Hamilton Spring/Summer 2024

PRINCETON

DEAR FRIENDS,

We’re thrilled to present you with the newest issue of ACCENT magazine, for spring and summer 2024—a sign, not unlike those tiny violet flowers currently dotting our lawns, that spring is finally here.

We’ve always loved spring, and not just because everything around us is unfurling with fresh, vibrant life. At Hamilton, we’ve always seen this season as a time of optimistic renewal. It’s the time of year when we host our annual employee recognition events and team member reviews to acknowledge each person’s growth over the past year and make a plan for moving forward with renewed vigor. We’ve never been more heartened to see how enthusiastically our team continues to embrace new challenges and employ new learnings each and every day. And, with that in mind, we created an internal Client Experience Team comprising the company’s brightest talents across stores, departments, and tenure, all working together to create different approaches to enhancing the Hamilton client experience.

April is also when we journey to Geneva, Switzerland, for the annual Watches & Wonders event and immerse ourselves in the awe-inspiring and artful practice of watchmaking. Through interactive exhibits and salons, we learn about what’s new in the world of fine timepieces from the most revered brands in the world. We find that the natural beauty surrounding us during this season reflects our passion for the arts in our local communities, too. From The Society of the Four Arts, in Palm Beach, to the Princeton University Art Museum and the Arts Council of Princeton, Hamilton supports and celebrates its area art organizations as invaluable incubators of culture, creativity, and community.

On a more personal note, spring has brought us perhaps the greatest gift of all: a new addition to the Siegel family, Oliver, the beautiful son of Ben and Caroline. We are filled with gratitude for this remarkable blessing and for all of the moments like this one that we’ve had the good fortune to mark and celebrate alongside our clients since 1912.

Please enjoy this issue with our compliments, and we hope to see you in the Palm Beach and Princeton stores very soon. Happy reading.

HANK B. SIEGEL, PRESIDENT AND C.E.O. @HAMILTONCEO

ANDREW I. SIEGEL, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Hamilton

Hamilton Happenings

Hamilton Home Fetes its First Anniversary

The corner of Witherspoon and Spring streets, in Princeton, was bedecked in its festive best as Hamilton celebrated the first anniversary of the Hamilton Home store. The November 2023 event—which also served as the official kick-off to the holiday shopping season—was awash in good cheer and goodies for all.

Visitors took a break from the season’s hustle and bustle to browse Hamilton’s gorgeous holiday décor, entertaining, and gift items while enjoying sparkling beverages and celebratory sweet treats from local vendors including The Bent Spoon.

Shoppers snapped fun selfies at the “Happy Birthday” photo installation wall, entered to win a raffle of Hamilton Home prizes, and left with complimentary gift bags.

Hamilton Thinks Pink in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This October, Hamilton Jewelers honored Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a series of weeklong “Think Pink!” themed events in each of its three store locations, in Princeton, Palm Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens.

A limited-edition 18k yellow gold and pink opal bracelet was created by Hamilton especially for the occasion, and 100 percent of sales from the custom piece were donated to breast cancer research organizations including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Susan G. Komen, and the YWCA Princeton. An additional portion of proceeds from all other pink jewelry styles sold during the week also benefited the same organizations.

Hamilton and Dinh Van Raise a Glass

In December, Hamilton celebrated its long-standing partnership with luxury jeweler Dinh Van at a private luncheon held at Le Bilboquet Palm Beach.

Guests including Hamilton President and C.E.O. Hank Siegel and his wife Lisette, Hamilton C.O.O. Andrew Siegel, Palm Beach personality and philanthropist Bettina Anderson, and interior designer Charlotte Munder gathered at the elegant Worth Avenue eatery to indulge in elevated French bistro cuisine as they perused the Parisian jeweler’s iconoclastic new designs.

The seated, intimate affair provided the perfect opportunity for attendees to shop and interact with the Dihn Van collection.

Leading man Ben Affleck wore a variety of watches during a 2017 press tour in support of Justice League On camera, however, his character, Bruce Wayne, wore a platinum Breguet Tradition “Grande Complication” watch with fusée tourbillon.

Getty / Vera Anderson / Contributor

How Do You Like Them Watches

ON THE WRIST OF OSCAR WINNER BEN AFFLECK THERE’S EVIDENCE OF HIS DISCERNING TASTE IN TIMEPIECES—AND HIS ON-AGAIN ROMANCE

What’s old is new again—that’s a fact about actor-filmmaker Ben Affleck when it comes to both his love life and his watches. In 2002, when Affleck and his now wife Jennifer Lopez first started dating, their love made headlines, as did the piece he wore courtside to a Lakers game and in one of her music videos: a Franck Muller Cintrée Curvex on a Chrome Hearts bracelet, a gift from Lopez. So what was he telling the world when he wore that “Bennifer watch” out again in 2021 as they rekindled their romance after 17 years apart?

Many of the 51-year-old Affleck’s timepieces, in fact, tell a story. Take, for example, the Breguet Tradition “Grande Complication” watch with fusée tourbillon, which the Gone Girl star wore in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League playing a titular character’s alter ego, Bruce Wayne, to mixed reviews. The timepiece was a perfect match for his millionaire superhero Batman persona—pretty boy on the outside, with a gold dial showcased under a domed sapphire crystal in a platinum case, workhorse on the inside, with Breguet caliber 569 movement and 50 hours of battery power.

In another of his notable films, 2012’s Oscar-winning Argo, Affleck wore the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea; the Calibre de Cartier was his watch of choice during his 2010 The Town era; and he also owns and often wears the feminine-leaning Ballon Bleu de Cartier, a celebrity favorite with a silver dial, blue hands and a steel crown.

But since he’s been back with J.Lo? Seems Affleck has saved his real A-list watches for the second iteration of his A-list romance. On their 2022 Euro-

WATCHES TO WATCH

Affleck wore the Rolex SeaDweller Deepsea in his 2012 film Argo; critics questioned the historical accuracy of this watch, according to the watch website Hodinkee, because the film was set from 1979 to 1981 and this iteration of the watch wasn’t released until 2008.

When playing Batman in Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League, Affleck wore this platinum Breguet Tradition “Grande Complication” watch with fusée tourbillon.

The iconic Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is a celebrity mainstay, and it was the inspiration for one of Affleck’s custom pieces from Artisans de Genève.

pean honeymoon, Affleck was spotted in a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona customized by Artisans de Genève. It’s a skeleton version of the iconic Daytona customized for Colombian racing driver Juan Pablo Montoya, and it features an automatic 4130 Rolex movement and a tachymeter carbon forged bezel. Another honeymoon highlight was the 44mm Hermès Arceau L’Heure de la Lune, a true style statement and a unique choice from the French fashion house, with its black dial and moon phase complication that rotates around a dial set with two moons made of mother of pearl.

But who’s really surprised? Let’s not forget we’re talking here about the same guy who proposed (the first time) to Jenny from the Block with a 6.1-carat pink diamond engagement ring. Affleck knows jewelry.

Other noteworthy pieces in the Good Will Hunting star’s collection include the Breguet Tradition “Grand Complication” with a skeleton dial and black strap; the A. Lange & Söhne Langematik Perpetual Calendar with a day/night indicator and month display; and a classic Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea with a black dial, luminescent-coated hands and indexes and a date window at 3 o’clock.

Whether this dad of three is running on Dunkin’ (he’s gone from diehard fan to spokesperson for the coffee-and-fast-breakfast brand), PDA-ing with his triple-threat wife, playing a character on screen or promoting his many film projects, actor-director-producer Affleck knows that what he wears on his wrist is only part of his success story. Still, the watch moves he makes are something we’ll continue to watch.

LOVE IN VERONA

As Seen On

ENTERTAINMENT’S MOST SOUGHT-AFTER STARS PAIR THEIR LATEST RED-CARPET LOOKS WITH A DAZZLING ARRAY OF FINE DIAMOND JEWELRY, COMPLIMENTS OF HAMILTON JEWELERS

Oprah Winfrey

The media icon donned a custom Dolce & Gabbana gown in her signature hue along with platinum and purple sapphire drop earrings by Hamilton Jewelers Classics Collection when she attended the Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, in Los Angeles, to receive the Pillar Award for her “exemplary leadership and support” of the museum.

Mariah Carey

Whether she’s posing for paparazzi or sitting for a cover story, Mimi knows how to bring the razzle dazzle. Above, she wears a diamond drop necklace by Hamilton Jewelers Classics Collection for a national magazine interview.

At right, the Hamilton Jewelers Private Reserve chandelier earrings and necklace in platinum with bezel-set diamonds raise the bar on her night-on-the-town little black dress.

Finishing Touches

PUTTING YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD IS A BREEZE WHEN THE FINAL DETAILS ARE SO DAZZLING

From top:

A platinum, 18k yellow gold, and three-stone diamond ring with fancy, light-yellow radiant-cut center diamond.

A pair of platinum and diamond floral-motif dangle earrings.

A platinum and diamond floral-motif necklace.

From the Hamilton Private Reserve Collection

Prices upon request

From top:

A pair of Hamilton Private Reserve Collection 18k white gold and pear-shape diamond earrings.

A Hamilton Private Reserve Collection platinum and emerald-cut diamond necklace.

A Hamilton Private Reserve Collection platinum and 18k yellow gold fancy light-yellow oval and diamond three-stone ring.

A Lisette Collection platinum and emerald-cut diamond bracelet.

From top: A platinum and oval-shape three-stone diamond ring.

A platinum and round-brilliant diamond floral-motif bracelet.

A pair of platinum and mixed-shape diamond chandelier-drop earrings.

A platinum and mixed-shape diamond necklace.

From the Hamilton Private Reserve Collection Prices upon request

Planet Yoga

THIS ANCIENT PRACTICE INSPIRES A GLOBETROTTING QUEST FOR HARMONIES— BETWEEN BODY AND MIND, PEOPLE AND NATURE, RIGOR AND RELEASE

Humans have been touting both the physical and spirtual benefits of yoga since the discipline’s earliest days, believed to date back more than 5,000 years. Though much has changed since the beginning (the introduction of such practices as hot yoga and aerial yoga, for instance), what’s remained the same is yoga’s purpose of creating harmony between mind and body, as well as between humankind and nature. In his newest book, A World of Yoga: 700 Asanas for Mindfulness and Well-Being, renowned yoga instructor Leo Lourdes takes readers on a global tour in celebration of this ancient practice.

At-home sessions in the Hamptons with designer Donna Karan, stretches on a secluded island in the Maldives with model Elle Macpherson, downward dog with singer Dua Lipa as the sun sets over the equator: Lourdes has done and seen it all. Perhaps you too will be inspired to connect with natural surroundings in this way on your next journey.

Clockwise from top right: End the day with waterside sunset meditation in the Sanga Parsva Urdhva Hastasana (gathering half-moon) pose. A sunrise stretch of Surya Ekatak (sun gazing) will get your blood flowing, loosen your muscles and correct your posture—the perfect way to start the day. Midday bayside yoga featuring Parivrtta Banarasana (twisted lunge) can help yogis make the transition from morning activities to an afternoon siesta.

In Record Time

THE FASTEST WAY TO STAY ON TREND IS WITH ONE OF THESE LUXURY TIMEPIECES ON YOUR WRIST

La Dolce Vita

FIND YOUR SWEET BLISS WITH ONE OF THESE CANDY-COLORED, FINE-JEWELRY CONFECTIONS

Clockwise, from top right: A platinum, pink tourmaline, and diamond ring.

A trio of 18k rose gold and pavé diamond bands with ruby, sapphire, or emerald.

A Hamilton Private Reserve Collection platinum, Paraiba tourmaline, and diamond ring.

An 18k yellow gold, multicolor sapphire, and diamond ring.

Club Sport neomatik 39 tabac. A powerful automatic watch in the rich, radiant colors of an Indian summer: tabac, ember, and smoke. With its new diameter of 39.5 millimeters and on a comfortable metal bracelet, Club Sport neomatik 39 makes a statement—and is perfectly proportioned. Featuring sunburst polishing on the dial, powered by the DUW 3001 caliber with the NOMOS swing system, water resistant to 20 atm, and a sapphire crystal case back—yet still only 8.5 millimeters in height. Precision mechanics, made in Glashütte, Germany. Available at the best retailers, such as Hamilton Jewelers. More online: hamiltonjewelers.com and nomos-glashuette.com

Clockwise, from top right: An 18k yellow gold, emerald-cut mint tourmaline, and diamond ring.

A Hamilton Private Reserve Collection platinum and round-brilliant diamond floral-motif bracelet.

A Hamilton Private Reserve Collection platinum, 18k yellow gold, and fancy yellow radiant-cut diamond three-stone ring.

A Hamilton Private Reserve Collection platinum and 18k yellow gold multicolor sapphire and diamond bracelet.

From top: A platinum, single-halo blue tourmaline, and diamond ring.

