DIAMOND CELLAR • SPRING/SUMMER 2021
THE ART OF THE DREAM
THREE ARTISTS ON WHY ART IS ESSENTIAL
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
WELCOME LETTER
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STORE 5A
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BRIDAL CUSTOMERS
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GROWING A LEGACY
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THE ART OF THE DREAM
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SPRING GIFT GUIDE
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WHALE OF A DIFFERENT COLOR
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SPRING TO LIFE
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WATCHMAKER WITH A HEART
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ON THE COVER: BALLETMET DANCER RACHAEL PARINI, PHOTOGRAPHED BY JENNIFER ZMUDA
CEO R. ANDREW JOHNSON PRESIDENT ALEX JOHNSON MARKETING DIRECTOR KATIE JOHNSON MARKETING MANAGER MELISSA MCCOY SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER COURTNEY LAUB CONTRIBUTING WRITER KRISTY ECKERT
WAINSCOT MEDIA
PUBLISHING STAFF
PUBLISHED BY
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RITA GUARNA
GROUP PUBLISHER SHAE MARCUS
CHAIRMAN CARROLL V. DOWDEN
CREATIVE DIRECTOR STEPHEN VITARBO
NATIONAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE JESSICA SALERNO
PRESIDENT & CEO MARK DOWDEN
SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR DARIUS AMOS
ADVERTISING SERVICES DIRECTOR JACQUELYNN FISCHER
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS SHAE MARCUS, CARL OLSEN
LIFESTYLE EDITOR HALEY LONGMAN CONTRIBUTING EDITORS DONNA ROLANDO
GRAPHIC DESIGNER, AD SERVICES VIOLETA MULAJ PRODUCTION ART ASSOCIATE CHRISTOPHER FERRANTE ACCOUNTING STEVEN RESNICK
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VICE PRESIDENTS NIGEL EDELSHAIN, THOMAS FLANNERY, RITA GUARNA, MARIA REGAN, STEVEN RESNICK, DIANE VOJCANIN
Jewelry has been enlarged to show detail. Due to the fluctuating prices of diamonds, gold and platinum, prices are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on size, quality and availability. While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, we are not responsible for errors or omissions. ACCENT is published by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656, in association with Diamond Cellar. Copyright © 2021 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved. Editorial contributions: Write to Editor, Diamond Cellar, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. The magazine is not responsible for the return or loss of unsolicited submissions. Subscription services: To change an address or request a subscription, write to Subscriptions, Diamond Cellar, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656, or by telephone at 201.573.5541. Advertising inquiries: Contact Shae Marcus at 856.797.2227 or shae.marcus@wainscotmedia.com. Printed in The U.S.A. Volume 19, Issue 1. ©2021.
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WELCOME Never have we been more reminded of how essential art is than this past year. When the world as we knew it shifted, where did we turn? To the arts—to shows, to music, to cooking, to books. And now that we’re on the cusp of emerging back into a more connected human experience, what do so many of us crave? Ballets, concerts, orchestras, festivals—performances we watch in the flesh, where energy is shared and joy is inspired. True art doesn’t just invite us to see beauty, it invites us to feel it. What a gift. The Diamond Cellar is more than 70 years old. For decades, we have employed some of the world’s finest craftspeople. We’ve created and curated art that will be passed on for generations. And we have passionately supported the arts in our communities along the journey. In this issue, we celebrate art in many ways, from highlighting a trio of talented artists in “The Art of The Dream” to sharing a gift guide of wearable art that we are proud to sell. We’re thrilled that, despite the challenges of the past year, we’ve had the honor of opening a Diamond Cellar and Rolex store in Nashville. Thank you, Nashville friends, for such a warm welcome. Your support has been overwhelming. So, too, has been the support of our longtime customers in Columbus and Tulsa. We are grateful that during this time, you’ve continued seeing our art as a way to celebrate your successes and show your love. Here’s to the makers. The Johnson Family FROM LEFT: ALEX JOHNSON, PRESIDENT; ANDY JOHNSON, CEO; JESSE JOHNSON, FOUNDER & DIRECTOR OF STORE 5A
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3 8 0 5 G R E E N H I L L S V I L L AG E D R I V E , N AS H V I L L E , T N 372 1 5
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LOVE IN VERONA COLLECTION
COLUMBUS | NASHVILLE | TULSA | STORE5A.COM
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LUXURY RESALE STORE EXPANDS NATIONWIDE STORE 5a—which buys and sells authenticated, pre-owned luxury accessories—is opening a store in Nashville and boutique in Bruce G. Weber. The luxury treasure hunt is on—soon, at least—in Nashville and Tulsa. STORE 5a, a Diamond Cellar Holdings company that buys and sells authenticated, pre-owned luxury accessories, is expanding to both cities this summer. The store curates a collection of fine and designer pieces from fashion enthusiasts nationwide and then sells them for as low as half their retail cost. It offers collectors a place to resell jewelry, watches and handbags from brands like Cartier, Celine, Chanel, David Yurman, Hermès , Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Yves Saint Laurent and more. And it offers buyers an opportunity to purchase hand-selected, authenticated and restored luxury goods from the long-trusted Diamond Cellar brand. With a thriving online marketplace and the nation’s largest brick-and-mortar luxury resale store in Columbus, STORE 5a has established itself as the dominant player in buying and selling luxury accessories. “We know based on our current clients in Nashville and Tulsa that both markets love luxury fashion,” said Diamond Cellar CEO and President Andy Johnson. “And we’re thrilled to offer these cities another way to buy and sell beautiful pieces.”
