A Markle Luxury Jewelers Publication
from the publisher
Welcome.
Happy Holidays! It is with great joy that we at Markle Luxury Jewelers bring you LX Houston. In this Fall/Winter edition we present two beautiful photo editorials. Follow the characters of 'Winter Wonderland' as they guide you through a day in the life of a snowy enchanted woodland. 'The Fairy Tales of Die Gebrüder Grimm' celebrates the 200th anniversary of The Brothers Grimm, whose collection of 'Children’s and Household Tales,' is treasured to this day. We paired beautiful artwork and photography from artists around the world with translated excerpts from the original 1812, 'Kinder und Hausmärchen.' Straight from the fall runway shows, peruse men and women's fashion. Enjoy 'Doubly Decadent,' by renowned chef, Mary Cech, as she offers wine and dessert pairing advice, plus a yummy recipe for your indulgence. What's in a name? We call ourselves Markle Luxury Jewelers quite simply because the Markle family aspires to 'Elevate Your Life,' by bringing you the finest quality jewelry and friendliest personal service in the Houston area. This holiday season you can count on us to help you choose the perfect gift. We enjoy seeing you each time you visit our three locations in The Woodlands, Champions and Kingwood, and we love hearing your stories. Having served our community since 1981, we’re proud to offer the most diversified selection of brands in the area, and are honored to be part of your life's most special moments. Please enjoy this issue of LX Houston. Warm wishes to you and yours, Thomas Markle
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heartsonfire.com
Features
inside
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Fashion 29 Runway Report: Women's 55 Runway Report: Men's Jewelry 10 Markle Luxury Jewelers: How It All Began
36 Gift Guide 63 Hearts On Fire
Libation 52 Doubly Decadent 61 Champagne: Fine Anytime Markle Luxury Jewelers: How It All Began
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Fairy Tales of Die Gebr端der Grimm
22 Winter Wonderland
Lifestyle 15 The Color of Opera
Photography 22 Fairy Tales of Die Gebr端der Grimm
43 Winter Wonderland Travel 19 A Gem in the Andaman Sea
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Doubly Decadent: The pairing of Desserts and Sweet Wine
36 Markle Luxury Jewelers Gift Guide
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cover on on thethe cover
Publishers THOMAS MARKLE Associate Publisher SARAH MARKLE Editor JON ROBERTS Art Director CHELSIE ROBERTS On the cover is an image from LX’s “Winter Wonderland” photo editorial with model featuring jewelry by Tacori.
Senior Graphic Designer ANGIE HALTER
The set, inspired and photographed by LX Art Director, Chelsie Roberts, has a Russian woodland feel and was built indoors on a South Dakota college campus by LX team members. Featuring models of all ages wearing beautiful branded jewelry, the shoot included 120 gallons of faux snow, 35 plus trees, a velvet swing and completed with an ice skating pond. Chelsie says “I was inspired by Russian landscape and architecture, especially castles and churches.”
Project Coordinator NICOLE HIGGINS
LX: a coffeetable magazine LX® Magazine is published by LX Publications, LLC, 500 N. Michigan Avenue, Ste. 300, Chicago, Illinois 60611. LX® accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. LX® reserves the right to edit, rewrite, refuse or reuse material, is not responsible for errors or omissions and may feature the same content on lxmagazine.com, as well as other mediums for any and all purposes. Copyright © 2012 LX Publications LLC. All rights reserved. The entire contents of LX® are protected by copyright© and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Reproduction in whole or in part or storage in any data retrieval system or any transmission by any means therefrom without prior written permission is prohibited. LX® and LX® Magazine are trademarks™ of LX Publications, LLC. 8
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How it all began In a world where just about anything can be ordered online, personal service is a luxury. Mailed in an impersonal brown box from some distant warehouse, we track our packages through dusty post offices as they slowly snake their way to our front door. It's a world where relationships are an indulgence. Where time, care and cordiality are rare gifts. We rely on reviews by other customers. We don't expect friendly guidance from an experienced helping hand. That's why to some, walking into Markle Luxury Jewelers may seem a bit like walking back in time. While the showcases may sparkle with elegant pieces by the likes of Rolex, Tacori, Lagos and Hearts on Fire, the real treasure of Markle is its people. One can't wrap kindness in a shippable box. One can't put a price tag on friendship unassumingly offered. And that's what makes visiting a Markle store more like visiting the home of an old friend. In fact, the majority of Markle's guests are greeted on a first name basis. When was the last time that happened to you? As their motto, "Elevate your life," implies, Markle takes great pride in celebrating the treasured moments in every person's story. Whether it be a monumental occasion like a wedding or anniversary, or a simple and spontaneous expression of love and friendship, Markle believes that elevating those finer moments and cherishing them forever is what makes living truly meaningful. The luxury of that personal experience is the hallmark of Markle. Hosting intimate trunk shows at which guests sip cocktails as they mingle with the designers of the world's most elegant adornments, is just one way Markle makes jewelry more than just a beautiful gift. It's a memory; a monument to love and beauty in an all too busy world. With a larger than life personality to match his 5'11" stature, Thomas Markle is the life-force behind Markle Luxury 10
Jewelers. With three locations in The Woodlands, Champions and Kingwood, Markle, who will jovially introduce himself to you as 'Tom,' takes pride in building relationships as opposed to building business. His passion for jewelry and his love for family are why he relates so strongly with his clients. “When I went to buy my first piece of jewelry," Markle reminisces, "the romance of selecting something I knew would be treasured for decades by the person I loved was magical to me. Helping others experience that same feeling kindled my passion for the jewelry world.” And you can take him at his word. Whether a customer is looking for the perfect engagement ring, or a pretty surprise to make a Tuesday evening date night unforgettable, the team at Markle Luxury Jewelers invests great time and care in helping each client select the perfect piece. Markle's success is founded upon the belief that every joyful moment in life—whether it's a child's graduation, the birth of a beautiful baby or the simple act of saying, "I love you!"—is more precious than any gold necklace or diamond ring. Markle’s story goes back over four decades to a fated meeting with Larry Robinson. The man behind over eighty Robinson Jewelry stores across the country, Robinson enlisted Markle's help in opening new locations for his brand in the Houston community. So inspired was Markle after firmly establishing Robinson in the area, that he decided to set off on his own, launching a venture that would someday grow into a cherished family business. His is the story of a classic American entrepreneur. Starting out with nothing but a faux alligator briefcase full of gemstones, he was fueled by a burning desire and an affable disposition. But to Markle, the briefcase was not important. “It all started with a dream and a wish, not a briefcase," he says. "Creating and building something great is very important to me. Establishing something on my own was both compelling and irresistible.” www.lxmagazine.com
