Riviere magazine
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Patek Philippe’s On View Now Exciting jewelry from the newest designers at Mednikow
Dreaming in Memphis Michael Ching’s original a cappella opera garners national attention M e m p h i s , Te n n e s s e e
Shooting Stars An excerpt from Wild Abundance, the cookbook published by ArtsMemphis celebrating the South’s finest hunting clubs
F A L L & W I N T E R 2 0 1 1 • I S S U E T W O • $ 4 . 74
Thierry Stern The president of Patek Philippe makes a rare visit to key U.S. accounts
© D. YURMAN 2011
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DY Signatures
AVAILABLE AT
Dear Readers We've been asked many times about why we chose the name “Riviere” for our magazine. Why not call it “Mednikow” magazine, for instance, and people would more readily recognize the source of the new publication. The truth is that we have much bigger dreams for Riviere than just a magazine about our store and our jewelry. Riviere is a magazine squarely aimed at the lifestyle of our customers, not just the jewelry of our customers. We’re new to the publishing business, and we’re just learning, but you can expect to see more and more articles that have nothing to do with jewelry but definitely reflect on the lifestyle of the Mednikow customer. For instance, in this issue, we feature another book excerpt from the ArtsMemphis publication Wild Abundance; Kelly English’s cooking for the Menasha Hunting & Fishing Club is a glimpse into something that all Southern men seem to aspire to. So, why the name “Riviere”?
jewelry business
We brainstormed extensively and chose We plan to be in the Riviere for a variety of reasons: ● It is the French word for river, and always, of course, but who knows...maybe 30 years Memphis is, after all, a river town, from now, there will be a thriving Mednikow publishing so the name alludes to the Mighty Mississippi. business too. ● Riviere is also used to describe a classic diamond necklace that features a tapering row of diamonds around the neck. ● Lastly, Riviere evokes images of the French Riviera, and all the luxury that entails. After a quick check to make sure there was no other Riviere magazine on whose legal toes we might tread, we registered the name and created our new lifestyle publication. We plan to be in the jewelry business always, of course, but who knows . . . maybe 30 years from now, there will be a thriving Mednikow publishing business too. We look forward to seeing you this season.
The Mednikow Family
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Table of Contents
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Issue Two FALL & WINTER 2011
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A Visit from Thierry Stern
Shooting Stars
Patek Philippe president Thierry Stern’s world tour of key accounts brings him to Mednikow, where he shares some thoughts about family businesses and fine watches with our readers
ArtsMemphis shares tasteful pages of recipes and mouth-watering photographs from its glossy coffee-table cookbook, Wild Abundance, featuring Chef Kelly English and Rebecca Sims at Menasha Hunting and Fishing Club
62 44 On View Now Only at Mednikow An international talent search for inspired jewelry with an artistic edge brings eight elite designers and their new collections to Memphis and exclusively to Mednikow
52 Dreaming in Memphis After the Memphis performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream attracts national attention, the reverie continues as DeltaCappella, Riva, and the production’s opera stars record an album of the groundbreaking operappella at Ardent Studios
65 Polished Rough Diamonds
A Match Made in Memphis
The unmistakable mystique of translucent polished rough diamonds adds color and dimension to the cases at Mednikow
Mednikow’s expansion into James Davis gets press from a major publication intrigued by the trend of dual presentations of fashion and jewelry
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74 72 77 Authentic Antique Diamonds Bob and Jay Mednikow discover perfect antique reproduction settings in Paris perfectly suited to their cache of authentic antique diamonds
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Rose Gold
Silver Reinvented
Bead Chic
Warm and wonderfully romantic, rose gold is the hot new color of gold, and it complements every complexion
Sterling silver gets bejeweled while changing color and texture, going from inky black to gleaming white and from shiny to matte
Beads assume their rightful place, with baubles and bangles everywhere from Beale Street to the boardroom
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88 The Lasting Impression of Signet Rings In a day of transient texts and tweets, there’s something comforting about a ring with a centuries-old design that quietly announces who you are
Behind the Scenes: Making the Mednikow Watch Commercials The surprising back story: Paul Koziel, vocal percussionist for DeltaCappella, provides the amazing beat boxing heard behind Bob and Jay Mednikow
The Time Has Come Bob and Jay Mednikow finally realize their dream of a watch worthy of their customers and the name Mednikow
Events and Parties at Mednikow Mednikow jewelry brings a lot of fun to the party
Riviere magazine Issue Two FALL & WINTER 2011 On the cover: Earrings in 18 karat white gold with South Sea pearls and diamonds. “Doge Palace Reflection” ring in 18 karat white and rose gold with baroque South Sea pearl and diamonds. Jewels from Autore’s Venezia collection. 12 | R i v i e r e
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PUBLISHER: Robert M. Mednikow MANAGING DIRECTOR AND EDITOR: Jay A. Mednikow CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Jean Mathews ART DIRECTOR: Melissa Ellis ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR: Marvin Yates
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Donna Farnsworth, Ron Saltiel, Sean Davis, and Regis Lawson
Published by Contemporary Media, Inc., 460 Tennessee Street, Memphis, TN 38103 T: 901.521.9000
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Christopher Blank, Jean Mathews, Jennifer Heebner, and Jon W. Sparks
©2011, J. H. Mednikow & Co., Inc.
A publication by Mednikow, 474 Perkins Extended, Memphis, TN 38117 T: 901.767.2100 • E: riviere@mednikow.com
All rights reserved. Printed in USA. Reproduction in whole or in part of any materials contained herein without the express written permission of J.H. Mednikow & Co. Inc. is prohibited.
Contributors
CHRISTOPHER BLANK is a Memphis-based arts journalist and critic. He freelances for The Commercial Appeal, Memphis magazine and is a contributor of arts news to public radio in Memphis. For WKNO-FM, he hosts Performance Club, a group that takes a book-club approach to exploring performance art. He was the 2010 recipient of the Germantown Arts Alliance’s Arts and Humanities Medal for literature.
DONNA FARNSWORTH Through her professional photography, Donna Farnsworth has captured many of life’s most beautiful moments at weddings and celebrations—as well as events at Mednikow. Donna also makes generous use of her lens to support charitable organizations, lending her skills and her camera to help touch hearts through her many years of work as a volunteer photographer for the Child Advocacy Center and the Germantown Charity Horse Show.