GIVING LUXURY NEW LIFE Have luxury accessories to sell? Simply carry them into a STORE 5a location during store hours. If we’re interested, you will receive a cash offer on the spot. Or, upload photos and descriptions online at store5a.com, and you will receive an offer within 48 hours. Here’s why you should sell with us:
SIMPLICITY We don’t consign pieces, we purchase them. This allows sellers to receive almost-immediate payment.
VALUE Because we have our own in-house shop, we can refurbish each piece, bringing it to like-new condition and increasing the value of your item.
TRUST
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Being a part of Diamond Cellar, our stores boast more than 70 years of experience—and the Diamond Cellar guarantee.
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THE GOODS We buy—and sell—the best of the best.
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H A N D BAG S
JEWELRY
B R I DA L
WAT C H E S
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r ou to s er e ch ! es l up co st newe EVERLEIGH PHOTOGRAPHY
ZACH & EMILY WISE Columbus, OH | Married August 14, 2020
THE ASK Zach and I went to England to visit his parents for the holidays. He ended up taking me to Paris and proposing in front of the Eiffel Tower on Christmas night. It was truly magical.
THE RING This ring is so special because Zach designed it himself, with the wonderful assistance of Diamond Cellar. It is perfect knowing he picked it out for me!
SHE CAN’T WAIT TO BE WEARING HER RING WHEN... We spend the rest of our lives together. The best is yet to come!
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B R I DA L C U S TO M E R P H OTO S
JEREMIAH MCCORMICK & FALLON LONG Tulsa, OK | Engaged November 29, 2020
THE ASK We had just purchased our new home. We were home alone and Jeremiah proposed in our living room, where we were starting our new journey as homeowners.
THE RING The Alexandrite is so unique and one of a kind. It stands out just like the two of us.
THE MOMENT WE KNEW IT WAS FOREVER When we realized all of our disagreements were so easily solved. There’s nothing more romantic than being understanding and having good communication!
AVERY SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY
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B R I DA L C U S TO M E R P H OTO S
DAN & PAULA REYNOLDS
DEREK & MIRANDA NICKELL
NICHOLAS THOMAS & CIERA GOODEN
AARON SEITZ & ASHLEY LEWIS
MATT & AMANDA WILES
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B R I DA L C U S TO M E R P H OTO S
JOHN ROWLAND & KASEY KAUPKE Tulsa, OK | Engaged December 4, 2020
THE ASK We canceled our trip to NYC the last week of November due to the continued rise in COVID cases. This threw a wrench in John’s engagement plan. He adjusted nicely and settled on Big Cedar Lodge in Branson. We spent the day at Silver Dollar City and got to our cabin to get ready for dinner at Top of Rock. To my surprise he popped the question, and I joyfully said yes!
THE RING I have always wanted a low-profile ring that I can wear no matter what activity I am doing. When I saw this ring, I just knew it was perfect for me. It is timeless and classic.
@ATOLERPHOTO_
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B R I DA L C U S TO M E R P H OTO S
MAYA LORA PHOTO
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B R I DA L C U S TO M E R P H OTO S
ALEXANDER CROGNALE & KYLE MARIE DAWSON Columbus, OH | Engaged October 30, 2019
THE ASK I was working in NYC and was invited to a networking event that included a few high-profile clients. I spent the day prepping, including getting a blowout and mani. Upon arrival at The Press Lounge rooftop, I was greeted by Alex, who was down on one knee with a blue box in his hand. Our best friends were in attendance, plus a photographer and videographer who captured the special moment. Alex had orchestrated a fake work event to ensure I was all dressed up and totally surprised.
THE RING I always thought I knew exactly what I wanted for my engagement ring. After our appointment at Diamond Cellar, our first and only stop, I could not have been more wrong about the style I wanted. I fell in love with a few and am so lucky I have a partner who listens, because he took my favorite part of each of those rings and designed a custom ring that is truly a dream come true. I still stare at it daily in awe.
SHE CAN’T WAIT TO BE WEARING HER RING WHEN... We have been through so many milestones in our five years together, and we are well aware that there are many more to come. I am most excited to continue to wear this ring throughout all of those moments—the highs, the lows and everything in between. It is a symbol of true companionship, and that excites me for whatever lies ahead.
THE MOMENT WE KNEW IT WAS FOREVER We took a much-needed vacation to Jamaica a few years back to celebrate our one-year dating anniversary. After a week filled with phenomenal food, incredible drinks, fun excursions and a romantic candlelit dinner in a cave, we looked at each other, reflected on our first year together and said, “This is going to be a forever thing, isn’t it?” The rest is history!
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B R I DA L C U S TO M E R P H OTO S
JAMES ALAME & LAUREN BIRAN Tulsa, OK | Engaged September 28, 2020
THE ASK We were at dinner at an oceanfront restaurant in Tulum, Mexico, and James had the chef place the ring inside of a seashell on the dessert plate. When I opened it up, he got on one knee and proposed in front of the entire restaurant.
THE RING The center stone’s clarity and cut made it stand out from all the rest. After choosing the main stone, Erin at Bruce G. Weber helped James design the perfect band that he knew I would love.
