Lee Michaels Spring/Summer 2023

FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Lee Michael Berg

PRESIDENTS Ryan Berg, Scott Berg, Chad Berg

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Johnny Tate

VICE PRESIDENT Victoria Beavers

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER Jane Harrington

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Andrew Brown

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING Amy Graham Hughes

CREATIVE DEPARTMENT Andrea Barbier, Mariella Brochard

EDITOR IN CHIEF Rita Guarna

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Stephen Vitarbo

SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR Darius Amos

LIFESTYLE EDITOR Haley Longman

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Christen Fisher, Everett Potter, Donna Rolando

Publishing Staff

PUBLISHER Lizette Chin

ADVERTISING/PRODUCTION SERVICES Penny Boag, Griff Dowden, Chris Ferrante, Jacquelynn Fischer, Catherine Rosario

ACCOUNTING Kasie Carleton, Urszula Janeczko, Steven Resnick

PUBLISHED BY Wainscot Media

CHAIRMAN Carroll V. Dowden

PRESIDENT & CEO Mark Dowden

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Rita Guarna

VICE PRESIDENTS Lizette Chin, Nigel Edelshain, Thomas Flannery, Coleman McCartan, Belinda Pina, Maria Regan, Steven Resnick, Diane Vojcanin

dear friends of lee michaels,

As we commemorate our 45th year in business, we take time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present and look forward to the future. From our first store in Cortana Mall in Baton Rouge, we have grown to ten locations in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and New Mexico. We have totally remodeled several stores and built a beautiful stand-alone store at Lakeside Mall in Metairie. Next month we will open our tenth store—the third Lee Michaels in San Antonio at The Alamo Quarry Market. To better serve our customers, we also recently opened a custom manufacturing workshop in Baton Rouge.

Yes, our business is thriving and for that we are grateful, but we could not have achieved this level of success without the loyalty and dedication of the following people.

To our extraordinary associates, “thank you” cannot begin to tell you how much you mean to us and to our customers. You do more than sell a product; you form a bond, a friendship, with your clients. You pair their preferences with perfect gift selections and go out of your way to accommodate last minute requests. You stay in touch with your clients and work hard to

fulfill their every gift need. Without you, without your dedication, we would be nothing.

To our valued customers, we express our deepest appreciation for making Lee Michaels your first choice when celebrating life’s special occasions. You are the reason we’re in business. Yours are the smiles we share, the successes we cheer, the engagements, weddings and anniversaries that warm our hearts. You are part of the Lee Michaels family—a very special part.

We also acknowledge the tremendous contribution of our great jewelry designer and brand partners. Because of fine products like yours, Lee Michaels is synonymous with exceptional quality. Your exquisite attention to detail and your unwavering dedication to provide the highest quality pieces to our customers validate their trust in us and affirm our commitment to them.

We celebrate today and look forward to the future, to dreams and hopes fulfilled. And especially, we look forward to sharing it with you.

With deep appreciation,

LEE BERG

RYAN BERG SCOTT BERG CHAD BERG

THE IWC TOP GUN.

Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN. Ref. 3891: Developed for the elite pilots of the TOP GUN aviation school, our TOP GUN Chronograph goes from success to success. Its secret? Functional design, ultratough, high-performance materials and the exhilarating

surge of adrenaline it delivers. Housed inside the rugged case made of ceramic is an automatic, IWC-manufactured 69380-calibre movement. All in all, a precision instrument for individuals destined to excel themselves.

IWC. ENGINEERING BEYOND TIME. SINCE 1868.

DOWNLOAD THE IWC APP FOR VIRTUAL TRY-ON

IWC-manufactured 69380 calibre · 46-hour power reserve · Day & Date display · Stopwatch function with hours, minutes and seconds · Water-resistant 6 bar ∙ Diameter 44.5 mm

you’re on our GUEST LIST

Here at Lee Michaels we love to throw a party, and in fall of 2022, party we did! Follow us on social media and sign up for our emails to stay informed on all of our great in-store events.

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1. David Yurman Trunk Show

JACKSON, MS

David Yurman brought in an extended selection of all the latest collections, and representatives from New York were in attendance to help customers style their current pieces with the new.

2. Konstantino Trunk Show

BATON ROUGE, LA

Designer Konstantino Sioulas’ son, Julian, made a personal appearance in store and treated customers to stories of him and his father and an extended collection of jewelry handmade in Greece.

3. Influencer Event

NEW ORLEANS, LA

Instagram influencers enjoyed a brunch in our new freestanding Lakeside store while trying on favorite pieces from designer David Yurman.

4. Robert Procop Trunk Show

SAN ANTONIO, TX

Robert Procop brought in exceptional jewels from Beverly Hills for customers to explore. He creates true treasures that last a lifetime from his team of master craftsmen and the finest gems worldwide.

5. La Cantera Holiday Party

SAN ANTONIO, TX

Customers got in the holiday spirit in San Antonio and enjoyed wine and hors d’oeuvres while shopping for everyone on their list!

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Corporate at Bocage Holiday Party

BATON ROUGE, LA

Baton Rouge customers shopped while enjoying food from Ruth’s Chris, and seeing extended collections from favorite designers Marco Bicego and David Yurman.

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what moms want

Lee Michaels

david yurman

In the words of David Yurman and his wife and co-founder, Sybil Yurman, their eponymous luxury jewelry brand is “one long art project.” Since 1980, the New York-based designers have blazed new trails in the jewelry world, with an unwavering commitment to innovative design and top-notch craftsmanship. Undoubtedly, David Yurman’s most renowned silhouette is Cable: a twisted helix made of various types of precious metal, its ends often embellished with precious stones and gems. In their latest Sculpted Cable collection, the signature Cable design evolves into a carved form with a wave-like motif. The newest necklaces and bracelets feature handmade links with the flexibility and movement of a chain.

Clockwise from top left, Sculpted Cable 2-Wrap bracelet in sterling silver, $1,850; Sculpted Cable hoop earrings in 18K yellow gold, $3,500; Sculpted Cable necklace in sterling silver, $650; Sculpted Cable choker necklace in sterling silver, $2,750; Sculpted Cable pinky ring in sterling silver, $375; Sculpted Cable bracelet in 18K yellow gold, $4,800; Sculpted Cable pinky ring in 18K yellow gold with pavé diamonds, $6,200; Sculpted Cable bracelet in sterling silver, $950; Sculpted Cable band ring in 18K yellow gold, $1,900; Sculpted Cable band ring in 18K yellow gold with pavé diamonds, $6,800.

The best kind of gifts are the ones you know she wants but wouldn’t splurge on herself. These luxury pieces of fine jewelry are traditional rather than trendy, foolproof ways to show her you care.

roberto coin

As most artists do for their respective native lands, Roberto Coin pays homage to his upbringing in the majestic city of Vicenza, Italy, when creating jewelry for his brand. He also draws inspiration from nature, culture and his exotic travels, which serve as fodder for his pieces handcrafted in 18K gold. Each and every piece is adorned with his signature ruby tucked inside for only the wearer to see. Roberto Coin’s Venetian Princess is perhaps his most iconic collection, inspired by a Venice fairytale with its notable clover signet. The newer gold Duchessa Collection features modern iterations of the Princess Diamond shape, pavé diamonds and Roberto Coin’s signature satin finish gold on links and chains.

Clockwise from top left: 18K yellow gold diamond Venetian Princess necklace, 33 inches, $12,300; 18K yellow gold diamond Venetian Princess necklace, $3,640; 18K yellow gold Duchessa small oval link necklace with diamonds, $15,300; 18K yellow Gold Duchessa small oval link bracelet with diamonds, $6,300; 18K yellow gold Duchessa small earrings with diamonds, $2,150; 18K yellow gold diamond Venetian Princess earrings, $6,700.

mikimoto

The world’s first pearls were cultured 130 years ago in Japan by Kokichi Mikimoto, who leaves behind his legacy as the “Pearl King” of the world. His eponymous luxury brand has since become the go-to for pearls—Mikimoto’s pieces elegantly combine the cultured pearl with diamonds, stones and various metals, and are meant to be passed on from generation to generation. The latest items in the Classic Collection are true works of art, pairing Akoya cultured pearls with gleaming white gold to exude the radiance of an early morning sunrise. Mikimoto’s Morning Dew Collection features soft pearls and delicate gemstones to mimic nature’s dew drops.

From the Classic Collection, Akoya cultured pearls with diamonds in 18K white gold. Pendant, $5,200; earrings, $5,200; drop earrings, $3,300; ring, $4,700. From the Morning Dew Collection, Akoya cultured pearls with diamonds in 18k white gold. Earrings, $2,300; pendant, $2,400.

