Lux Bond & Green: Spring/Summer 2024

PRESIDENT & CEO

John A. Green

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Cassie Wildman

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Doug Higginbotham

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Sarah Karp Ward

DIRECTOR OF STORES

Charlie Green

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Paden Dickinson

EDITOR IN CHIEF Rita Guarna

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Stephen Vitarbo

SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Darius Amos

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Kirsten Meehan

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Christen Fisher, Haley Longman, 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 PRESIDENTS

Lizette Chin, Rita Guarna

VICE PRESIDENTS

Nigel Edelshain, Thomas Flannery, Noelle Heffernan, Maria Regan, Steven Resnick

cari amici, willkommen, bonne journée feliz primavera, 最好的還在後頭 HELLO

We love to write about our jewelry journey, especially reaching the remarkable milestone of 126 years as a family business in 2024. We will continue to build upon our long-lasting and successful legacy! Our family’s commitment to delivering the magic of natural diamonds, exquisite timepieces and gifts for the home, along with fostering exceptional customer relationships, undoubtedly plays a significant role in our enduring growth.

As the world is changing so quickly, we continue to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of technology, AI and business complexities, staying at the forefront of these advancements has been crucial for providing a seamless and hassle-free shopping experience for our valued customers. This year, we are introducing buy online and pick up in-store for those customers who prefer to shop online and then review the items in our stores. As we keep training our staff to understand how customers prefer to communicate and shop—whether it’s in-store, through text, FaceTime, email or online—we’ll make sure to meet your preferences and accommodate your choices.

Our buying teams have been very busy traveling to trade shows and meeting with our partners to find the most beautiful, new and exciting designs, the most alluring watches and gems, as well as wonderful gifts for kids, newlyweds, all the way up to grandparents. We try to think of every occasion. No doubt about it, this is a fun and exciting business, and value creation is part of the fun. We value creativity—as well as 100-percent customer satisfaction—as part of our culture. We know we are not perfect, and we make mistakes, but we also learn from all the feedback we receive. Our operational team has been working diligently with our sales and service teams to streamline how we can make it easier for you to shop. Our West Hartford store is now part of the network of official Rolex jewelers authorized to sell Certified Pre-owned Rolex watches, and each of our stores has been adding beautiful new collections to make our offerings current, cool and up to date.

Now in its 21st year, Accent Magazine continues to be a wonderful and exciting initiative. The success of our Fall and 125th edition this past year renewed our resolve to build upon this medium. Magazines still are an excellent platform to share events, stories, recipes and articles, as well as showcase new brands and designs, preserving a connection to our treasured customers. Accent absolutely adds a personal touch, keeping the dreams and aspirations alive to the Lux Bond & Green brand.

May 2024 bring even more success and innovation to our family-owned diamond, jewelry, watch and gift business, and may Accent Magazine continue to flourish as a beacon of imagination for our customers and enthusiasts alike.

Cheers to everyone’s good health, happiness & success!

for mom, with love

Whether you call her Mom or not, treat that lucky lady to the finest jewelry. It’s a sure way to let her know how special she is.

yurman

in 1980s New York duo David and Sybil Yurman. The ethos of their eponymous brand reflects every part of their origin story—each design is articulated with an artist’s eye and love of detail. These pieces turn that studied approach to the serene beauty of pearls, a timeless symbol of love. The signature twisted helix of David Yurman’s Cable motif cradles these luminous pearls, accented with white diamond pavé for added brilliance. Delicate, elegant and memorable, this is a gift worthy of the mother figure in your life.

Clockwise from top left: Pearl with Cable Halo enhancer, $2,950; Pearl with Cable Halo Button earrings, $3,200; Pearl Classics Station on chain necklace, $1,250; Modern Cable Stone ring, $350; Pearl with Cable Halo ring, $5,900

CHARLIZE THERON NAVITIMER FOR THE JOURNEY

marco bicego

Marco Bicego defines itself with a philosophy of refined luxury, which perfectly encapsulates the long legacy of Italian craftsmanship the brand brings to the industry. Since 2000, this design house has presented pieces with cosmopolitan flair, its influences stretching far across continental Europe.