SHE CAN’T WAIT TO BE WEARING IT WHEN… We finally get to go on our honeymoon after all of the COVID madness ends. We are planning on going to the Maldives.
ELLIOT & RANYA WALZ Broken Arrow, OK | Married November 7, 2020
THE ASK My original plan unfortunately got ruined because of COVID. Instead of putting it off, I got down on one knee in the kitchen one night after dinner while we were doing dishes and asked.
THE RING We both wanted custom rings—something that would be solely unique to us and our love.
THE MOMENT WE KNEW IT WAS FOREVER We decided within the first few months of dating. We both agree that we just knew, as cliché as that sounds!
HALEY MCELROY CO.
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B R I DA L C U S TO M E R P H OTO S
MICHAEL FREED & HALLIE ORN Columbus, OH | Engaged October 25, 2020
THE ASK Hallie set up what she thought was a family fall photoshoot at Briggs Park with their new puppy, Waffles. Little did she know it would turn into an engagement photo session.
THE RING This was Hallie’s dream ring, and she couldn’t stop staring at photos of it after we came in to try on different styles.
SHE CAN’T WAIT TO BE WEARING HER RING WHEN... We go on a European adventure!
THE MOMENT SHE KNEW IT WAS FOREVER When I gave her a breakdown of my favorite seasons of The Real Housewives and castmates on our third date.
ALLISON FREED PHOTOGRAPHY
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B R I DA L C U S TO M E R P H OTO S
WIL RUOFF & JENACA ROGERS Grove City, OH Engaged August 16, 2019
THE RING Jenaca loves sunflowers, so Wil custom made the ring to resemble a flower.
THE ASK Wil took Jenaca to a sunflower patch with his brother for what he said was a photoshoot. “What about this pose?” he asked, and got down on one knee.
SHE CAN’T WAIT TO BE WEARING HER RING WHEN... We travel the world together.
AUSTIN FU & MADELINE CROSBY Columbus, OH | Engaged August 15, 2020
THE MOMENT WE KNEW IT WAS FOREVER We have been together since we were seniors in high school. We knew at a young age that we would be together forever.
THE ASK Austin left me a note with instructions to meet him at the Park of Roses. He was standing in front of a fountain surrounded by roses. It felt like something out of a romantic movie!
SHE CAN’T WAIT TO BE WEARING HER RING WHEN... She graduates from her masters program.
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M Y L A G O S M Y W AY
C AV I A R C O L L E C T I O N S
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G R OW I N G A L E G AC Y As a kid, Alex Johnson relished walking into Diamond Cellar with a tiny suit and clipon tie to match his dad. Now, the musician and arts lover marks the third generation in the business his grandfather founded almost 75 years ago. And much like the father he loves, idling isn’t in his DNA. In 2020, Alex spearheaded the opening of a Diamond Cellar and Rolex shop in Nashville. Next, he’s helping his father expand the company’s portfolio to eight stores by introducing Diamond Cellar to the Tulsa market and opening luxury accessories resale brand Store 5a in Nashville with his brother, Jesse. His ultimate dream? To turn what started as a jewelry repair shop in Downtown Columbus, Ohio into a billion-dollar business. Here, meet the husband, father and bourbon aficionado on the move.
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HENRY PHOTOGRAPHY
WHAT ARE YOUR EARLIEST MEMORIES OF THE FAMILY BUSINESS? I remember going to work with my dad, and back then, he used to always wear a suit. Not wanting to be out of place, I would wear a tiny suit and a clip-on tie to be like him. His assistant would give me a typewriter and a stack of papers. I loved going at it on the typewriter.
DID YOU ALWAYS DREAM OF GOING INTO THE FAMILY BUSINESS? I always wanted to be an entrepreneur, because that’s what I saw my dad do. I just wasn’t sure I wanted to do it in this industry. I thought I wanted to be a musician. I was fortunate enough to go to school in New York (The King’s College). I also was fortunate enough to have a dad who made me work. I had multiple jobs, including one with jeweler Fred Leighton. We were dressing royalty and celebrities and dealing with some of the rarest stones in the world, and I thought, “Who wouldn’t want to do this?”
YOU LATER GRADUATED FROM THE GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA TOO. WHAT INTERESTS YOU ABOUT JEWELRY? When someone gives you jewelry, it has this magical ability to supersede reality. In these really crazy times, people are searching for ways to share love and show significance. Jewelry’s always been a way of doing that.
AND WHAT INTERESTS YOU ABOUT THE BUSINESS OF JEWELRY? I like building. I have a passion for growth— personal and otherwise.
IN A THROW-AWAY, FASTFASHION WORLD, WHY IS FINE JEWELRY STILL RELEVANT? Fast fashion will always have a place. But fine jewelry exists for the same reason fine dining and other fine things exist: You want something exceptional.
WHAT DOES JEWELRY MEAN TO PEOPLE? To some, it’s a capstone on an achievement—an external realization of an internal feeling. For others, it’s self-care. This notion that you have to wait for someone else to buy you jewelry no longer exists; you can gift yourself what you want. For some—like avid watch collectors—it’s a competitive thing. For others, it’s an aesthetic thing. For many, it’s a reminder of love— something gifted or passed down. It means so much.
YOU EMPLOY SOME OF THE MOST HIGHLY SKILLED DESIGNERS IN THE WORLD. WHAT ARE THEY LIKE? We’re not an assembly line. These are artisans using their hands to craft unique pieces from unique materials. It takes so many years to understand heat, polishing, setting and all the technical aspects. The pieces we make have to last for generations. We have designers who have been here 36, 37 years, and they’ll tell you they’re still honing their craft. They’ve devoted their lives to it. They are the best.
