Lux Bond & Green: Spring/Summer 2023

PRESIDENT & CEO

John A. Green

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Cassie Wildman

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

DIRECTOR

Andrea Mascaro

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Paden Dickinson

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Rita Guarna

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Stephen Vitarbo

SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Darius Amos

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Haley Longman

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Christen Fisher, Leslie Garisto Pfaff, Everett Potter, Donna Rolando

PUBLISHER

Lizette Chin

ADVERTISING/PRODUCTION SERVICES

Penny Boag, Griff Dowden, Christopher 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

WELCOME A NEW CHAPTER

As we celebrate our 125th year as a Connecticut business, we cannot be prouder of our history, staff, the communities we serve, and our dreams for the future. Since 1898, our family has built a culture of consistency for quality, design, value, and teamwork. Lux Bond & Green’s long-standing family values, heritage traditions, and strengthening customer relationships have always been at the heart of our daily responsibilities.

As we enter 2023, we have a changing of the guard, with my brother Marc and sister-in-law Sheryl retiring after five decades of exceptional leadership and passion carrying on our family traditions. A fifth generation, which is almost unheard of in any business today, has joined the family, as Norma and I welcome our son Charlie Green who joined in January. Our great-grandfather began the hard work of establishing our business focused on customers and communities in 1898 with four of his seven sons working in the business and then our dad continued and built on those values and principles. Marc, Sheryl, Norma and then I carried the business forward. We are very proud of continuing the importance of the diamond, jewelry, watch, and gift business with a long-term focus on our customer relationships. Our team of 90 professionals, who we consider as family, continue the hard work with our joint vision, core values, and their imagination and dedication to celebrate life’s special occasions in our non-commissioned environments.

We have been very fortunate to continue to grow and prosper even through these past chaotic years. We have knowledgeable and creative buyers carefully selecting natural diamonds, the finest jewelry, incredible watches, and gifts for the home. Our seventeen-member professional service team continues to be at the forefront with advanced services by our watchmakers, goldsmiths, engravers, designers, and appraisers utilizing advanced technology, which is imperative in today’s environment. The foundations of personalized and exceptional customer service and giving back to our community remains consistent as one with our growth. Our new website has become a wonderful resource for education and shopping, and we are consistently improving the site.

We sincerely thank you, our customers, for your loyalty and continuing support. We are a very blessed company with so many multi-generational customers across the United States as well as our extraordinary brand partners for their special long-standing relationships. Each one is important.

As 2023 continues please welcome our 125-year celebrations which include special limited-edition collections, events, and the five generation traditions of the Green family and staff for giving back to the communities and organizations that help so many families here in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

John Norma Jean & the Green Family

ADORN

WITH THE BEAUTY OF SPRING

what moms want

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.

Sculpted Cable hoop earrings in 18K yellow gold, $3,500; Sculpted Cable necklace in sterling silver, $2,950; Sculpted Cable choker necklace in sterling silver, $650; Sculpted Cable band ring in 18K yellow gold, $1,900; Sculpted Cable band ring in 18K yellow gold with pavé diamonds, $6,800; Sculpted Cable bracelet in sterling silver, $950; Sculpted Cable bracelet in 18K yellow gold, $5,800; Sculpted Cable pinky ring in 18K yellow gold with pavé diamonds, $6,700; Sculpted Cable pinky ring in sterling silver, $425.

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.

mikimoto

The world’s first pearls were cultured in Japan 130 years ago 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.

roberto coin

As with most artists, 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.

Full

Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 GMT, 39.5mm, $6,800.

Clockwise from top left, TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph, 43mm, $2,250; Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400, 41.4mm, $3,500; Breitling Endurance Pro, 44mm, $3,300.

