THE ROLEX SUBMARINER
Epitomizing the historic link between Rolex and underwater exploration.
PRIME TIME
We preview the new Tudor watches for ladies.
THE MIDAS TOUCH
New Roberto Coin jewelry and the “City of Gold”.
MINE TO SHINE
A revolutionary and transparent new way to buy a diamond ring from Kwiat.
designer
spotlight Introducing the Sculpted Cable Collection from David Yurman. Like us, we know you can't get enough David Yurman jewelry. So, if you're looking to add a few more pieces to your collection—or to gift to a special someone—we’ve handpicked a few of our favorites from the new Sculpted Cable collection. The look—an elegantly carved cable motif that catches the light—defines effortless chic.
STATEMENT NECKLACE An eye-catching necklace is sometimes all you need to be the perfect outfit maker. Shown: Sculpted Cable Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold.
HOOP EARRINGS Hoop earrings are always in style, but David Yurman has kicked this jewelry essential into even higher gear with these Sculpted Cable Hoop Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold.
GOLD CUFF What looks like a mix of gorgeous, layered cable bracelets is actually a single cuff with the illusion of a stack. Shown: Sculpted Cable Triple Wrap Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold.
STACKING RING Master the art of stacking rings. Mix in a sparkly piece, like this new Sculpted Cable Band Ring in 18K Rose Gold with Diamonds, to amp up your look.
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T H E M A G A Z I N E b y L O R I N G & C O.
The Thomas Family
t is with great pleasure that we present the fifth edition of our magazine. As we look back on the year, we are filled with gratitude for the support of this beautiful and vibrant community. We could not be here today without you. In this year’s edition, we dive into the history of the iconic Rolex Submariner with roots dating back to 1953. This is a must-read for any watch enthusiast. For the jewelry lovers, we invite you on a journey through the streets of gold in Vicenza, Italy with designer Roberto Coin. One of my personal favorite traditions of this
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magazine is showcasing some of the newly engaged couples from this year; it is a joy and honor to participate in these most special moments. We hope you enjoy the magazine as much as we enjoyed producing it. Most of all, we thank you for your continued love and support. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to share in your life’s celebrations. From our family to yours, we wish you peace, health and prosperity this holiday season. With kind regards, Trent Thomas, President
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T H E M A G A Z I N E b y L O R I N G & C O.
CONTENTS
VOL.5, NO. 1
FEATURES 12 THE REFERENCE AMONG DIVERS’ WATCHES – SUBMARINER The Oyster Perpetual Submariner and Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date, archetypes of the divers’ watch, epitomize the historic link between Rolex and underwater exploration.
THE ROLEX SUBMARINER
Epitomizing the historic link between Rolex and underwater exploration
PRIME TIME
We preview the new Tudor watches for ladies
THE MIDAS TOUCH New Roberto Coin jewelry and the “City of Gold” ]
ON OUR COVER Jewelry shown
is from our Kwiat Collection.
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THE MIDAS TOUCH Roberto Coin is one of the world’s most popular jewelry designers. His new designs, inspired by Vicenza, Italy’s “City of Gold,” radiate luxury, style, and sophistication. 20 YEARS OF MENTORING THE GREAT ARTISTS OF TOMORROW Rolex is celebrating 20 years of the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative. Part of the brand's longstanding commitment to global arts and culture. PRIME TIME Tudor’s new ladies’ watches are designed to do the job of keeping time, and look beautiful while doing so. A DAY IN THE LIFE OF SETHI COUTURE Jewelry designers Pratima and Prerna Sethi make every minute count in a typical work day.
COLUMNS 8 Introducing the Sculpted Cable DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
New Tudor Royal
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Collection from David Yurman. OUR GIFT GUIDE LORING & CO. ASSOCIATES share their personal picks for the best pieces to give the jewelry and watch lovers on your list. MINE TO SHINE
A new way to buy a diamond engagement ring. SHE SAID “YES!”