JENNIFER HEEBNER has covered the luxury jewelry market, including bridal and fine fashion jewelry trends for more than 13 years. She delights in discovering new talent at international jewelry shows—from São Paulo to Mumbai—and in helping them get the media exposure they need to launch careers. Heebner can be tracked roaming the globe by way of her Style 360 Blog, and Facebook and Twitter accounts, and divides her time between her New York City office and home in Philadelphia when she’s not on a plane.
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JEAN MATHEWS, writer, arts activist, and host of “Arts a la Carte” explains why her work is rewarding: “It’s the Mednikow tradition to value the art and the beauty present in our daily lives, whether it takes the form of an extraordinary piece of jewelry or a remarkable performance by one of the many arts groups they have supported throughout the years…as creative director of Riviere magazine, Mednikow’s marketing director, and the executive director of the 12-man vocal band, DeltaCappella, I am thrilled to be a part of the Mednikow family.”
JON W. SPARKS is a longtime journalist who has covered entertainment, business and government in Memphis since 1981. He was with The Commercial Appeal for 25 years and continues to freelance for The CA, the Memphis Daily News, the Greater Memphis Chamber and other publications. He is an award-winning filmmaker and has acted onstage and in several local films in addition to Rod Lurie’s madein-Tennessee film Nothing But the Truth. In addition to freelancing, he has been communications consultant to the Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission for the past year.
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A Visit from
Thierry Stern The President of Patek Philippe makes a rare visit from Switzerland to key accounts in the United States.
B y J o n W. S p a r k s P h o to s B y D o n n a Fa r n s wo r t h
MOST SUCCESSFUL COMPANIES CARRY SUPERB PRODUCTS, ARE MINDFUL OF SERVICE, AND HEW TO SOLID BUSINESS PRACTICES. But if one of those companies is a family business, it brings a distinct advantage where the devotion is present not only during work hours, but at the dinner table and beyond. Imagine that same family business has been at it for generations, and we have something transcendent. A history that has become heritage, roots that have evolved into tradition, resolution solidified as commitment. Now imagine two such businesses working together. So it is with Mednikow and Patek Philippe — a relationship that has been vital for 50 years. “The key is with the passion — especially with a family business today, you need to be passionate,” says Thierry Stern, fourth generation Patek Philippe watchmaker and president of the company. He spoke during a recent visit to Mednikow, where he viewed the showroom, visited with local owners of the exquisite timepieces, and reminisced with Bob and Jay Mednikow. The two firms have more in common than a business relationship. Both started in the 19th century and each still maintains the singular vision that only comes with looking far into the future while being grounded in tradition.
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A history that has become heritage, roots that have evolved
into tradition
, resolution solidified as commitment.
“We have to look at the long view,” Stern says. “Today the young generation doesn’t have the vision — it’s two years, three years, and that’s it. My vision is 20 years, 30 years, even more.” Thinking in terms of generations is something that Mednikow easily grasps. Jay Mednikow, the fourth generation in his business, recalls a conversation he had some years ago with Elizabeth, his wife-to-be. “She made a comment about building the jewelry business and I said, yes, I can see myself doing so-and-so in 30 years. And she said, 30 years? And I said, yes, in this business you’re trained to think like that.” Stern says that knowing each other within the family enterprise as well as those you do business with is important. “They know what our strategy is and we know what they are looking for. It’s not always changing — you don’t have new people who understand nothing but figures. It’s not just about figures but about beauty and service.”
Furthermore, the relationship between family businesses breeds loyalty, which of course is reflected at the retail level. “Respect and loyalty come because they know we are not willing to take advantage,” Stern says. Patek Philippe is not about hurrying out new models and tracking passing trends. “They know that we are not willing to jeopardize any of the quality, and that’s important.” And for Mednikow, one of the businesses Patek Philippe trusts to sell the timepieces, the philosophy is the same. “The key is with the passion — especially When Stern’s father Philippe sat down with Jay’s dad Bob Mednikow in 1961, the conversation ran along the with a family business today, you need to same lines. The commitment of Mednikow to Patek , ” says Thierry Stern, Philippe has become so solid that the Memphis jewelry retailer has discontinued other brands, carrying only fourth-generation Patek Philippe watchmaker its own and the Patek Philippe line. Customers, too, appreciate not only the high quality and president of the company. but the sense of family that both Mednikow and Patek Philippe bring. The timepieces are, after all, intended to be much more than watches. “Our clients are also business people who have built their own careers,” Stern says. “When you buy a Patek Philippe, it’s because there is something to celebrate — people have been promoted or married. And they know how difficult it is to keep a business going; they know there’s a lot of work behind that, a lot of training, a lot of respect.”
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The significance of the meaning of acquiring a Patek Philippe is reflected in how much owners adore and collect the pieces. As Stern was visiting the Mednikow store, long-time customers came in to have him look at their watches and the formal documentation that comes with each timepiece. One came in with a briefcase full of watches, and a lively conversation discussed the merits and histories of the various pieces. One customer came in with a singular piece that was about 100 years old and engraved with the name of the New Orleans doctor who first owned it. Even during the hum of admiration for the gorgeous timepiece, Stern was cautioning about taking care of other pieces — “Don’t put two watches in the same bag!” “There’s always a fine line between a fashion “It’s not just about figures watch that might last, say, three years, and a watch that will last for generations,” Stern says. “So our but about and task is to create something the client’s children would also enjoy to wear.” service.” For Stern, the knowledge of timepieces being passed down through generations means a long-term commitment. “I constantly look at the material I’m going to use. Some of the new materials today are not going to last and I wouldn’t be able to fix them.” So Patek only works with the most reliable of materials such as steel and gold. And the elegance hidden within is extraordinary. “All the components inside are more a piece of art than a watch,” Stern says.
beauty
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“There’s always a fine line between a fashion watch that might last, say, three years, and a watch that will
last for generations
,” Stern says.
“So our task is to create something the client’s children would also enjoy to wear.”
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“You don’t need a Patek to know the time today. So when you buy a Patek, you buy a piece of art. Most of those parts you’ll never see — only the watchmaker sees them. But they are nearly all hand finished, well polished and this is something very important for us.” Even so, it is not entirely about the art. “It’s also about accuracy,” Stern says. “When you do such a great finishing, it allows you to have a watch that will last.