An 18k yellow gold, seafoam-green tourmaline, and diamond pendant.

From the Hamilton Rare Gemstone Collection Prices upon request

The Briefcase Motorbike

Take along this award-winning compact bike, and it will return the

Portable products are king these days; in 2024 you can take everything from a barbecue grill to a blender to a vacuum cleaner “on the go.” So next time you’re packing up for a camping adventure or a scenic drive, add this electric bike to your list of to-brings— it’s the first full-size motorbike that can transform into the size of a carry-on and inconspicuously blend right in with the rest of your stuff.

The Icoma Tatamel Bike, an import from Japan, is a tiny electric motorcycle that packs a punch despite its petite stature. Its exact specs? Unfolded, the bike is 48.4 inches long, 25.6 inches wide and 39.4 inches tall. Once you fold in the wheels, bars and footpegs, it’s just 27.2 x 10.2, about the size of a briefcase, perfect to keep under your cubicle at work to make your commute more interesting, or in your car’s trunk for spontaneous jaunts wherever your travels take you. It weighs 110 pounds but doesn’t require heavy lifting, as the wheels in the back help scoot it along with ease.

favor

This bike is intended for short meanderings through inner-city streets or trails—it’s not for embarking on a cross-country biking trip. But it can surely get you from point A to point B seamlessly, with a top speed of 25 mph and a range of 19 miles per charge. It’ll charge to its fullest in three hours if plugged into the wall. And if you forgot your phone charger at home, the optional AC output will allow you to power up those personal devices too. This beauty always provides a worry-free commute, freeing you from the headaches of venturing into narrow city streets and finding parking.

All of these bells and whistles earned the Icoma Tatamel a prestigious “CES Innovation Award” at the Consumer Technology Association’s tech trade show in Las Vegas. Another fancy feature is that if this yellow isn’t your thing, you can customize the replaceable side panels to your liking. Essentially, the Tatamel is a transformable toy for big kids with bucks—it retails for $4,000. Learn more at icoma.co.jp/en.

The Icoma Tatamel Bike redefines mixing business with pleasure. Riders can easily and playfully scoot around town on the electric motorcycle before folding the vehicle into a briefcase-size carryall for quick transport into the office.

DIVE PRO PROFESSIONAL DIVING TOOL

ISO

Lucky No. 10

WITH PROMISING TERRAIN AND A FAMOUS NAME BEHIND IT, THE NEW COURSE AT NORTH CAROLINA’S PINEHURST IS 2024’S MOST EXCITING DEBUT

It’s known as “the cradle of American golf,” fertile ground where the game has grown and flourished. It saw its first stirrings of life back in 1895, when Boston soda-fountain magnate James Walker Tufts acquired the acreage that became Pinehurst Resort in the Sandhills region of central North Carolina. To onlookers, it seemed like a frivolous purchase—a vast expanse of exhausted timberland—and Tufts was roundly mocked by locals for his folly.

Little did they know.

In 1897, Pinehurst opened its first golf course, a modest project that gained momentum three years later, when Tufts hired Donald Ross to run golf operations. A Scottish-born golf professional, Ross was a gifted player, but his greatest talent was in golf course architecture. After finetuning the first course, he built a second, aptly named Pinehurst No. 2, which he described as “the fairest test of championship golf I have ever designed.”

The golf world agreed.

With No. 2 as its anchor, Pinehurst evolved into a magnet for major competitions, including the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup, while drawing the greatest talents in the game, from Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan to Arnold Palmer, Babe Zaharias and beyond. As the resort’s reputation grew, so did its arsenal of courses.

A third. A fourth. A fifth. A sixth. Today, Pinehurst is home to nine 18-hole courses. And now another is in the works, the first new course at the resort in nearly three decades: Pinehurst No. 10, a rollicking design that ranks as the biggest headline course opening of 2024.

Like its nine Pinehurst siblings, No. 10 has a marquee name behind it. Its architect is Tom Doak, a looming figure in his trade. Call him the Donald Ross of a modern golf course design. Noted for his work at properties ranging from Bandon Dunes in Oregon to St. Patrick’s in Ireland and Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania, Doak was given a remarkable canvas at Pinehurst. Situated four miles south of the main resort clubhouse, his routing spills through a sandy wonderland of dunes and ridges, incorporating the dramatic humps and hollows left behind by early-20th-century mining operations. Towering pines fringe the property. Creeks and ponds splice and dot the grounds.

Doak has said the site is “topographically distinct and drastically different from anywhere in Pinehurst. It is bigger, bolder and more dramatic.”

In this inviting setting, Doak has delivered a compelling complement to Pinehurst’s other courses—a brawny, rumpled layout that seizes on striking elevation changes, with holes that dip and

By Robert Beringela

rise as much as 75 feet, giving way to views of the entire property. In keeping with Doak’s fondness for find-your-ball fun, fairways are wide—the architect doesn’t want you hunting through the pines for wayward shots—but strategic placement is central to good scoring. You’ve got to place your drives in the right place if you want to have a chance to attack the flag with your next strike. Large, undulating greens will add another layer of intrigue, as will quirky features that follow the natural tilt of the land. Consider the eighth hole, a wild ride of a par-4 that requires a blind tee shot over a Matterhorn-like dune to a fairway with a moonscape’s worth of wrinkles, which tumbles toward a large, punchbowl-shaped green.

In recent months, No. 10 has been open for limited preview play. But the official ribbon cutting is set for early April, and it is sure to cause a stir, though it’s not the only big news out of Pinehurst. In June, the No. 2 course will host the 2024 U.S. Open, marking the fourth time it has staged the national championship. And then there’s this: Though the resort has yet to make a formal announcement, word is that plans are in the works for yet another course, by an equally impressive architect, on equally intriguing land.

Pinehurst No. 11? Something to watch out for in the year ahead.

Opposite page, clockwise from top: The Sandhill region of North Carolina provides Pinehurst No. 10 with an abundance of coarse grass, tall pines and plenty of sand; architect Tom Doak and design associate Angela Moser; large undulating greens encourage golfers to attack the flag.

Two Hulls for the Long Haul

WITH SLEEK DESIGNS AND UNMATCHED EFFICIENCY, CATAMARANS HAVE CATAPULTED INTO THE LUXURY-YACHT CONVERSATION

Records were broken and headlines written when the San Diego Yacht Club sailed the twin-hulled Stars & Stripes to victory in the 1988 America’s Cup regatta. It was the first time a catamaran sailing yacht had raced in the oldest international competition still operating in any sport—and numerous speed standards were set along the way.

Since grabbing that win, catamarans have vastly changed the world of sport sailing, and they’ve raised their profile in the world of luxury yachting. In decades past, aesthetics limited the popularity of catamaran yachts, which were typically boxy and less sexy than traditional monohull designs. But manufacturers such as Lagoon and Sunreef have dramatically improved the looks of these vessels. And here are other reasons why enthusiasts are talking about catamarans:

• Roominess. No matter where you stand, sit or sleep aboard a catamaran, space is rarely an issue. From the cockpit to the cabins to the salon, every area on this yacht feels roomier because the features are spread out over two hulls. This provides ample opportunity to fit in more luxury amenities such as panoramic windows, trampolines, large sunbathing decks and king-sized beds. It’s not unusual for a catamaran to come equipped with four large bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom. Oh, and no more ducking to walk through halls or pass through entryways—there’s always abundant head space in every room.

• Efficiency. Science says a catamaran’s two hulls, in general, improve hydrodynamics when compared with a monohull of similar weight. That’s because dividing the total displacement of water between two hulls reduces drag, or resistance. Increased use of solar power also heightens efficiency. Because of the wide design, there’s more surface space to install solar panels—thus increasing energy production—on a catamaran than there is aboard a monohull.

• Speed and maneuverability. As the Stars & Stripes proved, catamarans are usually faster than monohulls—whether they move via power or sail—because of less drag. This makes it a breeze to cruise local rivers and bays—or the Caribbean or Mediterranean. And the design makes the crafts easier to maneuver in close quarters, as when docking. For starters, an engine is mounted on each hull, allowing a catamaran to pivot easily without the use of the rudders. These yachts also often have shallow drafts, meaning that the keel (the vertical piece that extends downward from the hull to provide stability) does not go far below water line. This allows them to anchor closer to the shore and reach places other yachts cannot go. What’s not to like?

Manufacturers such as Lagoon and Sunreef have improved the design of luxury catamarans. Unlike models from decades ago, which many deemed dull and “boxy,” today’s vessels combine sleek aesthetics with the boat’s overall roominess and efficiency.

Precision for the Fearless

AN INTREPID SWISS RACING TEAM’S HYDROFOIL YACHT IS PUT TOGETHER LIKE A SWISS WATCH—AND WITH A SWISS WATCH AS ITS PARTNER TIMEPIECE

“Between us and the bottom of the sea was less than an inch wood,” writes Jack London in his seafaring adventure novel Sea Wolf, “and yet, I aver it, and I aver it again, I was unafraid.”

The hull of the Alinghi Red Bull Racing AC75 hydrofoil yacht is not made of wood, but rather a proprietary blend carbon, titanium and stainless steel that flies across the at speeds up to 53.3 knots (about 61.3 mph). In the London of rugged fearlessness, an eight-person crew will put Alinghi Bull Racing’s feat of cutting-edge maritime engineering timate test this year in Barcelona, Spain, where they will in the 37th America’s Cup Race.

Tudor has been named a “main partner” in Alinghi Red quest to take home the Auld Mug, as the cup is colloquially to Switzerland. Tudor CEO Éric Pirson has said: “Tudor tory of producing high-quality, precision timepieces for generations in Switzerland, and is renowned for its collaborations in the sporting world, with ambassadors such as David Beckham, wave surfer Nic von Rupp and free-diving World Champion Morgan Bourc’his or the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team. Alinghi Red Bull Racing being a Swiss team with a Swiss boat, we feel it is a natural fit for us, a Swiss company, to join forces, and we are proud to see our watches sailing with the team.” To celebrate this historic partnership, the Swiss watchmaker has unveiled two new Pelagos FXD models: a chronograph and a time-only watch.

The Pelagos FXD and Pelagos FXD Chrono “Alinghi Bull Racing Edition” watches embody the daring spirit required to be a contender in the most competitive yacht race in history. These watches feature high-tech carbon composite cases inserts with crowns, pushers and bezels made of titanium, 316L stainless-steel casebacks engraved with the Alinghi Racing logo. Waterproof to 200 meters, the FXD case design originally developed with French Navy combat divers and fixed strap bars that are machined into the main body of the give the line its name, as FXD stands for FiXeD. The bidirectional 120-notch rotatable bezel is graduated from 60 to 0 to allow tracking of countdowns such as at the start of a regatta.

While both dials are finished in Alinghi Red Bull Racing

By Christen Fisher

with a red-tipped second hand, the chronograph boasts red accents around the counters. The words Bull Racing” overarch the dial on the 45-degree rehaut between 10 and 2. The signature square hour “Snowflake” hands, designed back in the 1960s, from a luminescent ceramic composite to optimize adverse conditions.

in-house movements, both the time-only and chronoboast a “weekend-proof” power reserve of enabling the wearer to take the watch off on Friday and put Monday morning without having to wind it. Presented on straps in blue with red accents and a self-gripping the Pelagos FXD and Pelagos FXD Chrono “AlinEditions” begin at $3,725 and $5,175 respectively. addition to these exciting releases, Tudor has also new Pelagos FXD that pays tribute to the brand’s longstanding relationship with the U.S. Navy. As early as the the Navy was testing and evaluating Tudor diving in several different units. By 1958, it had officially adopted and purchased those watches for divers on various teams. Tudor designed this new Pelagos FXD model to the spiritual successor to those timepieces.

The Pelagos FXD has a 42mm, satin-brushed titacase with a steel caseback and features fixed strap a unidirectional rotating bezel in titanium with a insert. Its matte black dial has applied hour markers signature “Snowflake” hands, both filled with grade X1 Super-LumiNova® luminous material. Powered by the Manufacture Calibre MT5602, this Pelagos FXD, Red Bull Racing Edition siblings, has a 70-hour and is waterproof to 200 meters. It is presented on strap in forest green with a red stripe down the with an additional black rubber strap with a woven Navy-inspired Pelagos FXD begins at $4,150. intention is to sail in a world-class regatta, emocean adventure all your own, or pay tribute to those there, choose a Tudor Pelagos FXD wristwatch unafraid.

Clockwise from top left: red accents around the counters of the the Pelagos FXD Chrono Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition provide a sporty touch; the Pelagos FXD features a matte black dial and a one-piece fabric strap in green with red stripe; each Pelagos FXD Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition watch includes Tudor’s signature “snowflake” hands and a red-tipped second hand inside a high-tech carbon composite case.