Clockwise from top left: 18K yellow gold and pearl long necklace, $4,550; 18K yellow gold and diamond four drop earrings, $1,880; 18K yellow, pearl and diamond medium drop earrings, $1,760; 18K yellow gold and pearl lariat, $4,990; 18K yellow gold, pearl and diamond North South ring, $1,170; 18K yellow gold and pearl large bead bracelet, $1,540; 18K yellow and white gold diamond accent banglet, $1,570.

marco bicego

Since 2000, Marco Bicego has been making hand-engraved fine jewelry out of 18K gold in Vicenza, Italy’s Capital of Gold. Distinctive gold pieces remain a cornerstone of the Maison, now in more modern and innovative silhouettes. Marco Bicego’s Siviglia Collection is a tribute to Andalusian culture, inspired by the traditions of Seville, Spain. The collection features delicate 18-carat yellow gold chains with stations of bezel-set petite baroque ovals, hand-engraved and highlighted by shimmering pavé diamonds or mother-of-pearl beads. The result is dainty and distinctive pieces that she’ll undoubtedly cherish forever.

let’s celebrate LAKESIDE GRAND OPENING

Last fall we celebrated the grand opening of our freestanding flagship store in Metairie, LA with a ribbon cutting. It was a beautiful evening celebrating with the entire Lee Michaels family, as well as key brand partners.

Lee Michaels

JOURNEY 1884 A SHOCK-RESISTANT AUTOMATIC WATCH

Meet the elegant automatic watch for navigating urban journeys, with shock resistance and high-end ceramic unidirectional bezel.

FROM THE MAKERS OF THE ORIGINAL SWISS ARMY KNIFE ™

ESTABLISHED 1884

Full Time

a bright blue dial and a bidirectional rotatable bezel in platinum with a raised 60-minute graduation and numerals. The waterproof and robust qualities of this model make it the ideal watch for water sports and sailing in particular.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 40 in Oystersteel and Platinum with an Oyster bracelet features

Tudor pays tribute to the brand’s first divers’ watches with the Black Bay Fifty-Eight, a model whose dimensions evoke that of the epoch. Fitted with a TUDOR Manufacture Caliber, the Black Bay Fifty-Eight is designed for slim wrists, people who like more compact watches and vintage enthusiasts alike.

Patek Philippe reinterprets the quartz Aquanaut Luce in stainless steel with a larger diameter (38.8 mm) and a new integrated composite strap. This epitome of contemporary casual chic is attired in an elegant matte white color adorning the dial and matching strap. Water-resistant to 120m, the rounded octagonal case is enhanced by polished and satin finishes. The bezel is lit up by a row of 48 diamonds. The patented folding clasp is secured by four independent catches.

True to its first iteration in 1985, the new Pasha de Cartier is amplified by originality and uniquely powerful, bringing together elements that go beyond classic watchmaking. It’s more than meets the eye. Featuring a 41 mm dial, chronograph, automatic movement, and steel with interchangeable metal and leather straps.

A professional dive watch, the new TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 with a green sunray brushed dial combines refined aesthetics with extreme function. Powered by the automatic Calibre 5, the 43mm case is pressureproof and ready to perform in any condition. Refined and comfortable, the case and bracelet are built from lightweight and scratchresistant grade 2 titanium with unique sandblasted finishing.

Oyster Perpetual

ESSENCE OF THE OYSTER

ESSENCE OF THE OYSTER

Watches in the Oyster Perpetual range are symbols of universal and classic style, while offering essential day-to-day functions – hours, minutes and seconds. Firmly rooted in the pioneering origins of Rolex, these models embody timeless form and function. They represent timepieces in their purest form.

Watches in the Oyster Perpetual range are symbols of universal and classic style, while offering essential day-to-day functions – hours, minutes and seconds. Firmly rooted in the pioneering origins of Rolex, these models embody timeless form and function. They represent timepieces in their purest form.

THE QUINTESSENTIAL ROLEX

Descending from the original 1926 Oyster – the world’s first waterproof wristwatch – models in the Oyster Perpetual range embody all the values of Rolex. They are precise, waterproof and benefit from a self-winding movement via Perpetual rotor. Their sleek design combined with technical innovations contribute to the timelessness of the models.

Descending from the original 1926 Oyster – the world’s first waterproof wristwatch – models in the Oyster Perpetual range embody all the values of Rolex. They are precise, waterproof and benefit from a self-winding movement via Perpetual rotor. Their sleek design

Oyster Perpetual watches are direct desc endants of the original Oyster launched in 1926, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch and the foundation on which Rolex has built its reputation. A certified Superlative Chronometer, the Oyster Perpetual features all the key characteristics of the Oyster Perpetual collection – excellent chronometric precision, the waterproof Oyster case, and a mechanical self-winding movement via Perpetual rotor. Understated and elegant, this timepiece is known for its universal, classic style.

Dynamic and timeless

The Oyster Perpetual provides a clear and accurate time display – hours, minutes and seconds. The different versions of the watch stand out with dials in subtle or vibrant colours, whether it is a sophisticated silver, bright blue or bright black dial in a sunray finish, or an eye-catching candy pink, turquoise blue or green lacquer dial. The Oyster Perpetual comes in five sizes – 28, 31, 34, 36 and 41 mm –providing the largest choice of diameters for a Rolex range.

The models are paired with a threepiece link Oyster bracelet, which is secure and comfortable. It is equipped with a folding Oysterclasp and the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by Rolex, that enables the wearer to adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm.

The Oyster Perpetual is made exclusively of Oystersteel. Specially developed for Rolex, Oystersteel belongs to the 904L steel family – alloys that are most commonly used in high technology. Oystersteel is extremely resistant to corrosion, offers an exceptional finish once polished and maintains its sheen over time.

Reliability and precision

The Oyster Perpetual’s case is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). Its middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that grants only certified Rolex watchmakers access to the movement. Another core component in the watertight structure is the Twinlock winding crown that is fitted with a double waterproofness system and screws down securely against the case.

Depending on its size, the Oyster Perpetual is equipped with either calibre 2232 (for models in 28, 31 and 34 mm) or calibre 3230 (for models in 36 and 41 mm), self-winding mechanical movements entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. They offer outstanding performance in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks, convenience and reliability.

Superlative chronometer certification

Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. This designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories, according to its own criteria. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.

Understated and elegant, the Oyster Perpetual is known for its universal, classic style.

OYSTER PERPETUAL 41

41 mm, Oystersteel, silver dial, Oyster bracelet, calibre 3230.

Spring Bling

This page, 10.28ct cushion cut diamond ring with diamond trapezoids on sides and micro pavé infinity edge set in platinum; oval diamond in and out hoop earrings, 9.37ctw, call for pricing; Opposite page, left, graduated baguette diamonds and round diamond necklace totaling 15.7cts, $35,000; diamond bracelet featuring baguettes throughout center and round diamond on each side, 16.20ctw, $27,500; diamond bracelet with twisted shape featuring baguette and round diamonds, 9.29ctw, $19,500; 22mm in and out diamond hoop earrings with baguette diamonds at center, 6.66ctw, $13,500. Opposite page, right, Roberto Coin “Domino” Collection diamond earrings, $12,900; diamond bangle, $10,350; medium width ring with diamonds, $2,100.

Mix and match your diamonds for a timeless look that takes you from daytime to dinner.

Dreams Come True in Africa

ANYONE WHO KNOWS LEE AND BRENDA BERG recognizes their strong commitment to fostering family togetherness. “Our sons live in three different cities so their wives and children don’t get to know each other as well as the three boys do,” say Lee Berg, founder of LMFJ. So, twice a year, Lee and Brenda take the entire family—sons, wives and grandchildren—on memorable trips.

Last year, they chose South Africa as their destination. “When Brenda and I visited there about five years ago, we marveled at how beautiful it was—just gorgeous. We wanted the kids to see it too,” says Lee. And see it they did. Not only did they experience the beauty of South African savannahs and wildlife, they also came in contact with more—so much more.

For starters, four hours after completing a 10-hour flight from Dubai to Cape Town, South Africa, they were on the road again—this time to visit a historymaking school constructed out of old tires, bottles and other recycled materials. They also explored a lush community garden where villagers in native dress entertained them with an elaborate song and dance program. “We were so moved by how warm and welcoming the villagers were and how happy they were to see us,” says Chad Berg, LMFJ co-president.

The school and the garden are among sites featured on a philanthropic tour by Uthando Upliftment Project. (“Uthando” means “love” in Xhosa and Zulu.)