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STEPHEN WEBSTER IS DESIGNING A ONE-OF-A-KIND BAR FOR THE DIAMOND CELLAR STORE IN NASHVILLE. HOW DID THAT COME TO BE? We love hanging out. He once asked, “How do I spend more time in Nashville?” At the same time, he had been working on some homeware and barware and was showing them in a pop-up he called No Regrets Lounge. Dad and I were eating one night and said, “What if Steven made his No Regrets Lounge a permanent thing in our Nashville store?” That’s usually how all of our good or bad ideas start—on a bar napkin or at a meal.
SPEAKING OF BARS, YOU ARE VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT BOURBON. LET’S DISCUSS. I grew up around parents who loved the notes of wine. They can tell you what is French, Italian, Californian. It’s the closest thing to a hobby my dad has. Wanting to find something of my own— and during a time in life when I was watching “Mad Men”—I fell in love with bourbon. To commemorate the opening of our Nashville store, I wanted to procure a really special bourbon. I was able to source the entire output of a nine-year single barrel Willett bourbon. I got to give it to my friends at Rolex who totally changed my life and career with our partnership—and to some of our very first Nashville customers too. It was pretty great.
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WHERE DO YOU ENVISION TAKING THE BUSINESS? Turning this into a billion-dollar company is going to be tough. That’s a big number. But I think the middle of America is overlooked by most luxury companies. They focus on the coasts. But having grown up here and seen what my dad has done in Columbus, I know firsthand that there is an audience here that appreciates luxury and is hungry for it. There is massive potential. But I don’t think it makes sense for brand partners like Rolex, Chanel and Cartier to build their own stores. So if we can build the stores, staff the stores, and then bring all these luxury brands together for people, everybody wins.
YOUR GRANDFATHER AND FATHER BOTH PRIDE THEMSELVES ON INTEGRITY ABOVE ALL ELSE. HOW DOES IT TRANSLATE TO HOW YOU RUN THE BUSINESS? There are so many ways that buying a diamond is confusing. Intentionally. So I think a lot of people take advantage of their customers. They’re worried about your buck today and not your happiness tomorrow. We’ve always taken a very transparent approach. I also don’t think a lot of jewelry stores take it upon themselves to do charity work and be a good member of the community. We have. We’ve also always prioritized our ability to take the high road. We’ve never had to make a decision out of financial desperation. We’ve never had to rip off anyone or go back on a contract. We keep our word. Our brands trust us to do the right thing, and our customers trust us to do the right thing—even when nobody is looking.
YOUR FIRST BIG MOVE AS A COMPANY LEADER WAS EXPANDING TO NASHVILLE. WHY THERE? Growing up as a musician, Nashville was the place to be. I visited as much as I could for the music scene, the creativity, the energy. My wife was dancing some with a company there, and she loved it too for all the reasons I did. So we personally liked the city already. If we were going to have a second home somewhere, Nashville was going to be our spot. From a business standpoint, the corporate landscape was compelling, and the economic landscape was compelling too. Plus, I had good contacts in Nashville who understood the real-estate market enough to help me scout and secure a great location and great construction partners. I want to make this a billion-dollar business. Nashville was the next best move for growth.
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YOU LOVE INTERACTING WITH CUSTOMERS. ANY GREAT MOMENTS YOU CAN SHARE? An elderly gentleman once walked in for a watch appraisal. The appraiser brought me the watch and said he wasn’t confident putting a value on it. I noticed immediately that it was a vintage Rolex Daytona. I then looked at the case back, which was engraved December 25, 1965. We called the customer and asked if he was the only owner. “Yeah,” he said. “My wife bought it for me for Christmas in 1965.” She had paid a couple hundred dollars, he noted. Needless to say, I had the pleasure of telling the customer that his watch was worth way more than a couple hundred dollars now.
FAVORITE PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU’VE PERSONALLY GIFTED? My wife’s engagement ring, which was my grandmother’s ring that I had a Forevermark diamond put into. There is an inexplicable amount of joy involved in giving a ring to the person you love and having her accept that token.
YOU HAVE TWO VERY YOUNG CHILDREN. HOW DO THEY AFFECT HOW YOU SEE THE WORLD? They’ve really impacted how I look at time— that’s the biggest change. I try to be more intentional about how I use mine now. And they’ve given me a level of contentment.
WATCHES ARE YOUR JAM. HAVE YOU BOUGHT ANY FOR YOUR BOYS YET THAT YOU’LL SOMEDAY PASS ON?
ALEX’S TOP 10 WORKOUT Peloton RESTAURANT Noodies Thai in NYC, and I love the Refectory in Columbus STRESS RELIEVER Songwriting MUSICIAN OR GROUP Right now, The 1975, Lana Del Ray and Jamie T CITY Paris or London VACATION SPOT Hawaii BOOK Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand and the Bible PLACE TO FIND INSPIRATION Probably on an airplane or on a run PIECE OF JEWELRY A gold coin necklace I bought when Levi was born, because it reminds me of my grandpa WORDS TO LIVE BY I will not be a passive observer of my own life
A Rolex Pepsi that I wear now that will someday be Levi’s. And I’ll buy a Patek for Wyatt. I’m working on it.
