has assembled a range of watches for every taste and every budget, the range characterized by the highest quality, impeccable style and the widest possible choice. The world’s best watch brands have been brought together in the company’s showrooms to make them one stop shops for timeless timepieces. There was a time when watch makers were scarce. Now there are thousands of timepieces from hundreds of firms world-wide. So, the Michael Spiers philosophy has been to short list only the best of the best watch making brands to ensure that the customer’s decision making is easier while enjoying the widest range from the elite of the timepiece industry. So when you decide to invest in a premium timepiece that is as close to art as is possible to get with ultra-precision engineering, make Michael Spiers your jeweller of choice. On the following pages we feature information about the watch brands available from Michael Spiers. Each profile features a sample of the brand’s wider range, that can be seen in the Michael Spiers stores. Prices range from from £399 to over £100,000 but, more importantly, all brands reflect the best of Swiss made watches.
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Patek Philippe
Setting new standards time and time again In its 180 history, Patek Philippe’s continual quest for quality saw it set new standards again and again. The quest was so central to the company’s ethos, that in 2009 it created its own standard of quality, the Patek Philippe Seal. The Seal applies to every stage of its watchmaking, from every aspect of manufacture through to the sale, and with Michael Spiers that level of quality is in safe hands. A genius for innovation allied to the relentless quest for quality and sharp business sense, saw Patek Philippe’s timepieces become a ‘must have’ among watch lovers. Two years after dialmakers Charles and Jean Stern bought the company in 1932 (it remains in the Stern family to this day) American financier Henry Graves bought a pocket watch with 24 complications, a record at that time.
Ladies First Perpetual Calendar Ref. 7140R
£76,960
That tradition of innovation goes back to the early days and the first keyless watches, some of which were admired by Queen Victoria at the Great Exhibition in 1851. Perhaps the real hallmark of a truly noble heritage is your own museum. The Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva is considered one of the world’s foremost horology institutions. Housed in an entirely restored Art Deco building, the Patek Philippe Museum is a showcase of more than five centuries of watchmaking history. It is divided into two sections: antique timepieces and the Patek Philippe collection dating back to 1839.
The ref.5327R Grand Complications
Annual Calendar Moon Phases Ref. 5205G
£41,170
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The Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5327R comes in a Calatrava case with beautifully scalloped lugs, applied Breguet numerals and alligator strap. The yellow and rose gold models feature ivory lacquered dials while the white gold version has a blue sunburst dial. The ultra–thin mechanical self–winding movement displays day, date, month, leap year and 24 hour indication. The watch shown is the Ref. 5327R £74,690
World Time Chronograph Ref. 5930G
£61,030
Ladies Twenty~4 Automatic Ref. 7300/1200R in rose gold £37,350
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ROLEX
Hans Wilsdorf: the world’s his Oyster One of the most extraordinary figures in the history of watchmaking was Hans Wilsdorf, founder of Rolex. By the time he passed in 1960, the company was a byword for innovation, style and adventure. The man behind the first waterproof watch, the Oyster launched in 1926, was a restless genius stamping his mark on everything from industrial processes and innovative materials to marketing. Wilsdorf’s first visionary stroke was to understand in the early 1900s that the wristwatch would supplant the pocket watch, then the standard timepiece. But he also understood that for the wristwatch to become standard, it must be precise, waterproof and reliable. In 1926, the Oyster was unveiled, the first waterproof watch in the world, packed with technological innovation.
Oyster Perpetual 41, Oystersteel
£4,700
The astonishing momentum set by Wilsdorf continued after his passing, with accelerated business development and a higher profile for Rolex worldwide. In 2015, Rolex introduced a new in-house certification for all its watches, which redefines the brand’s iconic notion of “Superlative Chronometer” with performance criteria more stringent than watchmaking norms and standards. This exclusive Rolex certification applies to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and selfwinding. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is of the order of −2/+2 seconds per day, or more than twice that required of an official chronometer. The Superlative Chronometer status, held by each Rolex watch, is symbolized by the green seal and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee. The ‘Rolex standard’ had arrived.
The Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 Datejust 36, Oystersteel and Everose gold
£11,600
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In 18 ct yellow gold with a white dial, fluted bezel and a President Bracelet. The model stands out with a range of elaborate dials combining high technology and traditional know how. £29,350
Datejust 31, Oystersteel, White gold and diamonds
£12,900
Cosmograph Daytona, Everose gold on an Oysterflex bracelet
£23,800
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Tudor
Born for a Purpose With any successful global brand, they tend to be particular about endorsing others. So when former England Captain and football legend David Beckham sports a Tudor watch, It holds a recommendation of the best authority. And if the ladies are looking for the most stylish level of endorsement they might like to know that singing superstar Lady Gaga wears Tudor. The brand was established in 1926 by Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, who was passionate about offering a watch with style, character and quality at a more accessible price. Its progress has seen its watches used by the most demanding customers on the planet, including the legendary U.S. Navy Seals, the Royal Navy and the French Navy.
Clair de rose 26mm Steel Opaline, diamond-set dial £2,050
The Black Bay P01 model, heir to the legendary prototype developed in the 1960s and proposed to the United States Navy, was the start of more than 60 years of a mission to perfect the ideal time keeping instrument for divers. When elite organizations equip their professionals with watches from Tudor you know they will be tested to the ultimate limits. For decades they have been and have earned an unparalleled reputation for quality and robustness. As Tudor aficionados know, one of the special features of those watches was that they were neither custom designed nor specially developed. They were chosen ‘off the shelf’ by the most demanding customers who tolerate nothing less than the very best. The highest achievers, whether they are military divers or stars of the stage or stadium uphold the Tudor motto: Born to Dare.
Black Bay Fifty-Eight “Navy Blue”
Black Bay Chrono S&G 41mm Steel and yellow gold Black dial £5,240
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This watch gets its name from its colour, of course, but also from the year 1958, in which the first TUDOR divers’ watch waterproof to 200 metres, or “Big Crown”, was presented. Among other aesthetic nods to this historic watch, this model offers a 39 mm diameter case in keeping with the characteristic proportions of the 1950s. Ideal for slim wrists, people who like more compact watches and vintage enthusiasts. £2,760
Black Bay GMT 41mm Steel Black dial £3,040
Pelagos 42mm Titanium Black dial £3,440
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Tag Heuer Winning the long–haul race
It takes a legend to spot a legend in the making. So it was that when film star Steve McQueen saw the new TAG Heuer Monaco while making the movie Le Mans in 1970, he wore it in every scene. A new (timepiece) legend was born. TAG Heuer itself and sport go together like a horse and carriage and the heritage is nearing the 150 year mark. The company was created in 1860, won its first patent within ten years and by the 1880s founder Edouard Heuer recognised the potential for timepieces to meet the need for rapidly expanding sporting competitions. The company began producing pocket chronographs for everything from horse racing to athletic events.
Ladies Steel and yellow Aquaracer 32mm with Purple dial £2,250
The dawn of the 20th Century saw ever more accurate timepieces created in order to keep up with the demands of sport, including the Olympic Games and later Formula 1 motor racing. Companies with long pedigrees tend to break up their history into ‘ages’ and TAG Heuer is no exception. The 1960s were deemed the ‘Golden Age’ when the company engaged with all forms of motor sports, from amateur club racers to the F1 elite. The romance and hazard of motorsport was encapsulated in the Heuer Carrera chronograph launched in 1963. It was busy in space and offshore, too. Pioneering astronaut John Glenn was the first man to wear a Swiss timepiece in space and the company provided the timing equipment for America’s Cup yacht racing. The period culminated with the launch of the avant garde Monaco, the watch that captured the world’s imagination. The new century saw the firm focus on entirely new approaches to watchmaking that resulted in even great levels of precision.
TAG Heuer “Steve McQueen” Monaco
Link Lady 32mm with black dial set with diamonds
£2,150
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Cool, edgy and beloved by connoisseurs. Its provocative square cased look was inspired by the motor racing industry. More revolutionary still is its heart, the Chronomatic Calibre 11, the first automatic chronograph movement with microrotor. £5,250
Carrera Chronograph 44mm with Blue dial
£4,695
Gents Aquaracer 43mm with Tortoise Shell bezel
£2,750
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Omega
No time to Die: No chance! The next James Bond film No Time to Die may be late on release but the watch that the hero wears never will be. Bond’s Omega Seamaster, which has been on his wrist for some nine films, is a masterpiece out of a heritage that has been proven in space and which is an essential part of sports timekeeping. The world’s favourite spy demands precision and elegance in all things and that includes the watch he wears. If Bond is the world’s favourite spy, then the Olympic Games is probably the world’s favourite set–piece sporting event and Omega is the official timekeeper, not something you take lightly or dare get wrong.
