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Tudor TUDOR’S BLACK BAY FAMILY GROWS WITH THE ARRIVAL OF THE NEW BLACK BAY BRONZE
SHOW STOPPERS
Patek Philippe A RADIANT EXTERIOR WITH A DELICATELY TECHNICAL BEATING HEART
TAG Heuer AUTAVIA, THE RETURN OF A LEGENDARY WATCH FOR 2019
FOR PERFECT TIME MANAGEMENT EXPLORE THE LATEST RELEASES FROM BASELWORLD AND SIHH, PLUS DISCOVER NEW JEWELLERY TRENDS AND EXQUISITE BRIDAL COLLECTIONS AVAILABLE AT DAVID M ROBINSON
Rolex THE FIRST YELLOW ROLESOR ADDITION TO THE SEA-DWELLER RANGE
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TIMES
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@DMR_JEWELLERY
CONTENTS
WELCOME CONTENTS
W E L C O M E T O I S S U E N O. 5 OF D’AMOUR TIMES
Watches 05 Inside SIHH 2019
2019
sees everyone at DMR in an excitable mood as we begin our 50th anniversary celebrations. We have quite a year lined up with over 25 events - both large and small - planned for our friends. We’ll be in touch as the year progresses and we hope that you can join us on one or two occasions if possible. Springtime sees the end of the watch and jewellery show season and so far this year, the DMR teams have attended shows in Geneva for SIHH, Vicenza Oro in Italy, Hong Kong and of course, Baselworld, from where I penned this introduction. Baselworld itself had a calmer feel to it this year. The show was certainly less busy as some brands took the opportunity to introduce new lines from other locations, as Omega did in Zurich. Our teams were also at that event to witness the launch of the 50th Anniversary Moonwatch. Rolex and Patek Philippe have pushed on this year with several new additions. In Patek Philippe’s case, the new 5212A Calatrava Weekly Calendar will be eagerly awaited, as will the Nautilus 5276 and the new 5520P complete with alarm. Rolex took the opportunity to launch a GMT Master II with blue black bezel (ref 126710 BLNR on a Jubilee bracelet with 3285 Calibre) to complement last year’s highly successful “Pepsi GMT” which is still much sought after. As for the new YachtMaster 42, well, we will keep you posted. At DMR we enjoy an excellent reputation amongst the brands for doing things correctly, professionally and in the right spirit. This is why we export such a small percentage of our allocations overseas, preferring instead to focus on our local and loyal clients instead. This is a policy we will maintain, along with our now famously recognised desire to always go the extra mile for our clients. Our clients, and the brands they collect, trust DMR.
BEST LADIES WATCHES
Three of the best watches from the horological trade fair in Geneva Also at Baselworld, TAG Heuer further established its successful niche as a genuine innovator and we were impressed by the new Autavia Isograph. Tudor continued to delight and surprise in equal measure with the Black Bay P01. If ever a watch had an unusual history, it is this particular story. Earlier in the year at a snowy SIHH in Geneva, IWC introduced four new Pilot’s Top Gun references and after wearing his IWC at the Oscars, Bradley Cooper’s IWC Big Pilot sold at a charity auction for $75,000! Closer to home, we have been kept busy with several projects. Our new workshop in Altrincham has allowed us to innovate and develop more and more bespoke pieces. We started out from a workshop 50 years ago and today our goldsmiths maintain that tradition. One of our main focuses this year, however, will be the opening of our newly extended Manchester showroom in St Ann’s Square. We are investing more than £2 million into the project to bring you a 5,000sq ft showroom complete with new Rolex-approved workshops and Rolex VIP areas as well as a private salon which will, I hope, be a suitable setting for our new DMR jewellery and bridal collections. We consider St Ann’s Square to be our spiritual home and as Manchester city centre grows with new residencies and restaurants, so we hope to take the luxury offering to new heights. Manchester’s ability to pull in visitors from all over the North West remains the talking point of the retail scene outside of London. Whilst in this edition of D’Amour Times we focus on some of our latest jewellery collections, it remains the case that no business ever really thrives without great people working within it or as clients. As we grow, we are certainly attracting a fashionable following with DMR pieces being seen on numerous celebrities. Nothing would be possible without our showroom teams and their support and I’m delighted that DMR, in its 50th year, remains an independent family business, which not only makes beautiful things but which also makes its clients happy and which tries to make the world around it a better place.
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Omega The brand updates its Constellation collection with more than 100 new models
Jewellery 10 New Collections
The dazzling new collections available at DMR
13 Statement Earrings
DMR’s spectacular shoulder skimming statement earrings alongisde a jewellery expert’s opinion
Bridal 14 The Perfect Ring
Engagement ring trends in pictures
Cerian Tarbuck, Head of Jewellery, on engagement trends and bridal collections
John Robinson MANAGING DIRECTOR DAVID M ROBINSON
A newly-refurbished and expanded David M Robinson workshop has opened in Altrincham in time for the brand’s 50th anniversary. Two skilled goldsmiths, Dawn Welch and Tony Duffy, make up the Altrincham team. Both have worked with DMR for many years and have experience working across all the UK showrooms.