By Karen B. Gibbs

A once-in-a-lifetime trip for the entire Lee Michael Berg family becomes an education in diamonds for the next generation.

“I was amazed at what we saw. The homes around the school were small, metal shanties. The kids were very poor,” says Chad. “Yet, even though our skin color and language were different, at the end of the day, kids are kids, and they were playing together and kicking the soccer ball back and forth. The tour showed our children a different way of life and helped them appreciate the life they have.”

It also stirred within the Bergs an immense amount of pride and happiness. “So much of what we do helps South Africa,” says Ryan Berg, LMFJ co-president. “Diamond mining is one of the underpinnings of their economy. We felt it only right to give back to the country that has helped us so much.”

Also on the agenda was—what else? A safari. “That was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says Scott Berg, LMFJ co-president. “It was incredible to see the majestic beauty of an animal living in its natural habitat.”

“We went on a safari but we didn’t stay in a tent. We were in something a little nicer than a tent,” says Chad, who didn’t sound the least bit disappointed. “I love the animals. It was unbelievable.”

“We saw the big five,” says Lee, “elephants, lions, leopards, water buffalo and rhinoceros. It was fascinating.”

Indeed, it was fascinating, but for three generations of Bergs, it couldn’t compare to what was next on their agenda: visiting an operating diamond mine.

EKAPA MINE

“It’s always been a dream of mine to not only be involved in this business but to also understand how things start. I’d always missed that part when it comes to diamonds,” says Lee. “About 30-35 years ago, De Beers invited me and Brenda to visit their Kimberley mine, one of the top-producing mines in South Africa. Not many retail jewelers in this country have been to a diamond mine. It’s not easy. We got all our shots but a week before we were to leave, I got sick and we had to cancel.”

In 2022, Lee and Brenda inadvertently moved one step closer to realizing that dream when they invited their family on a world-class trip to South Africa. “Our original intent was to show them the beauty of this undeveloped country and go on a safari,” says Lee.

“Then my brothers and I went to Dad and said none of us have ever seen a diamond mine and we all want to,” says Chad.

“I looked at a map to see where the Kimberley mine was located,” says Lee. “It’s about an hour and a half plane ride from Cape Town.” It was definitely possible.

Lee contacted Jahn Hohne, who co-owns the Ekapa mine with his brother, Peter. (The Hohne brothers and another partner bought the Kimberley mine from De Beers in 2015. When that partnership dissolved in 2020, the Hohnes renamed the mine from Kimberley Ekapa to Ekapa.) Jahn invited Lee and his family to come to South Africa for a personal tour of the Ekapa mine. “He said we were the first visitors he’d ever allowed to see it since COVID,” says Lee.

When the day of the Ekapa mine tour arrived, the family got up at 5 a.m. and caught a plane to Kimberley. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip but it was a really, really hard day,” says Brenda.

“We landed on a dirt runway in Kimberley,” says Lee. “The mine is in the middle of nowhere. Jahn met us and spent the whole day with us.” Because of security issues, armed guards accompanied the family at the mine, in town and

at the Kimberley Club where they had a private lunch.

“What most impressed me was the true scale of the operation,” says Ryan. “It was unbelievable.”

“My wife and I were overwhelmed by the sheer size of it,” says Scott. “We are used to seeing diamonds from a different perspective—in our showcases, bringing joy to people. It’s another thing to see how they enrich people’s lives by providing them employment and opportunity.”

There are only about 10,000 people living in Kimberley, and most of them work at the Ekapa mine. “I am impressed with the social good that diamonds are doing in South Africa. Hospitals are created and schools are funded by the diamond industry,” Scott adds.

What impressed Chad was that both Ekapa and Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry are family-owned businesses. “Mostly, diamond mines are owned by large, publicly-traded companies because it is such an expensive process,” Chad explains. “De Beers put hundreds of millions into forming this mine, then decided to sell it to two brothers who became individual owners. De Beers didn’t think there were many diamonds left in the mine so they sold it at a reduced rate to the Hohnes. With the technology that is available today, however, the Hohnes are going back through the ‘leftovers’ in the ‘diamond tailings’ and extracting many diamonds—about 1,000 carats a day.”

Here’s a quick look at the diamond mining process. After controlled explosions loosen rocks, miners enter the mine through an elevator shaft and send those rocks that may contain diamonds to the surface by a system of conveyor belts. “It was very, very noisy,” recalls Chad. “A big machine at the top of the mountain sends rocks down the conveyer belts for processing.” Once rocks are sorted out, they go through x-ray and other technology to determine if they contain a diamond. Those that do are then cleaned, weighed, packaged, sealed and sent to diamond cutters in New York, India, Israel and elsewhere to be made market-ready.

Much to their pleasure, the Bergs noted that the Ekapa mine has an exceptional record for safety and sensitivity to the environment. The mine also adheres to the international standards of the Kimberley Process adopted by the World Diamond Congress in 2003. This process tracks and certifies ethical diamonds— those coming from mines that invest in their miners’ safety and well-being.

After seeing the mine, the Berg family visited a diamond museum in Kimberley that has the most beautiful diamonds in the world on display. “We walked the town and had lunch at the exclusive Kimberley Club that was started by the Oppenheimer family who owns De Beers,” says Lee.

“We have a picture of Mom and Dad in the boardroom looking at a briefcase that was filled with diamonds—a whole week’s worth of them,” says Chad. What you don’t see in the photo are the many armed guards surrounding them. Understandably, security was at its maximum there.

After returning to the United States, the Bergs reflected on the trip and the surprises it held.

“I didn’t realize how mechanized the mining process was and how much rock they bring out of the ground,” says Lee. “I was also amazed at how they can look into the rocks to see if there are diamonds in them. And I was blown away at the size of the big hole where the Kimberley mine started.” Covering an area equivalent to 42 football fields, the Big Hole is 1,519 feet wide and 787 feet deep!

Scott was impressed with the good that diamonds are doing in this world and the incredible economic impact they have on Africa. “What we sell is unique and rare and benefits the communities where they are mined. It is something you can feel good about when you’re representing a diamond to your customers,” he says.

“Everything was interesting for everyone—from the littlest to biggest,” says Brenda. “Watching this process through their eyes was exciting. No one’s ever seen it before.”

“I think experiencing these amazing things as a family brought us all closer together,” says Scott. “We enjoyed sharing this with our family and our extended family.”

“We are truly blessed to be in a business as a family and all get along,” says Ryan. “We can take these trips together and strengthen our relationships outside the business. As a healthier, stronger family, we make better business decisions.”

“The whole trip was wonderful,” says Lee. “Being there with my children and grandchildren as they learned about the process and understood how this all starts—and having someone as beautiful as Jahn explain everything that’s going on—I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed it. That was the happiest part of the trip.”

250 TONS of SOIL, SAND and ROCK must be BLASTED, CRUSHED and PROCESSED to produce ONE CARAT of ROUGH DIAMOND

giving you an EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE

With the opening of our tenth location, we celebrate 45 years of being your favorite destination for fine jewelry and timepieces.

Causeway Blvd. at Lakeside Shopping Center New

Orleans, LA

Ambassador Caffery Parkway Lafayette, LA

Renaissance Colony Park Ridgeland, MS ABQ Uptown Albuquerque, NM

Mall of Louisiana Baton Rouge, LA

Youree Drive at East 70th Shreveport, LA

North Star Mall San Antonio, TX

Corporate at Bocage Baton Rouge, LA

The Shops at La Cantera San Antonio, TX

a new gem is coming

ALAMO QUARRY MARKET IN SAN ANTONIO, TX

Opening in early May, the new store features a beautiful selection of jewelry from David Yurman, Roberto Coin and Marco Bicego, as well as fine Swiss timepieces from Rolex, Tudor, IWC and Tag Heuer.

dates with destiny

Fine calendar watches by Patek Philippe situate the user not only in the hour and day but also in the month—and in the annals of legendary timepieces.

By Christen Fisher

When the Roman poet Virgil wrote, “All our sweetest hours fly fastest,” he wasn’t making a scientific observation, but a psychological one. (“Time flies,” we say today, “when you’re having fun.”) But of course literal time moves at a constant rate independent of our endeavors, sweet or bitter, and that movement goes beyond the circulating hands of the clock to propel the calendar’s pages and a tree’s annual rings. It needs and deserves precision instruments to mark its passage accurately—instruments such as Patek Philippe’s remarkable collection of simple, annual and perpetual calendar watches.

Simple calendar watches display the date through an aperture or by means of a hand to indicate the number of the day from 1 to 31 within the month. To maintain the correct date, these watches must be manually adjusted at the end of 30 days and at the end of February.