AT YOUR SERVICE

jewelery

Master Goldsmiths

Jewelry repair and restoration

Custom design and fabrication

Pearl and bead restringing

Free jewelry cleaning and inspection

watch and clocks

Rolex Authorized Service Center

Certified Watchmakers

Watch cleaning and restoration

Strap replacement

Battery replacement and water sealing

Bracelet sizing

Polishing of cases and bracelets

Clock repair (including grandfather clocks)

Brand authorized service center

appraisals

Our team of Certified Gemologist Appraisers are accredited by the Gemological Institute of America and American Gem Society in addition to our experienced silver appraisers for your insurance, replacement and estate protection.

Estate jewelry, gold, silver, diamond and watch trading and purchasing.

silverware, metal and glass

Hand, laser and machine engraving

Polishing, restoration and repair including replating

Glass etching

additional services

Wedding and gift registry (available online)

Crane invitations

Corporate gifts and incentive rewards

Complimentary gift-wrapping

FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY, WE HAVE BEEN A ONE-STOP DESTINATION FOR ALL YOUR SERVICE NEEDS.

Tudor Black Bay FiftyEight, 39mm, $3,625.

OYSTER perpetual Submariner

THE REFERENCE AMONG DIVERS’ WATCHES

The Oyster Perpetual Submariner and Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date, archetypes of the divers’ watch, epitomize the historic link between Rolex and underwater exploration.

Unlocking the deep

The

Submariner, created in 1953 for pioneers of underwater exploration, and the Submariner Date, launched in 1969, are universal symbols of waterproofness and reliability. With their rotatable bezels to accurately monitor dive time, they are among the most recognizable, iconic watches ever designed.

Launched in 1953, the Submariner was the first divers’ wristwatch waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). The Submariner Date, with its date function in addition to the time, was introduced in 1969. The waterproofness of both models was later increased to 300 metres (1,000 feet). Thanks to their renowned robustness, they have moved beyond the marine depths, becoming watches of choice for a wide range of sports and other activities.

A true divers’ watch by design

As an underwater survival tool, the Submariner’s design has been entirely dictated by the practical needs of divers. The model has evolved technically and been endowed with features to improve overall functionality.

Featuring a 41 mm Oyster case, distinctive dial with large luminescent hour markers and hands, unidirectional rotatable bezel and Oyster bracelet, the Submariner and Submariner Date are among the most recognizable watches ever designed. Contributing to the strong visual identity, a graduated Cerachrom bezel insert made from high-tech ceramic is key to their functionality. Its 60-minute graduation allows a diver to monitor diving time accurately.

Reliability, robustness and functionality

The Submariner and Submariner Date’s Oyster case is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 300 metres (1,000 feet). The Triplock winding crown – fitted with a triple waterproofness system – screws down securely against the case, providing increased water resistance.

Designed to be both robust and comfortable, the Oyster bracelet is equipped with an Oysterlock safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening, and a Rolex Glidelock extension system, allowing fine adjustment of the bracelet length without using any tools.

The Submariner and Submariner Date are equipped with calibre 3230 and calibre 3235 respectively, self-winding mechanical movements entirely developed and

manufactured by Rolex. Their architecture, manufacturing and innovative features make them singularly precise and reliable. Both movements’ power reserve extends to approximately 70 hours.

Superlative chronometer certification

Like all Rolex timepieces, watches in the Submariner range are covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. This designation testifies that every watch has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by a green seal and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.

A key to the deep

The Submariner was created specifically for underwater exploration and diving. When it first came out of the Rolex workshops, the watch was an immediate success with many pioneering deep-sea professionals, who were asked to test it. One of those

trailblazers was Dimitri Rebikoff, a French engineer and underwater photographer. In his 1953 report, Rebikoff wrote that it had performed outstandingly well in trials: “We are able to confirm that this watch has not only given entire satisfaction in diving conditions which were extremely tough and particularly murderous for the material used, but that it has proved an indispensable accessory for all diving with independent equipment.”

OYSTER PERPETUAL SUBMARINER DATE

41 mm, yellow Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and yellow gold), royal blue dial, unidirectional rotatable bezel fitted with a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert in blue ceramic, Oyster bracelet, calibre 3235.