Tudor Black Bay 32 S&G £2,820
The latest reveals from the biggest watch brands at 2019’s Baselworld
15 Bridal Trends and Collections
A NEW WORKSHOP FOR DMR ALTRINCHAM
Rolex Datejust 31 £8,900
07 Baselworld 2019
The acclaimed jewellery brand’s Repairs Manager, Nicky Owens said: “Our workshops are at the heart of our work and our goldsmiths play a vital role. This new workshop within our Head Office brings our goldsmiths closer to our design and buying teams and to the beginning of a journey which ultimately ends with the pieces our clients buy.”
DMR World 16 Suite Talk New pieces by DMR with a stunning shoot featuring some familiar faces
18 DMR’s 50th Anniversary
A look into the world of DMR as it celebrates 5 decades of business
I S S U E N O.5
SPRING / SUMMER 19
Tudor TUDOR’S BLACK BAY FAMILY GROWS WITH THE ARRIVAL OF THE NEW BLACK BAY BRONZE
SHOW STOPPERS
Patek Philippe A RADIANT EXTERIOR WITH A DELICATELY TECHNICAL BEATING HEART
TAG Heuer AUTAVIA, THE RETURN OF A LEGENDARY WATCH FOR 2019
FOR PERFECT TIME MANAGEMENT EXPLORE THE LATEST RELEASES FROM BASELWORLD AND SIHH, PLUS DISCOVER NEW JEWELLERY TRENDS AND EXQUISITE BRIDAL COLLECTIONS AVAILABLE AT DAVID M ROBINSON
Rolex THE FIRST YELLOW ROLESOR ADDITION TO THE SEA-DWELLER RANGE
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The new workshop combines traditional methods of crafting jewellery with modern technologies to provide the very best service for clients.
Patek Philippe Nautilus 7118/1R-010 £36,460
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on the cover
Photography - Justin Hast Model - Tom Walker
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TIMES
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(Clockwise from top left) Tudor Heritage Black Bay - £2,630 IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire - £5,190 Omega Speedmaster Professional ‘Moonwatch’ - £3,680 Rolex Datejust 41 - £5,650
Locations Hatfields Jaguar, Liverpool Royal Institution, Liverpool Photography by Justin Hast
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SHOW TIME The standout timepieces from SIHH 2019, the luxury Geneva trade fair that kicks off the watchmaking calendar
Panerai Later this year, Max Sirena, skipper of Italy’s Luna Rossa, will take to the waters of Sardinia in a bid to become the official challenger of 36th America’s Cup. Thanks to Panerai, he will do so wearing a watch manufactured from the same material as the hull of his 75ft sailboat. The watchmaker has created the Submersible Luna Rossa, a 47mm dive watch constructed from superlightweight, corrosion-resistant carbon fibre.
TAG Heuer
IWC
In 1985 Swiss watchmaker Heuer – creator of the Autavia, Carrera and Monaco – became TAG Heuer when it was acquired by Luxembourg-based investment consortium TAG Group. The three letter prefix, should you have ever wondered, is an acronym for ‘Techniques d’Avant Garde’.
For us the best booth at SIHH 2019 had to be IWC. In the middle of an aircraft-hangar-inspired stand, a gleaming silver Spitfire took centre stage – the same plane that’s scheduled for take-off in a round-the-world record attempt later this year. On the outskirts of Geneva, a different spitfire landed onsite during the brand’s gala dinner, attended by a squadron of ambassadors, including Bradley Cooper, Rosamund Pike, Dev Patel, Adriana Lima and James Marsden.
Putting the ‘TAG’ in TAG Heuer’ then, is this year’s Carrera Calibre Heuer 02T Tourbillon Nanograph. An evolution of what was already the brand’s most complex timepiece – the Carrera Tourbillon Heuer 02T caused ripples when it was launched in 2016 for marrying a COSC-certified chronograph with the industry’s most affordable tourbillon – the updated Nanograph now houses a balance-spring manufactured from carbon; a first in watchmaking. A balance-spring, also known as a hairspring, is a coiled spring attached to the balance wheel of a mechanical watch. It controls the speed at which cogs turn, and thus the rate at which hands rotate. Carbon, says TAG Heuer, trumps both precious metals, from which hairsprings were traditionally constructed, and modern silicon, towards which many brands have recently turned, for its shockproof properties and resistance to gravitational, magnetic and temperature variations.
The aviation-themed festivities coincided with the launch of a five-reference family of new Spitfire watches. Designs are inspired by the instrument style of the Mark XI, a utilitarian timepiece that was produced in Schaffhausen for the Royal Air Force from 1948.
Panerai also launched two timepieces in homage to freediving world champion Guillaume Néry. Both chronograph-equipped dive watches are water-resistant to a depth of 300 metres and equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel.
The 45mm watch is decorated with hexagon motifs, a reference to the nanoscopic hexagonal structure of the carbon used in the hairspring – hence the name. The dial and rotor have both been openworked to reveal the movement, and the aluminum balance wheel is set with both white gold weights and white Superluminova, making the watch’s beating heart visible in the dark. Neon green accents add drama, adorning everything from the tourbillon cage to the column wheel.