Patek’s current collection features several simple calendar watches including Reference 7300/1200R Ladies’ Twenty~4 Automatic in rose gold. Designed for the modern, active woman, this watch features a round case with diamond-set bezel and is available with either a brown sunburst or silvery dial enriched with a shimmering vertical and horizontal finish known as “shantung.” Powered by the self-winding movement caliber 324 S C, this timepiece displays hours, minutes and sweep seconds, as well as the date in an aperture at 6 o’clock. It is presented on a rose gold bracelet with fold-over clasp.

For gentlemen, Patek offers Reference 5226G Calatrava in white gold with a textured charcoal gray dial featuring a black gradient rim. The self-winding movement caliber 26-330 S C powers this watch’s hours, minutes, central seconds, aperture-type date and stop-seconds mechanism. It comes with two interchangeable hand-stitched straps: a beige calfskin with a nubuck finish and a black calfskin with an embossed fabric motif.

Annual calendars, a complication invented by Patek in 1996, require only a single manual adjustment once each year at the end of February. The current collection includes Reference 4947/1A Annual Calendar, a 38mm watch designed to suit both men’s and ladies’ wrists. Available in stainless steel with a blue shantung satin-finish dial and gold applied numerals, this timepiece is powered by self-winding movement caliber 324 S QA LU. The day and month are displayed by hands while the date is shown in an aperture. The watch also features a moon phase and sweep seconds.

Additionally, there is Reference 4947G Annual Calendar of the same size, but designed exclusively with ladies in mind. Powered by the same movement as the 4947/1A, this version features a silvery dial

with a shantung satin finish handsomely set off by a white gold case and crown set with 141 and 14 diamonds respectively. It is presented on a shiny, peacock blue alligator strap.

Reference 5205R Annual Calendar with moon phase was designed for gentlemen. Originally launched in 2010, it was released in this version in 2022. It features an olive-green sunburst dial with a black-gradient rim. The hand-polished, rose gold case houses the self-winding movement caliber 324 S QA LU 24H/206 and boasts a concave bezel, hollowed flanks, skeletonized lugs and a sapphire crystal case back. It is presented on a hand-stitched, two-tone green alligator strap with a prong buckle.

The most technologically complex calendar watch is the perpetual calendar. Boasting a mechanical “memory” of four years, or 1,461 days, a perpetual calendar watch accommodates months with 31, 30 and 28 days as well as February 29th in leap years. Requiring a highly sophisticated mechanism based on a complex system of levers and cams pivoting around their axes, these models will only require manual adjustment in the year 2100, the next century year not divisible by 400. Two examples of this extraordinary feat of Patek Philippe engineering are the 5320G Men’s Perpetual Calendar and the 7140G Ladies’ First Perpetual Calendar, both in white gold.

The 5320 is powered by caliber 324 S Q and features a gilded opaline rose gold dial with charcoal gray gold applied numerals. The calendar displays are arranged in a twin in-line, day/month aperture at 12 o’clock. The date is indicated by a hand surrounding the moon phase at 6 o’clock. These are complemented by two round apertures: one for the day/night indicator between 7 and 8 o’clock and the other for the leap year cycle between 4 and 5 o’clock. The moon phases on this watch require a one-day correction only once every 122 years. This watch comes with interchangeable full and sapphire crystal case backs and is presented on a chocolate brown alligator strap with a fold-over clasp buckle.

The 7140 is powered by the ultra-thin self-winding movement caliber 240 Q. Its bezel is set with 68 diamonds, which beautifully deflect light onto a silvery sunburst dial with applied numerals and minute pearls in gold. It comes with interchangeable full and sapphire crystal case backs and is presented on either a gray or a turquoise alligator strap with a prong buckle set with an additional 27 diamonds.

Whether you choose a simple, annual or perpetual calendar wristwatch, the hours will pass sweetly if they’re marked by a Patek Philippe.

Ball chain necklace with triad diamond stations, 18.75” in length, $20,725.

Roberto Coin Love in Verona diamond necklace with floral design on a slide pendant, $8,900.

Domed circle top ring accented with diamonds, $2,900. Gold ring with domed polished gold top and row of round diamonds through center, $1,450. Domed circle top ring accented with diamonds, $1,250. Diamond hoop earrings with multiple polished circles down front with round diamonds in center, $1,450. Diamond bangle bracelet with alternating circles across the top being polished or with diamond accent, $5,500.

bead dazzled

The Next Chapter

At Lee Michaels, every box has a story. Our boxes hold the most precious things imaginable –memories, celebrations and experiences. Stories that mark moments and measure lives. Every time one is opened, a new chapter is written. A new verse added.

In and out diamond hoop earrings featuring oval shape diamonds set north/ south, 26mm, 9.37 ctw, $65,000. Patek Philippe Calatrava, 39mm in white gold with charcoal gray satin finish dial, shiny black alligator leather strap, $31,940.

a WONDERFUL LIFE is a STORY we WRITE

Platinum diamond all-around necklace featuring oval shape diamonds set east/ west, 16” length, 15.88 ctw, $64,500. 3.01 ct oval diamond ring with round diamond halo and diamonds down the sides. Platinum 4.01 ct round diamond ring with tapered baguettes. 4.01 ct radiant cut diamond ring with round diamond halo. Call for pricing.

the MOMENTS we will never FORGET

Diamond eternity band with mixed cut emerald, pear, oval, heart and marquise shapes, $11,950. Diamond band with scattered baguette and round diamonds across the top, $2,375. Emerald cut diamond band in bezel setting, $8,450. Diamond eternity band with pear shape diamonds staggered in two rows, $17,325. Diamond eternity band with oval, emerald, pear, marquise and round diamonds, $11,395.

the BONDS we made STRONGER with TIME

Round and baguette diamond bracelet, 9mm wide, 8.40 ctw, $24,750. Round and baguette diamond allaround necklace, 16.75” in length, 19.47 ctw, $72,750. 9.33 ct oval sapphire ring with oval diamond on either side, $72,500.

the BEAUTIFUL THINGS we CREATED

Round and baguette diamond necklace in octagonal shape, $6,525. Flexible diamond octagonal link bracelet, 5ctw, $21,600. In and out hoop earrings featuring emerald cut diamonds, 7.27ctw $27,150.

diamonds, 7.27ctw

Diamond band featuring two sizes of round diamonds throughout, $7,450. Diamond band with nine emerald cut diamonds bezel set across the top, $8,950.

Paula Pennington de la Bretonne

Continuing the

By Karen B. Gibbs

Legacy of Giving

“What do you want to do to help people when you grow up?”

That was the question asked of young Paula Pennington by her beloved Paw Paw, C. B. “Doc” Pennington, years ago—the question that has been her North Star ever since. “I can visualize sitting at the kitchen table with my grandfather and my two brothers, just talking, when he asked that question,” Paula recalls. “I said I wanted to be a nurse.”

Doc and Irene Pennington were always active in their grandchildren’s lives but the tragic death of their son, Claude B. Pennington Jr., Paula’s father, in an oilfield accident drew them even closer. Left alone to rear three children under the age of 4, Paula’s mother appreciated the tremendous help that Doc and Irene provided.

“My grandparents were always there,” says Paula. “My grandmother was very hands-on in our lives. She was a very special lady—my guardian angel.” Her grandfather also held a special place in Paula’s heart. “I remember going to restaurants with him on Friday nights, just the two of us.” says Paula. “My grandfather loved people-watching, and one of the many things that he said was that you only learn when you’re listening. Not when you’re talking.”

Paula grew up in Baton Rouge, attended St. Joseph’s Academy and graduated from Southeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in science. Following her dream, she became a nurse who taught prenatal Lamaze and exercise classes.

Serving others through medicine seems to be in the Pennington DNA. Doc’s father was a physician who often took his young son along as he traveled by horse and buggy to make house calls. Although he encouraged Doc to become an optometrist, Doc initially chose to work in the oilfields as a roughneck. While he eventually followed his father’s advice, Doc retired from optometry after his father died and returned to his first love—the oilfields.

In the 1950s, Doc’s oilfield savvy led him to invest in 2,000 acres on the Mississippi River bank in Northern East Baton Rouge Parish. Twenty years later, his hunch proved to be right. The land he purchased sat above one of the largest oil and gas finds in Louisiana! Doc negotiated a lucrative contract with Amoco that ultimately changed the lives of the Penningtons—and the lives of countless others—forever.

TO ME, it is a GIFT to WORK in the LOVE OF HUMANKIND for the WELFARE of others—which is what PHILANTHROPY is. I want to LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD, to give people EQUAL ACCESS to a GOOD QUALITY of LIFE.