“When I went to buy my first piece of jewelry, the romance of selecting something I knew would be considered a treasure for many, many years by someone for whom I cared deeply was so enticing for me. Helping people experience that same feeling kindled my passion for what the jewelry world had to offer.� -Thomas Markle, Owner and Founder of Markle Luxury Jewelers
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Thanks largely to his passion, enthusiasm, and altruistic core values, an angel investor agreed to seed Markle’s dream with a $40,000 infusion of cash, and an agreement to allow Markle to buy the company once it was established. Within ten years, Markle was opening his second location. Ten years after that, his third. And while many people would be thrilled to have a single store flourish, Markle says it's about more than mere business success for him. That's because Markle is a man who does everything out of passion. “I don’t do what I do for money," the jeweler explains, "but because it’s what I love. Developing the multi-store operation empowered me to be involved with three communities simultaneously. I got to know other business leaders, contribute to more charity organizations and enjoy more personal relationships with the customers I so enjoy serving." Speaking of charity, even during tough economical times, concern for those in need has always been an integral facet of Tom Markle's character. “These days I think it’s too easy to just say, ‘Well it’s a tough economy. We can’t afford to do that.' Instead, I choose to ask, ‘How can we help? Let us find a way.'” And find a way he does. Dozens of organizations from local causes like Montgomery County Youth Services, to national charities such as Mothers Against Cancer, frequently find themselves benefiting from Markle’s philanthropy. Partial to benefiting children, Markle says, “Kids are a big part of our community, not to mention the most vulnerable. While our work with the American Heart Association reaches so many people, Mothers Against Cancer and Montgomery County Youth Services reaches out to children in need. That really means so much to me.” And while some men obsess over football and cars, Markle's favorite pass-time is exploring the world with his daughter, Sarah. “Traveling with my daughter is amazing," says the proud father. "Engaging in different cultures with her is just all kinds of fun. I love the character of Europe. I love exploring ancient cobblestone streets down some back alley with my girl.” Traveling also appeals to Markle's eye for detail, an attribute that has served him well in his chosen profession. “Searching for jewelry around the world and trying to incorporate what we find into our offerings for our customers is such a thrill. I always stop in jewelry stores no matter where they are. In fact, the more off the beaten path, the more interesting they are to me.” Markle’s love of travel is also reflected in the way his stores are decorated. “As we designed the Woodlands store, and when we moved and remodeled the Champions location, I wanted to incorporate an island-Pacific Rim feeling. We accomplished this by using African Sapele Mahogany, along with tropical florals and art glass. The idea was to make a visit to our stores a kind of a sexy mini-vacation. I wanted to give our guests the feel of a casual, yet elegant and refreshing experience.” Having accomplished that, Markle is continually looking ahead to the next challenge. A man never satisfied with the status quo, he says, “I never feel done. There’s always more a person can do. Success is defined by tomorrow. And as we all know, tomorrow never comes.”
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The Color of Opera by Sanaa Abourezk
Red is the color of passion, of powerful emotions that affect us all in our daily lives. It is a color that stands out, that doesn’t hide, that boldly announces itself. Nowhere is the power and drama of red clearer than in Italian opera, where the color explains all of the lofty feelings present in almost every libretto. Opera stories are never told without adding love, innocence, war and death. Innocence is displayed by the blush of the first kiss. A red heart is emblematic of love. Revolutionary wars are led by red-colored flags, the symbols of revolution. And operatic death makes scarlet blood flow on the stage. Red was the color used by the artists of ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, who employed it to emphasize chapter headings on the writings found on their papyrus, as well as to color the three thousand year old royal robes discovered in the tombs of the kings. Henna was used by the Pharaohs to stain fingers and toes to improve their awareness of the earth’s energies. When Julius Caesar sought to distinguish himself as first among equals in the Roman Senate, he wore a red toga, angering the other, white-clad Senators. The power of his red toga was part of the cause of his death at their hands.
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In a more recent political venue, the wives of American presidents and female U.S. Senators often wear dresses of a shocking red color in public appearances as a way of standing apart from the boring black and grey suits worn by their male colleagues. Never mind that a fighting bull is color blind, Spanish toreadors use a red cape to invite it to charge, creating the excitement and drama that has made bullfighting the country’s national sport. Red also adds drama and interest to food. Try to imagine a meal being served that is uniformly brown in color, a meal without some red vegetables garnishing a plate of otherwise possibly delicious but boring looking food. Food that is red not only enlivens the presentation of the dish but also adds powerfully to its taste and nutrition. Tomatoes spend most of their lives growing up green, but it is when they turn red that they are in great demand by food lovers. Similarly, scientists have discovered the gene present in apples that makes them a perfect
Cherries and strawberries contain “phytochemicals” that have been shown to improve memory. red color, a color that, according to surveys, increases the purchaser’s desire to buy. The compound that gives vegetables their red color is also an anti-oxidant, which helps resist cancer while maintaining healthy cell life in humans. Cherries and strawberries contain “phytochemicals” that have been shown to improve memory. Nutritionists and medical researchers constantly urge people to eat several servings of vegetables each day, and it is no accident that vegetables that are red in color are the ones most frequently suggested, such as cherries, red kidney beans, tomatoes, red peppers, watermelons, apples, beets, radishes and strawberries. Growing up in Syria, my sister and I were forbidden to wear makeup. We found a way around this rule, however, by employing a flower that grows in many countries, including Syria. Before bedtime, we rubbed it on our lips and added a smaller amount to our cheeks. We protected the pillow from the color with a special towel we kept hidden, and the next morning both our parents and our teachers tried in vain to erase the red color that we had applied the night before. We were ordered to wash our faces, but the pigment would not come off, and we explained to our teachers that the reason was because it was our natural color. I stopped applying the red flower as makeup when one day I overdid the color on my cheeks. As punishment I was forced go to school looking like an overly made-up clown and unwillingly demonstrate what I had done. That cured me of the desire to wear red makeup from that day forward. What color is used to welcome dignitaries such as movie stars to openings or presidents to a new city? We know the answer to this—the color of the welcoming carpet is always red, and never any other. For many reasons, from passion to politics, the color red deserves its celebrity treatment.