The collection includes an entrylevel time-and-date automatic, a chronograph, GMT, world timer and perpetual calendar. All house IWCmanufactured calibres. The Timezoner Spitfire Edition ‘The Longest Flight’ has been developed for airmen Steve Boultbee-Brooks and Matt Jones, the co-pilots who will attempt the crosscontinent record attempt. The world time function is adjusted by pushing down and rotating a black ceramic bezel, which simultaneously rotates the hour hand and the 24-hour display.
SUBMERSIBLE LUNA ROSSA AND GUILLAUME NÉRY EDITIONS
CARRERA CALIBRE HEUER 02T TOURBILLON NANOGRAPH
IWC PILOT’S WATCH CHRONOGRAPH SPITFIRE
£POA
£20,750
£5,190
A red central GMT hand and small-seconds hand contrast with a dial made from the same cloth as Luna Rossa’s sails. Capable of displaying the duration of a dive thanks to unidirectional rotating bezel, the timepiece has a date window at 3 o’clock and a three-day power reserve.
EXPERT OPINION
Alisha Duffy Showroom Manager of David M Robinson Liverpool
@DMR_JEWELLERY
“The brands that we had meetings with at SIHH all had a similar message: that they were focusing on existing collections and building on strong foundations. We saw additions to Submersible from Panerai and Pilot for IWC. IWC impressed me the most. The company has worked on their iconic Pilot collection for 2019 in connection with #SilverSpitfire,
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the longest flight. This is a 27,000 mile journey around the world in a polished silver Mark IX Spitfire, taking flight in Summer 2019. IWC’s new pieces appealed the most to me as the majority look amazing on women. My particular favourite is the automatic 39mm Spitfire on an olive green textile strap. I was also impressed by IWC’s Timezoner
Spitfire edition. This is the watch that both British pilots will be wearing during the daredevil flight in the vintage #SilverSpitfire departing from Goodwood this August. The watch has a 46mm stainless steel case with a rotatable bezel which clearly indicates each different timezone. Limited to 250 pieces this watch will be a perfect addition to any watch collection.”
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(Clockwise from top left) TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph - £3,500 Rolex Datejust 41 - £9,600 Tudor Black Bay Chrono - £3,390 Patek Philippe 5230G-001 - £36,460 Omega Seamaster Diver 300M - £3,600. Locations Restaurant Bar & Grill, Liverpool Royal Institution, Liverpool Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool Photography by Justin Hast
W AT C H E S
BEST OF BASELWORLD Wi t h s o m e s t e l l a r re l e a s e s f ro m t h e b i g g e s t n a m e s i n w at ch m a k i n g, t h e s e c re at i o n s a re t h e ones that captured our imagination
Tudor Black Bay Bronze Winner of the Petite Aiguille prize at the 2016 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, the Black Bay returned at Baselworld with a new slate-grey dial and bezel. Its stunning 43mm bronze case, an aesthetic nod to old ships and diving equipment, will develop a patina over the years due to the properties of the metal. The overall visual effect is that of a rich, patinated object that might have sailed the globe on its wearer’s wrist for years at a time. Powering the watch is the Manufacture Calibre MT5601, which is the widest of Tudor’s movements. With its non-magnetic silicon balance spring and 70 hour power reserve, the movement is certified as a chronometer by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).
£2,910
Patek Philippe 4978/400G – Calatrava “You never own a Patek Phillipe. You merely look after it for the next generation.” The chairman made this motto clear at Baselworld 2019; Patek Phillipe will remain in the private hands of the Stern family. For 2019, the Patek Philippe Diamond Ribbon Joaillerie is available in a new white gold design with a slightly larger diameter, increased from 33.3 mm to 36.5 mm. The intended result of the distinctive diamond embellishment is to “orbit the case like gymnasts’ twirling ribbons.” Set with 770 diamonds in total, with blued gold applied numerals, the watch’s slim and elegant profile is maintained thanks to the integration of the Caliber 240 ultra-thin selfwinding movement.
£56,430 EXPERT OPINION
Sandy Madhvani Showroom Manager at DMR Canary Wharf
@DMR_JEWELLERY
“Baselworld was full of excitement and energy with great launches from Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Tudor. We are always taken by surprise with the new collections and I have to admit that the new Patek Philippe 5168g and the Rolex 42mm Yacht-Master are the showstoppers for me. It’s very important to be at the show in order to offer feedback to our clients, having the opportunity to try the pieces out in the flesh.”
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Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Rolex has a history of accompanying hardy adventurers and sailors, including Sir Robin KnoxJohnston and Sir Francis Chichester. Chichester said about his Rolex watch: “It was frequently banged, also doused by waves coming aboard; but it never seemed to mind all this.” With its Cerachrom bezel insert in matt black ceramic, almost completely resistant to corrosion and scratches, the Yacht-Master has been designed with this rugged functionality in mind. Like all Rolex Professional watches, the Yacht-Master 42 offers exceptional legibility in all circumstances, and especially in the dark, thanks to its Chromalight display. The Oysterflex bracelet combines the robustness and reliability of a metal bracelet with the flexibility, comfort and aesthetics of an elastomer strap. Inside the 18ct white gold case, the calibre 3235 is featured for the first time offering fundamental gains in performance from the previous model.