One of this season’s spotlights is the Lunaria Collection—for which draws inspiration from the Balkan plant in which it’s named—with its disk-shaped, semi-transparent leaves. With hand-engraved polished gold and bold turquoise, each piece is visually striking. Marco Bicego also highlights Seville, the capital of Spain’s Andalusia region. While the Siviglia Collection is inspired by this city’s cobblestone streets, streetwear it certainly is not: The baroque oval shapes are handengraved and oft embellished with pavé diamonds. Add in a subtle—and sometimes not-sosubtle—pop of aquamarine or turquoise to offset the soft shine of gold, and this is a collection created to enhance the beauty of whomever it adorns.

Clockwise from top left: Siviglia 18K yellow gold aquamarine and gold lariat, $5,400; Lunaria 18K yellow gold and turquoise drop earrings, $2,950; Siviglia 18K yellow gold and mother of pearl necklace, $5,100; Siviglia 18K yellow gold vertical ring with diamonds, $1,360; Lunaria 18K yellow gold and turquoise cocktail ring, $2,850; Siviglia 18K yellow gold and aquamarine necklace, $2,700; Siviglia 18K yellow gold and turquoise long drop earrings, $1,300; Siviglia 18K yellow gold large bean bracelet, $1,840; Siviglia 18K yellow gold and diamond drop earrings, $1,130

mikimoto

Some names need no introduction; they simply stand on their own. It’s impossible to talk about pearls without speaking the name Kokichi Mikimoto, who cultured them for the first time in 1893. Mikimoto’s legacy has continued for over a century as the brand constantly defines—and redefines—the way we wear the treasure of the sea. Browse the Classic Collection, which carefully showcases the Akoya cultured pearls with diamonds and white gold, or the Classic Elegance Collection, which ups the sparkle with a bolder application of diamond. Whether you’re looking for understated elegance or an eye-catching statement piece, with Mikimoto, the possibilities are endless.

Clockwise from top left: Classic Akoya cultured pearl and diamond pendant, $2,350; Akoya cultured pearl graduated strand necklace with diamond rondelles, $16,000; Classic Elegance White South Sea cultured pearl and diamond pendant, $11,000; Classic Akoya cultured pearl and diamond earrings, $7,800; Classic Elegance White South Sea cultured pearl and diamond earrings, $14,000; Cherry Blossom White South Sea cultured pearl and diamond earrings, $18,000. All set in 18K white gold.

roberto coin

Vicenza-based design house Roberto Coin describes each piece of jewelry it creates as the end point of a journey, one that moves through cultures, times and places. The influences along this journey make the company’s collections recognizable for their unique flair, perfectly embodied in this season’s offerings. The brand spotlights Venice—where Roberto Coin himself was born—with its Venetian Princess line, highlighted with a bold turquoise and signature flower shape. As the bright hue provides pops of color, the darker banding around the stone makes the design even more memorable. Accented with sparkling diamonds and 18K gold, these precious pieces will turn heads wherever in the world you might roam.

Clockwise from top left: Diamond Turquoise Venetian Princess necklace, $3,270; High Polished Diamond Gold Medallion necklace, $7,900; Diamond Turquoise Venetian Princess earrings, $5,150; Designer Gold and Diamond Chain Link bracelet, $5,700; Diamond Navarra wide ring, $6,100; Diamond Navarra bangle, $7,400

LOVE IN VERONA

In Record Time

You’ll fast become on trend wearing one of these luxury wristwatches from Lux Bond & Green.

Breitling Navitimer Chronograph, 46mm, $9,400

Grand Seiko Manual SBGW283, 37.3mm, $4,800

Frederique Constant Classics Worldtimer Manufacture, 42mm, $4,595

Leading man Ben Affleck wore a variety of watches during a 2017 press tour in support of Justice League On camera, however, his character, Bruce Wayne, wore a platinum Breguet Tradition Fusée Tourbillon 7047PT.

Getty / Vera Anderson / Contributor

a watch called bennifer

On the wrist of Oscar winner Ben Affleck there’s evidence of his discerning taste in timepieces—and his on-again romance.