Striking a Balance

By JENNIFER P. HENDERSON

TO THE MANOR BORN, LAURENT FERRIER FOLLOWED A RICH FAMILY TRADITION INTO THE WATCHMAKING BUSINESS— AND CREATED A NAMESAKE TIMEPIECE BRAND DISTINCTLY HIS OWN

“I was born and raised in Geneva, Switzerland. And it was a childhood full of joie de vivre.” Third-generation watchmaker Laurent Ferrier, the founder of the independent luxury timepiece brand Laurent Ferrier, describes an idyllic upbringing full of exuberance, spirit, and curiosity. This youthful enthusiasm is an attitude he carried into his adult life, as well, making his many dreams realities, including realizing the full potential of the intricate and exacting craft of watchmaking.

Ferrier grew up surrounded by timepieces: His parents and grandparents were watchmakers. He was particularly taken by the complicated machinations that made the watches tick (literally), and so through inquisitive, close observation and tactile interaction, he became a passionate student of horology. It was this early access to the exceptional timepieces his father and grandfather manipulated in their workshops that set Ferrier on his own path to pursue greatness in the industry.

After graduating with honors at the age of 16 from the École d’Horlogerie de Genève, Ferrier was recruited to work for one of the most important watch brands in Geneva: Patek Philippe. There, he was able to experience and work with all components—inside and out—of a watch, in roles ranging from prototypist watchmaker to overseeing development creation to focusing on the habillage (i.e. the exterior parts of a watch). Ferrier honed his technical watchmaking skills while simultaneously nurturing his other childhood passion of motor racing. For Ferrier, the two pursuits required an analogous set of capabilities: keen mental focus, an exacting attention to detail, and the determination needed to achieve a level of consistency that results in perfection.

So when he decided to take the leap from watchmaking into the automobile industry at the age of 22, it was with the intention that he would parlay his amateur racing career to date into endurance racing. He did, with success and with another unexpected result: It was through racing—indeed competing in one of the greatest motorsports events in the world—that he would meet the person who would not only become his friend, but also his future business partner, François Servanin, who is the president and main shareholder in Laurent Ferrier.

Ferrier would return to the luxury watchmaker where he was given his start, and was entrusted with leading the company’s technical department, and then the creation department, as well. But 37 years would elapse before he felt he had mastered the many techniques and practices required within his industry to strike out on his own, which he did in 2009 at the age of 63 when he and Servanin created the Laurent Ferrier brand.

“I nurtured a dream of making watches that represented my horological values of simplicity, precision, and pure beauty.”

ACCENT: Can you recall your first interaction with a fine watch?

Laurent Ferrier: My father was a watchmaker who restored highly complicated movements. He had a workshop on the first floor of the Place de l’Ile, and we lived on the fourth floor. Whenever I came home from school, I used to walk through his workshop. I was still fairly young, but I became very interested in these complicated objects. I was fortunate to be exposed to these special watches [at such a young age] and it helped me to truly understand them.

ACCENT: When did you decide to make watchmaking your calling, as well?

L.F.: Family tradition was my introduction to the craft. Both my father and my grandfathers worked in the industry, and I wanted to continue the legacy. I went to the Geneva Watchmaking School to study watchmaking, and after graduating, I got a job at Patek Philippe, in the movement-prototype department.

ACCENT: You also had a great passion for motor racing.

L.F.: Automobiles have always had a hold on me. As a young person, I was reading a lot about motorsports, and through that became interested in racing cars. Soon, I started racing as an amateur on the weekends. When I was not working, I was driving race cars—but always as an amateur.

ACCENT: When did it become more than just a hobby for you?

L.F.: At one point in my career, I decided to leave my position at Patek Philippe and got a job working in the car industry for several years. When I returned to Patek, in 1974, in the technical and external parts department, I continued to race cars. I competed in the [endurance racing competition] 24 Hours of Le Mans, between 1975 and 1981, and again in 1979 with my friend François Servanin. We managed to come in third place!

ACCENT: How does your background inform your design? From where do you draw your inspiration?

L.F.: I tend to start with something simple. With the dials, for example, I always consider what could be removed to make it as [streamlined] as possible. Everyday life can also be a source of inspiration. Sometimes all it takes is a look at everyday objects from a different angle to come up with new ideas.

ACCENT: What do you consider a signature Laurent Ferrier timepiece?

L.F.: My first piece, the Galet Classic Tourbillon. It represents my horological values: simplicity, precision, and pure, uncluttered beauty.

ACCENT: And is this simplicity what makes Laurent Ferrier watches so distinctive?

L.F.: Yes. The discretion [we use], the love for pure shapes, and the desire to [create] a watch that you will still want to wear in 50 years.

The iconic Porsche 935 Turbo driven by Ferrier and Servanin at the 47th annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, in 1979.

Ferrier and François Servanin on the podium at Le Mans in 1979. The pair came in third place.

ACCENT: What has been your career highlight?

L.F.: When we launched our first timepiece, the Classic Tourbillon, after winning the “Men’s Watch” prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), in 2010. When I realized we had a customer base to support us, I was able to continue doing what I really enjoy in life— designing timepieces—and [realized] I could develop a [new] product without cannibalizing our existing models, which are still popular.

ACCENT: What have been some of your most memorable Laurent Ferrier collaborations?

L.F.: There have been so many memorable moments. We collaborated with Martin Frei and Felix Baumgartner from Urwerk to design the Arpal One, and created a limited series with Aurel Bacs. I also had the extraordinary opportunity to create my own timepiece with total freedom while working closely with my son, Christian.

ACCENT: Laurent Ferrier and Hamilton Jewelers have enjoyed a long, fruitful working relationship. How do you feel these two heritage brands complement each other?

L.F.: It was unsurprising that our paths crossed. The Laurent Ferrier brand represents a history of friendship and family, just as Hamilton Jewelers

reflects its family legacy. Since 2020, when we first came together, we’ve seen a lot of support from Hank Siegel and Hamilton, which is very important for us as Hamilton Jewelers is one of the leading jewelers in the United States. Both companies share similar values of heritage, tradition, perfection, and exclusivity, and we are proud to be part of their brand selection.

ACCENT: What do you feel has been the key to your success?

L.F.: There are no keys. I honestly think you need luck, experience, and, in design, a strong sense of balance.

ACCENT: What should someone interested in investing in a fine watch consider prior to making a purchase?

L.F.: Without question, buy what you really like and what you would want to wear on a daily basis.

ACCENT: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

L.F.: You should retire now. <laughs>

ACCENT: Where is your “happy place”?

L.F.: I have a fondness for my country, particularly the stunning regions around Geneva.

ACCENT: Do you have time for pursuing any interests outside of your profession and racing?

L.F.: Aside from watchmaking, I have an interest in miniature cars that remind me of watchmaking and cars. And I obviously enjoy spending time with my friends and family, too.

ACCENT: Do you have any words you live by?

L.F.: Albert Einstein said, “Everything is determined by forces over which we have no control. It is determined for the insect as well as for the star. Human beings, vegetables, or cosmic dust—we all dance to a mysterious tune, intoned in the distance by an invisible piper.” That really resonates with me.

ACCENT: What’s next for Laurent Ferrier?

L.F.: My hope for the future is to continue along this path and create pieces our customers will appreciate and cherish. So that, 50 years from now, when a watchmaker opens the back of one of our watches, he’ll say, “Very nicely done.”

ABOVE: Ferrier works alongside his son, Christian, who is the brand’s Head of Product.

OPPOSITE PAGE: The Classic Tourbillon timepiece with a white enamel dial and 18k red gold case. The watch is powered by an exclusive in-house movement that was developed, assembled, and adjusted by Ferrier.

“My hope for the future is to continue along this path and create pieces our customers will appreciate and cherish.”

—Laurent Ferrier

Clockwise from top: The new Ref. 5930P World Time combines a platinum case with brilliant green dial and alligator leather strap; the women’s model Ref. 7130R boasts a bezel set with 62 diamonds, a basketweave motif case in olive green and rose gold; inside the stainless steel case of the Ref. 5935A World Time Flyback Chronograph is a rose gilt dial with carbon motif.

Watches for the World

PATEK PHILIPPE’S WORLD TIME MODELS OFFER LUXURY PLUS FUNCTIONALITY TO A DISCERNING POPULATION ON THE MOVE

Time used to be a local matter. Prior to the mid-19th century, towns and cities around the world relied solely on the relative position of the sun to determine the time of day, which would then be displayed on a centrally located clock on a church steeple, in the town square or in a jeweler’s window. There were no national or international conventions that defined how time should be measured.

While astronomers in Greenwich, England, had established mean time (time measured by a pendulum clock) in the 1670s, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) was of no practical use, except to sailors who used it to calculate their position at sea on transoceanic journeys. For the average citizen, long-distance travel was so slow that standardized time was irrelevant. Then came the railroads.

As tracks began to crisscross entire continents, the need for an international time standard became imperative. In 1876, Sir Sandford Fleming, chief engineer of the Canadian Pacific Railway, spent a night frustrated in an Irish train station having missed the last departure—as well as other connections—because of the time discrepancies between towns. Fleming’s misadventure inspired him to solve what he knew would become a universal problem. In 1884 at the International Prime Meridian Conference in Washington, D.C., he advocated for the adoption of a standard time with hourly variations from it according to a system of 24 time zones dispersed around the globe. Essentially, his system is still in use today.

Ten years after the International Prime Meridian Conference, a man named Louis Cottier was born in Carouge, Switzerland. He grew up to be a talented and sought-after independent watchmaker. Having graduated from the Geneva School of Horology, he won two prizes from Patek Philippe while still an apprentice. He worked as a master horologist for several major brands, and even was entrusted with the restoration of Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf’s personal watch collection. But Cottier remained humble, working in the backroom of his wife’s book and stationery shop, where he made desk clocks, pocket watches and handmade prototypes including wristwatches without hands, watches with jumping digital hours, and fantastical jacquemarts (mechanized human figures in clockwork) and automata (self-propelled devices). And it was there, in 1931, that Cottier invented the “Heure Universelle,” or the “World Time” mechanism.

Originally created as a pocket watch for a local jeweler, the World Time was the first complication to display the time in all 24 time zones simultaneously. It quickly gained attention from luxury watchmakers. In 1937, Patek Philippe approached Cottier about producing the World Time as a wristwatch, and in 1940 the company launched the World Time Ref. 1415 with a cloisonné enamel dial. Cottier refined the design in 1953 by uncoupling the time zone mechanism from the movement, so the hour hand could be moved without affecting the regular progression of the minute hand. Six years later, Patek patented the system.

By Christen Fisher

World travel has become ubiquitous in the years since Sir Sandford Fleming pushed to standardize time. The need to know the local time at a glance anywhere in the world is relevant to everyone who dares to venture beyond their front door. Patek Philippe World Time watches fulfill this need in exemplary ways.

The three newest timepieces in the World Time Collection are essential for today’s stylish and discerning world traveler. For ladies, Patek offers the Ref. 7130R World Time in a stunning combination of olive green and rose gold. For gentlemen, Patek has combined two emblematic complications to offer World Time Flyback Chronographs in Refs. 5930P and 5935A.

These three timepieces display all 24 time zones simultaneously with the local time prominently displayed for the time zone whose assigned city name is just above the small red arrow at 12 o’clock—in the classic manner with the hour and minute hands. In the other 23 time zones, the times are directly readable on the 24-hour ring that rotates counterclockwise within the city disk. When one travels into a different time zone, the pusher in the case at 10 o’clock is pressed as often as needed to align the respective city name with the red arrow at 12 o’clock. Each time the pusher is pressed, the hour hand advances one hour, while the city disk and the 24-hour ring move counterclockwise one increment.

The 7130R Ladies’ World Time watch in rose gold is exceptionally refined at 36mm. Powered by the self-winding Caliber 240 HU, an ultra-thin movement that helps keep the case extremely slim, the 7130’s bezel is set with 62 diamonds, while its olive-green dial boasts a finely hand-guilloched basketweave motif and features gold applied hour markers. The watch is presented on a hand-stitched olive-green calfskin strap with a prong buckle set with 27 diamonds.

At 39.5mm, the 5930P World Time Flyback Chronograph in platinum is a combination of technical precision and brilliant aesthetics. Powered by the selfwinding Caliber CH 28-520 HU, the 5930’s green opaline lacquered dial center features a hand-guilloched circular pattern and gold applied hour markers with luminescent coating. The watch is presented on a bottle-green alligator strap with square scales and a foldover clasp.

Also powered by the self-winding Caliber CH 28-520 HU, the stainless-steel 5935A World Time Flyback Chronograph features an opaline rose gilt dial with a carbon motif and charcoal-gray, gold applied hour markers with luminescent coating. At 41mm, the watch has a sporty, vintage look and comes with two calfskin straps, one in grained taupe and the other in beige, each secured with a stainless-steel fold-over clasp.

Patek Philippe’s World Time watches represent the ultimate in luxury and functionality and embody the brand’s deep, longstanding commitment to the needs and values of the world’s travelers.