Omega De Ville Tresor Quartz 36mm £3,800
Of course, Omega put the first watch on the moon, worn by Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on our nearest celestial neighbour. That watch was the legendary Speedmaster. Which brings us back to that man Bond. As a naval man, Commander Bond was a perfect fit for the Seamaster. “I was convinced that Commander Bond, a naval man, and a discreet gentleman of the world would wear the Seamaster with the blue dial,” said Lindy Hemming, the Oscar–winning costume designer who was responsible for casting 007’s watch in GoldenEye. The Seamaster has accompanied Bond on every adventure since that film, nine in all. The new blockbuster film may be delayed but you do not have to wait to view the Seamaster range at Michael Spiers.
The seamaster Diver 300m 007 Edition Constellation Omega co‑axial master chronometer steel on leather strap 41mm
£5,560
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The 42mm Seamaster, in strong lightweight Grade 2 Titanium, sports a brown tropical aluminium bezel ring and dial. Slimmer than the standard Diver 300M models thanks to the doming of the sapphire-crystal glass. Features include water resistance to 300 metres, Co–Axial escapement for long lasting precision and silicon balance spring for superior anti–magnetism. £7,880
Omega Moonwatch co‑axial master chronometer moonphase chronograph 44mm
£10,840
Omega diver 300 co‑axial master chronometer chronograph 44mm
£6,120
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Brietling
The watchmaker that took to the skies Aviators demand the highest levels of precision and accuracy – their own and the lives of others depend on it. So, you can trust in Breitling watches because many aviators wear them. Any air show, be they small or international, will feature the presence of Breitling rubbing shoulders with global giants like Rolls–Royce, Boeing and Airbus. Not a bad profile for a company that began life in a small workshop towards the end of the 19th Century. There, Leon Breitling made timepieces and intelligent measuring tools.
Chronomat BO1 42 stainless steel, Silver £6,650
Within a short time, the innovative features that he developed for his pocket watches earned Léon’s company a formidable reputation. He focused on chronographs, which were increasingly in demand at the time for industrial, military, and scientific applications as well as for athletic organisations. By the mid 20th Century when aviation had shrunk the world dramatically, Breitling ‘took to the skies’ with the debut of an unprecedented watch prototype that remains an icon to this day: the Breitling Navitimer. Its name is a portmanteau of the words “navigation” and “timer.” Equipped with the flight-specific slide rule, it is little wonder that countless pilots, airlines, and aircraft manufacturers have opted for this timepiece ever since. The Breitling family dynasty continued until the tougher economic conditions of the 1970s forced a rethink. The business was sold but it went to an excellent home. It was sold to the visionary entrepreneur Ernest Schneider, who, fittingly, was also a watchmaker and a pilot, and whose family would remain the guardians of the Breitling legacy until 2017 when it was bought by CVC Capital Partners.
Navitimer b01 chronograph 46 Chronomat automatic 36 stainless steel gem set bezel Green dial £6,750
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Stainless Steel Black Dial - The classic Navitimer features a generous 46 mm diameter accentuating its presence on the wrist and enhancing the originality of its design, while optimizing the readability of the dial and the circular aviation slide rule. £6,610
Premier B01 chronograph 42 stainless steel, Anthracite dial £6,600
Superocean Heritage B20 automatic 42 stainless steel, red gold Black bezel £4,250
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Gucci
The brand that is Italian for ‘fashion’ The very word Gucci is enough to begin a conversation among people interested in fashion. The style icon for decades, took the wristwatch and applied all its flair and originality to it. The result is a range of watches that are always stylish, sometimes startling and very, very striking. The Italian legend introduced fashion watches in 1972 with a clear mission that they ‘spoke Gucci.’ The watches marry Swiss craftsmanship with Italian creativity. As the company says: they are definitely not just high quality Swiss watches stamped with the Gucci logo, but works of fashion art in their own right.
Gucci G-Timeless 38mm Floral motif ladies watch £710
It was the task of Gucci Timepieces president and chief executive Piero Braga to more fully align the watch range with the creative imperatives of Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele. Braga dovetailed the Gucci timepiece collection more closely with the brand’s other luxury products. His appointment, he said at the time, was a “necessity to put together the Italian creativity and the Swiss craftsmanship, and to create a new vision for these two product categories – watches and jewelry – that would be embedded into the creativity of the brand. “When Gucci started its own journey in 2015, with Alessendro Michele coming on board and a new type of creativity spreading out… let’s just say that the watches and jewellery products became not as aligned with what was going on in fashion at the time. “So the entire idea was to go back to the dna of Gucci watches, which were born to be fashion watches.”