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passion has a price
tosca orpheum theatre
when the mask goes on
the gloves come off
die fledermaus Germantown performing arts centre
be careful what you wish for
don pasquale orpheum theatre
To purchase tickets visit: operamemphis.org 6745 Wolf River Pkwy. Memphis, TN 38120 | 901.257.3100
Sponsored by:
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wild abu nda n ce
Setting the ground rules in Rebecca’s kitchen: Rebecca Sims and Kelly English
It’s Happening at GPAC 2011-2012 SEASON
Tommy Tune “Steps in Time”
David Sedaris
Saturday, September 17
Thursday, November 10
Swan Lake Moscow Festival Ballet
The Capitol Steps
Ronald K. Brown/Evidence
Sunday, February 26
Friday, September 23
Sunday, November 13
Diavolo - Dance Company
Compañia Flamenca Jose Porcel
The 5 Browns
Friday, March 2
Friday, January 27
Red Priest - Baroque Quartet
Friday, October 14
Joey DeFrancesco Trio
Friday, March 9
National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China
Saturday, February 4
Bela Fleck and The Flecktones
Saturday, October 22
Stanley Clarke Saturday, November 5
Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Silver Medalist, Yeol eum Son Friday, February 24
Friday, April 13
Poncho Sanchez with Terence Blanchard Cubano Be! Cubano Bop! A tribute to Chano Pozo and Dizzy Gillespie Sunday, April 22
Gift Certificates Available. The perfect gift for the arts lover on your list!
GERMANTOWN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE Call 901-751-7500 or visit www.GPACweb.com Milton Schaeffer
Scheidt Family Foundation
Delores Kinsolving
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2012
Chateau Montelena Kosta Brown Martinelli Vineyards William Selyem MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART February (tba) Fleming’s Wine Dinner // April 13 Brooks Uncorked May 10 Winemaker Dinners // May 11 Vin A Que // May 12 Grand Auction
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On view now . . . only at
Mednikow THIS YEAR MEDNIKOW CELEBRATES A CREATIVE RENAISSANCE. We feel it in our new business relationships, such as our exciting Mednikow Boutique at James Davis Laurelwood; and we are buoyed by the robust optimism energetically expressed by our store family. Our renaissance can easily be experienced by a visit to our stores. The glass cases and counters of our stores are bursting with lively new pieces of jewelry created by talented international designers who transform precious metals and jewels into works of art meant to be worn, treasured, and admired. This year we thoughtfully selected eight sensational designers to become part of our Mednikow family and therefore part of your own family through the gifts and remembrances that you share with each other. We seek out only the best designers, mindful that the jewelry presented in these new collections will someday become a part of your own family’s heritage and traditions. We welcome these individuals and their exciting new creations to our store. We believe that when you touch and wear their jewelry, you too, will hear the unique voice of each designer, and like us, your spirit will be renewed by beauty.
YOSSI HARARI Handcrafted by artisans skilled in 2,000-year-old techniques, each piece is as unique as the woman who wears it. These strong, exotic, and chic designs are a stunning symmetry of the modern and the timeless; the material and the sensual. Consider these pieces wearable art in 24 karat gold, sterling silver, and Yossi’s own trademarked alloy, “gilver."
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SARA WEINSTOCK A spirited collectio collection of gold and oxidized precious metals re-interpret symbols such h as love, faith, new beginnings, peace, courage, and protection. Inspired by nature, these earrings, earrin necklaces and rings reect truth, beauty and univers universal love.
BARBARA HEINR HEINRICH An art artistic tistic collection collecti with an ethereal nature and a modern sensibility sensibility, these pieces express the delicate balance between natural and owing organic shapes and crisp, modern geometric lines.
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MONICA RICH KOSANN Exquisitely crafted lockets, charm bracelets, necklaces and pendants of 18 karat gold and sterling silver. Created to be worn today and by future generations. These are designs that capture the essence of fashion while maintaining a timeless elegance.
GURHAN GURHAN The T he hand-hammered ďŹ nish upon the pure 24 karat gold, platinum, platinum and an nd the mixed metals of this collection is the signature touch of the th he designer. designer Unabashedly seductive, seductive these handcrafted pieces referencing ancient artifacts are a labor of love, offering their re wearer small surprises in the form of unusual stones and ďŹ ndings. w
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RAYMOND HAK Like a dance under the stars, sparkling diamonds combine with shape-shifting, textured silver in bold, organic, and geometric forms. Created with an eye for fashion, this delightful collection offers a look for every occasion.
SARAH GRAHAM Graham fearlessly creates statement pieces inspired by the lively shapes of ora and fauna, interpreting them in an adventurous palette composed of colored diamonds and 18 karat gold in tones of yellow, rose, and white. She then juxtaposes these sparkling elements with the inky blackness of oxidized cobalt chrome in a matte ďŹ nish. Like photographs of a micro-universe, the beauty captured by these tiny works of art is eye-catching and revealing.
ANNIE FENSTERSTOCK Imaginative and radiant with precious stones and diamonds, rendered in 18 karat and 22 karat gold and platinum using centuries-old goldsmithing techniques. With vibrant colors and a bold aesthetic, Fensterstock creates intricate handcrafted pieces that are tiny works of art, alive with character and detail.
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Experience
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Dreaming In
Memphis “A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DRE A M – OPER A A CA PPELL A” GA R NERS NATIONA L ATTENTION. By Christopher Blank P h o to s B y S e a n D av i s
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NOVELISTS, PAINTERS, PLAYWRIGHTS, CHOREOGRAPHERS – MOST CREATIVE TYPES, ACTUALLY – TEND TO PORTRAY THEIR MOST AMBITIOUS WORKS OF ART AS CHILDREN. They conceive them, bring them kicking and screaming into the world, nurture them and refine them, all in the hope that one day the kids will stand up in public and make their parents proud. For Michael Ching and Jay Mednikow, that child was an opera. Seven months after its debut, the baby is still putting on weight and attracting attention. A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Opera a Cappella, adapted from Shakespeare’s play, was originally the brainchild of composer Michael Ching, former artistic director of Opera Memphis. He had been serving as a vocal consultant to Mednikow’s semi-professional pop singing group, DeltaCappella, when he began setting Shakepeare’s text to music more than three years ago. Ching imagined turning the gauzy romantic comedy into a full-length opera sung in the style of contemporary a cappella music, the same style popularized by groups such as Rockapella and Take 6 and which has been gaining momentum on college campuses for the past decade. The onstage roles—fairies, lovers, nobles—would be performed by a cast of professional opera and musical theater singers. In the orchestra pit, a group of male and female a cappella vocalists would entirely take the place of instruments. The “voicestra” would comprise members of the all-male DeltaCappella, along with a new all-female a cappella group, RIVA, that Mednikow also created for the experiment. According to Ching, the show was the first of its kind.