What exciting times. Cheers to a few of this year’s engagements. WOMEN KNOW BEST
More women are buying their own jewelry, and getting exactly what they want!
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VENETIAN PRINCESS
the
MIDAS TOUCH Roberto Coin is one of the world’s most popular jewelry designers. His designs, inspired by Vicenza, Italy’s “City of Gold,” radiate luxury, style, and sophistication.
y luck or by fate, Roberto Coin began life in the perfect place to pursue his passion. The company he founded in 1977, which still bears his name, is headquartered in his birthplace: Vicenza, the Italian city famed the world over for its gold and jewelry. Today, the Roberto Coin name is credited with more than 45 years of history-making concepts and creations, and has become synonymous with inventive and timeless jewelry design. The history of the Roberto Coin company is marked by innovation, but the driving force behind the creation of the jewels has always been one man: Roberto himself. Known for his innate appreciation of color, style, and texture, he gives himself over completely to his passion — designing jewelry that entices women. It’s the unique and individual beauty of women, he says, that inspires him to please their whims through his work. Coin and his team of highly skilled craftsmen blend ageold methods with modern techniques to create the styles the company is famous for. Roberto Coin At first Coin worked primarily in gold; then he gradually added gemstones and diamonds to his designs. In 1978, his company was the first to use three-color gold, which rapidly became de rigueur in fashion capitals around the globe. Ten years later, Roberto Coin was the first to work with high-quality two-color gold, and in 1990, the first to bring satin and silk finishes back into style. When Coin introduced a white gold collection in 1992, it met with skepticism in the trade but soon became a fashion must-have. And in 1998, the company realized a dream: the creation of woven jewels, as supple as fabric. Coin strives to be original yet authentic in this fast-spinning universe. "I always wanted to create If fashion is the art of being different, he predicts, today's high-tech jewelry that has style and world will soon be yearning for authentically handmade jewelry. personality balanced "Whether it’s made of gold or platinum, with colored gemstones or with between modern & timeless." diamonds, the important thing is the pleasure of creating timeless exRoberto Coin amples of an ancient art," he says. Coin’s diverse collections are designed to fit every woman and enhance her uniqueness, and are defined by a common thread — a thoughtful balance of elegance and creativity. Included in every piece is Coin’s signature ruby, which carries a magical story: an ancient Egyptian belief that a ruby close to the skin brings long life, good health, and joy.
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To Coin, the ruby symbolizes peace, prosperity, and happiness, and represents a special wish from the designer to all who wear his creations. 46 W I L L I A M B A R T H M A N J E W E L E R M A G A Z I N E 20 L O R I N G & C O . M A G A Z I N E
Love in Verona Collection
Cialoma Collection
Duchessa Collection
Venetian Princess Collection
The Coin Venetian Princess exceptional. design of these peace, jewels close Roberto to the skin brings long life, goodCollection health, andisjoy. To Coin, The the ruby symbolizes hides a complex structure made of twisted wire, visible only to those who wear them. This allure prosperity, and happiness, and represents a special wish from the designer to all who wear his of mystery serves as a reminder of Venice, famous for its countless legends and secrets passed creations. from The generation to generation. Love in Verona Collection is inspired by the city of Verona, the symbol of love and the setting The Love in Verona Collection is inspired by the city of Verona, the symbol of love and the of the story of Romeo and Juliet. Love in Verona strengthens the bond between Roberto Coin and setting of the story of Romeo and Juliet. Love in Verona strengthens the bond between Roberto the Italian cities that inspire him. The collection’s simple, contemporary look conveys a soul as ancient Coin and the Italian cities that inspire him. The collection’s simple, contemporary look conveys as eternal love. a soul as ancient as eternal love. The Roberto Coin Princess exceptional. The designshowcases of these jewels hides a Duchessa: Italian forVenetian duchess, evokesCollection a gloriousis past. The Collection traditional complex structure of twisted wire, visibleenhancing only to those whoand wearfeatures them. This allure mystery craftsmanship, artfulmade tributes