Grip GG stainless steel bracelet 38mm Gucci G-Timeless 38mm Bee watch
£820
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The clean streamlined design takes its inspiration from the drama and style of skateboarding. The stainless steel face has three windows to display the hour, minute and date, complemented by a matching bracelet with engraved interlocking ‘Gs’. With its Ronda quartz movement, it is water resistant to 30 metres. £1,250
Gucci G-Timeless 38mm steel watch
£820
Gucci grip steel 40mm watch
£1,250
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barbican kitchen
Barbican Kitchen was established in 2006 by the Tanner Brothers, Chris and James. Our aim is to deliver fresh local food at a realistic price. Barbican Kitchen takes full advantage of the superb larder here in the Westcountry with a menu showcasing stunning local meats, fish and vegetables from our fantastic network of suppliers.
01752 604448
Plymouth Gin Distillery, 60 Southside Street The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2LQ · 102
The art of coming second Somerset County Cricket Club in the finale of the season’s county game managed to come second once again. This time, as was the case last season, it was not the county championship but the Bob Willis Trophy, an event put together after the covid emergency threatened to completely wreck the season. Again, Somerset were runners up to Essex who pipped them to the championship the season before. In fact, the final was a draw but Essex won on a rule that said the side with the highest first innings score (it was slender) would take the trophy in the event of a drawn match. Add those runners–up medals to countless others in the club’s 129 year history of never having won the championship. They have been runners–up an astonishing six times since the turn of the millennium. But cricket lovers, indeed any sport lover, may recall the words of Peter Trego in the 2020 issue of the Michael Spiers Magazine. We featured the club’s much loved all–rounder as he bade farewell to Somersent CCC at the end of the season. Inevitably, the conversation turned to Somerset’s strange heritage of coming second countless times but not winning the championship.
revisited The wisdom of Trego: “It does seem disappointing but you have to look at it differently.” For below the title winners and the runners up are 16 other top class county teams divided between the two divisions. “There are loads of great players in those other teams. When you think what it must be like to come 18th then coming second does not seem bad at all. Somerset’s time will come.” Though leaving Somerset and at an age (38) when many cricketers retire, Trego set about finding a new club. And his many fans were thrilled to hear that he succeeded, signing a two year contract with Nottinghamshire. His new club said their signing would be available for all formats of the game. Too right, given his record of scoring nearly 18,500 runs in red and white ball cricket and taking 632 wickets. A player second to none.
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anyone for tennis?
During the 1987 US open, tennis icon Chris Evert stopped mid-match and asked officials for a time out. Her diamond bracelet had fallen off her wrist and she wanted to look for it, when asked about it in an interview she referred to her precious diamond bracelet as her Tennis Bracelet...and so the iconic Tennis Bracelet was born.
michaelspiers.co.uk
The art of coming first
Doubled
“Now we need to establish ourselves as the premier club. I want it to be the premier club in the world and we can do that.” Tony Rowe October 2020.
In the 2019 edition of the Michael Spiers Magazine, Tony Rowe OBE, boss of Exeter Chiefs rugby club declared that his eyes were fixed on European glory to build on the club’s success in the Premiership. In 2020, in a sporting season horribly distorted by the covid emergency, he and his battling superstars did just that becoming the European champions. And if that was not enough, a week later they became Premiership champions again to pull off an astonishing double. Only the fourth England club to pull off such a feat, the Chiefs are now being spoken of as one of the greatest English sides. · 106
What makes the story even more astonishing is that it is just ten years since the club won promotion to the top flight of English rugby. And, as everyone knows, they were given little chance of surviving among the elite. Instead, they now are the elite. The Champions Cup final victory was over Racing 92 and the romantic twists and touches of the Chiefs story just keep rolling on.