£21,400
Patek Philippe 5212a - Complications There are several characteristics that make the 5212 unique. Patek Philippe hasn’t made a steel Calatrava since 2017 and before that, the 1970s. The typography created explicitly for this watch is based on the handwriting of one of the manufacture’s designers; its letters and numbers are absolutely unique.Coupled with the simple calfskin strap, it makes it very avant-garde by Patek’s standards. The new complication inside is built on the caliber 324 movement, which tells the day, date, month and the week.
£25,610
Rolex Sea-Dweller A paragon of robustness and reliability, the Oyster case of the Sea-Dweller is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 1,220 metres, making it just as comfortable at the bottom of the ocean as it is in the boardroom. Original features remain: the helium escape valve, patented by Rolex in 1967, acts as an escape valve for excess pressure built up during resurfacing. For the first time however, 18ct yellow gold has been introduced to the Sea-Dweller on the bezel, winding crown and centre links of the bracelet, giving it a dramatic bold look. Inside, the 2019 SeaDweller contains the new high-performance calibre 3235, offering fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability.
£12,400
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TIMES OMEGA Constellation Manhattan, steel and yellow gold. £8,800
WRITTEN IN THE STARS OMEGA updates its Constellation collection with more than 100 new models
Back in 1948, to celebrate the brand’s 100-year anniversary, OMEGA released its first chronometercertified wristwatch with an automatic movement. The model, named the Centenary, was so well received that the watchmaker decided to get to work on a full collection of chronometer-certified watches.
Nicole Kidman, pictured wearing OMEGA Constellation Manhattan
Four years later, the Constellation arrived – it was the first time a watch company had created a family of watches that consisted only of chronometers – and OMEGA required a symbol of precision to use on the watches’ casebacks. The brand found inspiration from the past. In 1933, the company had achieved a world record for precision at the observatory of Kew-Teddington. The company repeated the achievement in 1936, when it returned to the same observatory and set another world record for precision in all categories – an accomplishment that remains unbeaten.
OMEGA Constellation Manhattan, Sedna Gold, £16,000
EXPERT OPINION
Then, in 1945, the Geneva Observatory introduced the ‘wristwatch-sized’ movement category to its annual precision contests and, in the eight years that followed, OMEGA won six times. So, in 1952, when a symbol was required for the Constellation collection, the OMEGA designers created an observatory cupola, reminiscent of the Geneva Observatory, surrounded by eight stars – two for the two world records of 1933 and 1936, and six for the contests won between 1945 and 1952. The symbol has remained on casebacks ever since.
Neil Baxandall
The Manhattan Constellation
Today, the design we most associate with the Constellation collection is ‘Manhattan’. Launched in 1982, it introduced the timepiece’s four characteristic claws – originally a way of making the watch water resistant.
OMEGA Ambassador
“The new OMEGA Constellation Manhattan is an updated version of the familiar, with bevelled edges along the case and bracelet to help each model to appear slimmer and more feminine. The teeth of the crown also have a half-moon shape, following the iconic facets of the case. Celebrating the original OMEGA Manhattan from 1982, the cosmopolitan styling and recognisable cues are sure to be a big hit with any lady wanting to make a statement.”
Now, the collection has been bolstered by 101 new women’s models. While the iconic Constellation design has been retained, the family – available at 29mm, 28mm and 25mm – has received a full makeover with subtle changes found in nearly every angle. The new matte-finish Constellation is embellished by polished bevelled edges along the case and bracelet, while slimmer bezels provide a wider view of the dial. The Constellation claws have also been slimmed down and the teeth on the crown given a feminine half-moon shape, following the half-moon facets of the case. On the dial, the new indexes are inspired by the Manhattan skyline, most notably the triangular facets of Freedom Tower. On the casebacks of the 25 mm and 28 mm models, the famous observatory medallion is used. To launch the collection, OMEGA enlisted the help of actresses Nicole Kidman and Liu Shishi, models Cindy Crawford and Alessandra Ambrosio and fashion photographer, Damon Baker, who shot a selection of images with a minimalist concept based on a modern interpretation of the Manhattan skyline.
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OMEGA Constellation Manhattan, Yellow Gold, £18,400
TAG Heuer Autavia TA G H e u e r introduces a collection focused on ver satile, rug ged, and reliable timepieces, designed to appeal to adventurers
Using history to forge a new path, TAG Heuer takes inspiration from the brand’s original Autavia models which were inspired by both the motorsports and aviation worlds. At Baselworld, TAG Heuer was keen to remind us that they are just as capable of being an aviator’s watch as they are a motorsport’s chronograph. This collection boasts carbon composite hairspring technology allowing each timepiece to be distinguished as an
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Isograph. Featuring a bidirectional 60-minute bezel, broad sword-shaped hands and an oversized crown, the piece has a cockpit-inspired aesthetic and functionality. The Autavia is available in seven variations, with two remarkable Bronze references as highlights. The Bronze models boast eye-catching features: one with a smoked green dial and the other with a brown dial and both rounded off with ceramic bezels.