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HENRY PHOTOGRAPHY
Alex Johnson with his wife, Taylor, and sons, Levi and Wyatt
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THE COLLECTION DIAMOND CELLAR Flagship Store, Columbus, OH DIAMOND CELLAR Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH STORE 5A Columbus, OH DIAMOND CELLAR Nashville, TN ROLEX SHOP Nashville, TN STORE 5A Nashville, TN Opening Summer 2021 BRUCE G. WEBER DIAMOND CELLAR Tulsa, OK DIAMOND CELLAR Tulsa, OK Opening Winter 2021
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THE ART OF THE DREAM “The principles of true art is not to portray,” novelist Jerzy Kosiński said, “but to evoke.” Indeed. Diamond Cellar relishes art in all forms—from jewelry to painting, clothing to dance, food to music. Here, meet three artists of various genres who inspire us with their abilities to evoke joy.
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THE MURALIST Muralist Aaron Whisner’s Clean Hands painting crew has painted for noteworthy organizations around the country, from Pepsi and AnheuserBusch to the Oklahoma Thunder and Philbrook Museum. The Tulsa native’s work can be seen everywhere from street murals across Tulsa to inside Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop in Nashville to the Short North district in Columbus.
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WHAT DREW YOU TO ART IN GENERAL? I grew up around it as a kid. My mom is a designer. I was probably the only kid in school that had to do my papers in QuarkXPress. Ha! In high school, my art teacher was very formative. She started the first AP art program in the state, got us a wall to paint graffiti on at our school and really pushed us to pursue art as a living.
IN A YEAR THAT WAS CHALLENGING ON MANY FRONTS, WHAT HAS INSPIRED YOU? Being around my 6-year-old daughter, Eva, almost all the time now has been super inspiring. It’s rad to see her development. We collaborate a lot on paintings, and she’s been able to be around more to see my work and process.
WHAT OTHER ARTISTS DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? Faile (@faileart), Pose (@tenderj), Broken Fingaz (@brokenfingaz) and Cody Hoyt (@codyhoyt). And the local homies Baney (@mrbaney), Bson (@jakebson) and No Parking Studios (@noparkingstudios).
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AS AN ARTIST? Through co-managing Clean Hands, my greatest reward is always seeing young artists get inspired by what we do and continue to grow the scene.
WHY IS ART IMPORTANT? I think explanation kills art. Whatever answer I gave wouldn’t be enough. PHOTOS COURTESY OF AARON WHISNER
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THE DAN CE R Rachael Parini, a company member with BalletMet in Columbus, has also danced with the American Repertory Ballet, Nashville Ballet and The Washington Ballet. Favorite roles include Moyna in Edwaard Liang’s Giselle and Cygnets in Kirk Peterson’s Swan Lake. Parini also was a National Merit Scholar and former intern with the Department of Homeland Security. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international affairs with minors in political science and Italian.
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YOU STOPPED DANCING TO PURSUE YOUR COLLEGE EDUCATION. WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE? I wanted to focus on academia and work for the government and live in Italy. I had a whole plan. But it was actually a Facebook message from Andrea Long, a former dancer with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, that got me back into ballet. She said she’d watched my career and wanted to know if I was still dancing because she thought I should be. I don’t even know how to describe how Earth-shattering that was for me. She was one of my ballet idols growing up. I whipped myself into the best shape I possibly could. I don’t think I felt like I had accomplished what I could yet. I figured it was worth taking one more shot at it so there wouldn’t be any what-ifs or regrets.
ARTISTS HAVE OBVIOUSLY BEEN HARD HIT BY COVID. ESPECIALLY IN AN ARTFORM WHEN AGE LIMITS THE LENGTH OF YOUR CAREER, WHAT HAS THE SHUTDOWN MEANT FOR YOU? It definitely made me feel it—the mortality of my career. Trying to stay motivated to stay in shape at 32 was difficult. With everything going on in society and politics too, it wasn’t a great time mentally. It was one of those things where I had a long period of feeling like there was so much more that I could be doing outside of ballet. I felt selfish for pursuing it. It took talking to my parents and husband and sister for me to recognize that it’s not selfish to follow your dreams, because it encourages other people to follow their dreams. If I chose to walk away, to retire during the pandemic, I would be back to wondering “what if” and not feeling fulfilled. Our life experiences color so much of what we bring to the stage, and I wanted to find a voice in all of this and come out on the other side and be stronger.
WHAT OTHER ARTISTS DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? The chocolatier Amaury Guichon. It’s fascinating to watch him create all of these whimsical things out of chocolate. As far as fashion, Monse is one of my favorite fashion houses. And Michael Bondanza created my wedding and engagement ring. I love my rings. He’s a sculptor turned jeweler, and his stuff is architectural and contemporary, yet classic. I’m very much obsessed.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AS AN ARTIST? I would say at this point, it’s my determination. Being a woman of color, I’ve been tempted to stop or give up. It would have been easy to quit. But I didn’t, and part of it is because I’m stubborn. It’s helped me not let temporary setbacks become permanent regrets. I’ve never been more thankful that I didn’t let myself give up.
WHY IS ART IMPORTANT? I think imagination is so important, and art is the way to get your imagination out for other people to see. There are so many different ways to make the world a better place, and I feel like art is one of them. It’s a type of joy you don’t get in other places. It brings joy to people in a way that only art can. It’s subjective, but I think that’s what makes it special.