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

Many of the 51-year-old Affleck’s timepieces, in fact, tell a story. Take, for example, the Breguet Tradition Fusée Tourbillon 7047PT, which the Gone Girl star wore in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League playing a titular character’s alter ego, Bruce Wayne, to mixed reviews. The timepiece was a perfect match for his millionaire superhero Batman persona—pretty boy on the outside, with a gold dial showcased under a domed sapphire crystal in a platinum case, workhorse on the inside, with Breguet caliber 569 movement and 50 hours of battery power.

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

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

WATCHES TO WATCH

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

When playing Batman in Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League, Affleck wore this platinum Breguet La Tradition Tourbillon 7047PT watch.

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

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

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

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

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

© Francis Perez

smart power

Two new sports cars from historic makers go hybrid with neither apology nor compromise.

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

MCLAREN ARTURA

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

LAMBORGHINI REVUELTO

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

LUX stories

Lux Bond & Green has been helping couples say “I Do” since 1898.

&

February 8th, 2024 | Joe & Kate, September 22nd, 2023 | Ethan & Danielle, October 13th, 2023 | Michael & Jessica, December 24th, 2021 | Jake & Annie, November 19th, 2023 | Emma & Matt, September 29th, 2023 | Brendan & Weronika, August 23rd, 2023 | Shalim & Giselle, November 12th, 2022 | Jenelle & Mike, June 24th, 2023 | Nathaniel & Meredith, November 2nd, 2023 | Raheel & Farah, July 15th, 2023.

FROM TOP LEFT: John

Deanna,

the natural DIAMOND experts

Round diamond ring 2.01 ct.; $24,625. Emerald cut diamond ring, 1.06 ct.; $12,000. Round diamond ring 2.13 ct., $31,250; Cushion cut diamond ring 1.54 ct.; $18,500; Round diamond ring 1.01 ct., $13,125.

In and out diamond hoop earrings 7.14 cts. $27,300; Ascher cut diamond eternity band 6.83 cts. in platinum, $36,500; Three row princess cut and round diamond ring 1.22 cts., $6,250; Diamond line bracelet 10.19 cts. in 14K white gold, $35,000; Lutece diamond eternity ring 2.90 cts., $11,650; Oval diamond eternity ring 5.38 cts., $25,500.

ONE PEARL AT A TIME

Style, romance and the wonder of nature can all be seen in a Paspaley South Sea Pearl. The magic of its origin can be seen in its lustre, which pulls you into its orbit and bewitches you with its shimmering beauty.

When brought together into our Signature strands, our pearls become the ultimate expression of beauty, then reflected back on the wearer.

The creation of the perfect Paspaley strand is a quest that can take decades: pearls must be matched for colour, size and lustre before being committed to one of these entrancing pieces of jewelry. This is true for our round or oval pearl strands, where painstaking matching is key, or the Rhapsody strand, which brings together pearls of different shapes and sizes into a piece of overarching balance and harmony.

You can always spot a Paspaley strand if you know its secret. The Paspaley Strand Signature is a brilliant-cut diamond set seamlessly into the end pearl, a worldwide patent that celebrates the rarity of our strands. The diamonds used in each type of strand reflect the scarcity of the strands themselves.

The dedication required to create a Paspaley strand can only be achieved thanks to our superior access to these lustrous gems. As a pearl farmer, Paspaley is the first to see, and choose, the most exceptional examples of Australian South Sea Pearls. Our divers collect the pinctada maxima oysters from the depths of the ocean in the pristine waters off the Kimberley coast in Western Australia, a region of unparalleled natural beauty.

From exceptional harvests comes even more exceptional jewelry. If Mother Nature offers up a bounty of superior pearls, Harvest Strands are created to celebrate the best in lustre and complexion of each shape. These are distinguished with a yellow diamond inset. The finest examples of perfect round pearls come together to create Paspaley Super Strands, the pinnacle of our collection, set with a pink diamond.