Smart Power

TWO NEW SPORTS CARS FROM HISTORIC MAKERS GO HYBRID WITH NEITHER APOLOGY NOR COMPROMISE

In their beginnings, luxury sports-car manufacturers likely never fathomed adding a usable backseat to their models, let alone designing a family sedan. An SUV in their lineup? Not in their wildest dreams. But as we know, times change, and the auto industry adjusts. Not only do today’s top European makers create all the aforementioned vehicles, many are also entering the hybrid industry, where they’re combining their robust combustion engines with hushed, battery-powered motors. It’s all in the name of eco-friendliness, but the two hybrids below promise performance plus—and sleek looks to spare.

MCLAREN ARTURA

Who says a cutting-edge supercar has to cost half a million dollars? British automaker McLaren discovered the formula for an entry-level super sport when it rolled out the Artura. Drivers get the best of both worlds behind the wheel of this two-seater: A twin-turbo V6 teams up with a lithium-ion powered motor to generate 690 total horsepower and a top speed of around 205 miles per hour. Those numbers are enough to rival Artura’s sibling, the mighty McLaren 750S. The sleek, aerodynamic design also aids power and efficiency, so drivers will always feel comfort and speed whether they’re highway driving in hybrid mode or cruising suburban streets in regular mode en route to the country club. There’s more to appreciate inside too, with luxurious leather and microsuede stitched into every crevice of the cabin. An electrically operated top allows drivers to go from hardtop to open air in 11 seconds at speeds up to 30 miles per hour—or go with the electrochromatic top, which can dim to let as much light in (or keep it out) as you want. Starting at $238,000.

LAMBORGHINI REVUELTO

Achieving the next milestone before anyone else has been one of Lamborghini’s hallmarks throughout its 60-plus-year history. However, few imagined the luxury sports-car maker would replace the now-defunct Aventador line with its first hybrid entry. Enter the Revuelto, Lambo’s first plug-in hybrid, which started hitting roads and highways late last year as a 2024 model. Three battery-powered electric motors already make it the most eco-conscious vehicle in company history. The battery pack supports an all-electric drive mode when it’s fully charged, but the motors are most impressive when they work with the mid-mounted, gas-powered V12 engine. Combined, all four motors can propel the Revuelto to a top speed of 218 miles per hour behind horsepower of approximately 1,001. In the cockpit, engineers say Revuelto drivers have more legroom and headroom than they would have in the Aventador—and there’s enough room behind the seats for a golf bag as well! Starting at $608,358.

While The Paint Goes On

EVERY PROJECT HAS A BEGINNING AND AN END. FOR SAN FRANCISCO ARTIST NICOLE MUELLER, IT’S WHAT’S IN BETWEEN THAT MATTERS MOST

There’s a little piece of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s philosophy that’s ingrained in the mind of Nicole Mueller, and it brings the San Francisco-based artist pure happiness when she paints. “It’s not the destination; it’s the journey,” Emerson once said, and Mueller, 35, lives by that rule. Instead of celebrating the inspiration beforehand or basking in the triumph of a completed project, Mueller most revels in the process, the “state of possibility”—and simply watching her abstract art develop.

“For me, the direction of a painting typically unfolds in the process of making it,” she says. “It’s a very active process and engages me completely while I’m in the midst of painting.” That’s not to say that Mueller—a Maryland Institute College of Art grad who’s exhibited in home state and as far away as Argentina—doesn’t seek or appreciate inspiration when she creates large-scale pieces, murals and installations, including a recent public mosaic at a recreation center in Tempe, Arizona. But just as with the candid conversations she has with other visual artists in her “Beyond the Studio” podcast, the true joy of her craft comes in the doing.

When artist Nicole Mueller isn’t creating public murals and curating collections for her solo exhibitions, she can be found painting in her San Francisco studio. Opposite page: “Lilt,” acrylic on canvas, completed in 2022, was one of several paintings displayed at the China Basin building in San Francisco.

This page: Mueller completed “Whorl,” an acrylic on canvas, in 2022. It was featured as part of Abstract Now at the James Baird Gallery in Pouch Cove, Newfoundland, Canada. Opposite page: “Flurry,” acrylic, collage, spray paint on canvas, was finished in 2019.

This page: Mueller showcases colors and depth in “Ablaze,” an acrylic on canvas, which was completed in 2022. Opposite page: This piece is part of her 2018 collage collection “Quotations,” acrylic on PVC.

By SKYE SHERMAN

A Force for Good

THE FORMIDABLE AUDREY GRUSS IS ON A MISSION TO DESTIGMATIZE A CONDITION THAT CAST A SHADOW OVER HER EARLY YEARS— AND MAYBE EVEN IDENTIFY ITS GENETIC ROOTS TO HELP SOME OF ITS MILLIONS OF SUFFERERS

If ever there was a woman who embodies elegance, it’s Audrey Gruss. Meet her one time and you’ll be impressed by her graceful aura and refined style; meet her twice and you’ll develop a sense of awe that this vision of a woman is simply who she is Gruss is beautiful—not despite her age, just beautiful, no qualifiers—and what some might call the picture of poise, while also radiating a warmth and approachability that not many people (even far below her stature) can claim.

“I was taught by my parents that a good education gives you the strength and confidence to believe in yourself.”

Her appearance is striking; her clothes look like they have been cut and sewn especially for her. She has nary a hair out of place, and she has an uncanny ability to come off chic even at an event as low-key as a 5K at seven in the morning (where, it should be noted, she raised more than $900,000 to advance depression research).

At that February 5K, nearly 1,000 people—most donning shades of yellow—gathered to run a scenic 3.1 miles through the quiet streets and Intracoastal-side paths of the island of Palm Beach, with none other than Gruss high-fiving them at the finish line.

But these traits aren’t what make Gruss remarkable, a Palm Beach icon. She’s a philanthropist with active involvement in many charities, cultural institutions, and even local hospitals; she’s on the board of the Norton Museum of Art, The Society of the Four Arts, and the Palm Beach Hospice Foundation, and supports numerous other charities in her community.

But even that laundry list of ways she extends her helping hands doesn’t quite cover it. Her claim to fame is founding the Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF), a nonprofit with great personal significance to her: Gruss started the foundation in 2006 after the death of her mother.

“I founded the Hope for Depression Research Foundation in memory of my mother, Hope,” she says. “She struggled with depression for most of her lifetime.”

Her mission in doing so was twofold: first, to raise awareness about depression and its mood disorders—bipolar, postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and other related disorders—and second, to fund the world’s most advanced neuroscience research into the causes, new treatments, and prevention of depression. In pursuit of these

goals, she aimed along the way to educate the public that depression is a medical illness which needs to be treated. Commonplace as it is, depression is an illness with a heartbreaking lived reality, as Gruss knows firsthand. While her father was a strong force in her life, doing his best to keep Audrey and her two sisters focused on school, church, and other stabilizing activities, her mother’s depression touched every part of their lives.

“There was definitely a stigma in the 1960s when my mother first experienced clinical depression and had to be hospitalized,” she says. “It was very difficult to have a mother who was often in the hospital and was not the energetic, positive person that she had been before she had her ‘nervous breakdown.’ It was frightening for me and my two sisters. We thought we were at fault and had somehow ‘broke her nerves.’”

Of course, clinical depression as we now understand it is a medical illness, not something you can spread to others or catch from questionable company. But while mental health is still, to varying degrees, stigmatized, society’s understanding of—and compassion for—such conditions has increased in recent decades, thanks in part to the awareness-raising work of the HDRF and organizations like it.

“Our annual fundraiser in New York City raises a million dollars and is held at The Plaza Hotel with an audience of 350 movers and shakers in philanthropy and the New York social world,” Gruss says. “The public relations effort around the fundraiser garners millions of media impressions and is very informative.”

The annual Race of Hope 5K Walk & Run to Defeat Depression, held in early August in Southampton, New York, and mid-February in Palm Beach, compounds these efforts. “The media visibility from both of those events also creates enormous impact and has helped to significantly reduce the stigma of depression and mood disorders,” she says.

Above: Gruss with her two younger sisters and her mother, Hope (far right).

THIS PAGE: Gruss with some of the more than 900 participants at the sixth annual Race of Hope, in Palm Beach this February.

What’s more, the Depression Task Force—formed by the HDRF for neuroscientists to collaborate in their research—has made significant progress, announcing at a New York City luncheon last November that of the 20,000 genes in our bodies, 20 of them (and their related proteins) have been identified as involved in the depressive cascade.

“We will be going into clinical trials with some of those protein compounds to see which ones can become an antidepressant treatment,” she says. “This sets us on a very strong course for future fundraising because we will hope to fund 20 clinical trials in the process. Our hope is to get a response from the corporate and financial world to help us fund some of these visionary clinical trials.”

That’s right—she doesn’t just walk the walk. Gruss can talk the talk, which includes holding her own in the most elevated of science circles; she has a degree in biology from Tufts University, which has served her well in this role.

“When I first started HDRF, I questioned how I would communicate with the most brilliant scientists in the world,” she says. “We held an annual congress of all our researchers in New York City so they could summarize the status of their research and communicate with each other as to any revisions

to move the research forward. I had to run this meeting and certainly could have let myself be intimidated by the brain power in the room.”

She’d been taught by her parents that getting a good education would provide you with the strength and the confidence to believe in yourself, and along with a few biology lessons that stuck with her through the years, she found she could understand more than half of what the doctors were describing about their research results. Gruss’s many years of business management experience have proved extremely useful, as well.

“My relationship with these neuroscientists, each and every one of whom happen to be great humanists as well, has been the most rewarding part of HDRF,” she says.

Another meaningful moment that comes to mind when Gruss thinks back on her work with the foundation: The time HDRF presented Michael Phelps with the Hope Award for Depression Advocacy, at the annual New York City fundraiser, where the organization honors a celebrity who has made a significant impact in the mental health field. Phelps asked that they conduct his acceptance in a Q&A format, and so Gruss became his unlikely interviewer which led to a fascinating back-and-forth discussion with the former Olympic swimmer about his journey with depression.

Above: Gruss with the HDRF Depression Task Force. “Our research approach was to find the best doctors in each area of brain research and have them share their research in real time by inputting the research results into our Hope Data Center. This is why they were able to find the depressive genes in the short 10 years of research, which is a nanosecond in neuroscience research time,” Gruss says.

“I still see the visual in front of me as he described winning 38 gold medals, with all of them hanging on his chest in that famous photograph,” Gruss says. “He was on myriad magazine covers and should have been on top of the world, but when he came home from the Olympics, he fell into a deep depression and asked himself, ‘What is the purpose of being alive?’ We at HDRF are frequently reminded of his remarks and lingering impact by the many supporters who comment about him and his appearance at our luncheon.”

Despite the sizable impact she has made, when you laud Gruss for her generosity of spirit, she will humbly deflect.

“I think that we are often a reflection of the values that our parents instilled in us as children,” she says. “Both my mother and father were very caring and giving people. They were faithful churchgoers and were strongly involved with the Catholic church and volunteering, and showed us the importance of sharing, which extended from family to generally giving back by being involved in organizations like the Girl Scouts as we experienced them throughout our life.

Her mother, we’re sure, would be proud.

INTRODUCING THE CHARMS OF HOPE

In collaboration with Audrey Gruss and the Hope for Depression Research Foundation, Hamilton Jewelers recently launched Charms of Hope, a jewelry collection inspired by and designed to reflect the mission of the HDRF: to provide hope for those affected by depression.

Gruss has been working alongside the family-owned jewelry company ever since President and C.E.O. Hank Siegel reached out to her years ago, when he was looking for a charity to tie in with for a special exhibition of the Chopard Collection. After what Gruss called “a beautiful and positive luncheon with successful sales,” the pair became and remained friends.

So when Hamilton’s executive vice president Anne Russell called Gruss several months ago to discuss the possibility of an HDRF collection, it was an easy “yes” for Gruss, who had been thinking about that very same thing for a long time.

“Both Anne and I noticed there was a growing fashion trend for collecting charms as personal remembrances of special occasions in one’s life, as well as the trend of layering necklaces. And these elements came together to create the Charms of Hope collection.”

The collection encompasses a charm bracelet and three necklaces of varying sizes (which can be layered or worn individually), all rendered in 18K recycled yellow gold.

The bracelet and necklaces are accompanied by a charm featuring yellow sapphires or diamonds and the word “hope.” Gruss, who had a hand in designing alongside Russell, tapped the iconic round symbol in the HDRF logo to generate variations of it as a sun, sunburst, starburst, and flower, and played off of those visual ideas to come up with the final design of a circle surrounded by rays.

“I have great hopes for the Charms of Hope collection,” Gruss says. “The different sizes and prices make the collection so wearable and flexible that we think it has great appeal for a broad demographic.”

To learn more and shop the collection, visit hamiltonjewelers.com/charmsofhope.