HAVE YOU LEARNED ANYTHING NEW DURING THIS TIME? I learned how to bake! I had never baked before. I’ve perfected a couple of different cookie recipes, and I’ve learned how to make bread. That was a big thing for me.
PHOTOS BY JENNIFER ZMUDA
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T H E F E S T I VA L MASTERMIND
Nashville resident Adam Lynn is co-founder and president of Prime Social Group, an international events group that has produced 1,200 shows from the midwest to Barcelona featuring artists from The Chainsmokers to Kendrick Lamar. Lynn helps oversee more than 20 music fests a year, including Breakaway, which includes shows in Columbus, Nashville and elsewhere.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF PRIME SOCIAL GROUP
YOU, LIKE MANY ARTISTS, WERE OBVIOUSLY HARD HIT BY COVID. HOW HAS IT FORCED YOU TO PIVOT AND GET EVEN MORE CREATIVE? We’ve done a couple of livestream events that have been really successful, and we converted the old Westland Mall in Columbus into a drive-in music venue. We produced about 20 shows there throughout the fall of 2020 and plan to do more this spring. A lot of people in the industry treated this time as time off, but we’ve been pretty active and really are fighting for survival. It’s been a challenging period, but it feels like there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
WHAT ARTIST DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? I really love Tiësto. He was my initial inspiration in terms of entering the EDM world. I’d seen him in Ibiza, and it was a life-changing moment and ultimately inspired me to want to start bringing these events to the U.S. Now he’s a good friend of mine. It’s inspiring that after 30-plus years in the industry, he still loves playing and loves being a part of it.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AS AN ARTIST? Putting on a concert is a big feat, but organizing and producing these festivals is a whole other challenge. Not only are we curating the artists that are performing but also the food, the art, the merchandise. There are so many small nuances that go into the planning. My favorite thing is when it’s all said and done and we’re out there and people are just having a blast, and we know they’re having an amazing time because of a dream we had. It’s been a fun ride, and we’re not done yet.
WHY IS ART IMPORTANT? Everyone needs a release. I saw it last year when we had to cancel Breakaway, and we had so many people reach out and say it was a void for them. It’s an activity they look forward to every year. That’s how we came up with the name “Breakaway.” It’s your one time of year to leave it all behind and break away.
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ing r sp gift guide GIFTS FOR
M O M S , DA D S ,
G R A D S , & YO U !
ROBERTO COIN ROYAL PRINCESS FLOWER BRACELET $14,200, OPERA BANGLE $4,800, POIS MOI DIAMOND RING $3,700 LAGOS CAVIAR ROPE DIAMOND BRACELET $10,000
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SLOANE STREET Turquoise Baguette Station Band $2,610
CARTIER Maillon de Cartier $120,000 KWIAT Diamond Eclipse Line Bracelet $23,400 DAVID YURMAN Diamond and Malachite Cable Elements Enhancer $2,850
DAVID YURMAN Convertible Drop Earrings $2,900
FOREVERMARK Black Label Diamond Earrings $2,336
FERNANDO JORGE Diamond Sequence Band $5,450
MIKIMOTO Pearl Bracelet $770 MARCO BICEGO
CHANEL
Jaipur Stud in Blue Topaz $1,460
Première Rock Watch $5,050
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POMELLATO LAGOS
Fantina Diamond Ring $6,450
Color Switch Gold & Diamond Earrings $5,900
CHARLES KRYPELL ROBERTO COIN Diamond Sauvage Privé Cuff $9,500
White Mother of Pearl & Diamond Les Fleurs Studs $1,600, Necklace $1,850
OMI PRIVÉ Paraiba Tourmaline, Purple Sapphire and Diamond Earrings $76,000
ELIZABETH LOCKE Gold and Diamond Earrings $5,575 PENNY PREVILLE 3-Ring Constellation Band $6,995
Gold Bee and Diamond Earrings $6,550
ARMENTA Stacking Bands starting at $490
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ORIS Aquis Date Relief $2,100
STEPHEN WEBSTER
RAYMOND WEIL
Smoking Gun Highball Glass $300, Shot Glass $200
Maestro Moon Phase $1,595
Decanter $3,700, Martini Glass $220
DAVID YURMAN
ROLEX
CARTIER
Chevron Rubber Weave Bracelet $395
Submariner Date $9,550
Santos de Cartier $7,450
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DAVID YURMAN Box Chain Necklace $2,800
GRAND SEIKO
DAVID YURMAN
Heritage Collection SBGR301 $4,300
Deco Cigar Band Ring $425
ROLEX
WILLIAM HENRY
Day-Date 40 $39,250
Smokey Quartz Spearpoint Sable Pocket Knife $750
TAG HEUER
TUDOR
PATEK PHILIPPE
Carrera $2,400
Black Bay $3,800
5196P-001 $40,810
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DANA REBECCA Millie Ryan Necklace $990
DIAMOND CELLAR
WILLIAM HENRY
Script Ohio Necklace $249
Citrine Bolt II Honeycomb
Helmet Vertical Bar Necklace $295
Luxury Pen $495
Black Diamond & Ruby Script Ohio Dog Tag $4,995
SLOANE STREET Turquoise Bangle Bracelet $4,370 NOMOS Tangente 33 Champagne $1,760
CENTO BY ROBERTO COIN
ORIS
STORE 5A
Dolce Diamond Rings starting at $2,000
Aquis Date Calibre $3,500
Nike Dunk High “Pure Platinum” $220
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PENNY PREVILLE Marquise & Round Constellation Band $2,500
STORE 5A Pre-Owned Gucci “GG” Marmont 2.0 Matelassé Bucket Bag $1,650
MICHAEL BONDANZA Signature Locket $7,690
WILLIAM HENRY White Topaz and Fossilized Bison Bone Lancet Pocket Knife $1,250
PESAVENTO Timeless Oval Hoop Earrings $425
LAGOS Luna Pearl Omega Back Earrings $650
TAG HEUER Autavia $3,350
DAVID YURMAN
CHANEL
DANA REBECCA
Diamond and Black Onyx Elements Ring $495
Coco Crush Beige Gold Ring $1,250
Millie Ryan Three Burst Earrings $990
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FERNANDO JORGE White Mother of Pearl and Diamond Orbit Studs $2,850
POMELLATO Iconica Ring with Various Gemstones $5,550
DAVID YURMAN Convertible Pendant Necklace $3,900