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Sri Panwa
in the
THAILAND
Andaman Sea It is easy to see why Phuket attracts more than 5 million tourists a year. This beautiful Thai island can boast some of the world’s finest beaches, as well as a rich and diverse culture, fascinating history, a vibrant culinary scene and a throbbing nightlife. This island really looks after its tourists and whatever kind of vacation you want, you can have it in Phuket—the majority of visitors descend on the resorts on the west of the island, such as the throbbing hub of Patong Beach, where the party keeps going 24/7 and the streets team with life. However, those who want a more tranquil trip can find it on the much quieter north, south and east coasts, where it is still possible to find hidden coves and bays, or on the largely undeveloped islands that lie just offshore, such as Kao Yao Yai and Kao Yao Noi. Phuket is also a magnet for divers, thanks to some of the best dive sites in the world and a magnificent marine environment that is teeming with life. Phuket has to be experienced but beware—once you have been there it will draw you back, again and again and again…
ANDAMAN SEA
By Martin Sayers Bangkok
Phuket
FOUR OF THE BEST LUXURY HOTELS IN PHUKET Aleenta Set on the spotless sands of Natai Beach to the north of Phuket, Aleenta is somewhat isolated by Phuket standards, with just one other hotel within a five mile radius and few restaurants or bars. Yet it is this tranquillity that is one of the hotel’s greatest assets—Natai is a protected beach and you will never see great lines of sun loungers, just miles and miles of golden sands. Also, unusually for the west coast of Phuket, there is no road between the hotel and the water, meaning that the view from your room is an uninterrupted panorama across the sparkling brilliance of the Andaman Sea. The hotel prides itself on being a home away from home and with three staff to every room, all your needs are taken care of quickly and efficiently. Accommodation is sumptuous and each room and villa has access to either a private or shared swimming pool, while the hotel also boasts one of the best Spas on the island.
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Aleenta Villa
The Pavilions Ocean View Villa
The Pavillions This upscale pool villa resort on lovely Bang Tao beach is setting a new standard for luxury accommodation in Phuket. Each and every villa offers either a mountain or ocean view and comes complete with its own plunge pool, with massages available poolside. Guests choosing to venture out of their accommodation can sample the delights on offer at the deservedly renowned Plantation Club bar and restaurant, which offers tropical cocktails and a mixture of Thai and Mediterranean-style dishes. Sri Panwa Sri Panwa opened in 2005 and is perched high on top of peaceful Cape Panwa in the southeast of the island, commanding breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and the Andaman Sea. The resort’s villas each come complete with their own infinity swimming pool and jet stream Jacuzzi system, and sit amongst lush tropical greenery 40-60 metres above sea level along the eastern and western ridges at the very tip of the cape. The hotel is popular with younger visitors and a party atmosphere prevails, with top global DJs often to be found spinning sets at the beach-side bar.
Sri Panwa Villas
Sala Phuket This seriously stylish new hotel opened in 2009 and offers a range of sensational pool villas. Occupying a tranquil position on one of Phuket’s most pristine stretches of beach, the living areas all have outdoor bathrooms and a vast range of facilities. A bar and beachside restaurant, renowned for its seafood, is also on offer and there are three large swimming pools that run alongside the beach. The hotel’s location in the Sirinat National Park means it is well away from the tourist hordes and there are miles of unspoilt beaches on the doorstep. Sala Phuket is also near the excellent and testing Blue Canyon Golf Course, rated as one of the best courses in Asia.
Sala Phuket Pool Villa
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FOUR THINGS YOU MUST DO WHEN VISITING PHUKET Take a trip to Phuket Town You won’t find many tourists in Phuket Town—it’s one of the least visited parts of the island but that means it offers a glimpse of real Thailand. Here you will find incredible Sino-Portuguese architecture, bustling markets, fabulous shops and some of the best and most authentic Thai food on the island.
Limestone Outcrop Phang Nga Bay
Go and see Big Buddha Set high on a hill in the south of the island, this gleaming white statue is an awe-inspiring sight and one of the biggest Buddhas in the world. It’s so large that you can actually see it from half of the island but it is still worth the trip up a winding country road to have a look up close. You can admire the stunning craftsmanship and pay your respects at the nearby shrine, but also enjoy the incredible view, with Phuket laid out below you in all its green, glittering glory. Have a ride on an elephant In the days of large-scale logging, elephants were used as working animals in Phuket, but now these same animals are kept active giving rides to tourists. There are many elephant trip providers on the island, but one of the best is Kok Chang Safari near Karon beach, which offers a lovely mountain trip through a rubber plantation, led by guides who clearly love and care for their animals. Take a boat to Phang Nga Bay Phang Nga Bay off the north-east of the island has to be seen to be believed—this stunning area is dotted with craggy limestone outcrops and beautiful islands that are ringed by mangrove trees and perfect white beaches. Cruising around here is a perfect way to spend a day and depending on your preference you can travel by speed boat, cruise ship or Chinese junk, with private boat rides readily available. Trips generally stop off at various points, including a sea gypsy village and the outcrop famous as the assassin’s hide out in Bond movie The Man With The Golden Gun.
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Die FairyTales
Gebrüder Grimm of
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As a brisk, chill wind gusts and snowflakes fall to form drifty peaks this winter, you may want to snuggle up with your loved ones by the warm glow of a fire and tell a story. This year celebrates the 200th anniversary of The Brothers Grimm (German: Die Gebrűder Grimm) fairy tales. To celebrate, we have collected images and artwork from amazing talent, paired with translated excerpts from the original book, “Kinder- und Hausmärchen” (Children's and Household Tales) to inspire you as you orate about magical characters from far away lands, scary villians and princes and princesses that fell in love and lived happily ever after.