Above: Gruss and Michael Phelps after presenting the Olympian with the HDRF’s 2021 Hope Award for Depression Advocacy. “We are frequently reminded of his remarks and the lingering impact by the many supporters who comment about him and his appearance at our luncheon,” Gruss says.

Mrs. Gruss and Hamilton Jewelers President and C.E.O. Hank Siegel.

FROM FIRST DATE TO FOREVER AFTER

Everyone Loves a Good Story

Italy’s Surprise

YES, MILAN IS A BUSINESS AND FASHION HUB, BUT IT’S ALSO AN ENCHANTING PLACE TO DISCOVER ART, HISTORY AND UNFORGETTABLE DINING

IF ROME IS FOR ROMANTICS and dreamers, Milan is for realists and doers. If Italy has a city where type As feel at home, it is Milan. Derided by naysayers as a place only for business, it is also a world capital for fashion and design, a place of dynamic and creative energy. Like everywhere in Italy, there is great beauty as well. You just need to look a bit harder for it here.

Modern-day Milan seemed to change overnight in 2015 when it hosted the World Expo. That sixmonth, over-the-top fair welcomed about 20 million visitors and cost more than 2 billion euros. I visited that year, my first visit since the early ’90s, and the event put the city back on the map. Much of that money went to build or rebuild its infrastructure, reminding everyone that it was a place that excelled in fashion, design, and—yes—business, as it elbowed Rome out of the way. A place of energy and understated luxury, Milan sought to show the world that it was indeed the gateway to modern-day Italy. It worked. I’ve visited the city every year since 2015, and the old canals are

By Everett Potter

The sun rises over Cathedral Square and the statue of Vittorio Emanuele II, who held the title of king of Italy from 1861 to 1878.

This page, from top: bedrooms at the Excelsior Hotel Gallia have panoramic views of Milan; Italian Christmas cake is a must-try; cocktails from Camparino in Galleria do not disappoint. Opposite page, from top: there’s no shortage of elegantly dressed visitors at Piazza del Duomo; Acanto at Hotel Principe di Savoia serves creative twists on classic Italian dishes.

now lined with bars and restaurants, the museums are gleaming; and art, fashion and design are the sexy components of any visit. New developments are resurrecting old industrial zones. If you’re here during Fashion Week in September or the Salone del Mobile, the international furniture fair at the center of the annual design week in April, you can almost feel the creative energy in the air.

To explore Milan, it helps to have a plan. For example, visiting Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” is not something you can do on a whim. Viewing times must be booked in advance, often weeks or even months in advance. Milan, on the other hand, is not Rome. (That inevitable comparison again.) You don’t need a week to do it justice. Spending just two or three days here is perfect. Stay in a great hotel, sip an aperitivo in a different bar each night, dine well, see some art and perhaps catch an opera at Teatro alla Scala, which also must be booked well before you arrive.

The must-sees in Milan make up a short and very doable list. Start with the Duomo, Milan’s Gothic cathedral, which looms over the Piazza del Duomo in the very heart of the city. Plan to see the wonders inside but go the extra mile and buy a ticket to visit the rooftop, going 20 stories up via the stairs or the elevator to see the gargoyles and carvings and the views over the city and, on a clear day, the Alps as well. Flanking the Piazza is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade, which is elegant, much-Instagrammed and still worth a visit, if only for window shopping.

Suppose you arrive in the city by train. In that case, you’ll enter the splendid and awe-inspiring Milano Centrale, the central railway station known for its grand architecture and soaring entry hall, a masterpiece of Art Deco and Fascist art remodeled under the eye of Mussolini. Inside, you’ll find the Mercato Centrale Milano, a two-

story food hall filled with artisanal cheese and bread, a place to savor some of the best tastes of Milan.

Speaking of masterpieces, it’s worth visiting La Scala even if no opera is being performed. The setting for the first performances of such masterpieces as Madame Butterfly, Nabucco and Turandot has a splendid museum, and admission allows you to at least peek into the famous theater.

That seminal year of 2015 also saw the opening of the Fondazione Prada Milan, an art gallery housed in a former distillery and designed by the architecture firm OMA, headed by architect Rem Koolhaas. Showing cutting-edge contemporary art, its Bar Luce was designed by film director Wes Anderson.

My other museum favorites include the Pinacoteca di Brera, which ranges from the Renaissance to Italian Futurism of the 1930s. Contemporary Italian painting can be seen at the Triennale di Milano. At the Zona Tortona industrial complex, redesigned by British architect David Chipperfield and opened in 2015, the Museo delle Culture features contemporary art from around the world. Among my favorite small museums is the Villa Necchi Campiglio, one of Milan’s so-called “case museos,” or house museums. In this case, it’s a 1930s-era house with a private garden, a swimming pool and a tennis court in the city’s heart. Designed by architect Piero Portaluppi in 1935, it shows off the lifestyle of the Milanese upper class of the 1930s. It reminds me of the elegance of a period film by Bernardo Bertolucci.

More time? Wander through the Quartiere Arcobaleno, which is filled with brightly colored houses that may remind you of a visit to the island of Burano. On a lazy Sunday, check out East Market, a combination of flea and artisan markets in an old factory.

Is it aperitivo time yet? The craze for the Aperol Spritz was born here, in the city that birthed the aperitivo hour. It might be a Negroni, an Americano or one of a dozen other classic cocktails. Where to drink one is the quest. You could start at Galleria, where the cocktail shakers have been shaking since 1915. It is an excellent place to begin because Campari, the company that produces a bittersweet liqueur emblematic of Milan, owns it. It’s elegant and delicious. One story above is Terrazza Aperol, where you can sip your Aperol Spritz at the drink’s birthplace. Other bars are worth exploring—such as Bar Basso, my favorite, a vintage watering hole that claims to be the source of the aperitif, though its cocktail list now stretches past 500 creations.

The food scene in Milan is dynamic, but while you can try restaurants serving cuisine from all over the globe, the food of Lombardy and nearby regions is likely one reason you came to Milan in the first place. I love a splurge at formal restaurants such as Acanto, in the Hotel Principe di Savoia, where

Chef Alessandro Buffolino interprets classic Milanese dishes. La Véranda in the Four Seasons Hotel Milan is another choice for exquisite fare in an understated setting. For more casual dining, I’ve been to Rovello 18, which offers a brief, handwritten menu of Italian fare with dishes from all over the country and a wine cellar with more than 800 offerings. Paper Moon draws a stylish crowd with various pizzas and a crowd that leans toward fashionistas. The classic Milan trattoria? I think it just might be Al Matarel, where Veal Milanese and Osso Buco, risotto and polenta are the stars, in a comfortable place that is popular but not trendy, a place to eat but not to be seen.

Where to stay? Milan has no shortage of luxury hotels, from the Four Seasons Hotel Milan to the Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a Luxury Collection Hotel. The Park Hyatt Milan and the Bulgari Hotel Milano are also impeccable choices. My favorite happens to be the Hotel Principe di Savoia, a 1927 dowager that is a member of the fabled Dorchester Collection. The hotel’s semi-neoclassical façade dominates the Piazza della Repubblica.

Prized by models, editors, fashionistas and celebrities during Milan Fashion Week in September, this place feels like a boutique hotel yet has 257 rooms and 44 suites on 10 floors. The Art Deco structure was given a $50 million refurbishment in 2009 by architect Thierry Despont. I loved the Il Salotto Lobby Lounge, a long room with high ceilings where cutting “la bella figura” is everything. The spritz I had at the Principe Bar made me feel I’d arrived. Check out the rooftop Club 10 Spa, with its heated swimming pool, hydro-massage tub, and the requisite sauna and steam room. This is a hotel where even a modest room wraps you in elegance. In a city famed for innovative fashion, design and architecture, an elegant hotel stay is your best bet for tasting the very best. And Milan’s best is very fine indeed.

This page, from top: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is picturesque any time of day, but it’s a true photo-op destination at sunset; a mosaic bull in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II; Via Mazzini is always teeming with life. Opposite page: Statues atop the Gothic spires of the Duomo overlook Milan.

Love Stories

By JENNIFER P. HENDERSON

FROM PROPOSAL TO PLANNING TO “I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU,” THE COUPLES IN THE FOLLOWING PAGES FOUND THEIR WEDDED BLISS WITH THE PARTNER OF THEIR DREAMS AND A MAGICAL DOSE OF KISMET

It has been said that a person’s destiny is, very simply, to love and be loved. And if the “Love Stories” couples featured in this issue are any indication, truer words have never been spoken. Each of our three pairs of newlyweds found each other through what can only be described as kismet—chance first encounters and coincidences, followed by the passage of time, and additional crossed paths leading up to eventual second and third meetings that ultimately changed everything

“We attended the same high school, but didn’t connect until after she had graduated. Right away, talking to her was effortless,” says Dave Ferro, who wed his bride Ayzia James-Ferro, Hamilton’s branding and digital marketing manager, in October after 14 years of dating. “We share so many things in common and a love for one other that feels like we were given a random puzzle board and somehow all of our pieces just fit together perfectly.”

MELISSA & DOUG

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

ENGAGED: JULY 2022 | MARRIED: OCTOBER 2023

THE WONDER YEARS:

“I grew up in South Florida, and moved to North Carolina during my sophomore year of high school. I attended University of North Carolina, Wilmington for my undergraduate degree and then went onto Marist College’s Physician Assistant Program in Poughkeepsie, New York. Doug grew up in Connecticut and went to Loomis Chaffee School, in Windsor, and then to Emory University for undergraduate and law school.”

THE MEET-CUTE:

“We first met during the winter of 2018. We both very much connected with each other from the start, but life had a few things we needed to get through first before we eventually found our way back to each other. We stayed in contact throughout the years as we both have many mutual friends and would often run into each other. It wasn’t until the summer of 2021 that we truly reconnected again when we both attended a friend’s housewarming party. The moment I saw Doug walk in that night, I felt this sudden surge of excitement and rushed to say ‘hello’ and give him a big hug. Something was different this time around; we couldn’t seem to leave each other’s side, and spent the whole evening talking and laughing. Before the night ended, Doug asked me out for our first date. That triggered the memory of how incredible I had felt when we first met—and how much I truly loved this man.”

THE PROPOSAL:

“I planned a picnic with two of our friends—one was Melissa’s maid of honor and one of my groomsmen—at Charlotte’s Duke Mansion. We would go on double dates together often, so this wasn’t out of the ordinary, but I decided to suggest a post-picnic walk through the gardens before we headed home. I casually asked Melissa’s friend Sasha to take a picture of us, and after a couple of snaps, I took a step away from Melissa and got down on one knee with the ring box in my hand. I wanted something that shined as brightly as Melissa, that reflected her personality and the qualities I love most about her, and Andrew at Hamilton Jewelers definitely made my vision for her ring a reality.”

THE DETAILS:

“After celebrating my birthday in New York City, we took the train into Princeton to pick out our wedding bands at Hamilton. The entire experience was seamless—and so exciting. Andrew at Hamilton knew exactly what Doug wanted with only minimal direction. I was a different story entirely: All of the rings looked beautiful to me! Andrew was able to steer me in the right direction and helped me choose a ring that fit my personality and paired perfectly with my engagement ring without overshadowing the main stone. For the dress, my mom, grandma, aunt, cousin, and sister all flew up to North Carolina from Florida and we made a girls’ weekend out of the search for the perfect gown. After trying on many other dresses, I couldn’t get one of the first I’d tried on out of my head. Once I put it on (again), I knew. We all popped some bubbly and I said ‘yes’ to the dress right then and there.”

THE BIG DAY:

“We had a magical, fairy tale-themed wedding at the Jekyll Island Club in Jekyll Island, Georgia. Coming from Florida, Disney was a big part of my childhood, and I grew up dreaming that one day I would have a wedding like the Disney princesses. Doug knew this about me and fully indulged the idea, from the castle-like venue and princess room that looked like Rapunzel’s tower to the fireworks and Cinderella-style carriage. We said traditional vows, but wrote each other letters to read before walking down the aisle. Most of all, we just felt blessed to have so many of our family and friends together celebrating such a special time in our lives. It truly was a dream come true—with Doug as my Prince Charming.”

THE LOOK OF LOVE:

“I love how loving and compassionate Melissa is. She has a smile that beams and laughter that brightens up every single day that we’re together. Her capacity for kindness and positivity are also incredible. She always sees the best in everyone and in every situation. She makes any happy occasion even more joyful and inspires hope in any bad one.”

THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER:

“We are incredibly grateful for how beautiful our wedding turned out, but because it felt like it went by in a blink, we are looking forward to celebrating our first wedding anniversary back in Jekyll Island to soak it all in again. We live in a neighborhood called Plaza Midwood, in Charlotte, with our two beautiful fur babies, Sadie, and Stella. We’re located in an area that allows us to have a yard for the dogs and be close to the city, too. We’re looking forward to having children and growing our family and know that no matter what life throws at us, everything is always better when we’re together.”