Their Paris opponents are billionaire backed and with pockets deep enough to buy in any superstar that takes their fancy. Exeter’s squad comprises many home grown players brought up through the academy system. The journey to the final was up the M5 to Bristol and it was the same route they took ten years before for what was then the biggest game in the club’s 139 year history. On that occasion, the Chiefs shocked Bristol, and much of the rugby loving world, by taking a place in the Premiership for the first time. 2020 saw them defeat Racing 92 31–27 in a thrilling final, the only poignant element being another great sporting event being held behind closed doors. A week later, Chiefs chairman Rowe took the European Cup with him on the journey from Exeter to Twickenham and, after the final against Wasps, made the return journey bearing the Premiership trophy as well.
In miserable conditions at Twickenham, the Chiefs prevailed in a more attritional game, running out 19–13 winners. The 2019/20 season was like no other. For the Chiefs it was a new pinnacle of sporting glory: for their fans it had a bittersweet dimension in a world where they could not attend matches. And observers believe that there is plenty more to come. Under Rowe and head coach Rob Baxter, the ethos of continuous improvement goes on no matter what new trophies are on show at Sandy Park. The club whom few believed ten years ago could stand the pace of rugby’s top tier, now stands on the brink of sporting immortality.
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A
l l e n c o m p a s s i n g , u n - c o m p ro m i s e d , limitless…Ever yone deser ves to hear sound as it was truly i n t e n d e d t o b e - r aw, c o s m i c a n d p o w e r f u l . A t S e n s o S y s t e m s , w e ’r e h e r e t o m a ke t h a t a r e a l i t y, w h e t h e r i t ’s a t h o m e , w o r k o r o n t h e m o ve . H i , I ’ m M a rc u s a n d t o g e t h e r w i t h my w i f e J o, w e r u n S e n s o S y s t e m s i n Tr u ro, C o r n w a l l . We ’v e b e e n i n t h e b u s i n e s s for almost 20 years so we know good tech when we see - or hear! - it. Senso Systems is a traditional HiFi shop that also specialises in home cinema and custom, smart home installations. The s t o r e i s h o m e t o s h o w ro o m s , d e d i c a t e d listening suites and a home cinema ro o m . H i F i i s o u r p a s s i o n . F ro m l o u d s p e a ke r s and headphones, to turntables and a m p l i f i e r s a n d e ve r y t h i n g i n b e t w e e n , w e ’v e p e r s o n a l l y f i n e t u n e d a n d h a n d p i c ke d o n l y t h e b e s t , w o r l d leading audio-visual brands to be in our p o r t f o l i o o f p ro d u c t s o v e r t h e y e a r s . Bowers & Wilkins, Bang and Olufsen, D e v i a l e t , P r i m a r e - i f i t ’s m i n d - b l o w i n g , i t ’s h e r e .
We ’r e a l s o e x p e r t s i n c u s t o m installations, smart home set ups and in-house design consultation and, put s i m p l y, w e ’r e a l w ay s o n a m i s s i o n t o m a ke sure your equipment looks and sounds i t s a b s o l u t e b e s t i n y o u r h o m e . We f e e l just as much pride in stepping back and a d m i r i n g a n i n s t a l l w h e n i t ’s c o m p l e t e a s you do when you see/hear it for the ver y first time. We ’v e b u i l t a t e a m t h a t ’s j u s t a s passionate about bringing the latest and greatest technolog y to Cornwall as we are . In store you can expect a welcoming s m i l e , i n - d e p t h p ro d u c t k n o w l e d g e , a geeky chat and a cup of Cornish coffee! We ’r e h e re t o h e l p a s l i t t l e o r a s m u c h a s yo u l i ke . Ye s , w e ’ve c a r e f u l l y c r a f t e d a p ro d u c t r a n g e f ro m s o m e o f t h e b e s t b r a n d s i n t h e w o r l d b u t , a t S e n s o S y s t e m s , yo u ’ l l g e t s o m u c h m o r e t h a n j u s t p ro d u c t . W h e n y o u b u y f ro m u s , w e b r i n g y o u i n t o t h e S e n s o f a m i l y, c o n t i n u a l l y i m p ro v i n g and suppor ting your HiFi needs with e x p e r t i s e , t i m e a n d e f f o r t . We c a re - a n d t h a t ’s w h a t s e t s u s a p a r t . S e e yo u s o o n ,
Marcus Reed
H I F I | H O M E C I N E M A | S M A RT H O M E
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It was the perfect storm that became a very favourable following wind for upmarket Cornwall estate agents Rohrs & Rowe. Sensible companies plan ahead and they also have a ‘disaster recovery plan’ tucked away somewhere in case they are hit by major problems. But no amount of disaster planning could have prepared any estate agent for events that came in the wake of the covid emergency. The government suspended the entire property market, one of the big drivers of the economy. The stress associated with buying and selling properties became a nightmare overnight, not least for those in the business of brokering housing deals. Like others, Matthew Rowe and Martyn Rohrs, partners in the award winning–winning estate agency of the same name, could see the storm coming though could only guess at the ‘wind speed’ and direction. Unlike others, they were hatching a plan to keep their company and clients one step ahead.