“Cinderella Tale” An artwork piece by Oona Patterson (Oonapatterson.com) A Sculpture crafted and cut in book and paper
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A
"Sisters" Photography and concept Kelly Ealy Models Laura Meyers and Adrienna Ealy Makup Laura New
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Aschenputtel Cinderella
“The king's son, who was waiting for her, took her by the hand and danced with her; and, when any one asked her to dance, he said as before, "This lady is dancing with me." When night came she wanted to go home; and the king's son went with her, but she sprang away from him all at once into the garden behind her father's house. In this garden stood a fine large pear-tree; and Cinderella jumped up into it without being seen. Then the king's son waited till her father came home, and said to him, "The unknown lady has slipped away, and I think she must have sprung into the pear-tree." The father ordered an axe to be brought, and they cut down the tree, but found no one upon it. And when they came back into the kitchen, there lay Cinderella in the ashes as usual; for she had slipped down on the other side of the tree, and carried her beautiful clothes back to the bird at the hazel-tree, and then put on her little old frock. The third day, when her father and mother and sisters were gone, she went again into the garden, and said—"Shake, shake, hazel-tree, gold and silver over me!" Then her kind friend the bird brought a dress still finer than the former one, and slippers which were all of gold; and the king's son danced with her alone, and when any one else asked her to dance, he said, "This lady is my partner." Now when night came she wanted to go home; and the king's son would go with her, but she managed to slip away from him, though in such a hurry that she dropped her left golden slipper upon the stairs. So the prince took the shoe, and went the next day to the king, his father, and said, ‘I will take for my wife the lady that this golden shoe fits.’ ”
"Cinderella" Photography, hair, makeup, styling Three Nails Photography
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Sneewittchen Little Snow-White
“And thus Snow-White lay for a long, long time, and still only her all that had happened, and said, ‘I love you better than all looked as though she were asleep; for she was even now as the world; come with me to my father's palace, and you shall white as snow, and as red as blood, and as black as ebony. At be my wife.’ Snow-White consented, and went home with the last a prince came and called at the dwarfs' house; and he saw prince; and everything was prepared with great pomp and Snow-White and read what was written in golden letters. Then splendor for their wedding. he offered the dwarfs money, and earnestly prayed them to let him take her away; but they said, ‘We will not part with her To the feast was invited, among the rest, Snow-White's old for all the gold in the world.’ At last, however, they had pity on enemy, the queen; and as she was dressing herself in fine, rich him, and gave him the coffin; but the moment he lifted it up to clothes, she looked in the glass and said, ‘Tell me, glass, tell me carry it home with him, the piece of apple fell from between true! Of all the ladies in the land, Who is fairest? tell me who?’ her lips, and Snow-White awoke, and exclaimed, ‘Where am I!’ And the glass answered, ‘Thou, lady, art the loveliest here, I And the prince answered, ‘Thou art safe with me.’ Then he told ween; But lovelier far is the new-made queen.’ ” This page: “Snow White” Photography Joshua Wilcoxon for Wilcoxon Photography Makeup/Hair Angelique Verver for Platinum Imagination
Opposite page: “Little Red Riding Hood” Photography Viona Ielegems Model Jolien Rosanne Post-production Chester Van Bommel “Rumpelstiltskin” An artwork piece by Mandy Smith (mandysmithwork.com) Dress created in baking paper and the wheel cardboard, Room and props all designed, created and painted by hand . Photography Leon Hendrickx Model Dorothy Bany Makeup Artist Anita Jolles
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Little Red-Cap “Many years ago there lived a dear little girl who was beloved by every one who knew her; but her grand-mother was so very fond of her that she never felt she could think and do enough to please this dear grand-daughter, and she presented the little girl with a red silk cap, which suited her so well, that she would never wear anything else, and so was called Little Red-Cap. One day Red-Cap's mother said to her, ‘Come, Red-Cap, here is a nice piece of meat, and a bottle of wine: take these to your grandmother; she is weak and ailing, and they will do her good. Be there before she gets up; go quietly and carefully.’ The grandmother lived far away in the wood, a long walk from the village, and as Little Red-Cap came among the trees she met a Wolf; but she did not know what a wicked animal it was, and so she was not at all frightened. ‘Good morning, Little Red-Cap,’ he said.”
National Content
Rotkäppchen Rumpelstilzchen Rumpelstiltskin
“There was once a poor Miller who had a beautiful daughter, and one day, having to go to speak with the King, he said, in order to make himself appear of consequence, that he had a daughter who could spin straw into gold. The King was very fond of gold, and thought to himself, ‘That is an art which would please me very well;’ and so he said to the Miller, ‘If your daughter is so very clever, bring her to the castle in the morning, and I will put her to the proof.’ ”
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Dornröschen Little Briar-Rose/Sleeping beauty
“After many, many years there came another king's son into that land, and an old man told him the story of the thicket of thorns, and how a beautiful palace stood behind it, in which was a wondrous princess, called Briar Rose, asleep with all her court. He told, too, how he had heard from his grandfather that many, many princes had come, and had tried to break through the thicket, but had stuck fast and died. Then the young prince said, ‘All this shall not frighten me; I will go and see Briar Rose.’ The old man tried to dissuade him, but he persisted in going. Now that very day the hundred years were completed; and as the prince came to the thicket he saw nothing but beautiful flowering shrubs, through which he passed with ease, and they closed after him as firm as ever. Then he came at last to the palace, and there in the yard lay the dogs asleep, and the horses in the stables, and on the roof sat the pigeons fast asleep with their heads under their wings; and when he came into the palace, the flies slept on the walls, and the cook in the kitchen was still holding up her hand as if she would beat the boy, and the maid sat with a black fowl in her hand ready to be plucked. Then he went on still further, and all was so still that he could hear every breath he drew; till at last he came to the old tower and opened the door of the little room in which Briar Rose was, and there she lay fast asleep, and looked so beautiful that he could not take his eyes off, and he stooped down and gave her a kiss. But the moment he kissed her she opened her eyes and awoke, and smiled upon him. Then they went out together, and presently the king and queen also awoke, and all the court, and they gazed on each other with great wonder. And the horses got up and shook themselves, and the dogs jumped about and barked; the pigeons took their heads from under their wings, and looked about and flew into the fields; the flies on the walls buzzed away; the fire in the kitchen blazed up and cooked the dinner, and the roast meat turned round again; the cook gave the boy the box on his ear so that he cried out, and the maid went on plucking the fowl.
National Content
And then was the wedding of the prince and Briar Rose celebrated, and they lived happily together all their lives.”