PHOTOGRAPHS BY NICOLE CLARK AND GANDY PHOTOGRAPHERS.

MARY KATE & ADRIENNE

PENNSPORT, PENNSYLVANIA

ENGAGED: OCTOBER 2022 | MARRIED: OCTOBER 2023

THE WONDER YEARS:

“Mary Kate and I grew up just a handful of miles away from each other—and attended rival high schools, too! We both had childhoods filled with sports, specifically basketball. After high school, Mary Kate went to West Chester University, where she majored in communication studies and was a three-year member of the West Chester University Women’s Golf Team. I attended Ursinus College and majored in biology and was a two-year member of the Ursinus College Women’s Basketball Team, before I left to study abroad in Seville, Spain.”

THE MEET-CUTE:

“Adrienne and I first crossed paths on the basketball court back in high school. Flash forward to 2017, when we are officially introduced while we’re both visiting mutual friends in college. We connected the dots and reminisced about our high school basketball days playing against each other. After that, we kept up with each other on social media, stayed in touch here and there, and reconnected again in 2019 after discovering we had a lot of the same interests. Our first date, in fact, was meeting up at a basketball court to shoot hoops. So while it was not ‘love at first sight’ all those years ago, it was definitely ‘love at first date.’”

THE PROPOSAL:

“Mary Kate beat me to the ‘big’ question. I’m usually the planner in the relationship, but Mary Kate was determined to surprise me first. She planned a getaway weekend in a cabin on the river in New Hope, and convinced me it was for a change of scenery for my weekly long run since I was training for my first marathon at the time. I was so focused on which running route to take that I had no clue what was coming. After my run that Saturday, we were playing cards and Mary Kate had set up her camera to take some candid pictures, which came as no surprise to me since she’s always snapping photos. Suddenly, she begins to pull a ring box out of her pocket, and all I can hear is the sound of the camera snapping. I felt like I was having an out-of-body experience! I have never been more surprised or more overjoyed in my entire life. Mary Kate’s sisters, Megan and Grace, and her best friend Colleen joined us shortly afterward, and we met up with more family and friends at Triumph Brewing Company, in New Hope. Mary Kate had been planning this for three months, with the help of her mom, Jeanne, and her Aunt Joanna. I finally got the chance to surprise her a couple of months later when I presented her with a latte and pastries from her favorite coffee shop, flowers, and a ring. A real ‘breakfast in bed’ experience!”

THE DETAILS:

“I had been eyeing my Aunt Joanna’s engagement ring for years, and I basically told Adrienne, ‘This is exactly what I want, please.’ Adrienne had a couple of ideas she had sent to me, too, so I knew she wanted a gold band with some sort of pear-shaped diamond. But Hamilton Jewelers, where my Aunt Joanna works, really helped me find the perfect ring. We also went to Hamilton to choose our wedding bands. Adrienne selected a barrel-shape gold band, and I fell in love with the design of a band set with baguette diamonds. For our outfits, Adrienne knew she wanted an elegant, timeless gown, and found hers at BHLDN. I wanted a sharp suit, not just some ordinary white ensemble. I scoured the internet and found a white suit by Nadine Merabi that had a bit of sparkle, a deep V-cut blazer, and flared-leg pants. I accented it with diamond studs and a pair of gold, stud-hoop earrings from Hamilton.”

THE BIG DAY:

BY MARY KATE RIDGWAY AND KELLY GIARROCCO.

“Our wedding was at Bok Building, a former vocational school turned work and event space located in our South Philly neighborhood. Adrienne and I would visit the rooftop bar in the summer for drinks, and it has the best views of the city. Bok was the first and only venue we toured, and we immediately were drawn to its unique features that so precisely fit our personalities—one of them being the basketball court where the reception was held. We didn’t have a theme, but we encouraged everyone to have fun with their outfits since they would be dancing the night away under a disco ball in an old gym. I loved getting married to Adrienne in the auditorium up on the stage, surrounded by flowers. My best friend was the officiant, and both of our moms read beautiful poems which preceded our vows. Adrienne got choked up multiple times, and when I tried to kiss her after she recited her vows, she dodged me and said, ‘We can’t do that yet!’, which got some laughs. The reception was the most unbelievable dance party. It’s difficult to pinpoint one favorite moment from the ceremony or reception, and I can attest that the old cliché is true: The day goes by in the blink of an eye, and you just want to replay it over and over again.”

THE LOOK OF LOVE:

“The quality that first drew me to Mary Kate was her outgoing personality. She instantly made me feel seen by asking all sorts of questions about my life. She’s inclusive in every sense of the word, always going out of her way to make others feel welcomed. And she is so passionate about the love she gives to her family and friends. You always want her in your corner.”

THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER:

“I’ve always admired the way Adrienne lives her truth every day, and she’s taught me how to live life as my full, authentic self. It’s so beautiful that we can share in that together. For our first anniversary, we would love to celebrate back in that same cabin in New Hope where we got engaged. Adrienne will likely go out for a long run as I follow closely behind on my bike. We’re also looking forward to planning more trips together and enjoying our quaint neighborhood of South Philly. There is so much to explore right at our fingertips in this city, and we certainly don’t take that for granted. But our greatest hope for our future is our continued health and happiness together. Adrienne wants to run all six major marathons across the world, and I will be at her side to photograph her in every single one!”

PHOTOGRAPHS

AYZIA & DAVE

FRANKLIN PARK, NEW JERSEY

ENGAGED: SEPTEMBER 2022 | MARRIED: OCTOBER 2023

THE WONDER YEARS:

“Dave and I grew up in Franklin Township, New Jersey, and although I was closer to Princeton, and he was closer to New Brunswick, we both attended the same high school. He was a year younger, but we had a few overlapping friend groups because of clubs, sports, and my neighbor who was dating his best friend. I went on to Philadelphia University (now Jefferson University) for undergrad and LIM College, in New York City, for graduate school. Dave went to Rutgers University in New Brunswick.”

THE MEET-CUTE:

“Even though we’d both attended the same high school, we never actually connected until after Ayzia had graduated. She came back following her freshman year to speak to a handful of business classes about the transition from high school to college, and I was in one of the classes. Fast forward to later that evening: We’d both been involved in a local volunteer organization called Youth Council and she showed up at the annual holiday party. It was then that she sparked a conversation with me and, well, the rest is history. We had so much in common. We started talking over the holiday break and began dating the following March. We both knew things were pretty serious right away. That was almost 15 years ago, and we haven’t gone a day without talking since.”

THE PROPOSAL:

“In the spring of 2022, Dave and I started working with my boss, Anne Russell, who is the E.V.P. of Merchandising and Branding at Hamilton Jewelers. I knew I wanted an engagement ring with an elongated center stone and a yellow gold band, and Anne helped me narrow down my options and design the ring of my dreams. Then Dave proposed at the Jersey City waterfront, one of our favorite places to walk and take in the views of the N.Y.C. skyline. His brother, his best friend, and his best friend’s girlfriend were waiting in the bushes, and they ran out and surprised me after I said ‘yes.’ They had Champagne and flowers waiting for us. Later Dave took me to dinner at Chickie’s in Jersey City. He also arranged for our families to meet us for brunch the next morning, at Mathews Food and Drink. It was really special to have a couple of days where only our closest family and friends knew before announcing our engagement.”

THE DETAILS:

“Dave wasn’t too concerned about most of the wedding details, but he did care a lot about his tux, his shoes, and his wedding band. I knew he would want something a little different but still timeless. We met with Christal at the Hamilton Jewelers Princeton store; she’s one of my coworkers and helps me with social media and I really trust her taste. We looked at rings together and Dave decided to go with a classic yellow gold comfort band with a round diamond burnished into the center. I chose a classic, half-way diamond band to sit flush with my engagement ring. We both opted to engrave the inside of our wedding bands with the others’ first name. For my dress, I went to the Rebecca Schoneveld boutique, in upstate New York, where I was able to semi-customize my wedding dress with the bodice of one style and the sleeves and high slit of another style. It was a dream for someone who loves fashion like me! But truly the best thing about the planning was getting to use local, female-owned, and Black-owned businesses I had worked with either as a local New Jersey blogger/influencer or in my marketing role at Hamilton. My wedding photographer, Jonathan Williams, was actually someone I met through my work at Hamilton!”

THE LOOK OF LOVE:

THE BIG DAY:

“We got married at Osteria in Philadelphia, which was special because I was a college student living in Philly when we started dating, so the first four years of our relationship were spent commuting between Philly and New Brunswick, where Dave lived. We have so many special memories from over the years in Philly. Our goal was to have an intimate, elevated dinner party. We wanted it to be classic and romantic, so we opted for a ceremony at sunset, a room with bistro lighting, and lots of candles. Our colors were classic black and white. We decided to say traditional vows during our ceremony, and share our personal vows privately the next weekend on our mini-moon in Upstate New York. It was such a beautiful, intimate moment.”

“My favorite thing about Ayzia is the love she has for everyone. Life is difficult, life is hard, but there’s never a day where she doesn’t try to find a more positive outlook or a better solution to whatever is going on. She looks out for social injustices and minority issues, supports minority business owners, empowers women … the list just goes on and on of all the good she does for people. I have learned a lot from her already, and I know I still have more to learn.”

THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER:

“This October, we are really looking forward to traveling to England to celebrate our honeymoon, and visit with some of Ayzia’s family there. I was hopeful the trip would fall around the same time as our first anniversary, as it would be my first time abroad and it would be pretty meaningful to spend it where Ayzia’s family is from. Now that we are married, I am looking forward to sharing more milestones and growing as individuals and partners. We just added a puppy to our home, and we couldn’t be more excited to take on this new chapter. My hope is that we will have a family and continue to build on our life. Since we’ve been together for 15 years already, I think it will be important for us to challenge ourselves whether that means learning new things or in the form of starting a business together. The greatest lesson I think we’ve learned from each other is that communication is key, patience is important, and to never stop loving! Life inherently has its battles, but often times it’s better to fight those battles with two and not one.”

PHOTOGRAPHS

SAMMY

JO DEL PRIORE AND JONATHAN WILLIAMS.

Force of

Additional Photographs by RANDI FAIR

Nature

HARNESS THE HAUTEST ELEMENTS OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS AND CREATE A SARTORIAL STIR ALL YOUR OWN WITH THIS SEASON’S MOST EXHILARATING FASHION AND FINE-JEWELRY LOOKS

Photographs by NICK MELE

Hair and Makeup by GINA SIMONE

Bed of Roses

Dress by Markarian from Saks Fifth Avenue Palm Beach. 18k white gold, emerald, and diamond drop earrings; 18k white gold, emerald, and diamond bracelet; and platinum and 18k yellow gold, emerald, and diamond three-stone ring by Hamilton Jewelers Private Reserve Collection.

Call of the Wild Trench coat by Dolce and Gabbana from Saks Fifth Avenue Palm Beach. Platinum, 18k yellow gold, ruby, and round brilliant-cut diamond ring; 18k yellow gold, ruby, and diamond necklace; and platinum, ruby, and diamond bracelet by Hamilton Jewelers Private Reserve Collection.

Down to Earth

Top by Alexander McQueen from Saks Fifth Avenue Palm Beach. Platinum, Ceylon sapphire, and diamond ring; oval-shape sapphire and brilliant-cut and marquise-shape diamond necklace; and platinum, diamond, and Ceylon sapphire bracelet by Hamilton Jewelers Private Reserve Collection.

Written

by

DENNY SIEGEL

Photographs by KARIN BELGRAVE

Food styling by GINA MUKHERJEE

THE FAMILY FAVORITES EDITION

ACCENT’S RESIDENT CUISINIER AND FORMER HAMILTON JEWELERS STYLIST AND DESIGNER DENNY SIEGEL THROWS OPEN HER FOOD-PANTRY DOORS FOR A GLIMPSE AT HER GRANDCHILDREN’S VERY FAVORITE DISHES

At the beginning of 2024,

I made a resolution to settle down after the hustle and bustle of the holidays and attempt to organize my life with a little more determination than the year before. No small feat, to be sure, but I knew exactly where I needed to start: my archives (some might call it a hoard) of recipes. The only condition I gave myself was to toss out the recipes I’d never made and certainly would never make now that I had entered my 86th year.

With my mantra of “simplify” in mind, I sifted through the seemingly endless folders.

Why do I always think I need four recipes for, say, chocolate cake when one great one will do? As I sorted, I came across the dishes I had identified as my family’s favorites, noted with their names in the upper right-hand corner of the page. Each of those recipes brought back so many wonderful memories, particularly the ones that my grandchildren—Andrew, Ben, Emily, Ellie, Gabe, Hannah, and Abigail—told me were the ones they “loved the best.” In the following pages, I’ve collected a few of these special dishes to share with you in the hopes that your family will find them both delicious and worth repeating, too.