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“This opera could have only been born in a place like Memphis that is large enough to have a variety of excellent arts groups, but small enough that everyone knows everyone else in the arts community and is willing to collaborate rather than stay inside their own carefully defined boxes” Mednikow said. “Memphis was the
right place
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at the right time for this opera.”
“This is new ground for everyone,” he said. “There have been other short a cappella chamber operas, but nothing on this scale that I know of.” The opera debuted in January 2011 at Playhouse on the Square and drew not only the attention of the a cappella singing community, but classical music critics as well. Writing in the Wall Street Journal, music critic Heidi Waleson remarked, “Mr. Ching’s remarkably inventive opera is a celebration of what voices can do and still, with the exception of a few startling vocal percussion effects, sound like voices…The voicestra gives the opera an added human dimension, and its invisibility goes with the magical nature of the story.” Though the show has long since closed, many of the participants are still reaping the rewards. It’s also keeping them busy.
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In 2012, the opera will make its East Coast premiere in Boston, Mednikow has invested in the production of an original cast album and several other companies—in Baltimore, Fort Worth,and of the opera, recorded over four weekends at the renowned Ardent Saratoga Springs, NY—have made serious inquiries about Recording Studios in Memphis. It required more than 44 hours of studio time to capture the many nuances in the two-hour opera. “A live performance is always going to have imperfections, but a recording deserves to be close to perfect,” Mednikow said. “Then there are numerous legal matters you have to deal with. Though the piece is an original work, there are about 18 pages of the 495-page score in which Michael uses musical quotations in a parody sense, which I had to clear with publishers. I’ve learned a lot about the music business in the process.” The disc is now in final production and will be issued around the end of 2011. Just as important as getting the music preserved on a disc, however, is getting the technically complex A Midsummer Night’s Dream onto other stages across the country. In 2012, the opera will make its East Coast premiere in Boston, and several other companies— in Baltimore, Fort Worth, and Saratoga Springs, NY—have made serious inquiries about staging the opera. Because of the difficulty putting together a trained voicestra, Mednikow expects that members of DeltaCappella and RIVA could be brought into future productions as “ringers.” “Most of us couldn’t take off four weeks of work to go rehearse entire productions,” he said. “But some of us could job out a few nights here and there.” One challenge facing the future success of the opera a cappella concept is how to categorize it. Is it opera? Musical theater? The question was raised in August when the nominees for the Ostrander Awards—the Memphis equivalent of Broadway’s Tony Awards—were announced. A Midsummer Night’s Dream only received nominations for music direction and wigs and makeup. In his blog, Memphis Flyer theater critic Chris Davis pointed out that while the show was officially labeled an opera (making it ineligible for awards in the musical theater categories), the judges might have recognized its originality and daredevil style. “Michael Ching’s operatic adaptation of Shakespeare’s fairy story was an ambitious, risky collaboration between Playhouse on the Square and Opera Memphis and it’s all but MIA at the Ostranders,” Davis wrote. “The music-direction nod feels like a halfhearted gesture acknowledging that original opera isn’t easy and an all vocal beatbox-driven go at a classic
staging the opera
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is just this side of vainglorious. Wigs and makeup? Give me a break. This show proved, if nothing else, that Memphis’s theater artists are contenders, able to create original product on par with the imports and endless revivals that fill our seasons.” The question of classification will no doubt be revived in the future. How do you market such a new concept to audiences and critics who haven’t had the benefit of so much local media attention? Mednikow would love to see the future CD considered for a Grammy nomination. But in which category? Should the album go up against, say, a new recording by the Metropolitan Opera? Or should it face the cast of Broadway’s The Book of Mormon? How about “Best Classical Crossover Album” or “Best Choral Performance”? “It’s just so hard to define this thing,” Mednikow says. “It’s such an unusual work of art. Depending on how it’s adapted it could be opera or musical theater. Look at Les Miserables, which is sung all the way through. You might say it’s an opera. But their voices are musical theater. In our production, we use many different kinds of voices.” Mednikow and Ching both acknowledge that the show would have been impossible to conceive without the resources that were available in Memphis at the start of the project. “This opera could have only been born in a place like Memphis that is large enough to have a variety of excellent arts groups, but small enough that everyone knows everyone else in the arts community and is willing to collaborate rather than stay inside their own carefully defined boxes,” Mednikow said. “Memphis was the right place at the right time for this opera.”
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10.22–30 2BLoved a mixed-rep evening at Playhouse
12.2–4 Nutcracker with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra
2.17–19 AbunDANCE a mixed-rep evening at Playhouse
4.14–15 Cinderella a fairytale evening at The Orpheum
4.28 Connections:25
balletmemphis.org | 901.737.7322
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Polished
Rough
DI A MONDS The name is a bit of an oxymoron, but the beauty and value are unmistakable. B y J ay A . M e d n i kow
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WE LIKE TO REFER TO THESE GEMS AS “TRANSLUCENT DIAMONDS,” AND EVERY ONE IS UNIQUE. There are subtle distinctions in color and clarity traits that make every one special. Diamonds come in all qualities from gem to industrial, and traditionally only white, transparent diamonds have been used in jewelry. These are truly rare and beautiful, and that’s why they’re so expensive. The vast majority of the world's diamonds are opaque, ugly, and ground into diamond dust to coat drill bits and saws as an abrasive for industrial purposes. They are, after all, the hardest substance known to man. But there’s an in-between. In the past ten years, jewelers have found the beauty in a certain quality of diamond that was never considered nice enough for jewelry but was simply too pretty to grind into diamond dust for industrial purposes. These rough diamonds are now polished much like transparent gems and unique jewelry is made around them. Sophisticated customers are waking up to the fact that they have something completely one-of-a-kind but, at the same time that doesn’t break the bank.
From the customer’s standpoint, there is a lot more bang for the buck. These
diamonds
cost hundreds of dollars per carat, or perhaps in the low four figures per carat, a mere fraction of their white counterparts.