“Sleeping Beauty” Photography Viona Ielegems Model Jolien Rosanne Post-production Chester Van Bommel
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Designer Spotlight
Womens Fall 2012
Etro's New Bold Paisley Dream Godfrey Deeny
Brands always like to talk about respecting their DNA even as they subvert and reinvent them, and on Friday, Feb. 24, in Milan we saw a brilliant example of that whole concept at a thoroughly assured fall 2012 collection by the house of Etro. Veronica Etro’s key obsession was paisley, the very fabric that is more associated with Etro than any other Continental luxury brand. And, talk about taking it somewhere new! The designer trimmed astrakhan jackets with a filigree of leather laser cut in the paisley style, or outlined the twisting shapes in velvet strips on a see-through mesh top. Etro also tapped into Italy’s biggest accessories trend for fall 2012 - the curvy leather peplum belt, dissecting sleek leather jeans and bolero combinations, or adding oomph to slim dark cocktails. “I was thinking of costumes, especially 19th century costumes, and how Edwardian artists used color and shape in an elegant way. I
Designer Spotlight
wanted something dramatic,” Though the label does not yet have the name recognition of, say, Armani or Prada, Etro now boasts the biggest show in Milan. Staged in a giant ice rink with bleacher seating, the show attracts nearly 2,000 fans and professionals. Each place holds a silk gift cushion - this season in paisley, of course.
Designer Spotlight
Etro’s finest moment was a series of curvy evening dresses made in panels of paisley and blocks of black. It could have looked hackneyed but it never did, because Signora Etro kept the right amount of wit and levity throughout - like using tentacles of paisley to keep a revealing mesh top modest. In a word, the show was a fine fashion moment, a splendid example of refreshing a house’s DNA and a great personal success of Etro’s.
Burberry
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John Galliano
Lanvin
Nicole Miller
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Gift Guide Markle Luxury Jewelers
HEARTS ON FIRE 18kt Divine Journey Cross Pendant $2,290
HEARTS ON FIRE 18kt Hoopla 1" Earrings $6,750
TACORI Platinum Dantela Engagement Ring* starting at $2,120
TACORI Platinum Crescent Silhouette Engagement Ring* starting at $1,860
TACORI Platinum Three-stone Dantela Engagement Ring* starting at $4,110
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*Center stone not included
HEARTS ON FIRE HEARTS ON FIRE
18kt Fulfillment Earrings $2,450
18kt Fulfillment Pendant $1,490
HEARTS ON FIRE 18kt Amorous Journey Pendant $2,850
TACORI 18kt Dual Round Gem Stones in Bold Lilac Amethyst and Crystalline Rose Amethyst Earrings $1,270 Sterling Silver & 18kt Enhanced Rose Amethyst with 0.16 ct tw Diamond Pendant $1,530 Sterling Silver & 18kt Enhanced Rose Cushion Amethyst with 0.18 ct tw Diamond Ring $1,520
HEARTS ON FIRE Transcend 3-stone Engagement Ring $7,900
HEARTS ON FIRE Beloved Engagement Ring $5,500
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KRYPELL Black Sapphire Necklace $2,290
KRYPELL Three Link Black Diamond Bracelet $5,995
KRYPELL Color Diamond Rings $1,795
KRYPELL Cuff Bracelet $2,190 Cushion Ring $495
KRYPELL Black Sapphire Bracelet $1,895
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THOMAS MARKLE COUTURE Fancy Yellow Cushion Cut Diamond Ring (Inquire Within)
THOMAS MARKLE COUTURE Fancy Yellow Pear Shape Diamond Necklace (Inquire Within)
KREMENTZ Tanzanite Ring starting at $8,000
THOMAS MARKLE COUTURE Fancy Yellow Radiant Cut Diamond Ring (Inquire Within)
KREMENTZ THOMAS MARKLE COUTURE Fancy Yellow Radiant Cut Diamond Ring (Inquire Within)
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Yellow Sapphire Ring starting at $12,000
KREMENTZ Emerald Ring starting at $15,000
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FREDERIQUE CONSTANT Classic Collection $2,550
FREDERIQUE CONSTANT Men's Chronograph $2,995
FREDERIQUE CONSTANT Ladies Chocolate Automatic $4,500
DUPONT Black Chinese Lacquer and Palladium Cigar Burner $1,280 Cigar Cutter MaxiJet Chrome Automatic Double Blades $200
DUPONT Elysee Ball Point, Duotone Pen $600
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LAGOS Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace $395 Sterling Silver Ring $250
LAGOS Three Station X Bracelets starting at $395
CHARRIOL Mixed Modern Diamond Station Cable Bracelets starting at $325
CHARRIOL Mixed Modern Diamond Station Cable Rings starting at $295
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Nautical Cable Diamond Bangles starting at $325
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Photography Chelsie Roberts Models Mary Schieich James Graber Kat Stevens Jeremy Ray Smolik Laura Carlson Kim Rockman Photo Assistant Dan Thorston Makeup Artist Angie Wheeler Hair Stylist Jessica Lee
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Winter Wonderland
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Winter Wonderland
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oubly By Mar y C
ech,
t n e d a ec rt Cookbo
esse e Lover’s D in W e Th “ Author of
ok ”
You know your favorite dessert around the holidays. Memories on a chilly day of warm, spicy bundles of sliced apples encased in delicate puff pastry all baked to a golden brown, rich deep-dark and moist chocolate cake frosted with silky bittersweet chocolate or maybe a mouth tingling refreshing winter citrus lemon tart with rich butter pastry enjoyed after a heavy meal. Whatever your favorite holiday dessert may be, usually the decision is much easier to determine than your favorite sweet wine. As with all matters of taste — music, clothing, friends, — enjoyment of wine with friends and family is much more a matter of personal preference than of scientific calculation. You may very well already have some idea of the wines you prefer with traditional savory foods. Common wisdom dictates that white wines go best with light meats and fish for example, but you are on shakier terroir at the end of the meal when pairing desserts with sweet wines. Few guidelines exist for pairing sweet wines and desserts. Although without an instruction manual to help you choose and pair dessert wines with the appropriate dessert can prove overwhelming, it does free you of the burden of preconceived notions. No rules, no mistakes! There is only one rule when it comes to pairing desserts and sweet wines. “Eat what you like, drink what you enjoy with it.” With that in mind you can get started with two simple thoughts and several helpful sweet wine tips to assist you on your sweet pairing journey. 52
White Chocolate Parfait Photo © frankenyimages.com
f F
irst, sample, sample, sample! Since dessert wines contain a fair amount of sugar, alcohol and acidity acting as natural preservatives, storing them in the refrigerator after opening extends their shelf life a week or more and allows you to sample several wines later. When preparing a dessert, try it with a few different wines and observe how the dessert’s flavors are enhanced or masked by the wine. You can start determining your likes and dislikes.
sS
econdly, don’t be shy; get to know a local wine merchant. As they begin to know your particular tastes, you will be introduced to new wines to fit your palate. When “making the match” of dessert and sweet wine, I advise a few sweet wine tips, which I consider my Top 10 Sweet Wine Tips to get you started for this holiday season.
sS
weet sparkling wines are versatile, refreshing and a great way to celebrate any special occasion and holiday. They are perfect after a traditional holiday meal. They don’t overwhelm lighter desserts like orange citrus chiffon cake, but provide a welcome palate cleanser for richer desserts such as, pumpkin cheesecake. Fortified wines stand up well to rich desserts with deep flavors of toasted nuts, caramel, winter fruits, dried fruits, spice and chocolate. A tartlet of dried fruits, fresh apples, cinnamon and clove covered with butter streusel with Tawny Port can be a warming comfort on a cold evening.
y Y t T
ou should always enjoy what you taste. The definition of a good dessert wine is one you enjoy drinking alone first.