Clockwise from top left: Hannah, Ellie, granddaughter-in-law Caroline, me, Ben, Andrew and his wife Betsy, Gabe, Abigail, and Emily at Ben and Caroline’s wedding, in May 2022.

SUPER-CRISPY SKILLET CHICKEN THIGHS

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs, patted dry with paper towels

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• ½ lemon, for serving, if desired

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Season both sides of chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place chicken thighs, skin side down, in a single layer in a cold skillet.

2. Cook over medium heat without moving until the skin is a deep golden brown and releases easily from the pan, about 30 minutes.

(Note: The chicken will release from the pan when the skin crisps up. If the skin starts to burn, reduce heat to medium-low.)

3. Flip the chicken with tongs and cook until the meat closest to the bone is firm and no longer pink, and an instant-read thermometer placed in the thickest part reads 165° F, about 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Serve with hot pan drippings and a squeeze of lemon.

MUSTARD-SHALLOT VINAIGRETTE

Yields ¾ cup

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tsp. shallot, minced

• 2 Tbs. white wine vinegar

• 1 (heaping) Tbs. Dijon mustard

• ¼ tsp. salt

• ½ tsp. coarsely ground black pepper

• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a container with a tight lid or a glass jar, combine shallot, vinegar, and mustard. Close tightly and shake well to mix. Add salt and pepper, and shake again.

2. Add olive oil ¼ cup at a time, shaking very well after each addition, until smooth and emulsified. Taste and add more olive oil, ¼ cup at a time, if dressing is too tart.

3. Use immediately or refrigerate up to 3 weeks. The chilled olive oil will form a lump, so remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before using and then shake well to re-emulsify.

CHILLY NIGHT CHICKEN POTPIE

Serves 8 to 12

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1½ pounds)

• Kosher salt

• Black pepper

• 3 cups chicken stock

• 1 cup white wine

• 2 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 thyme sprig

• 1 rosemary sprig

• 1 cup plus 2 Tbs. unsalted butter, chilled

• 2 leeks, thinly sliced, white and light green parts

• 1 shallot, thinly sliced

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup heavy cream, more as needed

• 2 small carrots, peeled and diced (1¼ cups)

• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (1¼ cups)

• 1 cup frozen peas, optional

• 1½ tsp. finely grated lemon zest (from 1½ lemons)

• 1 Tbs. baking powder

• 1½ cups buttermilk

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper. Let rest 15 minutes.

2. In a medium pot over medium heat, combine chicken, stock, wine, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer and cook chicken gently until no longer pink, 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Transfer meat to a plate to cool completely. Strain and reserve cooking liquid (about 2¾ cups). Once chicken is cool, shred into bite-size pieces.

4. Heat oven to 375° F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter.

5. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add leeks and shallot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

6. Melt in 4 more tablespoons butter. Stir in ½ cup flour and cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes.

7. Slowly whisk in the strained stock and the cream. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer. Stir in carrot, and potato; simmer over low heat, stirring frequently, 10 minutes. Stir in chicken, peas (if desired), and lemon zest. Scrape mixture into prepared pan.

8. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups flour, the baking powder, and 1½ teaspoons salt.

9. Cut the remaining 10 tablespoons butter into cubes; using a pastry cutter or two forks, mix into flour until mixture forms coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk.

10. Dollop mixture on top of potpie filling (it’s okay if there are spaces between biscuits). Brush tops with cream.

11. Transfer casserole to oven; bake until top is golden-brown, and filling is bubbling, 35 to 45 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

COCONUT-CUSTARD MACAROONS

Makes 2 dozen

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (17.5 oz.) package sweetened, shredded coconut

• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

• ½ cup butter, melted

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• ¾ tsp. sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375° F.

2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

3. Mix all ingredients until batter is completely combined.

4. Use an ice-cream scoop to distribute equal portions onto the cookie sheet. Bake until all edges and tops of macaroons are golden brown, about 14 minutes.

5. Let macaroons set on cookie sheet for 5 minutes (and no more than 20, to prevent sticking). Transfer to serving dish or plate to continue cooling.

Pro tip: To make the macaroons extra special, melt a package of bittersweet chocolate chips (or whatever chocolate you prefer) in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until fully melted. Dip the bottoms in the chocolate, and then place on a parchment-paper-lined rack or baking pan in fridge to cool. Store macaroons in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 7 days or in the freezer, individually wrapped, for up to 3 months.

DENNY’S BEST CHOCOLATE-CHIP COOKIES

Makes 2 dozen INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups all-purpose, unbleached flour

• 1 tsp. baking soda

• 1 tsp. salt

• 1 cup sweet, unsalted butter

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ¾ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

• 1 tsp. water

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• 2 eggs

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus ½ to 1 cup more to add when half the batter has been used

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.

2. Grease cookie sheets lightly with butter or line with parchment paper.

3. In a bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and salt.

4. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugars at medium speed until mixed. Add water and vanilla and mix until just combined. Add eggs and mix lightly.

5. Add flour and mix at low speed until just combined, then add first 2 cups of chocolate chips by hand (overmixing dough will cause it to toughen).

6. Using two teaspoons, drop rounded dough onto cookie sheets, spacing at least 2 inches apart as cookies will spread.

7. Bake about 15 minutes, if you are doing two trays at a time; for one tray, slightly less baking time is required.

8. Remove cookies to wire rack to cool.

CRÈME BRÛLÉE

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 quart heavy cream

• 1 vanilla bean

• 7 oz. granulated sugar

• 8 egg yolks

• 4 oz. brown sugar

• Pinch of salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Warm heavy cream with vanilla bean and a pinch of salt.

2. Mix sugar and egg yolks.

3. Pour in heavy cream and mix well. Strain into a mold.

4. Cook in a bain-marie or other pan with a half-inch of water for 30 minutes at 300° F.

5. Let cool for 30 minutes.

6. Sieve brown sugar and spread over crème brûlée.

7. Glaze under salamander or broiler for 12 seconds. Serve immediately.

FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY, HAMILTON HAS OFFERED ITS CLIENTS EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY, UNPARALLELED EXPERTISE, AND AN EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE WITH EACH AND EVERY VISIT.

CONCIERGE SERVICES

Hamilton is here whenever you need us, through virtual appointments, digital concierge services, shopping available 24/7 via our web site, and easy curbside pickup.

REPAIRS & SERVICE

Maintaining your fi ne jewelry and timepieces is important to ensure a long life and optimal performance. Hamiltonʼs professionals can help keep your treasures in top form with a full range of assistance.

JEWELRY BUYING

From fi ne Swiss timepieces and antique and estate pieces, to diamonds, fi ne jewelry, and gold and platinum, you can confi dently have your valuables appraised for sale with Hamilton —a name trusted in the industry for more than a century.

APPRAISALS

Hamilton offers comprehensive appraisal services by professionals who are highly trained in the areas of new, vintage, and antique jewelry and watches.

ENGRAVING

Put a personal touch on your items with our custom engraving service. Our in-house artists will produce a computerized rendering of your engraved design to allow you to envision your creation in its fi nal form.

CUSTOM DESIGNS

Collaborate with our master jewelers to design or reimagine a piece of jewelry that is uniquely yours. The process begins with your ideas and inspiration, and our experts will see your creation through to completion.

PRINCETON PALM BEACH PALM BEACH GARDENS HAMILTONJEWELERS.COM @HAMILTONJEWELERS

Terminal Bliss

CANDIDATES FOR YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST: SIX OF THE WORLD’S GREAT RAILWAY STATIONS—AS DESTINATIONS

You needn’t be a passenger to enjoy the wonder and majesty of one of the planet’s iconic train stations. These architectural gems—examples range from Paris to Mumbai—merit more than the blur seen by frenzied travelers racing to the platform. Best savored at leisure, they are treasures with grand and storied pasts,

By Donna Rolando

monuments to their culture’s understanding of what a journey can entail and provide—and how it can lift one’s spirits and broaden one’s horizons. And these distinctive depots are splendid Instagram settings too. The half-dozen structures below aren’t the world’s only great railway stations, but they’re among the most memorable:

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai, India

The world’s fourth most populous city pays tribute to trains with such grandeur that its terminal stands out as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More than 3 million commuters embark daily from 18 platforms in a flurry that no doubt distracts from the architectural marvel before them. But you, the meandering tourist, can stop and savor the results of an architectural journey that, according to Britannica, found English architect Frederick William Stevens combing Europe for inspiration to reflect 19th-century Bombay as gateway to the West. The former Victoria Terminus, built over 10 years starting in 1878 to mark the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, is fusion at its best: Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival with Indian highlights such as overhanging enclosed balconies, or jharokhas. When the sun sets, CSMT is just as spectacular, aglow in the shades of India’s flag. Pro tip: Explore India’s rail history at a heritage gallery with some 150 rare artifacts.

Grand Central Terminal, New York, N.Y., U.S.A.

So maybe arch-villain Lex Luthor doesn’t really have a lair under Grand Central, as in 1978’s Superman: The Movie This 48-acre landmark on 42nd Street—the largest rail terminal on the globe according to Guinness—doesn’t need fiction to seem magical to all who love it. Built with Vanderbilt backing from 1908 to 1913, rescued from planned demolition by the likes of Jackie Onassis and a Supreme Court landmark case, Grand Central inspires the imagination on many levels with its Beaux-Arts style and rarities such as the Whispering Gallery (discover the power of a whisper) and famed “opal” clock. To help separate reality from lore, take a 1.5-hour tour that covers Pershing Square, the New York Transit Museum Gallery and even a secret staircase. There’s also mystery lurking in the Main Concourse, where the zodiac is painted backward on the 125-foot ceiling. Hidden meaning or blunder? You decide. More than 20 million visit Grand Central Terminal each year for dining, shopping and architecture viewing—or even to catch a train.

Milano Centrale, Milano, Italy

A ho-hum train station in this fashion capital? Nothing doing. Influenced by dictator Benito Mussolini, who wanted to show off Fascist might, the 24-platform Milano Centrale makes a striking impression with its vast steel canopies and sheer size. No carbon copy of its Parisian-styled predecessor, Milano Centrale reflects its beauty as a hybrid mix of Assyrian-Lombard architecture replete with marble halls, murals and sculptures. Yet the model for this station chosen by Italian architect Ulisse Stacchini was right here in the U.S.A.: Washington’s Union Station. King Victor Emmanuel III laid the cornerstone for Milan’s gem in 1906 but the Milano Centrale didn’t open until 1931. The financial strains of World War I both delayed and elevated plans, accounting for additions like steel canopies and metal-and-glass arched roofs. Pro tip: High-end shops make Milano Centrale a destination even if you’re not traveling.

Antwerpen-Centraal, Antwerp, Belgium

One of the most beautiful train stations in the world, this building with its 75-meter dome has inspired a nickname among locals: the railroad cathedral. The design marvel, which opened in 1905, reflects Belgian architect Louis Delacenserie’s fascination with Rome’s Pantheon. The stone station’s beauty also stems from an eclectic architectural style that draws from Neo-Renaissance with its classic Greek and Roman elements and Art Nouveau with its ornamental flourishes. Another wow that contributes to the 14-platform site’s grandeur is the steel platform canopy designed by Belgian engineer Clément Van Bogaert. Despite its beauty, before gaining protected monument status in 1975 this train station was in trouble—damage caused by V-2 rockets during World War II made it a candidate for the wrecking ball. Renovation saved the day, and today Antwerpen-Centraal remains a key transportation hub and proud example of old and new joined together in architectural grandeur.

Flinders Street Station, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

As the country’s oldest railway station (originally just a cluster of weatherboard sheds), Flinders Street has inspired legend and lore since the first steam engine rolled out on opening day in 1854. Whether you’re intrigued by a forgotten ballroom or a ghost story (“George” on Platform 10), simply love a landmark or want an iconic place to meet (hands down it’s the 13 clocks), the main station beckons discovery. Stretching over two city blocks and backed by the Yarra River, this site in Victoria’s capital is impressive enough with its sandstone-hued façade, green upper dome and two Art Deco clock towers to have made movie magic. (Fans of Steven Spielberg’s mini-series The Pacific may recognize the site.) The lore surrounding Flinders Street reflects a design that combines Edwardian Baroque and French Renaissance with hints of Eastern-Indian style. Two railroad employees won a prize of £500 for the project they coined “The Green Light,” but the Indian influence has prompted an urban myth that plans got switched with those for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai. Be that as it may, extensive renovations prove this station is cherished—even the main entrance steps are heated for habitual congregants under the famous clocks.

Gare du Nord, Paris, France

Keeping up with demand as the busiest train station in Europe has been a constant battle for the Gare du Nord, aka Paris-Nord or Northern Station, which welcomes over 220 million visitors each year. The first station, built for rail company Chemin de fer du Nord, lasted less than two decades before growing pains prompted work on the current site, which was completed in 1865. With the Olympics coming to Paris in August, the modern neoclassical station is being expanded to 110,000 square meters, nearly tripling its footprint. Another main attraction is the 186-mph Eurostar—it’ll get you to London in just two hours. Topped by 23 statues of figures personifying key destinations, the station was designed by French architect Jacques Ignace Hittorff and created with a main support beam of cast iron. Not only has the glass-and-iron site with its signature triumphal arch been featured in numerous French films, but it looked impressive in The Bourne Identity with Matt Damon.