From £2,850 @DMR_JEWELLERY
TIMES Pendants, from £125 Large Open Ring, £185
MERCY: 15 YEARS IN THE MAKING G e o r g Je n s e n u nve i l s i t s t h i r d c o l l e c t i o n i n p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h d e s i g n e r J a c q u e l i n e Ru b i n
London-based American jeweller Jacqueline Rubin first approached Georg Jensen with her initial ideas for the Mercy collection in 2003. At the time, the brand was unable to devote its attention to the project, and Rubin’s trio of designs were instead made under her own name. Now, 15 years later, the line is being reintroduced in partnership with the Georg Jensen brand and extended with 12 additional pieces.
Large Pendant, £235
A reminder to be compassionate to others, the Mercy collection comprises contemporary bangles, rings, pendants and earrings that merge Rubin’s fluid design language with the silversmith’s signature sculptural aesthetic. Curvilinear sterling silver loops of varying thickness have been fashioned into hoops, bangles and an inimitable neck ring, while a trio of cascading earrings see the metal warped into winding coils and sloping strands to create sleek, delicate decorations.
SILVER LINING Double Ring, £250
STEP IT UP I n a f i t t i n g t r i bu t e t o D av i d M Ro b i n s o n’s 5 0 t h a n n i v e r s a r y, t h e n e w S t e p p i n g Stones collection is inspired by one of the j e we l l e r y h o u s e ’s m o s t i c o n i c s u i t e s
18ct Yellow Gold Ring, £4,050
18ct Rose Gold Ring, £6,150
In honour of David M Robinson’s milestone anniversary, the design team has refreshed its signature suite of diamond jewellery. The Stepping Stones collection, which is available in 18ct yellow and rose gold, is inspired by pebbles that form a path across a small brook. In a dazzling nod to the natural obstacles often found in these habitats, the latest suite is scattered with round brilliant-cut diamonds. The new iteration includes earrings in 18ct yellow and rose gold and two complementing rings, one set with 1.97ct round brilliant-cut diamonds and the other scattered with 0.96ct diamonds, and set on a dainty band of brushed gold.
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We all find our own Silver Lining in life and our collections of diamond jewellery are often used to mark memorable occasions in the lives of our clients. Fluffy cloud formations formed the basis of the Silver Lining collection, a playful take on the weather. Designed in-house at the Cheshire studio, the new range reimagines the motif in striking 18ct white, rose and yellow gold earrings and pendants. Each accessory is peppered with round brilliant-cut diamonds and inlayed with black rhodium, a striking contrast to the sparkle of the stones.
18ct Yellow Gold Earrings, £6,150
Rose Gold Diamond Pendant, £1,295
White Gold Diamond Pendant, £1,295
Yellow Gold Earrings, £1,495
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JEWELLERY
Brushed Gold Necklace, £1,750
Q&A With...
LA DOLCE VITA The Giallo collection is a glittering ode t o t wo o f I t a l y ’s m o s t b e a u t i f u l c i t i e s
The Giallo collection takes its name from the Italian word for yellow – a fitting moniker for the line of yellow gold pieces, each of which was inspired by two of Italy’s most beautiful cities and their quirks: Venice and its lovers’ locks – the padlocks that pepper the railings of its canal bridges – and Florence and its jewellers, who favour the warm golden hues seen throughout the Giallo collection. The range includes a quintet of exclusive drop earrings fashioned out of 18ct yellow gold and available in varying styles, from the shoulder-skimming Sphere set, worn by Tess Daly on Strictly Come Dancing, to the eye-catching Tribal pair. A complementing line of necklaces and wristwear with chain links and beaded detailing complete the collection.
Sphere Drop Earrings, £1,150,
Tribal Necklace, £1,175
Hannah Williams Hannah Williams, Assistant Manager of DMR Manchester, on her top picks and trends from the new collections
What’s your favourite piece of jewellery from the new collections?
Brushed Gold Bracelet, £575
Sphere Necklace, £2,450
My favourite piece of jewellery from our new collections is the 18ct Yellow Gold Giallo Sphere Necklace. The polished finish of the decorative spheres adds a little bit of lift and glamour to any outfit, whether it be casual attire for dinner with friends or cocktail wear for a gala. In addition, the hue of the yellow gold adds a little extra warmth to every colour palette.
What are the top jewellery trends for the season? We’re seeing a real trend for chain details this season, and our Giallo link collection epitomises this trend. Available in 18ct yellow gold, it is a softer way to present an otherwise industrial style. The necklaces are approximately 24 inches and designed to be worn in a single strand sitting somewhere around the bust area. They can be worn simply and elegantly by themselves or layered with several pendants and chains – another trend for 2019.