Signature strands have another secret: an interchangeable clasp to let you add a jewelled accent. Quintessentially chic and deeply personal, a Paspaley strand will become an elemental part of your personal style for every occasion. Day and night. Now, and always.

Enquire about Paspaley strands at Lux Bond & Green.

It can take decades to create a perfectly matched Paspaley strand, but our farms give us the first choice of the world’s most beautiful pearls.

Our unique stringing process means that our strands sit differently, holding their shape and with no visible knots.

Each Signature strand carries the Paspaley diamond branding.

Just Desserts

Make life sweeter with one or more of these well-deserved confections!

From left, Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring in Platinum, $9,250; Diamond Floral Cluster Necklace with Oval Diamond Drops in 18K White Gold, $35,000

From top left, Yellow Diamond and White Diamond Bracelet in 18K White Gold, $47,650; Multicolor Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet in 18K White Gold, $33,500; Red Spinal and Diamond Ring in 18K Rose Gold, $7,500; Topaz and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold, $10,650; Yellow and Pink Diamond Open Band in 18K Yellow and White Gold, $15,475; FiveRow Coil Cuff Diamond Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold, $44,000

From left, Bezel Set Blue Topaz, Amethyst and Diamond Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold, $1,400; Amethyst, Yellow Light Citrine, Prasiolite and Diamond Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold, $11,500

spring into STYLE

Our Delicato Collection offers the perfect layering pieces for an effortless style transformation. Craft your narrative, layer by layer, blending sophistication with a touch of whimsy.

FROM TOP LEFT: Diamond Butterfly Necklace, $595; Pavé Diamond Disc Pendant, $550; Diamond Mushroom Pendant, $350; Diamond Link Pendant, $425; Diamond Bee Pendant, $750; Diamond Drop Necklace, $1,950; Emerald and Diamond Studs, $525; Diamond Bee Earrings with Black and White Diamonds, $650; Emerald & Diamond Curb Link Bracelet, $1,550; Pavé Diamond Bar Studs, $250; Open Shank Diamond Ring, $750; In and Out Diamond Hoop Earrings, $975; Diamond Flower Earrings, $1,025; Diamond Curved Bar Bracelet, $325; Diamond Bypass Hoop Earrings, $795.

CLASSICS

Moon and Stars

BECAUSE CLASSICS DOES NOT MEAN BASIC

as seen on

celebrity bling

The red carpets were heating up as Hollywood performers paired their unforgettable looks with the world’s finest jewelry.

Left: Actress Sydney Sweeney got dolled up for the LA premiere of Euphoria Season 2, wearing stunning Messika earrings from the Snake Dance High Jewelry Collection. Right: Vanessa Hudgens grabbed the red-carpet spotlight at the 2023 Met Gala, where she rocked a 17 ct. fancy intense yellow diamond ring by Roberto Coin. She paired the ring with 18K rose gold black jade and diamond earrings from the brand’s Sauvage Privé Collection.

Kravitz/Contributor

Left: To the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, Russian model and TV personality Irina Shayk made a statement with Messika’s iconic Akh-Ba-Ka necklace. The piece, designed for the brand’s “Beyond the Light” collection, features 15 diamonds cut from a single rough stone. Right: Actress Kerry Washington was a showstopper at the 2023 Met Gala, as the Scandal star wowed in Mikimoto’s Jardin Mystérieux Akoya cultured pearl and diamond necklace and white South Sea cultured pearl and diamond earrings in 18K white gold.

Getty/Mike Coppola/Staff

Getty/Mike Marsland/Contributor

WEEKEND STAYS WE LOVE

Escaping everyday life for a few days is the mini-vacay we love, and in New England there are plenty of destinations that deliver the best for singles, couples, families and friends. Whether you’re seeking arts and culture, surf and sand, or food and beverage, below are some best bets .