DAVID YURMAN Tiger’s Eye Spiritual Beads Bracelet $495
MICHAEL BONDANZA Amethyst Madison Ring $3,190 ASSAEL Silk Collection Pearl Earrings $1,950
KWIAT
PATEK PHILIPPE
Diamond and Color Stone Stacking Rings starting at $900
Twenty~4 $27,800
CHRISTOPHER DESIGNS Diamond L’Amour Three Stone Ring $18,200
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MIKIMOTO Akoya Pearl Necklace $920
ROLEX
FERNANDO JORGE
Lady-Datejust $15,500
Fusion Necklace $26,900
MARCO BICEGO FOREVERMARK
Mixed Gemstone Multi-Strand Bracelet $3,630
Diamond Earrings $1,876
CARTIER Large Santos de Cartier $7,100
OMI PRIVÉ Alexandrite and Diamond Ring $100,000 DAVID YURMAN
STORE 5A
Forged Carbon Cufflinks $1,495
Pre-Owned Louis Vuitton “On the Go” MM $2,995
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WHALE OF A DIFFERENT COLOR Author Herman Melville was born too early to wear the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, but he would have enjoyed its spirit of adventure. BY CHRISTEN FISHER
“I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote,” wrote Herman Melville in his masterpiece novel Moby Dick. “I love to sail forbidden seas, and land on barbarous coasts.” Rolex’s relationship with the ocean and the planet is well documented. Since its inception more than 100 years ago, the brand has demonstrated an everlasting itch to explore and perpetuate our planet from the profound depths of our oceans to the extreme peaks of our mountain ranges. Through both the design and craftsmanship of its timepieces and its deeply engrained philanthropic spirit, Rolex has dedicated itself to navigating and preserving Melville’s forbidden seas and barbarous coasts. It has not often been concerned with whimsy—except for a brief moment more than 40 years ago when it debuted the colorful Stella dials on the DayDate. Made in the 1970s and early 1980s in very small numbers and available on precious metal and gem-set pieces only, these dials were lacquered with exceptionally bright colors mixed by hand and then applied in layers, creating a deep rich gloss. Though rumors abound that the line was named in honor of Frank Stella, an iconic American painter of the postwar minimalist movement noted for his use of geometric shapes and vivid colors, watch historians say Rolex named the dials
Stella after the company in Geneva that created the lacquer. In any case, these dials represented a considerable departure from Rolex’s pragmatic tool watch identity. Though made to the same exacting standards as all Rolex watches, the line never found the same level of commercial success as its brethren. The Stella was terminated quickly, and only a few remain in existence today. With time, of course, comes appreciation for creative departures, and today’s collectors and aficionados regard the Rolex Day-Date with a Stella dial as something of a white whale— or more accurately an oxblood, red, orange, blue, green, turquoise, peach, salmon, pink, yellow or purple whale, depending on the rarity of the find. If, however, an epic Melvillian quest does not fit your plans, but the vibrant beauty and rare whimsy of a Rolex Stella dial combined with the legendary precision and reliability of a Rolex fits your style, then consider Rolex’s recently revised Oyster Perpetual collection. It includes a choice of vibrant dials reminiscent of the Stella line as well as more traditional colorways in sizes ranging from 28-millimeter to 41-millimeter. Offered in Oystersteel and with a clean, modern design, the new Oyster Perpetual boasts lacquer dials in candy pink, turquoise
blue, yellow, coral red and green in addition to sunray-finished dials in silver, black and blue. All sizes and colorways have Chromalight displays in which the hands and hour markers are coated or filled with a luminescent material that emits a long-lasting blue glow in dark conditions. These watches are not only strikingly beautiful, but in keeping with Rolex’s exacting standards, highly functional and durable as well. The new versions are equipped with the new caliber 3230 movement, a self-winding mechanical movement made of nickelphosphorus, launched by Rolex at the end of 2020. In addition to being insensitive to magnetic fields, the 3230 is fitted with an optimized blue Parachrom hairspring that makes it up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s exceptional efficiency, all models have a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 meters (330 feet), the piece has a middle case crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down, and the Twinlock winding crown, fitted with a double-waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case. The crystal is made
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of virtually scratchproof sapphire. While the waterproof Oyster case provides optimal protection for the watch’s movement, the oyster bracelet assures additional beauty and comfort for the wearer. In Oystersteel with satin-finished top links and polished sides, the Oyster Perpetual is fitted with a folding Oysterclasp and, for the first time, the Easylink comfort extension link which allows the wearer easily to adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 millimeters. Whether you are tormented by an everlasting itch for things remote or for things more vibrant, the exceptional craftsmanship, reliability and whimsical color range of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual wristwatch are sure to satisfy you. Beginning at $5,100 USD. The new generation of Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual watches brings a new model to the range, the Oyster Perpetual 41, shown here with a bright black sunray-finish dial and a silver sunray-finish dial, as well as versions of the Oyster Perpetual 36. The latter displays dials in vivid colors such as yellow, green, coral red, turquoise blue and candy pink, not pictured.