Watches in the Submariner range are symbols of reliability and among the most recognizable timepieces ever designed.

FOR THE WRIST...

Elevate any outfit while adding a touch of sophistication. Whether you are looking for bold and statement-making pieces to sleek or understated designs, there’s something for every taste and style.

Everyone looks at your watch and it represents who you are your values and your personal style

Kobe Bryant

Clockwise from top right: Tag Heuer Aquaracer Solargraph, $3,050; Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 GMT, $6,800; Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healy Chronograph, $3,195; Wolf Cub Single Watch Winder, $335; Oris Wings of Hope Limited Edition, $3,700; Wolf British Racing Green Triple Watch Roll, $245; Mont Blanc Special Edition Enzo Ferrari Writing Instrument, $900.

© Disney

SPRING FOR IT!

Men’s jewelry has come a long way in recent years. Gone are the days where chain necklaces and leather wrap bracelets were the only options for husbands, boyfriends, friends, fathers and sons. Today, men have a wide variety of jewelry to choose from, including pieces that incorporate stones, color, mixed materials, and even a bit of sparkle for those who are more daring. Even traditional options such as chain necklaces and leather wrap bracelets have been given a modern upgrade, offering even more stylish choices for men who want to add a touch of flair to their look.

Mont Blanc Meisterstück Solitaire Doué Blue Hour Classique writing instrument, $845. Orange Italian leather bracelet, $195. William Henry Pinnacle dog tag pendant necklace, $495. Miami Cuban link bracelet, $325. William Henry Times Passages knife, $1,250. William Henry Newport beaded bracelet, $425.

CORPORATE REWARDS

PEOPLE ARE THE KEYS TO YOUR COMPANY’S SUCCESS

lux diamonds

LBG IS THE TROPHY PROVIDER OF THE TRAVELERS CHAMPIONSHIP

FRESH GIFTS for the home

Celebrate the spring season with these perfect gifts. For Mother’s Day, graduation or just a special treat for yourself, there are plenty of creative and thoughtful giftware options this season. With pieces such as fine crystal by Baccarat, hand-painted figurines from Herend and frames from Mariposa, the choices are endless!

Clockwise from right: Herend Derby Bunnies in assorted colors, $545; Mariposa Beaded Edge frame, 5x7in, $54; Mariposa We Are Family signature frame, 5x7in, $74; Simon Pearce Weston Vase, $95 - $180; Baccarat Lucky Butterfly in assorted colors, $190 - $280.

Clockwise from top right: Georg Jensen Sky low tumblers (set of 6), $59; Simon Pearce small Chelsea Bowl, $80; Baccarat Lux Bond & Green 125th Anniversary bubbles box (set of 6) - Limited Edition, order now for fall delivery, $1,450*; Ginori Oriente Italiano Collection, $85 - $310. *A percentage of each sale will be donated to

For Children.

EngraveableDisk

WELCOME BABY

Explore our gift ideas for baby showers, christenings, birthdays, and more! From engravable bracelets to the birthday candle holders by Mariposa or a water globe from Reed & Barton, each item is a meaningful remembrance that can be passed down through generations. When it comes to celebrating each member of your family, our selection of gifts are a beautiful and lasting choice.

Clockwise from top right: Enamel Ladybug Charm Bracelet, $35; Enamel Unicorn Charm Bracelet, $40; Enamel Bee Earrings, $20; Pink Bunny Earrings, $20; Pink Slipper Earrings, $20; Mariposa Number Set Candle Holders, $54; LBG Exclusive Birthday Cake Plate, 12.5 inches, $68; Barefoot Dreams Blue Puppy Buddie Blanket, $32; Jellycat Grey Bunny Soother, $24; Lux Baby Straight Sided Baby Cup in Sterling Silver, $235; Reed & Barton Sweet Dreams Waterglobe, $80.