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ot all sweet wines and desserts need each other. Don’t over power either a wine or a dessert. Some wines are best when drank alone like Sauternes and Vintage Ports.
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et to know sweet wines. Taste them with simple desserts that don’t fight for your attention. Simple slices of fruit, pound cake or angel food cake can get you started. Here are some examples of some of my holiday favorites; Raspberry Baked Alaska has always signified “a special holiday occasion” to me. Engaging in lively conversation while watching mounds of showy meringue over ice cream or raspberry sorbet being flamed and browned tableside is doubly memorable around the holidays. A vintage, or LBV, port with berry flavors is a great complement to the raspberry sorbet. Plum Gazettes welcome a cooler season as plums bridge the end of summer and beginning of fall and the holiday season. Black Muscat would be a good sweet wine choice with these flaky pastries. By understanding sweet wine flavor characteristics and pairing suggestions you will be on your way this season to pairing your holiday dessert memories with your favorite holiday sweet wines for a double decadent taste experience.
Honeyed Fig and Hazelnut Tart
Photo © frankenyimages.com
he wine should be equal or slightly sweeter than the dessert. This is very important! The sweeter the dessert, the sweeter the wine, otherwise it will taste sour, tart or bitter.
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air wines that are high in acidity either with rich, creamy desserts like cinnamon rice pudding to cut their richness or with light, warm or chilled fall and winter fruit compotes for the holidays.
C c C
omplement or gently contrast the dessert flavors with the wine flavors.
omplement the weight of the wine to the richness of the dessert. Light body wine with a light dessert or contrast with a rich creamy cheesecake.
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rice is no object! A typical serving of dessert wine is 3 ounces; therefore sweet wines can be easy on the pocketbook.
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iet is no problem as we watch the calorie consumption rise around holidays. Dessert wines contain no fat. Coupled with a modest serving of dessert, even dieters can enjoy them in moderation.
"Don’t over power either a wine or a dessert. Some wines 53 are best when drank alone."
R
R r
Making the Match: A vintage, or LBV, port
aspberry Baked Alaska
with berry flavors is a nice complement to the raspberry sorbet. I love Charles B. Mitchel Vineyards Cucamonga Valley Old vine Zinfandel Port (California).
3 large eggs 6 tablespoons sugar ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract ž cup cake flour, sifted
2 pints raspberry sorbet 5 large egg whites 2/3 cup superfine or granulated sugar
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and position a rack in the lower third of the oven. Butter the sides of a 9-inch round cake pan and dust with flour.
Place a generous scoop of sorbet atop each cake round. Transfer the sheet to the freezer until frozen solid, about an hour.
In a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the eggs and 6 tablespoons sugar at high speed until they are thick, pale, and tripled in volume, about 5 minutes. Use a hand whisk to gently but thoroughly fold in the vanilla and flour. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake until the cake pulls away from the sides of the top and is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Cool the cake.
Beat the egg whites in a clean bowl at high speed until they are foamy. Gradually add the 2/3 cup of sugar. Beat until the meringue is smooth, glossy, and holds stiff peaks.
Run a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen and then invert onto a plate. Remove the parchment paper. With a long serrated knife, cut the cake horizontally into 2 layers. Place the layers on a flat surface and cut out 8 rounds using a 3-inch cutter. Arrange the rounds on the lined baking sheet.
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Remove the cake and sorbet rounds from the freezer. Working quickly spread the meringue over the top and sides of the sorbet and cake. Swirl the meringue in a decorative pattern. Return to the freezer until needed. Just before serving, preheat the oven to 500 degrees F and position a rack as low as possible. Quickly brown the meringue and serve immediately. Makes 8 servings. For more information about Mary's recipes visit marycech.com
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Mens
Designer Spotlight
National Content
Fall 2012
Haute Hotel & High Fashion Godfrey Deeny
This Fall season reigning heavyweight champion of Italian fashion Giorgio Armani, staged two runway shows, launched a new underwear campaign with singer Rihanna and welcomed guests into his newly-opened mega clean and opulent Armani Hotel Milano, his luxury inn’s first fashion season. The huge influence of Asian and Thirties elegance in this designer’s aesthetic was evident both in his
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hotel and on his runway, as the soft shouldered suits and non-colors of cement and slate of his latest show, echoed the curvy pre-war style sofas, desks and walls, as well as the understated hues of
Designer Spotlight
his classy high-tech home. Presented in Armani’s custom-made show theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 17, his fall 2012 menswear collection was more path-breaking than many recent shows – even containing some natty examples of a huge Milan trend, knitted trousers, though in this case, they were cut like tapered jogging pants, albeit with triple pleated pants. “Quite frankly, I feel more comfortable in large pants rather than tight ones. Everyone does. And comfort is an essential part of luxury,” Armani said. He also went outside the envelope with a new airy tweed, rejecting its rural tradition for a beautifully deconstructed silhouette, seen in a series of rather 56
magisterially suits. Hyper-thick felt wool used in casual double-breasted jackets and in audacious biker jackets meet cardigans, followed by a sextet of mannequins in rugged velour mountain jackets worn over Armani’s new ribbed cord jogging trousers were a testament to how this septuagenarian designer still keeps his ideas fresh.
Designer Spotlight
Two days before in Emporio Armani, his choice of tasseled, golfing loafers, waffle nylon mini jackets
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and dashing aviator in search of a party faded leather jackets in smoke gray and anthracite had
plenty of youthful elan too. Though the fashion pack will probably best remember this season for the designer’s hotel. “The hotel is very important. We have had an incredible echo from people and the media. They both found a scent of Armani in every speck of the place. The quality of materials and taste should help people understand the aesthetics I strongly believe in. I feel at ease there, like in my own home. Plus, you can see from the hotel that my clothes and the way I live have very similar aesthetics,” insisted Armani.