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A Match Made in
Memphis Mednikow and James Davis are on the crest of a trend—combining jewelry and specialty clothing in the same store. By Jennifer
Heebner
When the most chic clothier in Memphis— James Davis, a purveyor of Armani suits and Red Engine jeans—partners with the most prestigious jeweler in town, the result is the Mednikow Boutique at James Davis, a newly launched jewelry operation. Located within James Davis at 400 Grove Park Road in the Laurelwood Shopping Center, the 450-square-foot atelier is the brainchild of Jay and Bob Mednikow and Van Weinberg, president of James Davis. The goal of the new venture is to offer fashion-forward fine designer jewelry in an environment filled with trendy and brandsavvy shoppers. “There are a few specialty clothing stores around the country that have added luxury jewelry to their mix,” explains Weinberg, noting Boyd’s in Philadelphia and Mitchells in Connecticut and Huntington, N.Y. Weinberg anticipated the trend in 2006, when he first started leasing space to a jeweler. “Men often come in shopping for clothes for themselves, and can also pick up gifts for their wives,” he says. For sure, lifestyle stores are trending now. Think Fred Segal in Los Angeles and ABC Carpet & Home in New York City. Zac Posen told Women’s Wear Daily in August that his store was an effort to “present a merchandised vision that can encompass the whole lifestyle of the woman.” “In the past twenty years, jewelry has evolved in the direction of fashion,” says Jay Mednikow. “Jewelry is an accessory that you use to match your clothing, your mood, your activities, and your lifestyle.” The jeweler wanted to appeal to fashion-forward shoppers, but his showroom on Perkins Extended just wasn’t the right place. The plan: go to where fashion-enthusiasts are, perusing well-curated clothing collections and snapping up trendy bangles and earrings to coordinate with outfits. The timing was serendipitous: Weinberg’s leased tenant was leaving and the store owners connected almost instantly, striking a deal within a week based on “mutual respect for each other,” says the jeweler.
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The Mednikow Boutique in James Davis opened in the spring, and is situated in the center of the store, adjacent to the ladies’ department. It houses a quarter of a million dollars in inventory, including intimate presentations from Annie Fensterstock, Sarah Graham, Barbara Heinrich, and Sara Weinstock. Additional items from Michael Bondanza, Gurhan, Heather B. Moore, Nanis, Pomellato, Elizabeth Locke, and Stephen Webster—lines already commanding a presence in his flagship store—are also present. The newcomers represent “more fashion-forward lines that we haven’t carried in the past,” says Mednikow. Jewels include oversize, black-diamond-accented designs for men and women, Bohemian-looking beaded silver, turquoise, and fossilized Woolly Mammoth bone, and agate bracelets on cord, and oxidized silver cuffs accented with 22k gold and randomly spaced, seemingly sprinkled-on multi-color sapphires (à la jimmies on an ice cream cone). Reactions are as eye-opening as the jewels. “People tell me, ‘I
didn’t know you had jewelry like this,’” says Mednikow. “Shoppers like the idea of being able to buy jewelry and clothes simultaneously; they like the thought of bringing over an outfit they’ve just bought to accessorize at the jewelry counter.” What’s more, planned fashion events—like a Fall 2011 trunk show for edgy clothing brand “What Goes Around Comes Around,” along with a special show of vintage Chanel bags and accessories—will inspire shoppers to mix and match their own new wardrobe favorites with designer jewels from the Boutique. “This space offers shoppers a new way of looking at jewelry,” says Mednikow. The Boutique is also well on its way to earning a reputation and future as the perfect match: “James Davis’ shoppers get access to the hottest new designer jewelry—plus the expertise that goes along with that—and Mednikow is able to reach out to some customers who wouldn’t think of coming into our flagship store looking for fashion accessories,” says the jeweler.
Thoughts of Mednikow A 43-year employee reflects on her time at Mednikow Special Mednikow memories for me are varied and many, as they span a career of more than 43 years! These are memories dating back to 1968 at 5 South Main Street when Bob’s father, whom I fondly called Mr. M, was with us. There was a transition taking place in the store, as Mr. M relinquished his leadership role to Bob. Jay, 4 years old at the time, had no idea he would some day be in the same position. . . one that allowed me to experience another transition of leadership from father Bob to son Jay! Today, Jay and his wife Elizabeth have three wonderful young children. The years remind me that I’ll not likely witness another leadership transition. This time it could be one from father to daughter. I would love that! This thought brings memories of recent years, where we have seen more women in our industry as business owners, designers, and often reps for major brand companies. In 1968, who would have ever thought it!
Memories, memories. . .the ones dearest to my heart always involve a Mednikow customer as they share their story of what brought them to our store. Like the sweet couple celebrating their wedding anniversary. She came in proudly wearing the wedding rings given to her when they married 40 years ago. There was excitement in her voice: “He said for me to come with him; this is the day we go to Mednikow and you can pick out a new ring, any ring you want!” As we looked at rings, they shared with me many family stories from their 40 years together. While trying on rings, there was one that really excited her. She claimed it as her very own! He asked the question “How much is it?” I responded with the answer, not knowing at the time that over the course of their marriage, neither of them had inquired, anywhere, about the price of diamonds compared to prices 40 years ago. I guess one would say there was sticker shock! There was a period of silence when I took my
B y M a r t h a Va n z a n t
calculator and quietly divided the price of the new ring by 40. Showing the gentleman his price per year made him smile as he said “Honey, write this lady a check.” She did as he requested Of course, as a salesperson, I was delighted to close this sale. This story took place some 20 years ago. I can still see their faces, feel the warmth and love between them as a couple, as well as the joy for me as I shared in their celebration of a 40-year wedding anniversary. There are very few exceptions to jewelry purchases being gifts in celebration of special times in the lives of the giver and/or receiver. Perhaps there are as many different “stories” regarding jewelry gift-giving as there are people involved in each transaction. I love to hear the stories as people show and talk to me about their personal jewelry. Often it is a story dating back in Mednikow’s long jewelry history. . . there is always a story.