with diamonds beauty open linkofbracelets, serves as earrings, a reminder of Venice, for its countless legends and secrets passed from generation necklaces, and rings infamous 18K gold. The Cialoma Collection was inspired by the Mediterranean world that reflects all the to generation. fascination of Southern offeringpast. a bold with showcases a new twist on the classic Duchessa: Italian for Italian duchess,tradition evokes a glorious The look Collection traditional craftslinkmanship, style. artful tributes with diamonds enhancing beauty and features open link bracelets, necklaces, Since Roberto Coin caters to the diverse tastes of the European, North American, South earrings, and rings in 18K gold. American, Eastern, and Far Eastern markets, each year it produces more than 600 new jewelry The Cialoma Collection was inspired by the Mediterranean world that reflects all the fascination of pieces. "The company is built on a culture of attention that is rooted in respect for the individual Southern Italian tradition offering a bold look with a new twist on the classic link style. and shared by our workers,” says Coin. “We give attention to our customers by providing them Since Roberto Coin caters to the diverse tastes of the European, North American, South American, with jewels that help them express their individuality.” Eastern, andluxurious Far Easternaccessories, markets, each yearby it produces 600 new jewelry pieces. "The More than jewels Roberto more Cointhan are precious, wearable creations company a culture of attention that is rooted respect style for the shared by designed byisa built man on whose dedication to innovation andintimeless is individual more thanand a passion — workers,” says Coin. “We give attention to our customers by providing them with jewels that it’s our a birthright. help them express their individuality.” More than luxurious accessories, jewels by Roberto Coin are precious, wearable creations designed by a man whose dedication to innovation and timeless style is more than a passion — it’s a birthright. 48 22
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PRIME TIME With the introduction of exciting new styles, Tudor’s ladies’ watches are designed to do the job of keeping time, and look beautiful while doing so. It’s part of the Tudor heritage.
nyone who thinks Tudor just makes rugged watches for sporty men like soccer legend David Beckham, one of the company’s biggest fans and a brand ambassador, think again. Tudor has quietly, and pretty much since its beginnings, produced watches for women. Not just today’s oh-so-popular unisex or genderless watches, which usually have a rather functional and classic air to them and are made to appeal to anyone’s taste. But watches that are decidedly feminine, with gold and diamonds and the glimmer of opaline, and sized as small as 26 mm to fit comfortably and attractively on a slender wrist. Tudor has several collections of watches that have been unapologetically designed for women, but with the same hi-tech promise of reliability combined with surprising affordability that have always been the hallmark of the brand’s production. Then and now, there are new designs in store in time for Mother’s Day, graduations, weddings, or any occasion that requires a very special, lasting, indeed timeless, gift to commemorate it. Hans Wilsdorf, a German businessman and some would say visionary, famously started Tudor watches in 1926 after establishing the Tudor Oyster Ref. 4463, circa 1940s iconic Rolex brand. "For some years now I have been considering the idea of making a watch that our agents could sell at a more modest price than our Rolex watches, and yet one that could attain the standards of dependability for which Rolex is famous,” he said. “I decided to form a separate company, with the object of making and marketing this new watch. It is called the Tudor Watch Company." The singular timepiece that put Tudor on the horological map, introduced nearly 70 years ago, in 1954, was the Submariner, a rugged, hefty, hardworking timepiece so reliable that various navies throughout the world, including the United States, adopted it for their use. But Tudor also produced watches for women as far back as the 1930s. They were designed to do the job of keeping time but looking beautiful while doing
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New watches released this year include theTudor Black Bay 54 (top) and the Tudor Royal (above). LORING & CO. MAGAZINE
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In 2017 the Clair de Rose was born, incorporating a mechanical movement with highly refined design. so. Collections such as Princess, Glamour, 1926 and Miss Tudor were released, in sizes as small as 26 mm.