NATURALLY ITALIAN

Italian gold jewelry is known worldwide for its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and design. Italy has a long history of creating fine gold jewelry, dating back to ancient Roman times, and this tradition continues today.

One of the hallmarks of Italian gold jewelry is its attention to detail. Italian artisans take great pride in their work, and each piece is crafted with precision and care. The result is jewelry that is not only beautiful but also functional and comfortable to wear.

Another key characteristic of Italian gold jewelry is its versatility. Italian designers create jewelry for all occasions, from simple and elegant pieces for everyday wear to bold and intricate designs for special occasions. Italian gold jewelry also comes in various styles, from classic and traditional to modern and contemporary.

Italian gold jewelry comes in a variety of price points, making it possible for anyone to own a piece of this iconic jewelry. Whether you’re looking for a simple gold chain or an intricate statement piece, Italian gold jewelry is sure to impress.

Paperclip link necklace, $1,795. Triple row wave ring, $1,525. Textured dome ring, $1,275. Triple row wave cuff, $4,375. Lily link necklace, $2,575.

SPRING BLING

Diamonds are a timeless and classic choice for any season. Spring is often associated with new beginnings, freshness and renewal, and diamonds can be a great way to add a touch of sparkle and glamour to your style.

How to incorporate diamonds into your spring wardrobe:

• Diamond stud earrings: Simple and elegant, diamond stud earrings are a versatile accessory that can be worn with any outfit. They add a subtle touch of glamour and sophistication. Trade in, trade up at LBG.

• Diamond line bracelets: A diamond line bracelet is a timeless piece of jewelry that can be worn on any occasion. Its classic design makes it a perfect complement to a spring outfit, whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or adding a touch of glamour to your everyday ensemble.

• Diamond rings: Diamond fashion rings are a style that can add a touch of glamour and sophistication to any outfit. Whether you choose a classic design or a more modern style, a diamond ring is sure to turn heads and make a statement.

Stacking is also an easy way to upgrade your spring wardrobe.

Diamond earrings 2.00 cts., $22,500. Diamond hoop earrings 3.82 cts., $12,000. Diamond earrings 4.01 cts., $45,650. Diamond hoop earrings, $26,000. Diamond line bracelet 2.00 cts., $3,250. Mixed cut diamond line bracelet 3.84 cts., $11,250. Pavè diamond ring, $4,100. Mixed cut diamond ring, $5,995. Diamond line bracelet 3.03 cts., $6,750.

SPRING STACKS

The key to stacking rings is to create a balanced and cohesive look, and to have fun and express your personal style. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations until you find a look that you love.

Stacking 101

• Mix and match: Play around with different ring styles, metals and textures. Stacking rings is a great opportunity to combine pieces you might not normally wear together.

• Keep it simple: Avoid going overboard with too many rings. The goal is to create a stylish, layered look, not an overwhelming one.

• Vary the thickness: Mix thin and thick bands to create visual interest and balance.

• Don’t be afraid to mix metals: Mixing metals can add dimension to your stack. Try combining gold, silver and rose gold rings for a chic look.

Pink sapphire eternity band ring, $625. Milgrain diamond band ring, $1,100. Sapphire eternity band ring, $625. Diamond eternity band ring, $2,650. Diamond band ring, $1,430. Beaded stacking ring, $525. Diamond band ring, $2,700.

SPRING ESSENTIALS

More is..well...MORE! Fun layering pieces from our Delicato Collection are a great way to update your everyday outfit into something more fun, interesting and beautiful. Combining pieces in a way that looks both polished and sophisticated allows you to tell your story through your jewelry and create your own personal style.

Style Tips

Incorporate floral- and nature-inspired designs: Spring is a time of renewal and growth, so jewelry that features flowers, leaves or other natural elements can be a great way to add a touch of seasonal flair to your look.

Layer delicate pieces: Spring is the perfect time to experiment with layering delicate necklaces and bracelets. You can mix and match different textures and styles to create a unique look that’s perfect for the season.