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SPRING TO LIFE A sweet, simple twist to this popular seasonal sip will add an instant bounce to your step.
POMEGRANATE AND GINGER PALOMA INGREDIENTS ¼ cup water ¼ cup honey 1 fresh ginger, sliced into coins 6 mint leaves, plus more to garnish 2 cups pomegranate juice 2 cups grapefruit juice ½ cup lime juice 1 cup tequila 2 cups grapefruit-flavored soda pomegranate seeds, to serve
INSTRUCTIONS In a small saucepan over mediumlow heat, combine the water, honey and ginger. Simmer 2-3 minutes, then add the mint leaves and cover. Allow to steep 10-15 minutes, then strain out ginger and mint.
GETTY IMAGES
In a pitcher, combine the syrup, pomegranate juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice and tequila. Before serving, top with soda and serve over ice with fresh mint and pomegranate seeds. Refrigerate leftovers.
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WATCHMAKER WITH A HEART This company’s timepieces brighten the lives of generations of children —and not just those lucky enough to inherit them. BY CHRISTEN FISHER
“You never actually own a Patek,” Patek Philippe’s advertisements often say. “You merely look after it for the next generation.” On the surface, that’s a marketing slogan that communicates the brand’s commitment to being the finest watchmaker in the world. It assures collectors and enthusiasts that each timepiece Patek creates is worthy of being passed down as an heirloom, a legacy. But those words are more than a slogan; they’re a motto that attests not only to the merits of the brand’s products, but also to its enduring values.
The 42-millimeter watch features a black dial with a manually executed vertical satin finish, and it’s presented on a vintage black calfskin strap with contrast stitching. Its sapphire-crystal case back exposes the self-winding caliber 324 S C FUS and bears the inscription “Children Action 2018.” Prior to auction, the watch was put on view for collectors and enthusiasts in Geneva, Hong Kong and New York before returning to Geneva, where on Oct. 15, 2018, it fetched 2.3 million CHF (Swiss francs), or about $2.6 million USD for Children Action.
For more than 175 years, cultivating the next generation and caring for its legacy have been as much a part of Patek Philippe’s DNA as fine Swiss watchmaking. As the last independent, family-owned Genevan manufacturer, Patek Philippe is a champion and supporter of Children Action, a Swiss foundation established in 1994 to provide hands-on assistance to children and adolescents regardless of their nationality, culture or religion. The foundation manages various projects around the globe, such as the prevention of youth suicides. It offers psychosocial assistance and access to health care, education and food, as well as support for children with cancer, adhering always to its own belief that “the first human right is the right to a childhood.” Patek Philippe’s concern for future generations extends far beyond its clients’ progeny and its own to the health and wellbeing of all the world’s children.
Though the titanium version of the Ref. 5524 was an exclusive offering for a very special purpose, it is possible to be part of Patek’s tradition of fine watchmaking and commitment to future generations by considering the current collection’s Calatrava Pilot Travel Time. The Ref. 5524 is available in white gold with a blue dial or in rose gold with a brown dial. For those who prefer a more modestly sized watch, there is also a 37.5-millimeter version, Ref. 7234, offered in the same colorways. Both the 5524 and the 7234 Calatrava Pilot Travel Time contain the same movement as the Children Action watch. A mechanical self-winding movement with a sweep seconds hand, the caliber 324 S C FUS boasts a dual time-zone mechanism that indicates both local and home time with day/night indicators in apertures on either side of the dial.
To this noble end, since 2005 Patek Philippe has been creating one-of-akind watches and donating them for auction with all proceeds benefiting Children Action. Most recently, in 2018 Patek created Ref. 5524T-010, the first and only titanium version of the Ref. 5524 Calatrava Pilot Travel Time. A very resilient and lightweight metal, titanium is rarely used for Patek Philippe timepieces, adding to the singularity of this custom timepiece.
The blue dials have white gold applied numerals with luminescent coating and baton-style luminous hands in blued white gold. The brown sunburst dials have subtle black gradation toward the periphery, gold applied numerals with a luminescent coating and baton-style luminous hands in rose gold. Both the white and rose gold versions feature sapphire-crystal case backs and are water-resistant up to 60 meters. Beginning at $48,500.
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51 Patek Philippe Ref. 7234R in rose gold with a brown sunburst dial; Calatrava Pilot Travel Time 7234G in white gold with a blue dial; Ref. 5524G in silver with a black dial.
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“There are so many different ways to make the world a better place, and I feel like art is one of them. It brings joy to people in a way that only art can. It’s subjective, but I think that’s what makes it special.” – R A C H A E L PA R I N I , B A L L E T M E T D A N C E R
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CENTO COLLECTION
the le xing ton collec tion
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