BLOCK ISLAND, RHODE ISLAND

HUDSON, NEW YORK

NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT

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The Lux Bond Green Guide

WHAT WE LOVE CLOSE TO HOME

About three hours away from Hartford by car, Block Island, R.I., is beloved as a go-to seasonal location for its beautiful white sand beaches, stunning natural sights, amazing outdoor activities—including bicycling, fishing, hiking and sailing—plus galleries galore. Its enticing dining scene comes complete with exquisite ocean views at delectable venues such as The Surf and The Beachead. Numerous boutiques line its streets—including Lazy Fish and Block Island Trading Company—so shopping is also an attractive adventure here. New Harbor (on the west side of the island) and Old Harbor (on the east) are among the region’s preeminent boating ports of call, while Mohegan Bluffs is a renowned local landmark (the last battleground of the Manissean and Mohegan tribes) with breathtaking views. The Southeast and North Lighthouses are a must for history buffs, and The Glass Float Project (part scavenger hunt, part art installation) is a fun experience for all ages.

Traveling to Hudson, N.Y., from Hartford will take you approximately two hours by auto— and it’s well worth the trip. As the first city to be incorporated in the newly founded United States, Hudson has historical cachet, but in modern times it’s also praised for its shopping and art galleries in areas such as Warren Street, which unique boutiques including 314 Warren and The Quiet Botanist and artistic endeavors like Shakespeare’s Fulcrum and Peter Jung Fine Art call home. There’s also an innovative dining and bar scene at venues such as the Poured Candle Bar, where wine lovers can sip and create custom candles; the taproom at Fido-friendly Hudson Brewing Co., where guests can enjoy a pint indoors or out; and The Maker Lounge, an intimate craft cocktail bar that resides in a converted 19th-century carriage house. In addition, antique and modern furnishings abound in stores such as Finch Hudson and Modern on the Hudson. Of course, we’d be remiss not to mention a quick trip to the Olana Historic Site, which offers a stunning view of the Catskills and the Hudson River.

Less than an hour from Hartford, New Haven, Conn., is a city known for higher education and culture (we’re looking at you, Yale), plus a whole lot more. As one of the world’s top spots for pizza—in fact, there’s a tantalizing tour you can take that includes visits to pizzeria legends like Sally’s Apizza and Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana—New Haven offers a dizzying array of things to do, including free concerts for music enthusiasts on the New Haven Green. From exceptional spots for dining and drinking, including French-style fare at the Union League Cafe and a modern take on a traditional speakeasy at the 1928 Cocktail Club to museums designed with both kids and adults in mind—the Connecticut Children’s Museum and the Shore Line Trolley Museum—you’ll find something for everyone in Elm City. Because of its coastal location, swimming, sunning, biking, birding and fishing are popular outdoor activities too, along with visits to two waterfront parks that are a quick drive away, Hammonasset Beach State Park and Silver Sands State Park.

STYLE OF THE SEASONS

Now that the weather is warming up, it’s time to think about how to elevate our apparel to be in sync with impending temps. Luckily, the outlook for spring/ summer 2024 fashions—based on the runways overseas and at home—features pieces that are chicer and more relaxed versus high maintenance and high society. Statement ensembles are out and wardrobe staples are in. Think boyfriend-style jeans, white shirts, pencil skirts and trench coats for starters because minimalism and quiet luxury are in, along with several understated and elegant styles of the ’90s (inspired by fashion icons like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy). While the color palettes were more muted in black and white, a few bold hues did pop into the picture—including red.

Of course, there were some surprises too, including the introduction of a super-high-waisted trouser from LOEWE’S JONATHAN ANDERSON (desirable since they double as leg extenders), which celebrated brands such as HERMÈS, LOUIS VUITTON and SAINT LAURENT were all on board with. Yet simultaneously, micro shorts are having a moment too on the catwalks in Milan at GUCCI and in Paris at ALEXANDER MCQUEEN and ISABEL MARANT (PICTURED)

There was also an element of romance in the air, with rose-themed garments and silhouettes making the rounds with designers such as SIMONE ROCHA and RICHARD QUINN On the rise as well are polo shirts, as seen in collections from PRADA, and collared cotton styles from MIU MIU, on clothing ranging from ruffled micro-mini skirts to sequin-embellished blouses. For day-into-evening attire, sheer skirts entered the spotlight at shows such as CAROLINA HERRERA and GIVENCHY Metallics are still shining brightly as a material must-have for gowns and dresses from perennial fashion favorites RALPH LAUREN and VERSACE.