Clair de Rose remains one of the most popular women’s lines. The watch comes with a date function and carries about 38 hours of power reserve. The watch offers a choice of three sizes, with corresponding calibres: calibre T601 in the 34mm models and T201 in the 26 and 30mm editions. In the years since its introduction, the Clair de Rose has been available in a variety of colors, sizes and materials. The latest iteration streamlines the choice of material to one modern, sleek option: stainless steel. Other characteristics of the Clair de Rose remain: the steel screw-down winding crown, set with a blue spinel cabochon and the smooth steel bezel with a polished finish. There are other choices as well that provide the possibility to personalize the Clair de Rose for each woman wearing it. The shimmering opaline dial, delicately decorated with designs in relief, can sport blue lacquered Roman numerals, or eight of the numbers can be replaced with diamonds. The Clair de Rose references 35800, 35500 and 35200 come in six different designs presented in a case with a polished finish that is available in three sizes: 26, 30 and 34mm in diameter. For women who want a watch that will stand up to year-round, 24/7 wearing, each watch is waterproof to a depth of 100 metres. Lastly, there is a choice of straps: steel with the small “rice grain” links that have traditionally graced the collection, classic black leather or a unique jacquard fabric made by a 150year-old family firm in the Saint-Étienne region of France using traditional weaving techniques. NEW WATCHES FOR 2023 Women who enjoy active sports can still turn to Tudor’s signature creations, like the Black Bay, Tudor’s first diver’s watch, introduced in 2012. The new Black Bay 54 pays homage to the original, but with new features. The 37mm steel case is sized for women or men, the calibre is produced in house, the depth rating is 200 meters, and there is a choice of bracelet, either steel link or black rubber. The slim Above, top and bottom: Tudor Clair de Rose 30
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New Tudor Black Bay 54
11.24mm-thick case profile makes it quite comfortable to wear with the T-Fit clasp, available on both the bracelet and rubber strap versions. And with an eye on the growing interest of women in fine watchmaking, Tudor released new versions of the Tudor Royal in sophisticated new color palettes. The dials now come in radial-brushed salmon or chocolate brown, with applied Roman numeral hour markers or with eight diamond hour markers combined with four Roman numerals. The new choices join the existing options of dial colors, bracelets, case sizes ranging from 28mm to 41mm, and bezels—including one set with 60 diamonds—and offer the possibility of creating your own customized watch, the epitome of luxury. The new Tudor Royals bring a mix of glamour and classic style to the sports watch design. They join Tudor’s full range of offerings designed to provide something atNew Tudor Black Bay 54 tractive, affordable, and reliable to suit the needs and the style of every woman. dsfasdasffdsfdddd
New Tudor Royal (above and right). L O R I N G & C O . M A G A Z I N E 31
Holiday
GIFT GUIDE
THE LORING & CO. TEAM shares their personal picks for the best pieces to give the jewelry and watch lovers on your list.
“The Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II in 18k yellow gold is an impressive blend of style and innovative technology. With its unique two-color black and grey Cerachrom bezel and Jubilee bracelet, this newest addition to the Rolex GMT offering is one of my favorites.”
“The Tree of Life holds special meaning for me and is a daily reminder of the connection between heaven and earth.”
-Rick
“The always eye-catching marquise cut brings a touch of distinctive elegance to this classic diamond tennis bracelet by Rahaminov. Photos don’t do this piece justice; it is spectacular!”
-Trent
-Caitlin
“My holiday pick is the new Black Bay 36. I love the 5-link bracelet with the smooth bezel. It’s the perfect blend of casual and sport! The Anthracite dial in particular is stunning with a blend of brown and grey tones that are further accentuated by the gilt dial. It is the perfect watch for any occasion, and with Tudor’s inhouse movement it is built to last.”