Keep it light and airy: Spring is all about feeling fresh, so choose jewelry that reflects that feeling. Lightweight earrings, delicate necklaces and thin bangles or bracelets can all help create a light and breezy vibe.

Sapphire and diamond evil eye pendant, $450. Diamond bar pendant, $525. Diamond dragonfly stud earrings, $650. Diamond bee pendant, $750. Diamond hoop earrings, $575. Bypass diamond hoop earrings, $795.

SPRING SPARKLE

Perfect Timing

Spring provides an excellent opportunity for engagements, weddings and elopements. It offers an ideal atmosphere for outdoor activities while still allowing for cozy evenings wrapped up in blankets, making it an enjoyable and comfortable time to celebrate love.

As the saying goes, spring represents new beginnings.

Follow

ALL THINGS SPRING

Colorful shapes and sterling staples are in full bloom. Add a touch of style and color to your spring wardrobe this season. Whether you are looking for a timeless pendant, statement ring or a bold pair of earrings, our spring jewelry selection offers something for fashion lovers everywhere.

Clockwise from top left: Open Circle Twist Pendant, $75; Polished Bead Necklace, 17 inches, $175; Ippolita Classico Goddess Ring, $195; Lagos Diamond Circle Ring, $700; Flower Station Bracelet, $50; Mabel Chong Rainbow Aquamarine Gemstone Necklace, $590; Mabel Chong Trio Tourmaline Drop Earrings, $150; Mabel Chong Rainbow Gemstone Bracelet, $250; Plain Finish Hoop Earrings, $60.

THE COLOR OF SPRING

Emeralds are indeed a popular gemstone associated with the spring season. The lush green color of emeralds is often seen as a symbol of renewal and growth, which are both themes commonly associated with spring.

In addition, emeralds are often used in spring-themed jewelry designs, such as floral- or nature-inspired pieces, to further emphasize their connection to the season.

Emeralds Unearthed

• The most valuable emeralds come from Colombia, but they can also be found in other countries such as Zambia, Brazil and Madagascar.

• The name “emerald” comes from the Greek word “samaragdus,” which means “green gem.”

• The oldest emerald mines in the world are located in Egypt and date back to around 1500 BCE.

• Emeralds are the birthstone for the month of May and are also associated with the astrological sign of Taurus.

Emerald and diamond hoop earrings, $2,750. Emerald and diamond necklace, $4,750. Emerald and diamond halo drop earrings, $16,500. Emerald and diamond pendant, $2,350. Emerald and diamond ring, $25,000. Emerald and diamond ring, $1,875.

CELEBRATING LIFE’S SPECIAL MOMENTS SINCE 1898

SELENA & DANNY | SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2022

DR. EDWARD & DR. SHANELLE | MAY 27TH, 2022

CONOR & SAMANTHA (WITH NUALA & SHYLA) | SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2022

MICHAEL & BHUMIKA | JUNE 24TH, 2022

ALEX & PAIGE | DECEMBER 25TH, 2022

SAFIANY & WALKER SEPTEMBER 4TH, 2022

FROM CONCEPT

to reality

CUSTOM DESIGN • REPAIR • RESTORATION

Let

A Taste Of Tuscany

With all that nature has to offer—from the warm touch of sunshine to the scent of fresh flowers—we’re eager to spend more time outside when we can. And this includes dining alfresco, be it an afternoon brunch with friends or a summertime supper during twilight hours.

To throw the perfect get-together this season, take a cue from Annette Joseph, an author and expert entertainer who is inspired by her countryside surroundings in Italy’s Tuscany region. In her latest book, At the Table of La Fortezza (Rizzoli New York), she takes readers on a journey through the historic and picturesque region and offers a peek into the lives of the thoughtful people who prepare and celebrate with food—and the culinary traditions they draw upon. “Everything that I cook with is part of Italy’s slow-food culture, and the reason I now know to cook with the finest ingredients, whether you’re making a holiday meal or just toast and jam,” she says.