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Burberry
Hardy Amies
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Gucci
Advertising copyright © 2012 A’LOR International LTD. CHARRIOL® is a registered trademark of the Philippe Charriol Group.
Champagne: Fine Anytime by William Anderson
T
he “Devil’s Wine,” as the monks who created it dubbed the volatile spirit, has become the staple of our celebrations, an object of affection and obsession for rappers, crucial for the christening of ships, a bartender’s secret weapon in scores of dazzling cocktails and has secured its place in our culture as the highlight of high society. In the world of spirits, champagne is a relative newcomer with a short history, but this effervescent elixir has had little trouble garnering popularity and status amongst vinophiles and cocktail connoisseurs worldwide. The Champagne region of France has been producing grapes and exquisite wines since the Romans first planted vineyards there in the fifth century, but it wasn’t until Benedictine monks living there accidentally created le vin du diable by introducing a small amount of sugar to the wine before corking. When bottles began exploding in their wine cellars, the monks began wearing heavy iron masks before checking on their fermentations to avoid injuries from exploding bottles. The legendary monk Dom Perignon is often credited with the discovery of champagne, but documentation of champagne and the fermenting practices it requires predate Monsieur Perignon by several decades. He did, however, pioneer a practice still in use today: a wire net used to secure the cork to the bottle to prevent the pressure from prematurely popping the top. His dedication to this spirit and pioneering methods helped foster its popularity and paved the way for sparkling winemakers around the world. In his honor, French winemaker Moët et Chandon created a champagne as legendary as the monk, and it has become one of the most prestigious and sought after champagnes in the world. “Dom is popular mostly because of its rarity – the fact that it’s hard to get,” explains Beau Vondra, representative for a large food and spirits retailer. “They limit the amount that they make, and as a result, a lot of high-end champagnes will only produce 500 to 900 cases per year. Supply and demand drives the price up.” The demand for luxury champagnes has grown exponentially in recent years. Vondra’s store has seen increased demand for Dom Perignon and Cristal, the vin de choix of rappers, movie stars, and celebrities. While some may balk at the price tag, Vonda would remind them that with it comes a rarity, an age, and a mastering of the art of champagne-making that is rivaled by none. Still, he notes that high end champagnes owe much to pop-culture for their popularity.
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For consumers who might be in the market for something a bit more modestly priced, the champagne industry offers a wide variety of options from various vineyards, and a seemingly endless range of options based on taste and price. The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia explains the range of sweet to dry champagnes: Doux is the sweetest of all champagnes with over 50 grams of sugar per liter, and scaling towards the dryer, less-sweetened end are demi-sec, sec, extra dry, brut (the most popular type of champagne with less than 15 grams of sugar per liter), extra brut, and brut natural (with less than 3 grams of sugar per liter). Tom Slattery, the general manager of a wine and spirits store, says that he gets asked questions about champagnes and sparkling wines more often than most products.
“Champagne used to be such an exclusive drink, reserved for celebrations, but adding it as a mixer allows it to be casually enjoyed in an every-day fashion.” “It’s one of the most misconceived products on the market, when really it’s just wine with a bubble,” Slattery explains. “The regionality of champagne is more important than the various styles. It is one of the most misunderstood products on the market, probably because of the generic use of the term.” Most American consumers refer to all sparkling wines as champagne, when in fact it is not true. Champagne, by law, is a term that can only be applied to wines produced in the Champagne region of France. America, however, is certainly becoming a more prominent player in the sparkling wine industry, as John Thuringer, a fine wine specialist for Republic National Distributing Company explains. “What really put American sparkling wine on the map was Schramsberg,” he notes. “Nixon brought it on his trip to China in 1976. This marked the first time that an American President had used a non-French sparkling wine at an official White House function. The wine was such a hit that it has been used by every President since.” Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, Schramsberg is a pioneer in the American sparkling wine industry and is a leading producer of fine sparkling wines worldwide. Those less discerning about dryness, sweetness, or regionality may enjoy one of the many popular champagne-based cocktails that have been increasing in demand at bars and restaurants in recent years. Taking things a step further than your average mimosa, a Flirtini is a martini made with vodka, Cointreau, champagne and pineapple juice. Another popular use for champagne is in a bellini, or, “The Italian Margarita.” A delightful blend of frozen peach nectar, white wine, champagne and rum, finished with a hearty swirl of sangria, a bellini is the perfect after-dinner cocktail. “It satisfies both men’s and women’s taste buds,” explains Nicole Webster, a banquet manager with much experience in mixology. “Champagne used to be such an exclusive drink, reserved for celebrations, but adding it as a mixer allows it to be casually enjoyed in an every-day fashion.” While cocktails like these strive to incorporate champagne into an average night out, many still consider champagne something to be consumed in celebration. You might not find the average American family sitting down with a bottle of brut over dinner, but weddings, birthdays, holidays and promotions offer the most popular opportunities to lift spirits with bubbling elixir. For these occasions, people will always turn to champagne to commemorate and celebrate; however, as Thuringer notes, bars and restaurants are onto something by adding champagne to featured cocktails. “The direction is there where there are so many affordable whites that it doesn’t have to be reserved for holidays and special events,” Thuringer says. “Champagne is fine anytime.”
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By Lyndon Conrad Bell
If you’ve seen a print ad or one of the television commercials, you probably have the tag line committed to memory: Hearts On Fire, The World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond. And indeed, a Hearts On Fire stone possesses brilliance unlike any other. While some may decry the Hearts On Fire diamond as marketing hype elevated to its highest level, the truth of the matter is, with a Hearts On Fire stone, the buyer knows exactly what they’re getting—even if they know nothing at all about diamonds. From the very beginning this was the Hearts On Fire founder Glenn Rothman’s ultimate goal. Rothman wanted to offer the most perfect stone possible so the consumer could be absolutely assured of the quality of their purchase—even without a significant understanding of the all-important four C’s (Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat weight). By choosing only the finest stones, then applying the patented signature Hearts
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On Fire cut to the diamond, Rothman can free the customer of the cerebral concerns of purchasing a stone and permit the purchase to do what a diamond purchase is meant to do. Convey an expression of one of the most intense emotions known to humankind—passion. Says Rothman; “Hearts On Fire is much more than the world’s most perfectly cut diamond. For that matter, Hearts On Fire is also much more than a luxury brand. Hearts On Fire is a message. It is an experience of communicating emotion at a higher level.” But that’s the end result. To get there, a very painstaking process must be undertaken with each and every stone.