“It’s all about the details and the Lea band from Sethi Couture is a new classic. North-South emerald cut diamonds in stunning 18k yellow gold will be the perfect addition to your engagement ring or as a stand-alone band for your right hand.”
-Chris
-Kathy
“Carefully crafted from recycled 18kt. gold and only ethically sourced stones, Megan Thorne’s designs have set her apart among our collection of designers. I love the antique diamond cuts featured in her rings as does my wife, which is the most important part.” -Curt
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“This bracelet combines the best of Old World craftsmanship with modern technology. Made by FOPE in Vicenza, Italy in 18 karat gold, the bracelet is both sophisticated and easy to wear. It magically stretches to slide over the hand so there are no clasps and no worries of it falling off. It has the appearance of two bracelets but is actually one fabulous piece made even more beautiful with tasteful diamond accents. It can be worn alone or stacks beautifully with others. In my opinion, a must have!”
“Who doesn’t love a beautiful cocktail ring? This newest addition to Armenta’s Old World collection fits the bill! The ring features a bezel set Australian black opal and white quartz doublet accented with both champagne and white diamonds.”
-Jason
-Eleanor “Marrakech is the defining Marco Bicego signature collection, recognized for its timeless elegance and contemporary flavor. Hand-hammered and twisted, these 18-karat gold coils are intertwined to create a uniquely modern gold necklace. Whether worn alone or paired with other Marco Bicego pieces, this necklace is sure to impress.” -Jody
“I picked the Kwiat 18k white gold Starry Night hoop earrings because of the unique shape and look. The graduated floating diamonds perfectly set on the inside and outside of the hoop which frames the face with beauty and light.” -Zack
“The Wolf Rocket is a great option for those who want a reliable and low profile watch winder. It can be charged with a USB-C cable, and is small enough to fit discreetly in a drawer or be placed in luggage if you are traveling. It is the perfect tool for someone who likes to keep their watches running when they aren’t on the wrist.”
-Will “Stacking bracelets is a great way to mix and match metals. The David Yurman Sculpted Cable bracelets are a great way to update your stack, in yellow, rose or white gold with or without some sparkle!” -Amanda
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™
MINE TO SHINE A New Way to Buy a Diamond Ring.
THE WORLD’S MOST PERSONAL DIAMOND™
Presenting a revolutionary, transparent way to buy a diamond — selected, cut, polished, and designed just for you. It’s a first-of-its-kind way to create your one-of-a-kind ring, only from Kwiat. In partnership with Loring, you can select a natural, conflict-free, and ethically mined rough diamond from a known origin. Then, we’ll share its journey through the process from cutting, designing, and handcrafting a setting to creating your perfect ring. No matter which diamond you choose, it will be a Kwiat Tiara Diamond™ — an iconic shape that’s perfectly cut to the highest standards for maximum brilliance and beauty. You may also choose a diamond that’s already been cut or a completed ring, with assurance that the diamond is conflict-free, ethically mined, and completely traceable. DIAMONDS DO GOOD
Rough diamonds create livelihoods for millions of people. In Botswana, where most Kwiat diamonds are mined, 25% of GDP comes from diamonds, with approximately 80% of proceeds reinvested back into the community. Diamond revenues provide free schooling for more than 500,000 children and have protected more than 722 square miles of critical habitats in South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. With each Kwiat Tiara Diamond sold, Kwiat makes a donation to the nonprofit organization charity: water, which supplies a family with clean drinking water. Clean water means economic and social development, healthier populations, and brighter futures for families in rural communities. A LEGACY OF BRILLIANCE
With more than a century in the diamond industry, Kwiat is uniquely able to offer this transparent experience. Since Sam Kwiat opened his first diamond shop in New York City in 1907, four generations of Kwiats have established relationships along every step of the supply chain. Over the years, the family has also perfected the art and science of cutting diamonds, developing the strictest standards in the world. This expertise and heritage mean that when you choose a Kwiat engagement ring, it will hold a diamond of ultimate beauty and brilliance, and it will be ethically mined and completely traceable.