Louisiana is rich in oil reserves that have provided opportunities to prosper for those like Doc who are willing to work hard and take calculated business risks. Those same oil reserves provided the financial platform for Doc and other selfmade philanthropists to help people.

“I was in my 20s when the reality of my grandfather making it in the late ’70s hit,” recalls Paula. “Dr. Allen Copping, the president of the LSU System, met with my grandfather about a donation but didn’t know exactly what would be of interest to Doc. Looking around my grandfather’s office, Dr. Copping noticed bottles of vitamins, and learned of Doc’s interest in nutrition. My grandfather realized early on that when he ate foods cooked with peanut oil, he didn’t get indigestion. That sparked his lifelong interest in nutrition.

In 1980, desiring to promote good nutrition among all people in Louisiana, Doc donated $125 million to build “the biggest and the best nutrition research center in the country.” His vision became the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. “We built the buildings,” says Paula, “but funds from other donors and the State of Louisiana brought in the research scientists.”

Private donations from the Penningtons and other philanthropists have shaped the public-private partnership model embodied in the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Research conducted by outstanding research scientists at Pennington Biomedical depends upon facilities constructed with Doc’s initial donation. In turn, the promise of their research positions them to aggressively—and successfully—compete for and win major research grants and contracts. These bring in tens of millions of dollars that help support operations of the public center that was constructed with private funds.

To raise additional funds for the Pennington Biomedical Research Center and other projects, Doc established the Irene W. and C. B. Pennington Foundation, the private family foundation, in 1982. “I remember that day,” says Paula. “My grandfather said, ‘Sit down, I want to show you something.’ He handed me a sheet of paper with 25 names on it. He said, ‘I’m thinking about starting this foundation, and these will be the first 25 recipients of the money we give.’ I looked it over and said, ‘This is great.’”

Doc asked Paula to also serve on the board of the Pennington Medical Foundation, which managed the original $125 million gift. She was active on that board from its inception in 1982 until 2022. Paula also serves on the board of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center with its complementary philanthropic focus. “I don‘t remember not being involved in the Foundation.”

“The Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation has probably given more to the Biomedical Research Center than to anyone else,” notes Lori Bertman, CEO and president. Lori works tirelessly with the Center to maximize grants, nationally and globally. “The research done there needs to be translated and replicated and made available around the world,” she adds.

“There are 37 clinical trials going on at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center at this time,” says Paula. Among them is a study to determine the benefits of exercise and social interaction for people battling dementia. Other studies focus on the impact that nutrition has on diabetes, obesity, cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Pennington Biomedical has offered Paula opportunities to combine her love of science and the arts. Last year she arranged for a performance by opera singer Renée Fleming to bring together “The Music and the Mind.” “Renée did a panel discussion with some of our scientists at Pennington Biomedical about the effects of music on behavior and dementia. Dr. John Kirwan, executive director of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, said ‘The Mind and Medicine’ presentation melds scientific research and music, bridging the gap between the arts and sciences,” Paula notes.

One of the most impressive accomplishments of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center is its ongoing partnership of more than 32 years with the U.S. Department of Defense that has provided biomedical solutions to keep America’s soldiers at optimal health and performance. “We are the leading provider of nutritional information to the U.S. military,” says Paula. “We design nutrition for soldiers and their families based on research in health, readiness and performance.”

The Pennington Biomedical Research Center is also recognized for its role in creating the DASH diet, ranked by U.S. News and World Report as both the No. 1 “Best Diabetes Diet” and “Best HeartHealthy Diet” for 2023. It is acclaimed worldwide. Worldwide! And to think it all started with Doc and Irene Pennington’s desire to help people. “They were blessed, and they wanted to help others,” says Paula.”They gave to their community in Elton, Louisiana, and they gave here in Baton Rouge. It just evolved that I was a part of it.” “My grandparents were visionaries. But, they never could have envisioned the way Pennington Biomedical Research Center has made a difference in the lives of people in our state, throughout the nation and across the globe. Those who know me know that my grandfather’s vision has become my passion and I am extremely proud to be a part of both the past and the future of Pennington Biomedical,” she says.

Initially, Paula and her two brothers decided who would receive grants from the Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation. “They were handling grants informally with a lawyer from the family office. I came on in 2002 as a consultant to look at their grant-making and see what they needed,” recalls Lori.

The Foundation could not have chosen a more qualified person. With a master’s degree in social work, Lori has always had a desire to help others. She assisted in bringing together a team to expand the Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation. Thanks to her expertise, the Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation has not only grown to give grants to hundreds of organizations, it also helps

Lee Michaels

them leverage the funding they receive, and advises them on the whys and hows of community outreach and networking with other nonprofits. “To me, it is a gift to work in the love of humankind—for the welfare of others—which is what philanthropy is. I want to level the playing field, to give people equal access to a good quality of life,” says Lori.

“Lori really understands my passion and my love for the different facets of the community—the different people,” says Paula. Children are one of these passions. “Children are our future. We must give them what they need to access opportunities, whether in the arts, sciences, recreation or human services. My love for children stems from my own family. Jack and I together have eight children and 21 grandchildren.”

The Emerge Center is one example of Paula’s efforts on behalf of children. The Emerge Center provides early intervention therapy and education to children with autism and individuals with communication challenges. “I’ve worked with the Emerge Center for the past 10 years and have seen how kids with autism and communication challenges have thrived and moved on to less restrictive educational requirements,” says Paula.

Paula’s dream is for all people to have the same opportunities in all aspects of life. She has a passion for the performing arts and will soon celebrate 20 years of her family foundation’s lead as the title sponsor for the Irene W. and C .B. Pennington Foundation Great Performers in Concert. This amazing concert series is a collaboration of world-renowned artists and the Baton Rouge Symphony. Notable artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Renée Fleming and the 20th Anniversary artist Hilary Hahn consistently grace the stage in Baton Rouge with unimaginable artistry. Paula brings her passion and support to many other artistic endeavors as

she knows the importance that the arts play in making our community a place of collective engagement.

The Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation funds two other special programs close to Paula’s heart—the planetarium at the Louisiana Arts and Science Museum and the Science Center at St. Joseph’s Academy. Both were dedicated to Irene Pennington while she was alive. This is notable because state law prohibits naming a public facility after a living individual; however, the Louisiana legislature passed a law allowing the name of the planetarium to be changed in honor of Irene W. Pennington.

And looking down from the oilfields of heaven, Paw Paw smiles and says, “Well done, Paula. Well done.”

Charles Krypell gemstone crosses with diamond at center. Amethyst, $2,150. Citrine, $2,600. Blue topaz, $2,150. Garnet, $2,600. Ippolita Starlet collection hoop earrings featuring sapphires of various colors and sizes in bezel setting, $6,195. Marco Bicego Paradise pearl and gemstone lariat necklace, $4,510.

Charles with diamond $2,150. $2,150. Starlet colors $6,195.

c ol or p op

lIppolita Starlet bangle featuring sapphires of various colors and sizes in bezel setting, $8,995. Ippolita Starlet bangle featuring blue sapphires of various colors and sizes in bezel setting, $8,995.

Marco Bicego Paradise pearl and gemstone bracelet, $1,580. Rubellite and mix color precious and semi-precious gems with graduated diamonds on the sides, $12,500.

sail la vie

If you harbor a passion for boating and would like to check out the finest premier luxury vessels, consider putting one—or more—of these stops on your itinerary for ’23:

sydney international boat show, aug. 3–7.

The land Down Under has a world-renowned boating festival that pays homage to the marine lifestyle, one of the biggest events of its kind on the Pacific. Ticket holders— there were about 45,000 in 2022—will spend five exquisite days and nights in the heart of Darling Harbour, immersing themselves in a combination of showcases, entertainment, educational sessions and product launches. A fan favorite event is the on-water demonstrations, which take place on the Event Deck in a 35-meter pool. TIckets and more info: sydneyboatshow.com.au

cannes yachting festival, sept. 12–17.

Each summer in Cannes starts with the star-studded Film Festival in late May and ends with the Yachting Festival, a tradition on the picturesque French Riviera since 1917. Al¬most 600 boats will be displayed at the 46th edition of this highly anticipated fest, including motor yachts, superyachts, catamarans, tenders and sailing yachts. The sailing yachts will be on show in Port Canto in the Bay of Cannes, whereas motorboats will occupy the second port, Vieux Port, about 15 minutes away. Ticket holders may board the sea and bus shuttles to and from each port to view both exhibitions. Pricing starts at $22.50 for a one-day adult ticket. More info: cannesyachtingfestival.com

newport international boat show, sept. 14–17.