As we all know, food is the easiest way to someone’s heart. And the right meal shared with those you hold close can be the perfect love letter.

Inspired by a beautiful region of Italy, a feast under the sun can warm the hearts of beloved friends and family.

Author and expert entertainer Annette Joseph was inspired by the Tuscany countryside when writing her latest book, At the Table of La Fortezza

fried zucchini flowers with yeasted batter

INGREDIENTS:

n 2 cups sparkling water, at room temperature, divided

n 1 Tbs. crumbled brick yeast, or substitute

n 2¼ tsp. active dry yeast

n 1 cup 00 flour, available in most groceries

n ½ tsp. sugar

n ½ tsp. salt

n 3–4 cups extra-virgin olive oil, for frying

n 16 zucchini blossoms

n 1 tsp. Maldon flake salt, to finish

DIRECTIONS:

In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup sparkling water and the yeast, and set aside for 10 minutes or until bubbles form.

Add the flour to another bowl, and whisk in the remaining 1 cup sparkling water until well combined. Whisk the yeast mixture into the flour mixture until just combined, then whisk in the sugar and salt. Once they’re well mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside for about 30 minutes at room temperature. You will notice that the batter has a slight foamy appearance—that is good.

Heat about 1 inch of oil in a frying pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 325°F on a deep-fry thermometer.

When it’s at temperature, use tongs to dip the flowers into the batter, being careful not to overbatter, and place them into the hot oil. Fry three at a time for 2 to 3 minutes, then turn, using the tongs, and continue to fry another 2 minutes, until they are golden brown. Fry the remaining blossoms, adding oil as needed after each bunch.

Transfer the fried blossoms to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain and sprinkle with flake salt to finish. Serve immediately.

who barbecues best?

Four great American locales agree that three of them don’t quite reach perfection. But who’s got it just right? Only you can decide.

texas

Everything is bigger in the Lone Star State, including barbecue. Here barbecue means beef, and beef means brisket. The largest cuts cook all night long, bathing in the warm smoke of a hickory and post oak fire. Pitmasters season with salt and coarsely ground pepper—nothing more, nothing less. Sometimes they’ll throw on a few links of sausage and a rack of beef ribs the size of dinosaur bones. Then they’ll hit the hay, waking up every so often to make sure the fire burns low and slow. Everybody knows the ’cue won’t be ready until the following day, when the brisket’s dark, crackly bark gives way to meat as soft as pudding. In the Texas Hill Country, BBQ is served on butcher paper and accompanied by slices of white bread, but rarely any sauce. “No real Texan asks for sauce,” says one pitmaster. “That’s like requesting more wine at Communion.”

memphis

This is ground zero for pork, wet-mopped or dry-rubbed— the entire city celebrates the hog. Pitmasters slowly smoke pork ribs and shoulders over hickory and oak, then serve the meat showered with a heavy hand of spice rub or slathered with a sweet, tangy, tomatobased sauce—or sometimes both. You’d be hard-pressed to find better pork ribs than the ones they turn out in Memphis. Some locals mix their smoked pork into pasta sauce. Others will toss a log of bologna into the smoker and call that barbecue too. No one, though, disputes the legitimacy of a pulled pork sandwich. The mixture of smoked pork shoulder, creamy coleslaw and a glug of good sauce, all tucked inside a pillow-soft white bun, can make anyone a believer.

kansas city

This town has never met a meat it didn’t like. Beef, pork, mutton, turkey, chicken— they’re all welcome. Here, sauce rules all. Though every pitmaster has his or her own secret sauce, the building blocks are the same: tomato, molasses, salt and a mix of fragrant spices. Those bottles of sweet, mahogany-red barbecue sauce sold in your grocery store? They’re all odes to Kansas City. This burg is crazy for pork ribs lightly glazed with sauce. The true barbecue aficionados, though, know to order a plate of “burnt ends,” the cooked brisket tips dipped in sauce, returned to the smoker and transformed into a barbecue trinity of smoke, sauce and meat.