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
SETHI COUTURE Jewelry designers Pratima and Prerna Sethi make every minute count in a typical work day. Here is what we learned about their creative process, inspiration and influences. It was so much fun! by m i c h e l l e o r m an
ounded in 2009 the sister-run brand Sethi Couture launched with a series of unexpected colors of diamond bands — champagne, pink, green, yellow and black and quickly evolved into a collection of classic and contemporary stacking bands that can be worn together in endless ways . Growing up in California and raised by parents who are purveyors of rare and unusual diamonds, Pratima and Prerna draw on the Sethi family’s heritage in the industry, while also maintaining a forward-thinking mindset in their approach to business. The sisters credit a combination of their many childhood trips to India, their ancestral home-
land, in addition to California’s nature-spired motifs, for influencing their designs. With jam-packed work schedules — overseeing a multi-brand gallery in Los Altos, California, multiple custom projects, a new marketing campaign and instore events — juggled with busy family lives, which include Prerna’s newborn, Pia, we were fortunate to catch up with the dynamic duo who allowed us to shadow them on a typical day. They even shared the mouthwatering Sweet Potato Tacos recipe Pratima whipped up for dinner that night. Check it out at the end of the end of the story.
PRERNA SETHI:
own florals. So we are doing some floral research, but I secretly will use any excuse to peruse the flower mart. It’s overwhelming but so refreshing seeing all the blooms. We ended up staying too long and rush out to our next meeting. 9:00 A.M.: We head across town to see our jeweler. We have a few custom projects that I need to review the progress on and finalize the details before heading down to Los Altos to the gallery. We’ve been working on getting the height right on a star ruby cabochon ring with diamond briolettes hanging from the bezel. It has to have the right height so the diamonds hang perfectly when worn. We’ve done a few waxes and are finally able to approve the new design. The original design we hand sketched before creating a cad to review with the client. We are happy with how far it’s come.
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5:45 A.M.: I rise early these days to the coo of our new little addition, Pia. She’s now 5 months old (sleeping through the night, thankfully!) and the morning begins with her breakfast and my cup of tea. Chai with ginger, black pepper, and milk has been my morning ritual since I was young. It’s that cup of comfort I look forward to every morning before getting ready and out the door! 7:30 A.M.: Today I’m heading to the San Francisco flower mart and meeting with Olya from our marketing team. Prerna & Pia We are planning an event and ever since our favorite irreplaceable florist, Eryn, moved to Bend, Oregon, we’ve been picking our 38
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volleyball practice. So I have very little time to get the last few projects of the day completed. This month has been hectic with trunk shows too, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
11:00 A.M.: Most mornings Pratima and I do an early 8 A.M. meeting before our team gets in over another cup of tea. It’s our sister thing! Today we are running late and get a cup of Moroccan tea from our neighbor at Café Nur. We are planning schedules for production and travel. 12:30 P.M.: We decide to take a walk to finish up our meeting and go to our normal spot, Mikado Sushi, but the wait is long and so we skip it to get a quick bite from State Street Market. It’s the newest market in town inspired by foodies and they have the best pani puri stand from Ettan. The walk back is beautiful this time of year. PRATIMA SETHI:
2:30 P.M.: It’s Pratima taking over now! After lunch, I have very little time to select diamonds for our P.S. Charm multicolor diamond charms. We have to send them out for production today to make it in time for the special order! I’m leaving work early today for Amelie’s Girls Leadership board meeting and then dropping off Amelie [Pratima’s daughter] to club
Sweet Potato Tacos Sweet Potato 1 large sweet potato baked – brush with olive oil, poke several holes in it using a fork, wrap in foil and bake for 25 min at 400 degrees Leave the skin on as it is the most nutritious part Season with salt and pepper Dice into cubes Black Beans 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sautee 1 small yellow or white onion, finely chopped Add fine sea salt, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, teaspoon sambar powder (an Indian mixture of spices typically used in South Indian dishes) Add 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained Add cup water Stir in freshly ground black pepper, to taste Simmer until some water evaporates Use a fork or masher to smooth out the beans
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After I pass these off to Connie, our production manager, we meet back with our team to finish up our Lookbook. We’ll be looking at keeping some placeholders for the photography of the new pieces we are adding to our campaign. And we have to plan the next photoshoot with product and model shots. Last season we styled the product with spices to give some unexpected warmth to the set. We loved using cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne, and cardamom for some texture and color against the black diamonds. 4:00 P.M: I’m headed out to Colorado this weekend for a trunk show and have to merchandise the pieces for our Bring Your Own Bands Stacking Party. 6:00 P.M.: Back at home prepping dinner while my husband, Amaury, picks up Amelie and Star from practice. Can’t wait to wind down and relax in the evening. That’s it for now!