There’s nothing like the beauty of this renowned Rhode Island city in the fall. With the changing leaves and national historic sites as a backdrop, the Newport International Boat Show (NIBS) at Newport Yachting Center Marina spans more than 13 acres. Lining the docks are sailboats and powerboats intended for ogling. On land, plenty of demonstrations, exhibitions, seminars, educational courses and giveaways await. Pricing is $30 per day for an adult; Newport residents and military personnel get in for $20. Tickets go on sale June 1. More info: newportboatshow.com

monaco yacht show, sept. 27–30.

Head out to this boat show in Monte Carlo if you’re looking not only to charter a boat, but perhaps to purchase one as well. More than 600 exhibitors will descend onto Port Hercules, where visitors can examine premium fleets

from hundreds of luxury brands. Don’t forget to stop by the “adventure area” too to check out tender boats, high-tech gadgets and interesting activities meant to be enjoyed aboard. Pro tip: upgrade to the VIP Sapphire Experience to gain access to the event’s exclusive bar and waiting service, with gorgeous views of the marina to boot. Tickets and more info: monacoyachtshow.com

singapore yacht show, oct. 11–15.

Exclusive yet social, fancy but fun, the Singapore Yacht Show is a one-stop shop for boaters and yachters in Asia. It takes place at the ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, where ticket holders can check out the exhibits featuring glamorous yachts, boating brands and high-tech yachting accoutrements. Also on tap is an array of interactive experiences, as well as demonstra¬tions and galas. Tickets and more info: singaporeyachtshow.com

valencia boat show, oct. 28–Nov. 1.

Whatever your level of boating experience, you’ll feel at home at this show at La Marina in Valencia, Spain, the biggest pub¬lic marina in Europe. It features three sepa¬rate “zones” essentially tiered from beginner to advanced: Discover Yachting, Yachting Life and Passion for Yacht¬ing. All three groups can also visit the various exhibition areas, such as one designated for sus¬tainability, one for water sports and another specific to catamarans. This is the only boat show in the Mediterranean that offers “sea trials,” meaning that you can test-drive the boats before purchasing. Tickets and more info: valenciaboat.com

fort lauderdale international boat show, oct. 25–29.

Everyone who works in the boating industry, as well as recreational boaters, knows about the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), the world’s largest in-water boat exhibition. Your long weekend in South Florida will be well spent here, as FLIBS spans 90 acres of exhibition space with free water and ground transportation to and from each location. Expect to see upwards of 1,000 brand exhibitors, as well as educational seminars and activations to break up your time at sea. Tickets and more info: flibs.com

Boat shows this year will celebrate the luxury yachting lifestyle in seven of the world’s most intriguing places.

56 Lee Michaels

high seas

THE PASTELS COLLECTION

RINGS FEATURING MORGANITE, LONDON BLUE TOPAZ, RHODOLITE RASPBERRY GARNET, AMETHYST, AND AQUAMARINE

COMPANIES ARE OFTEN RELUCTANT TO MAKE A STRONG STANCE ON PRODUCTS IN THEIR INDUSTRY, but Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry has no qualms about expressing their views on diamonds. The company continues to sell only naturally-formed diamonds in its stores as part of its ongoing commitment to high quality and honest relationships with customers.

Over the past few years, lab-grown diamonds have become a popular option for some jewelry retailers. These diamonds are created in as little as two weeks in sterile lab environments using intense heat. Lab-grown diamonds share many similarities, unlike natural ones that are unique based on the conditions in which they were formed. Also, they have a tendency to lose their value over time at a faster rate than natural diamonds.

“One of our core values at Lee Michaels is to not take the short-term gain, but to look at the future and do the right things for the long term,” said Scott Berg, Co-President of Lee Michaels. “At this point, we don’t feel comfortable standing behind a market where we don’t know where the bottom is. We know from experience that natural diamonds evoke emotions with people. It creates a positive feeling to know that you are getting something meaningful because it was produced in nature.”

produce. On the other hand, natural diamonds normally maintain their value over the years because of their uniqueness. And, while lab-grown diamonds may mean more immediate profits for jewelry retailers, the future outlook is hazy.

“We feel that it is in our best interest and our customers’ best interest to sell only natural diamonds at this time,” Berg said. “We want to make sure we are representing something that we can stand behind with our customers.”

LEE MICHAELS

By selling natural diamonds, Lee Michaels is also doing its part to help communities in countries that have diamond mining operations. Berg said these operations and their strong relationships with jewelry manufacturers have led to job creation, better infrastructure, schools, hospitals and other improvements that have enhanced the quality of life for thousands of people.

In his December 2022 “State of the Diamond Market” report, Paul Ziminsky noted the differences between natural and manmade diamonds. Ziminsky is the world’s most prominent diamond price researcher, and his work is used by the largest financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs. The report found that the price of a three-carat manmade diamond has dropped in almost half since 2020. Also, Ziminsky noted a one to one-and-a-half carat manmade diamond has dropped in price by 48% from 2019 to 2022. The same sized manmade diamond has dropped almost 75% in cost since 2016.

By Amanda McElfresh

“These operations are often in remote areas and produce jobs for people who otherwise would not have these opportunities,” Berg said. “It’s amazing to see the good that happens because many of these dollars go back into helping the communities. In addition, the majority of those involved in the natural diamond industry are taking steps to be responsible stewards of the environment. We know the earth has given us so much, so we need to make sure we care for it for years to come.”

Berg added that there will continue to be a market for manmade diamonds in the jewelry industry. But, it’s not an area Lee Michaels will involve itself in until they are confident that it is best for the consumer.

These differences come about because lab-grown diamonds are easy to

“At Lee Michaels, we don’t want to get involved in this unless we feel we can stand behind it and sell these in the correct way,” Berg said. “We are not in the business of making a quick profit because a diamond is manmade. If we do sell them, it will be after a lot of discussion as a family and with complete transparency with our customers.”

upholds longtime STANDARDS with COMMITMENT to NATURAL DIAMONDS.

Scan here to learn more

Forever Starts With A Yes

Lee Michaels has been helping couples say “I Do” since 1978.

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Attuso Jr.

(Lily Rennhoff) August 5, 2022 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Shand (Katie McLoughlin)

September 10, 2022 | San Antonio, Texas

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Guinn (Kallie Shingleton)

December 19, 2022 | Chattanooga, Tennessee

Mr. and Mrs. John Dunbar (Karlie Shingleton)

April 2, 2022 | Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Mr. and Mrs. Greg Jackson (Michele Lemolo)

May 15, 2022 | Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico

Mr. and Mrs. Blase Melancon (April Arceneaux)

November 2, 2022 | Hot Springs, Arkansas

Mr. and Mrs. Zachary Hanks (Meredith Privat)

December 16, 2022 | Crowley, Louisiana

Lee Michaels

Jordan & Zachary

ON CHRISTMAS, after Jordan Brown thought she’d finished opening every Christmas gift with her family and her boyfriend, Zachary Olson, they all headed outside for a boat ride. “It was such a pretty day,” Jordan reminisces, but it was about to become even prettier.

Before boarding the boat, the group gathered on the Brown’s dock for a photo op. And what a photo op it was! Romantically getting down on one knee, Zachary proposed to Jordan—and she said yes!

Her ring, a radiant-cut diamond from Lee Michaels, had the approval of both sets of parents. Zachary had asked them to rate his engagement ring selections and, unbeknownst to each other, everyone voted for the same ring.

For their nuptials, the couple chose Our Lady of Divine Providence Church, the same church where Jordan’s grandmother had founded a house of prayer. Following a fabulous reception at the Carlouel Yacht Club (where LSU’s victory over Alabama was loudly cheered), the couple honeymooned in sun-kissed Anguilla and St. Maarten in the Eastern Caribbean.

Best wishes, Mr. and Mrs. Zachary Haylor Olson. That’s the kind of story we love at Lee Michaels.

Mr. and Mrs. Zachary Olson (Jordan Brown)

November 5, 2022 | Clearwater, Florida

Sometimes the best Christmas gifts are not found under the tree. Just ask Jordan Brown Olson.

THE DETAILS: Radiant cut engagement ring and wedding bands. Rehearsal dinner at the Browns’ private residence. Invitation suite designed by Katherine Jezek Design. Wedding dress by Monique Lhuillier from the Bridal Salon at Neiman Marcus.

THE DETAILS: Ceremony location at Our Lady of Divine Providence in Clearwater, Florida. Sapphire earrings for the bride’s something blue. Bridal party in elegant, black gowns posed under beautiful, mossy oak trees. Wedding gift from the groom—custom mixed-shape diamond ring comprised of family diamonds.