What’s the biggest mistake most people make when shopping for jewellery? People make too many rules for themselves in terms of how they should be wearing jewellery.The constraints of tailoring and dressing for your body shape do not apply here. Jewellery should be a reflection of whatever you’re feeling and whatever you want to project to the world. Too many ladies are trying to stick to the antiquated rule that you do not mix metals. That is the biggest mistake. Yellow, rose and white golds are soft tones and so all complement one another perfectly. There is absolutely no reason why yellow gold rings can’t be worn with a rose gold pendant, or white gold earrings with a yellow gold bangle. Throw out the rulebook, stop restricting yourselves and buy what you love!
What are your top tips for caring for your jewellery?
Tribal Drop Earrings, £350
@DMR_JEWELLERY
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I have several: Don’t wear your rings at the gym, and mums should be careful if their pram has a metal handlebar, don’t wear long chains if you’re doing anything active and always remove your earrings by pulling the stud from the front – there’s a risk that you’ll bend the earring back and this is how they get lost. But my number one tip is to bring your jewellery to us regularly to get it checked. We’ll always clean it for you at the same time and give you a glass of champagne to enjoy while you wait.
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(Clockwise from top left to right) Diamond Stacking Rings in white gold - from £495 Diamond Hoop earrings, white gold - £2,950 Initial Necklace in yellow gold - £295 Diamond hoop earrings - £1,850 Love Lines diamond bangle in rose gold - £6,250, Love Lines double finger ring in rose gold - £2,200. Locations: Dash Restaurant, Liverpool The WOW Bar, Harvey Nichols, Liverpool Photography by Jamie Scott-Gobin
JEWELLERY
White Gold Diamond Drop Earrings Our White Gold diamond drop earrings are a playful addition to our Statement collection, with pavé set diamonds cascading from the ear.
£2,950
Yellow Gold Shoulder Duster Earrings Our mixed cut diamond shoulder dusters combine the classic elegance of round brilliant cut diamonds, with the softer contemporary cut of a baguette diamond. Stylishly combined in yellow gold, they are the perfect accompaniment to any occasion.
£5,700
STATEMENT EARRINGS Ta k e l o b e d r e s s i n g u p a notch this season by investing in a pair of s h o u l d e r- s k i m m i n g, s t at e m e n t e a r r i n g s. D M R ’s exclusive collection features striking drop designs in 18-carat white, yellow and rose gold, accented by cascades of f lowing diamonds
EXPERT OPINION
Carleeann Taylor Jewellery Buying Manager at David M Robinson
@DMR_JEWELLERY
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“We are continuing to see a dominating catwalk trend for exciting styles of diamond earrings, which instantly catch the eye. Jewellery is so personal and this collection really can be styled in any way. My personal choice would be to draw your hair away from the face and allow the diamonds to catch the light, giving you that desired sparkle. After all, diamonds are the most precious of gemstones, so why would you want to hide them?”
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(Clockwise from top left to right) Pear Cut Diamond Ring, yellow gold - £11,450 Diamond Wedding Band, yellow gold - £595 Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring, platinum - £28,850 Diamond Wedding Band, platinum - £2,200 Oval Cut Diamond Ring with diamond set shoulders, platinum - £37,000 Diamond Wedding Band, platinum - £2,200
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Emerald Cut Diamond Ring, platinum, £15,250 Wedding Band, platinum - £375 Locations Dash Restaurant, Liverpool The Vincent Café, Liverpool Photography by Jamie Scott-Gobin
BRIDAL
ENGAGING TIMES AND MEMORABLE PROPOSALS White or yellow gold? One stone or three? Picking a proposal ring can be a daunting t a s k . L u c k i l y, t h e h e l p f u l e x p e r t s a t D M R c a n h e l p y o u n a v i g a t e t h e Fo u r C s ( c u t , c o l o u r, clarity and carat) to find the perfect match Cushion Cut Trilogy Ring, platinum, £8,650
Round Brilliant Cut Halo Diamond Ring, platinum, £5,750
Round Brilliant Cut Halo Diamond Ring, platinum, £4,950
“Oval and pear cut diamonds are increasingly popular. We also get more requests for Triology rings since Meghan Markle’s wedding, which feature a a cluster of three stones set along the band.”
Cerian Tarbuck
Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring, platinum, £27,000
We sat down with DMR London’s Head of Jewellery to discuss the latest trends for bridal jewellery
At DMR, we receive so many requests for various styles of engagement rings. It really is such a personal decision! One of our most popular styles is a classic round brilliant cut diamond set on a slim platinum band. With the stone being the centre of attention, a timeless and classic design, setting the stone in four claws remains one of the most iconic settings. I think very often our clients prefer this style as it really does focus the attention on your diamond. Making your bridal journey as stress free as possible, we typically set our stones at a certain height, so that the wedding band will sit comfortably alongside the engagement ring. Also popular at the moment is a delicate diamond set band. Whilst many of the engagement rings in our showrooms are set in platinum, we do often get requests for these to be crafted in both yellow and rose gold too. We feel that it is often valuable to look at DMR’s collection of wedding bands while they are looking at engagement rings. It is important to visualise just how well they will pair on the finger. This can be especially important with some rings within the collection, such as our
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Diamond Wedding Band, yellow gold, £1,250
Twist diamond ring, where a shaped band may be required. When selecting a ring from DMR’s carat collection, we always provide the certificate and discuss the properties of the stone with the client. We offer a bespoke service at DMR. If a customer is very specific about the colour, clarity and carat weight, and we don’t have something in stock that matches, we can source a new stone. You can then choose what style and mount you like to create a very personal design. It is lovely for us to be part of so many memorable occasions. Only recently we assisted a client in booking a rooftop table at Zuma in Rome for an extra special proposal. Being at the heart of London’s business district means our business truly is international. An Australian client recently enlisted our help to create the perfect engagement ring to propose whilst working in the UK for an American bank! Many of our clients often become good friends. Building a relationship with our clients is always very special.