carolinas

There’s an ongoing, low-key barbecue battle going on in this region. In central South Carolina, sauces skew toward the sweet-and-sour tang of yellow mustard and vinegar. Everywhere else in these two fabled states, thin sauces constructed of tomatoes and vinegar predominate. One thing everybody agrees on, though, is that Carolina barbecue is all about pork. In some towns, the whole hog takes center stage; in others it’s chopped pork shoulder that receives top billing. Whether you prefer your ’cue served solo, mixed with crispy pork skin cracklings or tossed with cabbage as “barbecue slaw,” all of it warrants a journey to the Carolinas.

No doubt about it, barbecue is a national institution. But where’s its capital? Each of the places below claims a distinctive style of its own, and which style is the winner can only be settled—for the taste buds of each of us—by a mouthwatering grand tour.

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.

MOVEMENT OF NATURE

Tubogas is a name for metal piping first found in manufacturing and patented in 1881. The jewelry industry discovered this flexible and sensational process in the 1940s. Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier began to work with it for designs and to discover new looks. Its flexibility was crazy with a series of gold-threaded grooves articulated by hinges concealing micro-springs. Our beautiful designs are handcrafted in Italy in 18 karat gold, some with stainless steel for strength. Tubogas jewelry remains a popular style and is often seen in high-end bracelets, necklaces and earrings. The flexibility of the metal makes it comfortable to wear and allows for the creation of intricate designs.

Tubogas diamond bracelet, $8,000. Spiral Tubogas diamond bracelet, $10,575. Tubogas tricolor bracelet, $9,000.

LUX HAPPENINGS

1. 6.

8.

1. Our Mohegan Sun team with Marc & Sheryl Green out to dinner at TAOS. 2. Business office manager, Bela, and our office mascot, Ruby. 3. Madison Turner and the U.S. Tap team at the IDO World Tap championships in Zagreb, Croatia. 4. John Antony with his special order Grand Seiko timepiece! 5. Marc & Sheryl Green announced their retirement after their decades-long careers to Lux Bond & Green. 6. Lisandra and John from the corporate office delivering gifts to the Salvation Army. 7. West Hartford store manager, Annie, and her son with matching G-Shocks. 8. Store manager, Mark, and assistant manager, Gil, from our Glastonbury store with representative from the Toys For Tots charity. 9. Charlie Green, store manager Trish with our Instagram giveaway winner, Ryan, and his wife claiming their prize at our Westport store. 10. Sushma celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary with a Marco Bicego necklace. 11. Joy Zinn, daughter of our IT manager, Glenn, receiving her white coat for Speech & Language Pathology.

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FOR THE LATEST JEWELRY TRENDS AND WATCH RELEASES

diamond

yellow gold,

diamond

black

Full Bloom

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

Adolfo

rose gold, $5,290; Ippolita Stardust diamond disc

in 18K yellow gold, $3,995; Adolfo Courrier diamond ring in 18K rose gold, $2,590; Temple St. Clair Signature charm necklace in 18K yellow gold, $3,900; Adolfo Courrier diamond ring in 18K rose gold, $4,255; Roberto Coin Venetian diamond pendant in 18K yellow gold, $4,820; Adolfo Courrier diamond and white enamel ring in 18K rose gold, $5,290; Alex Sepkus “Old Pathway” diamond pendant in 18K yellow gold, $5,280; Adolfo Courrier wide white enamel band ring in 18K rose gold, $3,870; Adolfo Courrier wide band ring in 18K rose gold, $4,095.

From left, Adolfo Courrier diamond and black enamel ring in 18K rose gold, $4,255; Adolfo Courrier diamond and white enamel ring in 18K rose gold, $4,225; Marco Bicego Lucia

loop pendant in 18K

$2,150;

Courrier

and

enamel ring in 18K

pendant