THE DETAILS: Reception held at the Carlouel Yacht Club in Clearwater Beach, Florida, with event planner Parties Á La Carte and designed by MMD Events. Custom blue and white Mexican otomi print designed to include an LSU Tiger, the couple’s dog and other sentimental elements that hold meaning to the bride and groom. This print was used throughout the invitation suite and décor. Custom monogrammed cummerbund by Smathers & Branson.

Down The Aisle:

a-line

LAURA & LEIGH

David Yurman dangle earrings with pearls and diamond accents, $1,650.

Diamond cuff bracelet with flower design on side and leaf design on the other, $3,100.

Mikimoto Akoya single pearl and diamond lariat in white, yellow or rose gold, $1,750.

Diamond band with seven round diamonds across the top, in white, yellow or rose gold, $2,750 each.

Down The Aisle:

tuxedo

Diamond threader earrings with tappered and straight baguette diamonds set at angles, $2,025.

Diamond bypass hoop earrings with baguette and round diamonds, 5.2ctw, $17,525.

Diamond circle necklace, adjustable 15-18” length, $1,750.

Diamond station necklace with gold bars throughout, 1518” adjustable length, $14,500.

2.97 ctw, $8,375. bangle bracelet from Galaxy Collection, $15,070.

PRABAL GURUNG

Diamond flower ring, Penny Preville diamond

ESTATE THE JEWELRY

COLLECTION

At Lee Michaels

Down The Aisle:

l.w.d.

Mixed cut diamond three-station ring, $3,500.

Diamond leaf fashion ring, $5,325.

Sapphire and diamond domed stretch bracelet, sapphires total 12.37 cts, 7mm wide, $17,500.

Sapphire and diamond circle drop earrings with pear shape sapphires studded with diamonds, sapphires total 20 cts, diamonds 2.08 cts, $12,500.

Diamond domed stretch ring, 3.76 ctw, $11,000.

Diamond domed stretch bracelet, 19.60 ctw, 13mm wide, $62,000.

JONATHAN SIMKHAI Lee

Music To Your Eyes

The world’s grand opera houses and concert halls strike aesthetic high notes of their own, and they’re still standing long after the fat lady sings.

Opera and orchestral performances are many things, but minimalist they are not, and neither are the buildings people visit to experience their passionate productions. The music and costumes are central, of course, but these are arts where the setting also matters—somehow Rigoletto or Pictures at an Exhibition wouldn’t be the same in an airplane hangar or a Home Depot. Thus the finest opera houses and concert halls regularly rate inclusion in a smart traveler’s destination list—these six, for instance:

Carnegie Hall, New York

On Seventh Avenue between 56th and 57th streets is this renowned structure, which has symbolized the dreams of generations of performers. Its construction was completed in 1891 by New York City’s William Burnet Tuthill, a professional cellist and architect who was handpicked for the project by Andrew Carnegie although he’d never built a concert hall before. Tuthill was inspired by Renaissance Revival architecture, characterized by its flat roofs and rounded arches. His emphasis in building Carnegie Hall, however, was on acoustics; the concert hall’s elliptical shape and domed ceiling help musical notes and singing voices richly permeate the entire theater. Currently, Carnegie Hall has three stages for live performances, as well as an updated wing devoted to music education. While you’re there: There are countless tourist attractions in or near Manhattan’s Midtown West neighborhood, including Times Square, Central Park, the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Lincoln Center, the Paley Center for Media, Broadway theaters and the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.

Royal Albert Hall, London

“London’s most iconic venue”—and most humble too—unsurprisingly has ties to the Royal Family. It’s the brainchild of Queen Victoria, who commissioned two architects to build the hall in South Kensington in 1871 to memorialize her late husband, Prince Albert, who’d hoped for a way to celebrate the arts and sciences in the capital city. Built in the Italianate style of architecture, a popular aesthetic in 19th century Britain, Royal Albert Hall was ahead of its time as the world’s first domed amphitheater, and its defining oval shape can be seen from the exterior too. In 2021, to celebrate its 150th anniversary, the Royal Albert began a project called “The Great Renovation,” in which it’s excavating a double-height basement to make more room for artists and events.

While you’re there: Keeping the same namesake royal couple in mind, check out the Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens, considered one of London’s most ornate monuments, and the Victoria & Albert Museum. Also nearby are the Royal College of Music Museum, Kensington Palace and Kensington Gardens, and just across vast Hyde Park is Speakers’ Corner, where speakers with operatic passion can often be heard, free of charge.

Palais Garnier, Paris

Imagine being completely unknown, then winning an architecture competition and constructing one of the most notable buildings the world has ever seen. That was the case for young French architect Charles Garnier, who was tasked by Emperor Napoleon III with designing an opera house in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. Garnier borrowed design elements from various architectural styles, including Baroque, Palladian and Renaissance, and completed the building in 1875. Palais Garnier’s most notable features include its horseshoe-shaped auditorium and the Grand Escalier, a double staircase built of various types of marble that leads to the floors of the theater. The action in the famous book and musical Phantom of the Opera is set at Palais Garnier. Today this opera house is used mostly for ballet, since the Bastille Opera House was built in 1989 in the 12th arrondissement.

While you’re there: Paris’ opera district is a must. After a tour of Palais Garnier, pay a visit to other highlights of the 9th arrondissement, including the Fragonard Perfume Museum, Square l’Opera-Louis Jouvet to see the Victor Hugo Riding Pegasus statue or À la Mère de Famille, the location of Paris’ most memorable sweets shop. Even the Tuileries Garden and the Place de la Concorde aren’t far away.

Wiener Musikverein, Vienna

Since its first concert in 1870, this hall, referred to as just Musikverein, has been the home of Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. This space in Austria’s capital was built on a piece of land given by Emperor Franz Joseph, and is now also the home base for the annual worldwide broadcast of the Philharmonic’s New Year’s concert. But perhaps its biggest claim to fame is its Golden Hall (Goldener Saal), which The New York Times has called “a model of acoustic perfection.” That’s in part thanks to its relatively small, rectangular shoebox shape, which helps the musical notes bounce beautifully and naturally. Aesthetically speaking, Musikverein is a prime example of Neoclassical architecture, defined by its dramatic use of columns.

While you’re there: Rich in culture and history, Vienna offers plenty to see; consider checking out St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Rathaus (City Hall), the Hofburg Imperial Palace and the Austrian National Library.

Sydney Opera House, Sydney

Have you ever watched a movie set in Australia that doesn’t include a glimpse of this architectural icon? Not likely. It’s Australia’s top tourist destination and most recognizable landmark, as well as one of the most distinctive examples of 20th-century architecture anywhere. Sydney Opera House is the most “modern” one on this list, having opened in 1973. It’s also the only structure here that was started by one architect— Danish designer Jørn Utzon, who won an international design competition—and finished by another—Aussie Peter Hall, who took over amid construction due to Utzon’s political differences with the government. For the design, Utzon applied bits and pieces from Modern and Expressionist architecture styles, and said that a trip to Mexico to visit Mayan monuments influenced his design too. The Opera House’s most defining feature is the “shells” on its roof, made up of more than one million tiles. While you’re there: Things to see in this metropolis Down Under include Taronga Zoo and Sky Safari, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Circular Quay port and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Hungarian State Opera House, Budapest

Opened in 1884, this grandiose structure was built by architect Miklós Ybl in the Neo-Renaissance style structure, with Baroque accents and an emphasis on symmetry, scale and proportion. The auditorium is designed in the “U” shape that defined buildings of the era, and both the interior and the exterior façade feature sculptures and paintings made by notable artists of the time. Understandably, the Opera House went on hiatus during the World War II, and underwent a revamp when business resumed circa 1950. It had another renovation completed in 1984, a century after its debut. Today, as the largest theater in Hungary, the Opera House hosts more than 200 performances of musical theater, ballet and operas each year. While you’re there: Stunning architecture can be found at just about every turn in Budapest. The city’s finest attractions include St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes’ Square and the Széchenyi Medicinal Bath.

eco-friendly luxury

The SUV world turned upside down half a decade ago when a new crop of ultra-luxurious sport utes joined the market. But perhaps British automaker Bentley made the biggest waves when it rolled out its first-generation Bentayga, which seemingly combined the elements of top-tier luxury and high performance with practicality and familyfriendliness better than its competitors. And it’s about to get better.

This year, Bentley has added an all-new Odyssean Edition to the Bentayga line. Not only does the special edition match its siblings’ level of grandeur, it also focuses on ecofriendliness and joins the company’s growing roster of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV).