And what about accessories, you say? Flip-flops and exposed toes are back in style, found in elevating new forms from the likes of CHANEL, as are platform which are the new go-tos at GUCCI Micro-heels made their mark at BALENCIAGA, DIOR and VALENTINO, while pointy-toe silhouettes hit their peak at LOUIS VUITTON and HODAKOVA. Thankfully, ballet shoes and flats are here to stay, so for everyday wear you’ll still be on trend. Hosiery was worn with many of these items, with see-through making for chic combinations. Meanwhile, handbags, bowling bags (and larger carryalls) were on a roll at MIU MIU and PRADA, and envelope clutches were the need, with TOM FORD featuring several versions made with opulent materials. All in all, the fashion forecast calls for your attire always to be based on comfort regardless of where you’re going. Whether it’s an evening out or a day at the beach, a few key pieces will guarantee you stay stylish.

ENTICING EVENTS

As soon as it’s time to put away our puffy coats and signs of spring arise, we get excited for all of the events that are synonymous with the warmer seasons. Then we begin to plan where we’ll go and what we’ll do. Whether it’s enjoying the soothing sounds of music, the adrenaline rush of motorsports or the beauty (and bottles) found in wine country, we can’t wait to experience it all.

Inspiring melodies tend to lift the spirits, and when you listen to them in the heart of spectacular natural surroundings it’s even better. That’s why, when the BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (BSO) heads to Tanglewood in Lenox, Mass., for the summer season (running from late June to August), the events are always music to our ears. Because not only can attendees grab Lawn Pass Books for regular and specially priced concerts, they can also sit in on a Saturday morning rehearsal to get an insider look behind the scenes at how BSO performances are brought together so seamlessly.

TANGLEWOOD, 297 WEST ST., LENOX, MASS.; 888.266.1200; BSO.ORG

Nothing beats a beautiful day at the racetrack. When the skies are blue, the weather is perfect and the rush of engines gets going, the energy is palpable—and exhilarating. So naturally, a trip to LIME ROCK PARK in Lakeville, Conn., is an adventure everyone needs to embark on when winter doldrums wind down. As one of America’s oldest continuously operated road-racing courses, Lime Rock Park has played a significant role in the history of motorsports, and the fact that its scenic surroundings are so beautiful makes a visit there even more impressive.

LIME ROCK PARK, 60 WHITE HOLLOW RD., LAKEVILLE, CONN.; 860.435.5000; LIMEROCK.COM

When it comes to classical music, NORFOLK CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL in Norfolk, Conn., has plenty of prominence. As North America’s oldest classical music festival, which showcases a host of acclaimed artists from around the globe, it’s also a lauded part of the prestigious Yale Summer Schools of Music and Art. During a nineweek period, audiences are treated to more than 30 performances held in the Music Shed, where the acoustics are simply sublime. For more than 100 years, attendees have been delighted by the melodies made by world-class musicians and ensembles—and the organizers show no signs of slowing down any time soon.

NORFOLK CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL, NORFOLK, CONN.; 860.542.3000; MUSIC.YALE.EDU/NORFOLK

When you think about where wine comes from, there’s a whole world to discover—and you don’t have to go far to find some of the best bottles in the U.S. In fact, Connecticut has some stellar offerings, and during the warmer seasons, the CONNECTICUT WINE TRAIL is an enticing trip in which they provide you with a passport to experience it all. Tasting as an adventure is what it’s all about, and the journey entails collecting stamps at each location you visit on the trail. Want to add another level of excitement? There are contests with three prize categories too—Taster (those who have visited at least 12 farm wineries); Sommelier (those who have visited 18 or more farm wineries); and Winemaker (those who have visited 35 or more farm wineries)—and you can redeem your winnings for each level each time you amass the stamps.