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Yossi’s newest Roxanne necklace, cuffs and button clip earrings in handcrafted 24k gold or oxidized gilver with pavÊ diamonds.
www.yossiharari.com
IRIS i is‌where the stars shi e brighter! ǝǚǺǺ ǝǚǺǝ 4Ä–Ä’Ä¤Ä Ä&#x;
$PQMBOE -BUJO "NFSJDBO 4LFUDIFT (SVCFS Frankenstein!! 1SPLPmFW 1FUFS BOE UIF 8PMG
.FOEFMTTPIO 4JOGPOJB /P )PWIBOFTT 4ZNQIPOZ /P i$ISJTUNBT 4ZNQIPOZw $BQMFU $POUF GBOUBTUJRVF %FCVTTZ %BOTFT TBDSĂ?F FU QSPGBOF 5DIBJLPWTLZ 4FSFOBEF GPS 4USJOHT
January 7, 2012 A TASTE OF HEAVEN HEIDI GRANT MURPHY
March 17, 2012 BEETHOVEN RHYTHM, SHOSTAKOVICH SOUL VADIM GLUZMAN
– soprano Photo by Jennifer Gasparian
– harp
%FCVTTZ $IJMESFO T $PNFS .P[BSU i3VIF 4BOGU w 'SPN ;BJEF $PQMBOE 0ME "NFSJDBO 4POHT .BIMFS 4ZNQIPOZ /P
April 21, 2012 TRAGEDY, TRIUMPH, AND TRANSCENDENCE AMIT PELED – cello
3PTTJOJ $JOEFSFMMB 0WFSUVSF &MHBS $FMMP $PODFSUP JO F NJOPS 0Q 5DIBJLPWTLZ 4ZNQIPOZ /P
Photo by Amanda Stevenson
– chansonnier and narrator
– violin
"EBNT 4PO PG $IBNCFS 4ZNQIPOZ 4IPTUBLPWJDI 7JPMJO $PODFSUP /P #FFUIPWFO 4ZNQIPOZ /P
Photo by John Kringas
SHORT STORIES MARTIN SHORT
December 3, 2011 STRING THEORIES ELIZABETH HAINEN
May 5, 2012 INCANDESCENT WATTS ANDRÉ WATTS – piano
)BSCJTPO ɨF .PTU 0GUFO 6TFE $IPSET 'BVSF .BTRVFT FU CFSHBNBTRVFT #FFUIPWFO &NQFSPS $PODFSUP
Photo by Steve J. Sherman
October 1, 2011
IRIS S FAMILY SATURDAY SERIES Designed to engage and interest children of all ages, the new Family Saturday Series is a wonderful opportunity for families to spend time together via a fun musical event. The afternoon will consist of an interactive and engaging orchestral presentation including Michael Stern and the IRIS Orchestra followed by a hands-on instrument petting zoo. 4BUVSEBZ 0DUPCFS * t Q N IRIS Orchestra featuring Martin Short, chansonnier and narrator 4BUVSEBZ +BOVBSZ t Q N IRIS Orchestra featuring Heidi Grant Murphy, soprano 4BUVSEBZ "QSJM t Q N IRIS Orchestra
For tickets call 901-751-7500 www.irisorchestra.org For general information call 901-275-8347
I M AG I N E
T H E P L AC E S T H E Y W I L L G O .
T H E O R I G I N ATO R O F C U LT U R E D P E A R L S . S I N C E 1 8 9 3 .
Authentic
Antique
DI A MONDS
Yesteryear's diamonds find new life in French mountings made the old-fashioned way. B y J ay A . M e d n i kow
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ANTIQUE DIAMONDS HAVE A SPECIAL BEAUTY THAT IS NOT DUPLICATED IN MODERN CUTS. Ideal cut diamonds are extraordinary thanks to advanced understanding of optics and modern cutting technology that allows diamond cutters to maximize brilliance and fire. But there’s just something about antique diamonds that I love. Old Mine, antique cushion, and European cut diamonds all have distinct personalities. No two are alike, and whether they are pretty or not depends almost entirely upon how they are cut. Other diamond benchmarks, like color and clarity, certainly affect the price of these old stones, but their beauty is a result of the skill of the master diamond cutter who originally fashioned them. A hundred years ago, diamonds were cut by master craftsmen in candlelight, using their eyes and hands as guides, while they pressed the rough diamond crystal against a spinning steel platter embedded with diamond dust to act as an abrasive. The technology of the day wasn’t advanced enough to allow exceptional accuracy in achieving perfect symmetry or precise angles. Yet, these master diamond cutters fashioned exceptionally beautiful gemstones that exhibit a type of “glow” that is simply not present in modern diamonds. Facets were often broader and angles steeper. Light rays didn’t bounce around inside the gem as many times before exiting the top. Instead, light emanated from these diamonds in broad swaths of The right antique diamond white and colored light, as the facets acted as miniature prisms. , and I can Nice antique diamonds are more and more difficult to have a conversation with it, as I examine it find. Until the recent past, from every angle and observe how opposing many older stones were recut by knowledgeable gem dealers, facets create a hall of mirrors within. who recognized that a recut diamond could be sold for more money. I’m embarrassed to say that my family has recut its share of antique diamonds into modern cuts. But appreciation for all things old has grown in the past several years, and most jewelers try to preserve antique diamonds these days. Even more difficult than finding nice antique diamonds, though, is finding nice antique mountings. A diamond may be forever, but mountings are subject to wear and tear, and there are very few pristine antique mountings left anymore. The ones that still exist probably weren’t worn very much in the first place; they probably spent much of their time in a vault rather than on a woman’s finger. This past year, we discovered an individual craftsman in Paris who is dedicated to creating antique reproduction mountings using the same care and techniques used by artisans 100 years ago. With this rare find, I have the confidence to search for wonderful antique diamonds, knowing that handmade rings worthy of their heritage can be crafted specifically around them. The results are nothing short of fabulous, and we know that if you have a love for antique diamond rings, you’re sure to find one of these individual rings that speaks to you like the individual diamonds speak to me.
speaks to me
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Rose
GOLD
The hot new color of gold. GOLD IS MAKING NEWS DAILY WITH RECORD HIGH PRICES, AND WITH THE INCREASED VISIBILITY AND AWARENESS OF ITS INTRINSIC VALUE, SALES ARE BOOMING. Pure 24kt gold is a warm, rich yellow, but it is rarely used in jewelry. (Two notable exceptions are Gurhan Orhan and Yossi Harari, both of whom Mednikow is proud to represent.) Gold in jewelry is typically an alloy ranging from 10kt (41% pure) to 18kt (75%), and the addition of other metals allows gold to be almost any color. Pure yellow gold was very popular in the 1960s and early 1970s, but by the 1980s, gold with green undertones became very popular in lines such as Seiden-Gang and Barry Kieselstein-Cord. Then white gold, along with other white metals like platinum and silver became popular in the 1990s and 2000s. Not since the 1940s has rose gold been popular, but its warm, complementary color is all the rage in 2011. It seems that all our designers are producing designs in rose gold, often with antique-style diamonds like rose cuts that are reminiscent of earlier times. You’ll love how the warm tone of the gold complements almost any complexion. ď ˛
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Designers are producing designs in rose gold, often with antique style diamonds like
rose cuts
that are
reminiscent of earlier times.