Drivers will see and feel the difference as soon as they sit on the plush seats, which are made of ethically sourced leather and feature handstitched embroidery. The leather and interior are decked out in a tri-tone color scheme—a first

for Bentley—with five secondary hues from the manufacturer’s collection accenting seats, doors, floors and other trim. An intuitive infotainment system with a nearly 11-inch touchscreen is the centerpiece for the cabin’s comfort and convenience. While users can control features such as a 22-way adjustable driver seat, heated door and center armrests, auto-closing doors and passenger footrests, the Bentayga can operate certain functions on its own. An auto-climate-sensing system, for instance, can apply seating heat and ventilation based on the occupant’s temperature. The Odyssean is just as impressive under the hood. The hybrid SUV comes standard with a turbocharged, gas-powered V6 engine and a 100KW electric motor, which combine,

Bentley estimates, for around 456 horsepower. On a full charge, the electric motor has a range of about 30 miles without the V6’s assistance. To improve efficiency and conserve energy, drivers can control battery usage by selecting from three operating modes: EV drive, hybrid mode and hold mode.

Clearly engineers had the environment in mind when they created the Odyssean, but make no mistake: It’s still a power performer.

Bentley claims the car’s 0-to-60 time is 5.1 seconds with a top speed that approaches 160 miles per hour—two impressive statistics considering the Bentayga boasts both the size and weight of a full-size SUV.

Bentayga models start around $187,000, but Bentley has yet to reveal the price tag for the Odyssean Edition.

So far, then, it’s priceless.

A special-edition SUV showcases Bentley’s passion for power, style— and the environment.

80 Lee Michaels

The new Odyssean Edition of Bentley’s Bentayga is a peek into the company’s growing line of plug-in hybrid vehicles. The eco-friendly SUV comes with a electric motor that has a range of 30 miles without the assistance of the gas-powered V6 engine.

Bentley Motors

laid-back baja

As a young man with a refined palate and a taste for adventure, Tommy Cox would often drive south from his home in San Diego, crossing into Mexico through Tijuana and motoring on for another 60 miles into the Guadalupe Valley, in the upper reaches of the Baja California peninsula. It was the early 1980s, and the valley was a sleepy destination, out of sight and mind for even the most avid oenophiles. Though winemaking history ran deep in the region—the first vineyards had been planted in the 1600s—a modern industry had yet to take root. Cox could count the local wineries on one hand. Much of what they poured was flabby and forgettable, high in alcohol but low in interest.

“A lot of it was like cooking wine, the kind of stuff that blows your tongue out,” Cox says. “So I didn’t spend too much time drinking it.”

Fast-forward to the present. As the owner of San Diego Baja Tours, offering guided excursions throughout the peninsula, Cox makes the Guadalupe Valley trip more frequently than ever. But the journeys have evolved. The tastings, too. In recent years, an influx of investment and winemaking talent has remade the valley. A highway now splits the valley, forming what is known as the Ruta del

Still with a quiet vibe, the peninsula south of California now has wineries that demand connoisseurs’ attention.

Guadalupe Valley is Mexico’s laid-back version of Napa Valley, a world-class wine region sans vehicle and foot traffic—and high price tags.

Vino, an upgrade to the dusty roads that Cox once traveled. And more than 100 wineries now dot the landscape, producing vintages of great variety, complexity and distinction.

What remains the same is the low-key atmosphere. Not for nothing has the Guadalupe Valley gained a reputation as an easygoing answer to Napa, bottling the pleasures of a world-class wine region without the traffic jams and crowded tasting rooms, and at a fraction of the cost.

“In the decades since I started visiting, the difference in the wines is night and day,” Cox says. “But the area itself still has that friendly, welcoming and relaxed vibe that drew me to it in the first place.”

For all its growth, the valley also retains something of a frontier spirit, fueled by vintners who are eager to experiment, shaping their own vivid regional style. Climate and geography help provide that freedom. Hot by day, cooled by coastal influences at night and underpinned by stony, fast-draining soil, the valley shares traits with winemaking regions in Spain, Portugal and southern France, and avails itself to many of the same varietals.

All of this makes the valley a fitting setting for alluring properties such as Adobe Guadalupe, a winery-and-boutique hotel where Chilean-born vintner Daniel Lonnberg oversees an eclectic, award-winning portfolio that spans from Cinsault, Mourvedre and Syrah to Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc.

An equally wide palette awaits nearby at Duoma, where culinary school grads Carla Maria Figueroa Torres and Eliecer Rodriguez Arroyo produce food-friendly Moscatel, Nebbiolo and Grenache blanc, among others that pair wonderfully with Baja-Med cuisine.

Perhaps no winery is more emblematic of the valley than the Solar Fortún, a family-owned operation with a backstory that speaks to broader changes throughout the region. Established in 2007, Solar Fortún began as a hobbyist’s side project for Jose Alberto Lopez, an astrophysicist turned gentleman farmer who soon turned over the winemaking duties to his U.C. Davis-educated son, Santiago. Solar Fortún’s first plantings were a mix of Bordeaux and Rhone varietals, giving Santiago a lot of room to roam. In time he discovered that the Bordeaux varietals were more vintage-dependent, where the Rhone grapes were more consistent, regardless of what each season brought. So he began to focus on the latter.

“Before I came on, a lot of wines in this region were big and fruit-forward, in the Napa style,” Santiago says. “We are not trying to make what other regions make. We are shifting toward lighter, fresher wines, and arriving at our own clarity of style.”

the wines of baja california

Solar Fortun, 2020 Mourvedre, $28

A full-bodied red with tantalizing notes of violet and black pepper, this vintage is terrific with grilled meats.

Adobe Guadalupe,* Uriel Rosé, $24

Notes of cherry and berry brighten this food-friendly rosé, which lands lightly on the palate with refreshing acidity.

Duoma “Duo,”* $17

A unique blend of Grenache blanc and Moscatel, Duo offers hints of mint and orange flower that give way to a clean, easy-drinking finish.

*Editor’s Note: The lack of a vintage is not a mark against the wines; merely a sign that they are blended from grapes from different harvests.

Vintner Daniel Lonnberg oversees an award-winning wine menu at Adobe Guadalupe, home to a picturesque vineyard and luxurious boutique hotel. The portfolio includes varieties from Cinsault, Mourvedre and Syrah to Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc. Rafael, for instance, is a Cabernet Sauvignon and Nebbiolo blend that serves as a tribute to the colorful landscapes, balanced climate and warm people of northern Italy.

summer sips

A fizzy, boozy twist gives a cool kick to a summertime classic.

kentucky lemonade

INGREDIENTS

n ¾ cup granulated sugar

n ¾ cup water

n 1½ cups fresh lemon juice (from approximately 6 lemons)

n 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

n 1/2–²/³ cup bourbon

n 6 cups ginger ale

n additional lemon slices, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water and heat over medium heat. Heat until sugar dissolves into water and mixture is clear. Simmer 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat. Add lemon juice, mint leaves and bourbon, then let mixture cool. Pour mixture through a fine strainer into a large pitcher to remove solid particles and mint leaves. Add ginger ale and stir to combine. Add ice and lemon slices and serve cold. To serve, add a bit of water, lemon juice or light corn syrup to a shallow plate. To another shallow plate, add coarse white sugar. Dip the open end of glasses onto the liquid plate, then onto the sugar plate to create the sugar rim. Serve drink over ice cubes, garnish with a lemon slice and sprig of mint.

CORPORATE GIFTS & AW ARDS

Experts on the “what” and the “why” of gift giving, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry has built a business on recognizing people for their faithfulness, their contributions, their milestones and their service anniversaries. That is ingrained in our company’s philosophy and integral to our business model—and it is something we take pride in sharing with the corporate world through our corporate gifts division. While business gifts and awards is one aspect of Lee Michaels Corporate Gifts, another is promotional products—smaller gifts that companies give to customers as a form of advertisement.

MEET JESSIE HEROMAN FELPS

She is here to help you reward, recognize, and represent your business. For a personal consultation or more information contact her today at JessieF@LMFJ.com or 225-368-3641

Full Bloom

A varied bouquet of jewels on your fingers, lobes and neck exudes confidence and style.

Clockwise from left, yellow gold and diamond bee ring, $375; double butterfly diamond necklace, $825; floral sapphire and diamond ring, $875; sapphire and diamond necklace, $1,450; pavé diamond butterfly earrings, $2,950; mother-of-pearl clover earrings, $175; blue and white butterfly necklace in 14K yellow gold with diamonds, $875; sapphire and diamond butterfly ring, $1,250.