all seems like a very long time ago as so much has happened since and so it’s hard to recall exactly how we felt at the time. It was dramatic. I know we did wonder at times whether there would be any ‘long term’ for anything.” In the slightly surreal world of lockdown, the partners found themselves surprisingly busy, but not as busy as they would become when the restrictions were lifted.
Knowing a lockdown would restrict peoples’ movements for weeks if not months, they assembled individual short films of the upmarket properties on their books, to enable would– be buyers to do ‘virtual tours’ of prospective properties from home.
“Unlike more traditional estate agencies, we can work remotely and so we were able to continue marketing our clients’ properties,” said Rohrs. “Prospective buyers had to register with us in order to have access to the virtual viewings and we were then on hand to talk through any questions.”
And lo! That is what happened. First came the lockdown and then the government suspended the entire property market.
In fact, they even completed a couple of sales involving properties that were standing empty.
“It really was the perfect storm,” said Rowe. “It · 110
The Perfect
Storm As the covid restrictions were eased, so the ‘wind’ changed and the perfect storm became a powerful following wind as the West Country became a roaring sellers’ market. The covid emergency transformed many things including the demographics of the workplace, with predictions of the ‘death’ of the traditional office. People who had had to work from home for weeks got a taste for it and there began an exodus from the cities to the countryside. No surprise that the West Country was the destination of choice for many. “We have literally had an explosion of buyers wanting to relocate to this part of the world,” said Rohrs. “There is just a rush for premium properties and we have struggled at times to keep up with demand. It has been phenomenal. One foreign buyer even snapped up a multi million pound home without actually visiting it (he sent a representative to give it the once–over).” Added Rowe: “Anybody working in this market will tell you that this is the busiest it has ever been.” One effect is a rise in house prices in the region and with the surge in demand and a restricted supply, it’s a trend that’s likely to continue. At one time during the pandemic, Rohrs & Rowe had so many would–be buyers registering to go on to their books that their total combined house–buying budget was circa half a billion pounds. For would–be incomers to the West Country, particularly if they plan to work from home, the first question they ask is about broadband speed for fast internet access. “There has been a lot of investment in high– speed broadband infrastructure in the region,” said Rowe. “Where there are weak spots, there are some very creative companies who can create ‘clusters’ of high–speed broadband where it is needed.”
technology is the way ahead. It has been a trend for quite a long time and the pandemic accelerated it.” Despite the surge in demand for West Country property, challenges linked to the pandemic remain. Said Rowe: “Demand is sky–high, but transactions are taking a long time to complete. Buying or selling a house is stressful enough as it is, and more delays only add to the pressure.” Organisations, from solicitors to mortgage companies, which have staff working from home are not able to process issues as efficiently as once they did. In addition, mortgage firms are seeing unprecedented demand for loans given the historically low interest rates. Another change for the partners in a much–changed world is how they conduct viewings of properties. The number of people viewing a property is limited to two and no under 16s are allowed. The demographic upheaval, if it may be called that, offers new opportunities for the region, believes Rowe. The pandemic saw a minority of Cornish people resisting attempts by anyone from ‘up–country’ to enter the Duchy fearful of covid spreaders in a region with limited medical infrastructure. “There were a few very vocal people complaining, but they do not represent the majority,” he said. He added that he believes that incomers who will be permanent residents, working from home can only benefit Cornwall financially and help rebalance the seasonal nature of the economy, which is so dependent on tourism.
He added: “It is fairly clear that remote working and working from home using modern · 111
INTERIORS
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Michael Spiers
THE MICHAEL SPIERS MAGAZINE HAS BEEN CREATED BY: Publisher: Peter Marshall: peter@chefmedia.co.uk Writers: Lee Trewhela and Mike Martin Jewellery Photographer: Andrew Neilson
magazine 2021
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PIROUETTE
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