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Silver
REINVENTED
Jewelry designers are stepping outside the box to make bold new looks with unique textures in sterling silver.
B y J e a n M a t h ew s
UNLIKE THE CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH OF 1849 THAT SENT MINERS STREAMING WEST TO CALIFORNIA, THE PRESENT-DAY SILVER RUSH IS CREATING A STIR ALL OVER THE WORLD. Silver has been discovered by artists and internationally known designers who are enamored with the fascinating and unique “changeling” quality of sterling silver that allows them to design remarkable pieces of jewelry in myriad textures and finishes, adding exciting depth and dimension to their new collections. The new, sometimes-bold, sometimes-delicate pieces re-imagine silver so that it can reflect light in interesting and beautiful ways that have never been seen before. There is even a new color palette of silver, ranging from gleaming white to inky, oxidized black. Designers such as Laura Bicego (Nanis) lavish hand-crafted details such as texture-rich engraved finishes and glittering hand-set jewels on stunning pieces of sterling silver, lifting the precious metal into the realm of the extraordinary and unusual. Other designers, like Gurhan, are having their way with silver with sensual and intriguing results that are infinitely wearable.
Gurhan has a ball combining pure silver with oxidized, polished, and hand-hammered finishes, throwing a curve with accents of 24 karat gold. Detail: Silver palette is echoed in the links. FA L L & W I N T E R 2 0 1 1
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Laura Bicego's ower power ring features a clutch of satiny hand-brushed silver petals with one petal encrusted in a dew of marcasite. Detail: Petals constantly rearrange when the ring is worn.
Raymond Hak's graceful cuff bracelet encircles the wrist in a gleaming current of sterling silver softened with a brushed ďŹ nish and edged with a curving border of sparkling pavĂŠ diamonds. Detail: Lavish workmanship is an inside secret.
Sterling silver necklace and earrings by Rebecca designer Alessandro Testi illumine the dark side of the moon with an innovative light-reactive diamond-cut surface. Detail: Sleek Italian design gives these disks star power.
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A curved dome of hand-hammered 24 karat gold is embraced by a bezel of oxidized silver in this matte-ďŹ nished ring by Gurhan. Detail: Gently rounded band wears comfortably on the hand.
Sara Weinstock's artful necklace playfully mixes inky-black, oxidized silver with sparkling diamonds and 18 karat gold. Detail: Gold pendants echo the shape of oxidized silver links of necklace.
Mednikow's Etruscan bangles of polished and oxidized silver are the perfect canvas for intricate patterns of hand-applied 18 karat gold and glittering diamonds. Detail: Edging of gold braid makes these great for stacking.
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Bead
CHIC
To everyone’s delight, beads are back and unabashedly creating a fashion stir. B y
J e a n M a t h ew s
AFTER A BRIEF DISAPPEARANCE FROM THE RUNWAY, BEADS AND MORE BEADS ARE BACK AGAIN AND ARE BEING EMBRACED LIKE THE LONG LOST FRIENDS THEY ARE. Unlike the well-behaved, somewhat shy, lady-like beads of the past, these bold strands of beads express a fashion statement that complements everything from a simple tunic, a fabulous sweater, or a dressy suit—looking perfectly at home everywhere from the board room to Beale Street. Beads, whether in a single strand or in multiples, add depth and dimension to a simple dress or top, and when worn with a jacket, shawl or scarf, they provide just the right weight and balance. One can’t help loving an accessory that is so becoming— beads seem to form a lovely halo on the neck, calling attention to and highlighting the face. No two strands of beads are alike; you will never see your beads on someone else. Like the highest quality strands of pearls, a great deal of expertise and skill is required to select superior beads and to see that they are then strung in a particular and artful manner. Each strand must be studied carefully and chosen individually. Toni Green, head buyer at Mednikow, explains: “We go to great lengths to choose bead strands that reflect current fashion colors and offer the best look for the price. We sift through box after box of individual strands and then we try them on to see how they look when worn. The beads that ultimately make the cut are beautiful and a true value in both wearability and price.” FA L L & W I N T E R 2 0 1 1
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“We go to
great lengths
to choose bead strands that reect current fashion colors and offer the best look for the price," says Toni Green, buyer at Mednikow.
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To add even more drama, try mixing the opaque color of the beads with a transparent gemstone that picks up a color in the strands or in the outďŹ t. Mednikow’s collection features an array of light-catching and colorful faceted stones that complement the fabulous collection of Mednikow beads, adding both sparkle and panache to your jewelry wardrobe.
No two strands of beads are alike; you will never see your beads on
someone else
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The Lasting Impression of
Signet
RINGS
Like a fine timepiece or a cherished wedding band, a signet ring is much more than an accessory. Engraved with your family crest or that of an alma mater, it expresses something that is important about you in a quiet and tasteful way. B y J e a n M a t h ew s
BEAUTIFUL AND TIMELESS, SIGNET RINGS BOAST A ROMANTIC HISTORY THAT HARKENS BACK TO THE DAYS OF HERALDRY. With their classic shape and style, signet rings suggest an understated elegance that looks as tasteful and attractive today as it did in days of yore. Like a fine timepiece or a cherished wedding band, a signet ring is much more than an accessory. Engraved with your family crest or that of an alma mater, it expresses something that is important about you in a quiet and tasteful way. Historians have traced the origin of signets and seals to ancient Egypt and Rome. For centuries, seals have been used to authenticate the veracity of important documents. Using a process called “intaglio,” images representing the identity and authority of the bearer were carved or engraved into stones such as onyx, jasper, or carnelian; or precious metals like gold or silver. Since the seal would be pressed into melted wax, the images and inscriptions were carved in reverse, so that a mirror image is actually seen on the face of the ring. The intricate images gracing the seal served a useful function, for the more elaborate and detailed the crest, the more difficult it would be to create a forgery of the seal. Then, just as now, there was the need to discern forgeries—and the answer could be found in the details. These graphic designs took the place of our modern-day signatures on important documents. Royal decrees, as well as other legal documents, such as deeds, were not considered binding without an official seal which bore the imprint of the individual’s signet. This tradition persists in our own current legal system, where both notarized and court documents must bear seals attesting to their official legality. A signet was therefore valued and protected by its owner much like today’s passwords.