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Diamond Eternity Ring, yellow gold £1,250
Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Twist Ring, platinum, £14,950
“Our Twist design offers something a little different, sculpting a subtle twist into the stone’s setting.”
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Spectacle-set diamond necklace, £1,350
SUITE TALK Shine brightly with these incredible new pieces exclusively available at DMR, perfect for special occasions or to dress up daywear
Compass Diamond Pendant, £2,000
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DMR STYLE
Hopscotch Diamond Ring, £2,500 Hopscotch Diamond Earrings, £14,950
STARS IN
DMR
SHE’S GOT TALENT: BGT JUDGE AND TV PERSONALITY, AMANDA HOLDEN @noholdenback
SHE’S THE ONE: ACTRESS AND X FACTOR JUDGE, AYDA WILLIAMS @aydafieldwilliams
SPOTLIGHT: SINGER AND THE VOICE JUDGE, JENNIFER HUDSON @iamjhud
(Left) Honeycomb Diamond Ring, £1,250 Honeycomb Diamond Bracelet, £1,350 Honeycomb Diamond Necklace, £1,550 Honeycomb Diamond Earrings, £950 (Above) Diamond Leaf Earrings, £2,850
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STRICTLY STUNNING: PRESENTER AND MODEL, TESS DALY @tessdaly
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TIMES
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF DMR Fr o m i t s h u m b l e o r i g i n s i n L i v e r p o o l , t h i s family-run luxury brand has risen to success, attracting loyal clients and celebrities alike
A
s Liverpool reverberated to the sound of The Beatles, a young goldsmith was continuing to learn his craft. It was David Robinson’s daring designs and willingness to take risks that set him apart from other jewellers at that time and led him to win two prestigious De Beers Diamonds International awards in the early days of the business. Since then, his eponymous jewellery brand has continued to grow. In 1982, the brand designed an exclusive pendant for Geraldine Rees, the first female jockey to complete the Grand National course. Just a few years later, DMR was commissioned to design exclusive rings for the Liverpool FC and Everton FC players, Kenny Dalglish and Howard Kendall, in Ruby and Sapphire team colours to mark both teams facing each other in the FA Cup Final. 50 years on from its founding on a small workbench in Liverpool, DMR remains a destination for diamond jewellery for clients across the UK and now has four luxury showrooms and more in-house goldsmiths than any other retailer in the North West of England.
KEEP THE CLOCK TICKING
The showrooms not only take customers on a journey through the world of DMR but also through the stories of seven luxury watch brands. Although the family-run brand has evolved over the years, adapting to the changes within the luxury scene, it prides itself on always staying true to its core values: integrity, innovation and loyalty. With a reputation for crafting beautiful pieces of diamond jewellery, DMR has continued to design exclusive collections that draw clients to the four showrooms, where they are met by warm, friendly teams of experts. A true family jeweller, the brand has been fortunate to see generations visit the showrooms over the years, with many original clients’ grandchildren now visiting to start their own DMR journey. Managing Director, John Robinson says, “Should clients wish to peek inside the world of the watchmaker or spend time with our expert goldsmiths, we offer that facility. People are often genuinely interested in talking to the experts who create with their own hands, using skills passed down over many generations.”
By servicing your watch, you can guarantee that your beautiful timepiece remains a treasured possession for many years to come. This is particularly important for those who invest in heritage, designer or antique watches as an heirloom. In such instances, the minor cost of a service is highly worthwhile in the scheme of maintaining such a beautiful asset for generations to come.
servicing at dmr
A luxury watch is a big investment and just as it is with a vehicle, it is important to take it for regular servicing. The process will check for any emerging issues and give you peace of mind that every part of the internal mechanism is functioning properly. Over time, the oil that lubricates the mechanism starts to thicken, which can result in the watch becoming slower, compromising its time-keeping accuracy. During a watch service, an experienced watchmaker will add tiny droplets of fresh oil to the mechanism to ensure that bearings continue to work as they should. As DMR’s Master Watchmaker, Mike Brooks is the expert when it comes to the care of luxury timepieces. “I run an extremely busy workshop offering an entire suite of services, from demagnetising to full strip servicing.”