CONNECTICUT WINE TRAIL, 860.216.6439; CTWINE.COM

JEWELS OF GREEN— BOTANICAL HOT SPOTS

Green is good, and we’re not just talking about sustainable efforts. Actually, we’re referring to the bounty of beauty that surrounds us all over New England. Botanical gardens are little slices of heaven here on Earth that offer serenity and tranquility for both body and mind. There’s just something that puts us immediately at ease when we enter spaces flush with lush greenery and punctuated by gorgeous flowers and picture-perfect plants, so we thought for this issue it would be a great time to share some of our favorites.

American art collector and philanthropist Isabella Stewart Gardner was renowned for her impeccable taste, so it should come as no surprise that her namesake museum follows suit. Indeed, the Boston-based ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER MUSEUM provides a wealth of majestic landscape architecture, horticulture and gardens. Situated on the edge of the Back Bay Fens (part of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace), its arrangement of botanical elements presents awe-inspiring masterpieces of art, the celebrated Courtyard being a prime example along with the Dorothy McGee Greenhouse. Visitors can stroll through to indulge in a range of delights for the senses and also visit the Renzo Piano-designed New Wing, which incorporates views of the external gardens through the building’s glass walls.

ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER MUSEUM, 25 EVANS WAY, BOSTON, MASS.; 617.566.1401; GARDNERMUSEUM.ORG

As the region’s largest glasshouse display garden, the ROGER WILLIAMS PARK BOTANICAL CENTER in Providence, R.I., serves as an inviting urban oasis in the state’s buzzing capital city. With four year-round greenhouses, it’s easy to find a silent reprieve here from the usual hustle and bustle of daily life—and isn’t that what the summer season is all about? In addition to a range of gorgeous succulents, visitors will find imposing 40-inch-tall palms, 10-inch cacti and carnivorous plants. But from June to September, the star of the show is undoubtedly the remarkable rose maze, which is a magical area to spend time in and unforgettable beauty to behold.

ROGER WILLIAMS PARK BOTANICAL CENTER, 1 FLORAL AVE., PROVIDENCE, R.I.; 401.680.7263; PROVIDENCERI.GOV/ BOTANICAL-CENTER

Located in the center of Elizabeth Park, the HELEN S KAMAN ROSE GARDEN is America’s first municipal rose garden and the country’s third-largest rose garden in existence today. Here you will find more than 15,000 rose bushes and 800 varieties of both new and old roses, including climbers, hybrid tea and pillar roses and

much more. Arches are at their peak in full bloom from mid-June to early July; they only bloom once, and the sight is nothing short of spectacular, so it’s an event you won’t want to miss. Be sure to check out the gazebo along with the garden and arches—since all are often popular subjects for photographers and painters (pros and amateurs alike).

HELEN S KAMAN ROSE GARDEN, 1561 ASYLUM AVE., HARTFORD, CONN.; 860.231.9443; ELIZABETHPARKCT.ORG/ GARDEN/ROSE-GARDEN

The iconic GLASS HOUSE, located in New Canaan, Conn., is a National Trust for Historic Preservation site built by architect Philip Johnson that’s part of a 49-acre pastoral landscape encompassing 14 structures. The building itself has a permanent collection of 20th-century sculpture and paintings, plus temporary exhibitions, and it is celebrated as a catalyst for the interpretation and preservation of contemporary architecture, art and landscape—along with experimentation and inspiration. The picturesque beauty of the surroundings, which the House seamlessly melds into, is a work of art in itself and definitely worth touring and exploring.

THE GLASS HOUSE, 199 ELM ST., NEW CANAAN, CONN.; 203.594.9884; THEGLASSHOUSE.ORG

As a historic house museum in Bethlehem, Conn., the BELLAMY-FERRIDAY HOUSE & GARDEN is a five-acre site that includes alluring grounds, a formal parterre garden and the 18th-century dwelling constructed by the Rev. Joseph Bellamy. The garden’s unique design was inspired by an Aubusson rug, and the symmetrical flower beds feature peonies and roses along with Virginia bluebells, perennials and more. The property also has an apple orchard and a walkway that guides visitors past flowering trees, and in the spring, brilliant flowering plants including daffodils and grape hyacinths.