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Because of their importance and their association with wealth and power, it was natural that these signets would gradually become increasingly ornate, eventually becoming embedded with sparkling gemstones and rich carvings. Such costly and elaborately decorated seals were prized for their exquisite beauty; however, they lacked practicality. In the 1600s, signet rings began to enter the picture, allowing nobles and high-ranking officials the convenience of very literally having their seal “on-hand” at all times. Wearing a signet ring also offered their owners an additional perk, allowing them to display their high social or political status, for their seals implied ownership, rank, and the possession of a family herald, all the standards of privilege. Because of their close association with wealth and nobility, their inherent uniqueness, and the valuable materials from which they were created, antiquarians and history buffs have delighted in the study of seals and have collected them even from the earliest of times. Perhaps no collector displayed a greater passion for these ancient engravings than Baron Philipp von Stosch, a Prussian baron residing in Florence in the 1700s. With a passionate zeal, the baron amassed an enchanting collection of over 10,000 intaglios, cameos, and antique glass pastes, all of which are now housed in museums. Today the signet ring remains a desirable piece of jewelry, rich in tradition and distinctively personal in expression. Signet rings can be enjoyed and worn with confidence; the patina of passing years adds a warm glow that will be admired by future generations. In this time of transient texts and tweets, there’s something remarkable about the notable past of the signet ring. It’s a beautiful way to leave a lasting impression.
With their classic shape and style, signet rings suggest an
understated elegance
that looks as tasteful and attractive today as it did in days of yore.
In this time of transient texts and tweets, there’s something remarkable about the
notable past
of the signet ring.
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Behind the
Scenes
Making of the Mednikow Watch commercial After the Mednikow 1891 Watch was conceived, created, and already on the wrists of loyal customers, it was time to announce the birth of the watch to the public. The recent production of television commercials featuring engaged couples discussing their personal experiences buying their special rings at Mednikow inspired the decision to produce similar ads. This time though, it would be Bob and Jay Mednikow who would go into the studio, and with nothing but a white background behind them, discuss their feelings and the facts regarding the development of the new watch. But what about the background track? The bridal commercials featured original music—and Bob and Jay were both excited about getting the watch ads on the air as soon as possible. “Why not take Paul Koziel down to Ardent Recording Studios and let him provide the sound track?” mused their marketing director, Jean Mathews, referring to the uber talented vocal percussionist in Jay’s a cappella vocal band. And so it was that Paul Koziel, armed only with mouth and microphone, was recorded by Memphis’ own Grammy-winning recording producer and engineer, John Hampton, at Ardent Recording Studios. It may sound like an entire drum kit—but the whole commercial is backed only by the beat boxer.
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The
Time
HAS COME
Long a dream of Bob and Jay Mednikow, the Mednikow Watch has finally become a reality.
B y J e a n M a t h ew s
“TEN YEARS AGO, A MEDNIKOW WATCH WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN ECONOMICALLY POSSIBLE. We would have had to buy a thousand watch cases at a time to pay for the tooling charges, and for a single jewelry store, that wasn’t possible,” explains Jay Mednikow. But technology allows us to order cases, dials, crystals, movements, straps, and bracelets in much smaller quantities, and we can now assemble the perfect watch for our customers’ needs.” “We use the same Swiss movements used by many of the world’s most famous brand-name watches, and we’ve had a watch custom-made to meet the needs of the Mednikow customer,” Jay notes. “And by cutting out all the costs associated with building an international brand name—the extensive advertising needs and a traveling sales force, for instance—we’re able to offer a much better value to our customers.”
THE MEDNIKOW BASIC WATCH Like a great pair of jeans, the Mednikow Basic offers limitless, go-anywhere possibilities. It’s backed by Mednikow’s six-year warranty, which includes service, making it a wise purchase or a thoughtful gift. High quality, durable bands and straps come in a variety styles (including local school colors) and the easy to read dial of the Mednikow Basic is available in Olive, Denim, Cotton, Coffee, or Ebony. With so many choices it’s easy to create a high-end, custom watch that is as individual as the person who wears it, making it the perfect accessory for a certain look. With an easy price to love, why not customize more than one?
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THE MEDNIKOW DIVER’S WATCH With rugged good looks and a handsome face, the Mednikow Diver’s Watch delivers durability and quality. This is the perfect watch for sportsmen, athletes, divers, or anyone looking for a watch that can keep time with an active life-style. Available with the classic diver’s black rubber strap, as well as a hefty, well-made stainless steel bracelet. Dials are available in Flame, Navy, Cotton, or Ebony. Like all watches from the Mednikow 1891 Collection, the Mednikow Diver’s Watch comes with a six-year warranty that includes service.
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THE MEDNIKOW SIGNATURE CUSHION WATCH Classic and versatile, the Mednikow Signature Cushion Watch is offered in two different sizes, proportioned for men or women. Because of the clean lines of the stainless steel bracelet and cushion-shaped case, many women opt for the bold, fashion-forward look of the larger men’s watch. It’s perfect for engraving with a sentiment, name, or anniversary. Dials are available in Cotton or Ebony, with shapely gold or stainless steel numerals. Three different bezel choices of sparkling diamond, 18 karat gold, or stainless steel make the Mednikow Signature Cushion Watch infinitely wearable and definitely personal. Enjoy this stylish, high-quality watch with confidence, knowing that it comes with a six-year warranty and service plan honored by Mednikow. After all, it’s wearing the Mednikow name on its dial.
“We use the same Swiss movements used by many of the world’s most famous brand-name watches, and we’ve had a watch
made
custom
to meet the needs of
the Mednikow customer,” notes Jay Mednikow.
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Events Parties at Mednikow
Rebecca Jewelry designed by Alessandro Testi added panache to the fashions modeled by the Germantown Charity Horse Show princesses at the annual Pegasus Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon which took place at the Racquet Club. P h o to s B y D o n n a Fa r n s wo r t h
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Events Parties
at Mednikow
Whether it was the fabulous “Girls Night Out Summer Party” honoring Raffaele Capoferro, president of Rebecca, or one of Mednikow’s dazzling designer shows, celebrations at Mednikow are always festive gatherings. Adding to the fun are the tempting party appetizers provided by talented chefs like Alex Grisanti, owner of Elfo’s and a master of Tuscan cuisine.
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Events Parties
at Mednikow
The sense of family and friendship make every party at Mednikow an event to remember.
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