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The dedicated after-sales team includes two highly skilled Rolex-accredited watchmakers who are on hand to ensure your treasured timepiece is kept in impeccable working order. “I am extremely proud to be one of a select number of Rolex-accredited watchmakers, meaning I am uniquely qualified to work on their timepieces. This ensures that only genuine Rolex parts are ever used in our workshop and guarantees that we are always equipped with the most up-to-date tools and training,” Mike enthuses. As well as this, DMR boasts a network of strong relationships with some of the finest luxury watch manufacturers in the world. Should on-site teams be unable to undertake the work themselves, your timepiece can be returned to the brand’s own UK service centres.
JOINING ALTRINCHAM Mel Ricks We spoke with DMR’s Mel Ricks before her exciting move from London, to the heart of the business
“I’ve been with DMR for just over three years at Canary Wharf but this April brings a move to our Head Office showroom located in Altrincham. It’s a completely different vibe but I’m looking forward to new circumstances and new accents, and helping to support the recently expanded workshop to bring it to the next stage in the 50th year of the company. A strong family ethos runs throughout all the showrooms which is the beauty of working for a family business. I work with a fantastic group of talented individuals with a wealth of experience and passion for excellent service with integrity. Everyone takes pride in every element of the business. In my role, delighting clients is paramount and it is something that I pride myself on. As one of my clients recently commented in a Google Review ‘Everyone needs a Mel in their life.’ I simply love the great quality that DMR provides for exclusive luxury items. It’s fabulous to see what celebrities are choosing to wear from our collections and the awareness and desirability for the brand continues to grow every day. It’s an exciting time to be involved at any level.”
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DMR WORLD
TIME-HONOURED TEAM MEMBERS
Belinda Baldwin Sales Ambassador, Belinda Baldwin has been a part of the team at the Liverpool store for more than 40 years. She feels privileged to have watched the business grow into what it is today whilst retaining dedication to its loyal and supportive clients
Tony Duffy
What do you most enjoy about your role?
Having been with the company for more than 40 years, Goldsmith Tony Duffy works at the newly expanded workshop in Altrincham. He began his career after chancing upon a job advert in the local press and decided to put his creative flair to good use
I enjoy all aspects from creating a relationship with our clients to helping them select the piece of their dreams.
What is your favourite collection? The Hopscotch and Love Lines are amongst my favourites. Our Hopscotch suite with its playfully set princess cut diamonds has surged in popularity.
What type of jewellery does DMR particularly excel at? As we were founded in a workshop, we continue to excel at handmade, bespoke pieces. This makes our work very customer-focused and allows them to tell their own story through DMR’s designs.
Has your customer profile changed over the years? I would say that the customer profile has changed. Clients are more informed now and most have a good idea of what they want. Jewellery and watches have become an indication of status, and also more women are now buying their own pieces.
What do you enjoy working on the most? It is lovely to have the opportunity to work with some older pieces. It is so rewarding to see a piece which is almost 50 years old that has stood the test of time.
What are you most proud of?
What is key when it comes to purchasing a quality piece?
I am proud to still be here after 40 years! It is so lovely to have sold engagement rings to clients 30 years ago and now to be helping their children all those years later.
Feeling the weight of a piece is often indicative of its quality. Design is obviously crucial as well. It is the creativeness of a design which first draws the client’s eye to a piece of jewellery.
Any memorable moments?
What do you love about the DMR brand?
One moment that really stands out is when a client decided to bring his wife into the showroom under the pretences of getting her other DMR jewellery cleaned but she was taken by surprise when she was presented with a new ring as her husband went down on one knee and asked her to marry him again.
That is very difficult to say; there have been so many amazing stories. It makes me proud to see our business constantly putting our clients first. We always want to make sure they have the best experience of DMR.
STORE INFORMATION & CONTACTS Altrincham
Liverpool
London
Manchester
14 Railway Street Altrincham WA14 2RE T: 0161 928 7487 altrincham@davidmrobinson.co.uk
4-6 South John Street Liverpool L1 8BJ T: 0151 708 1140 liverpool@davidmrobinson.co.uk
4 Jubilee Place Canary Wharf E14 5NY T: 0207 538 2332 london@davidmrobinson.co.uk
28 St. Ann’s Square Manchester M2 7JB T: 0161 834 0217 manchester@davidmrobinson.co.uk
Opening Hours:
Opening Hours:
Opening Hours:
Opening Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: Closed
Monday-Friday: 9am-8pm Saturday: 10am-7pm Sunday: 12pm-6pm
Monday-Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 11am-4.30pm
Watches Editor - Richard Brown
© COPYRIGHT 2019 DAVID M ROBINSON LIMITED. All material strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior permission of Luxury London Media Ltd and/or David M Robinson is strictly forbidden. All content believed to be correct at time of going to press. For repair, servicing and valuations, please see our website for details. All prices are correct at time of going to press. Prices are subject to change without notice. E&OE. David M Robinson does not officially endorse any advertising material or editorials for third-party products included within this publication.
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Monday-Saturday: 10am-5.30pm Sunday: 11am-4.30pm
Writers - Ellen Millard, Sunna Naseer, Abi Sritharan, Dom Jeffares
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