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Rothman explains; “When a diamond has perfect alignment, when a diamond has perfect proportions, when a diamond has perfect polish, and when a diamond has the perfect arrangement of angles, all of these factors together create a very specific and unique phenomenon of light. When you look at a Hearts On Fire diamond from the bottom through a proportion scope you’ll see the eight perfectly symmetrical hearts. When you rotate it and look at it from above, you’ll see the eight perfectly aligned Firebursts. Seeing it for the first time is a powerfully moving emotional experience. Once an individual sees what Hearts On Fire really is, it creates an amazing connection, right away.” As Rothman alluded, a Hearts On Fire diamond is one of the most meticulously crafted gemstones extant. Brian McCarty, one of the master craftsmen at Hearts On Fire has been cutting diamonds for over 40 years. He says; “In order to produce a diamond this fabulous, the selection of the rough is one of the most important parts of the puzzle. First of all, only stones in the top one percent of rough diamonds are even qualified to become a Hearts On Fire diamond. Our raw diamonds are selected from knot free crystals, because these perform at the highest level of intensity.” Mc Carty continues; “After the selection of the rough comes the first step in the diamond cutting process. Here, the design center is ground zero – nobody else does this the way we do it. We actually use computers to determine the optimal approach to the cutting of each individual stone.” Called VSP or Value Scan Program, Hearts On Fire craftspeople literally scan the stone into a computer. This brings up a three dimensional model of the diamond onto the screen, plots the inclusions and tells the Hearts On Fire cutter exactly what the diamond is going to look like when it is finished. Says McCarty; “When we determine where to cut a stone, we are looking for the highest value possible, as opposed to the biggest diamond possible. This gives us the ability to maximize the full potential of every single diamond we cut.” After an image of the diamond has been scanned into the computer all of its inclusions are plotted and the decision is made where to separate the crystal into its two separate pieces. It takes from four to six hours per carat from the rough to saw through the diamond. Hearts On Fire’s rough diamonds are subjected to the most meticulous process in the industry. The gems are cut and polished at 10 times the industry standard to ensure the true beauty of each diamond is absolutely and fully realized. While most manufacturers use a 10 times magnification process, Hearts On Fire diamonds are subjected to100 times magnification—using NASA based technology. So painstaking is the process, only 400 people on Earth are capable of crafting a Hearts On Fire diamond. The cutters are trained specifically to release the maximum light and life from each diamond. Mc Carty proudly asserts; “Our system is so precision oriented that all of the equipment we use to produce the diamonds is taken out of circulation—every single month—at the end of every month and recalibrated in the workshop that’s right here on site. Once the cut is complete, combining Rolls Royce anti-vibration technology with traditional recipes of diamond dust and olive oil, the Hearts On Fire master craftsmen then create a perfect finish that produces an amazing display of light. Says Rothman; “Our master craftsmen polish Hearts On Fire diamonds to a mirror perfect finish on vibration-free wheels found only in our workshops. We put the best tools in the best hands we can find to work on the absolutely finest stones in existence. So equipped, these people then proceed to release the inner light of the Hearts On Fire diamond.” And, when they’re all done, the result is like no other. So brilliant is a Hearts On Fire stone that even in candlelit settings, the sparkle of a Hearts On Fire diamond can be spotted dancing gaily in a restaurant from five tables away.
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Because of this, Hearts On Fire collections such as Ceremonious, Boundless, Virtuoso, Culmination, and Encapsulate have been renowned for their singular beauty and are worn by tasteful individuals all over the world. Naturally, when something like this is universally recognized as the best of the best, there are those who would attempt to usurp its reputation for surreptitious purposes. This is why each one of these unique diamonds is also finished with a serial number—one invisible to the naked eye— for a unique fingerprint that is instantly recognizable to jewelers. Most entrepreneurs would be satisfied to stop there—content to produce and market the finest stones the world has ever known. However, Glenn Rothman is most assuredly not in the category of “most entrepreneurs”. Rothman says; “The World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond deserves an equally extraordinary stage. Our diamonds are placed in exquisite settings designed specifically to showcase their intensity.”
Two such remarkably gifted people are the Hearts On Fire brand ambassadors Tara Subkoff and Janie Bryant. These two fashion icons stand out in their respective fields. Owner and lead designer of the Imitation of Christ high fashion line of clothing, Tara Subkoff has starred in more than 27 films, including The Cell, As Good As It Gets, Freeway, and The Notorious Bettie Page. Her Imitation of Christ clothing line is an artistic collection based on hand sewn, vintage inspired pieces that quickly became an international fashion sensation and garnered her a cult-like following. That she chooses to grace her designs with Rothman’s Hearts On Fire jewelry speaks volumes about the level of quality and beauty of the diamonds and their settings. Janie Bryant, costume designer for the television series MadMen, as well as a number of feature films, has been lauded with both an Emmy award in addition to legions of awards nominations. Bryant won the 2010 Edith Head Award at Fashion Group International’s Night of Stars, her work was awarded again at the 2011 New York Women in Film and Television Designing Women Gala. Bryant was listed as a fashion icon in the book produced by editors of Elle magazine called; “ELLEments of Personal Style: 25 Modern Fashion Icons on How to Dress, Shop and Live”. Bryant was also on Vanity Fair ‘s list of the “100 Most Influential People Worldwide of the Year” in 2010. That women of this caliber chose to associate themselves with the Hearts On Fire brand reveals much about the quality and integrity of Mr. Rothman’s life’s work. Absolute state of the art, the Hearts On Fire Diamond is a singularly unique expression of perfection. Crafted using the best old-world skills, updated to function with the most cutting edge technology available today, with a Hearts On Fire diamond, you can be unconditionally certain you’re getting the finest quality stone available. Giving the gift of a Hearts On Fire diamond speaks to a certain level of self-respect, self-esteem, and the purest expression of love. Rothman effuses; “Every time a woman wears Hearts On Fire, she’ll feel better about herself. And every time a man who has given Hearts On Fire to the woman he loves sees her wearing it…can you imagine how good he’ll feel knowing he has positively influenced the way she feels about herself?”
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