A Toast to Napa

WITH DESIGNER RICHARD HALLBERG’S RUSTIC, MODERN FINISHES, A NEW CALIFORNIA HOME BLENDS PERFECTLY WITH ITS BUCOLIC ENVIRONS

For early adopters of the farmhouse aesthetic, rustic and cozy home décor fit a lifestyle that’s equal parts relaxed and sophisticated. That design style is no longer a fleeting trend—it’s becoming an established option defined by contemporary finishes and chic spaces. The interiors created by Los Angeles-based designer Richard Hallberg capture the way we live today, as he recognizes our desire to live in spaces where relaxed can still feel polished. In Worlds of Wonder: Richard Hallberg Interiors (Rizzoli New York, 2023) by Mario López-Cordero, Hallberg’s design of a Napa home is a true update of the farmhouse concept, one in which traditional meets modern.

This Napa, California, home is a masterful counterpoint to the vineyards that make up much of the exterior landscape. Thoughtful touches such as hand-stitched pillows, antique textile throws and wood furniture accentuate the overall farmhouse vibe.

This page: To make the new home fit in with the rustic surroundings, elements such as shutters, siding and a corrugated metal roof were deliberately weathered. Salvaged rafters provide support and visual allure for the high ceiling, while a mix of materials—stone, wood, cowhide—in neutral tones provides texture to the space. Opposite page: Chairs with fine leather upholstery as well as a wall sculpture by Merja Winqvist offer more texture in the dining area.

This page: The neutral tone and texture of the living area continues in the bedroom, where a four-poster bed seemingly rises to the rafters. The sculpture above the bed is by Craig Kauffman, and the pedestal holds a sculpture by Claire Falkenstein. Opposite page: For ultimate relaxation, the primary bathroom features a luxe soaking tub. The sculpture above the tub is crafted from wood salvaged from antique Italian wine casks.

This page: A built-in stone banquette runs along the edge of the pool deck, which leads directly into the adjacent vineyards. The stone sculpture on a metal stand is a salvaged millstone, and the hammered steel patio furniture is part of a line created by Hallberg. Opposite page: In the wife’s studio, a sitting nook is decorated with ethnic textiles and a salvaged coffee table.

All photos reprinted with permission from Worlds of Wonder: Richard Hallberg Interiors by Mario López-Cordero (Rizzoli New York, 2023).

We Deliver Gifting Solutions For Every Business Need

With white glove service, a reputation of excellence, and a vast selection of distinctive items, we are your full service resource for initiatives that show gratitude, recognize excellence, raise awareness, and support your culture and goals.

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION PROGRAMS

Recognize, reward, and retain your top talent.

DONOR AND CLIENT GIFTS

Say thank you with a memorable gift.

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Sales, tenure, milestones... celebrate success.

INCENTIVES

Your team rocks.

Let them know.

BESPOKE OFFERINGS

Innovative and creative one-of-a-kind presentations.

For Love of Bubbles

PEOPLE WORK HARD TO GIVE SPARKLING WINES SUCH EFFORTLESS EFFERVESCENCE

By Robert Beringela

Consider sparkling wine, a festive catalyst for countless celebrations. Bright, effervescent and deliciously refreshing, it goes down so easily you may not realize how hard it is to make.

Following the traditional Champagne method, the work begins with what is called a “base” wine, bracing and acidic, not great for drinking, which is put into bottles with yeast and sugar, then stored in a cool cellar, where it undergoes a secondary fermentation, acquiring bubbles and toasty flavors that grow in complexity over time. The finest sparkling wines are often aged for years. And even then the job isn’t complete. A process known as riddling comes next—the gradual rotation of the bottle to nudge any yeast sediment into the neck—followed by disgorging (the delicate removal of that sediment)—and a final topping off with wine and sugar for balanced sweetness.

That’s the dumbed-down version. But you get the gist.

“It is definitely a labor of love,” says Matt Dees, head winemaker at The Hilt Estate, an acclaimed winery in Santa Barbara County, California. “Or, to put it slightly less romantically, a huge pain in the butt.”

Given the toil and time involved, it’s no wonder many sparkling wine producers outsource one or more of the tasks. Some buy their fruit instead of growing and harvesting it themselves. Others pay to have their sparkling wine riddled and disgorged. Not Dees, though. He is one of a small but growing cluster of California vintners who handle every step in the drawn-out process, from the vineyard to the cellar, and beyond.

“It’s not that people who outsource can’t make delicious wines, because of course they can,” Dees says. “And they do. I guess you could chalk the choice up to our being control freaks. We are fiercely proud of making estate wines, of farming and producing and bottling ourselves. For us, doing it any other way wouldn’t sit quite right.”

At The Hilt, sparkling wine production dates to 2012,

when a cool growing season yielded an unusually lean, electric Chardonnay that Dees and his colleagues felt would make a great base for bubbly. Their first release sparkling wine was tiny, barely 50 cases, but the labor was painstaking, as The Hilt owned little of the requisite equipment.

“We did it MacGyver-style, with duct tape and by the seat of our pants,” Dees says. “Disgorging was excruciatingly slow, and we topped off all the bottles by hand.”

Over time, the property invested in expensive machines, including a disgorger and a gyroscope for riddling, and the production process grew increasingly efficient. But even today it’s a boutique operation, yielding roughly 250 cases of sparkling wine per year, drawing from estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

In their in-house approach to bubbly, Dees and his team are not alone. Other notable grower-producers of California sparkling wine include Frank Family Vineyards in Calistoga. There winemaker Todd Graff, who began his career in the early 1990s at storied Shramsberg, oversees production of four styles, from a beautifully balanced blanc de blancs to an ethereal brut rosé. Farther west, in Sonoma County, at Inman Family Wines, Kathleen Inman, a pioneering winemaker who helped lead the revival of California rosé, takes a similarly hands-on, artisanal approach. Working with fruit from her organic vineyard, Inman, who started making sparkling wines in 2009, was among the first vintners in the state to produce sparkling wines from single vintages (most sparkling wines are blends), which lends them a distinctive sense of time and place. In the patience and attention required, Inman says the process reminds her of another intensely demanding kind of work that also instills a deep sense of pride.

“To me, nurturing these sparkling wines into existence is akin to motherhood,” she says. “I think of them as my children.” A labor of love, indeed.

Inman Family Wines Russian River Valley Blanc de Noir, 2019, $78

A graceful, balanced sparkling wine, with refreshing acidity and a long berry finish.

The Hilt Estate Estate Sparkling, 2019, $75

Bright and dry, with just the right amount of body, this wine has notes of almond, green apple and nectarine.

Frank Family Vineyards Brut Rosé, 2017, $60 Sunset pink in the glass, this elegant sparkling wine has rose petals and raspberries on the nose, and a complex minimality that lingers on the palate.

From top, left to right: Todd Graff and Mike Sangiacomo of Frank Family Vineyards; sparkling wines from Frank Family Vineyards; the vineyards at The Hilt Estate in Santa Barbara; selections from Inman Family Wines, The Hilt Estate and Frank Family Vineyards; Kathleen Inman of Inman Family Wines; Inman’s sparkling wine barrel.

Classic, Remixed

THIS REFRESHING SPIN ON THE SWEET SIP WILL KEEP YOU COOL ALL SEASON

CUCUMBER+ KIWI GIMLET

SERVES 2

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE SIMPLE SYRUP

n 8-10 kiwis, halved and peeled

n 1 cup distilled water

n 1 cup sugar

FOR THE DRINK

n 2 oz. gin

n ½ cucumber, sliced lengthwise

n 1 Tbs. lime juice

n 2 oz. kiwi simple syrup

n 1 cup ice, for shaking

DIRECTIONS

To make the simple syrup, cut kiwis in halves or quarters and combine with water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stir then reduce heat to mediumlow for 45 minutes, stirring periodically. Once liquid thickens, remove kiwis. Use a fine mesh strainer to transfer liquid from saucepan into pouring receptacle. Allow to cool in refrigerator.

In a shaker, add the gin, lime juice, simple syrup and cucumber slices. Gently muddle the cucumber to release its flavors. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 30 to 40 seconds. Strain into a coupe or tall, thin glass. If using a tall glass, create a pretty effect, as in the picture, by lining the inside with a long, thin, spiral cut cucumber slice.

Recipe courtesy of sugarandcharm.com

Alena Farley has cherished vintage jewelry since she began her career in the industry more than 20 years ago. After joining Hamilton Jewelers in 2018, she was soon promoted to store manager and buyer at H1912, the brand’s vintage jewelry and certified pre-owned watch boutique. There, she continues to cultivate her fondness for the craftsmanship, design, and sustainability of “pre-loved” pieces. “It’s the storytelling I love the most,” she says. “Each piece has a specific history that allows us to beautifully connect with people and cultures of the past.”

1. English Platinum and 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Brooch

“The elegance and impeccable craftsmanship of this piece is undeniable. Designed to be worn with grace and style, this 1930s-era brooch showcases the enchanting beauty of Old European cut diamonds and adds a touch of sophistication to any ensemble. Its versatility knows no bounds.”

2. 18k Yellow Gold, Morganite, Pink Tourmaline, and Diamond Ring

“I am a huge fan of colored gemstones. They are interesting and intriguing, and the color choices are limitless. You can choose one based on personality, mood, or occasion to complement any outfit, be a focal point, or to create a juxtaposition of color. I absolutely adore this vintage ring, which was manufactured in France in the mid 1950s. The craftsmanship and quality of the gemstones make it an unforgettable statement piece.”

Alena highlights her latest H1912 vintage jewelry and watch favorites

3. Italian 18k Yellow Gold Solid Open-Link Curb Chain

“This 1980s necklace has it all: It’s fashionable, chic, and bold. It’s a piece that can elevate any outfit and will never go out of style. I also love its subtle sparkle of diamonds— just enough to make the necklace a true showstopper.”

4. Patek Philippe Gondolo

5014J Manual Wind Watch

“This vintage wristwatch is an elegantly refined tribute to the Art Deco era, with its rectangular 18k yellow gold case and sleek aesthetic. From a formal black-tie event to a casual outing, the timeless design and luxurious materials make it a standout that can be worn on any occasion and will never go out of style.”

Frame of Mind

PICTURE YOUR PERFECT STYLE WITH THESE STUNNING STATEMENT PIECES

From left:

An 18k white gold, emerald, and diamond bracelet.

A Lisette Collection platinum and emerald-cut diamond bracelet.

A platinum, emerald, and emerald-cut diamond bracelet.

A platinum, 18k yellow gold, emerald, and diamond necklace.

A platinum, emerald, and diamond floral-motif drop pendant.

An 18k white gold, emerald, sapphire, and diamond

Art Deco–style cocktail ring.

A platinum, 18k yellow gold, emerald, and diamond three-stone ring.

From the Hamilton Private Reserve Collection

Prices upon request

PALM BEACH GARDENS

SHOPPING DESTINATION

HAMILTON JEWELERS

CHANEL

GUCCI

CH CAROLINA HERRERA

JIMMY CHOO

LOUIS VUITTON

FERRAGAMO

TIFFANY & CO. + MORE

THE GARDENS MALL

From the Hamilton Archives

At this year’s Academy Awards, there was a dazzling trend enthralling style aficionados as much as the celebrities walking the red carpet: brooches. From actors Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. to musician Billie Eilish, the ornate adornment had an air of chic innovation as it glittered on the lapels and collars of countless stars—but the brooch’s sartorial lineage is anything but new.

When Edward VII took the British throne in 1901, he and his fashionable Danish bride, Alexandria, ushered in an age of exuberantly appointed clothes and jewelry until the late 1920s—an era that would become known as the Edwardian Period, when fashion became society’s most valued currency. Although inspired by the ostentatious French courts of the 18th century, the style of the day had an almost ethereal lightness with layers of delicate lace and feathers accenting garments in the lightest of hues. Jewelers took a similar approach, using platinum and diamonds to recreate intricate filigree patterns that resembled lace. After all, this was the first time that fine jewelry was being made to be worn at night, when the world was lit by electricity and not candles.

At the end of this era, Hamilton was similarly inspired to design its own Edwardian-style piece of jewelry: a brooch crafted of the finest aquamarine and using an unheated gem of exceptional color and fire. In addition to the use of platinum—the metal de rigueur—Hamilton used an important technique called millegraining, where tiny beads fashioned from the metal give the piece a weightless look, similar to the edge of a coin. The result was a stunning piece that replicated “embroidery in platinum,” the highest form of jewelry art at the time.