Avocado-Pepita Dip 2 avocados, pitted 1 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro (mostly leaves, some small stems are okay) 1 cup pepitas 1 small jalapeño, seeded and roughly chopped, or teaspoon red pepper flakes (go easy if sensitive to spice) 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 medium lime) or 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
2 tablespoons water teaspoon fine grain sea salt Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Blend all together Everything Else 8 to 10 small corn tortillas Crumbled feta or shredded Mexican cheese Sour cream Chop half a Lettuce head Dice 2-3 Tomatoes
women know best More women are buying their own jewelry, and getting exactly what they want! Here are selections from our Fope Collection.
t used to be that if a woman wanted a piece of jewelry she had to wait until someone gifted her with it. It could be for her birthday, or Valentine’s Day, for her graduation or her anniversary. These days women aren’t waiting anymore. “If I see it and I want it, I buy it,” says a lawyer in Rio de Janeiro, typical of the thinking today. And the occasion for treating herself may be a promotion or a divorce or simply because, as one editor in Tokyo says, “I work hard and I deserve it.” According to a study conducted by the marFope Love Nest Ring ket-research firm Mintel of jewelry purchases in the U.S., more than half of the women surveyed who purchased jewelry did so to treat themselves. One reason behind the shift is that more women are working, making their own money and feeling they can spend it how they see fit. In fact, according to Forbes.com, women now control Fope Panorama Earrings over $20 trillion in annual consumer spending globally. They are transforming the marketplace, and that includes jewelry. And they aren’t buying trinkets. One jeweler we interviewed in Pittsburgh reported a female executive
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buying a piece of diamond jewelry that cost in the six figures, while another jeweler in Atlanta said her female customers buying for themselves usually spend Fope Essentials Earrings a couple of thousand dollars. As with all jewelry purchases, the amount spent is based on income, so as more women rise the corporate ladder and earn higher salaries, the price spent on fine jewelry increases as well. Many women see the purchase of fine jewelry as an investment, as much a part of their financial portfolio as buying stocks, bonds or real estate. And many woman find justification for an expensive jewelry purchase in the realization that they can always pass along a valuable piece as part of their inheritance. Says one New York City mother, “I have two daughters and I’ve picked out the pieces they will inherit. Some belonged to my mother.” But perhaps a Parisian fashion designer we spoke Fope Eka Flex’it Bracelet to best expressed the most compelling reason for a woman to buy jewelry for herself: “You get exactly the jewelry that you want.”
Ashtynn & Austin Taylor & Riley
Alyssa & Kyle Mary & Rice 44
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Anna Claire & Trey
Hayley & William
Kara & Zac
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Kristen & Malcolm
Leighton & Mark
Emma & Franklin Shelby Grace & Ty 46
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Ashlyn & Andrew Rainey & Clay
Carleigh & Bren
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DUCHESSA