BELLAMY-FERRIDAY HOUSE & GARDEN, 9 MAIN ST. N., BETHLEHEM, CONN.; 203.266.7596; CTLANDMARKS. ORG/PROPERTIES/BELLAMY-FERRIDAY-HOUSE-GARDEN

in full BLOOM

ADD MODERN & ORGANIC TOUCHES TO YOUR EVERYDAY WITH THESE COLLECTIONS FROM GEORG JENSEN, SIMON PEARCE AND HEREND.

GEORG JENSENBloom Candlesticks, $219; Bloom Mirror Bowl, $189; Bloom Botanica Vase, $139 - $219; Indulgence Oyster Tray, $349.

HERENDBlossom Bunny in Blue, $295; Umbrella Bunny, $465; Blossom Bunny in Raspberry, $295; Bird in Bath, $410; Kisses Bunny in Blue, $250

SIMON PEARCEBenson Decanter, $225; Benson Tumbler, $75; Burlington Vase, $185; Walden Platter, $225

FROM

Special guest speakers Obi Nawfor, Chris Walker, John Antony, Gary Striewski with our assistant manager

David at

annual watch event

President & CEO John Green with our Wellesley staff at our annual Roberto Coin dinner in

Beth and her 35 years of service with

Bond

Green

Westport Assistant Store Manager Lisa celebrating her

anniversary at

Bond

Manager Nancy

hello BABY

Explore gift ideas for baby showers, christenings, birthdays and more! Each keepsake can serve as meaningful mementos that can be passed down through generations.

FROM TOP LEFT: Jellycat, “Lottie The Fairy Bunny” Book, $15; Jellycat Lottie Fairy Bunny, $32.50; Jellycat, “A Fantastic Day for Finnegan Frog” Book, $15; Jellycat Finnegan Frog, $20; Baby Cie, Bravo Encore 3 piece set, $49; 1Herend Gold & White Box (LBG Exclusive), $320; Lux Baby Straight Sided Baby Cup in Sterling Silver (engravable!), $235; Jellycat Bashful Bunny in cream, $25.

classic, remixed

This refreshing spin on the sweet sip will keep you cool all season.

cucumber + kiwi gimlet

SERVES 2

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE SIMPLE SYRUP

n 8-10 kiwis, halved and peeled

n 1 cup distilled water

n 1 cup sugar

FOR THE DRINK

n 2 oz. gin

n ½ cucumber, sliced lengthwise

n 1 Tbs. lime juice

n 2 oz. kiwi simple syrup

n 1 cup ice, for shaking

DIRECTIONS

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

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

Recipe courtesy of sugarandcharm.com

AT YOUR SERVICE

For more than a century we have been a one-stop destination for all your service needs.

At Lux Bond & Green, we offer a comprehensive range of services. Our skilled Master Goldsmiths specialize in jewelry repair, restoration, custom design and fabrication. We are also very fortunate to have our own pearl and bead re-stringers. Our experienced service technicians provide complimentary jewelry cleaning and inspection services. For watches we proudly serve as a Rolex Authorized Service Center, employing Certified Watchmakers. Our service team excels in watch cleaning and restoration, strap replacement, battery replacement and resealing, bracelet sizing, as well as polishing.

In 2023, we added a laser engraving machine, and we now offer machine, laser and hand engraving on metal, as well as etching glass with our trained engravers in addition to restoration, repair and replating services.

Our team of Certified Gemologist Appraisers hold accreditation from the Gemological Institute of America and the American Gem Society. This, combined with the expertise of our silver appraisers, ensures reliable assessments for insurance, replacement and estate protection purposes. Additionally, we offer trading and purchasing of estate jewelry, gold, silver, diamonds and watches.

Lux Bond & Green provides wedding and gift registries (available online), wish lists for all our customers, Crane invitations, corporate gifts and incentive rewards with our professional and non-commissioned staff. Complimentary gift-wrapping service is available with every purchase.

celebrating YEARS OF LBG

Written By John Green

A special shout out to the Lux Bond & Green family for our remarkable 125th anniversary year of celebrations and giving back to our communities. The year flew by, and we were so fortunate to be able to celebrate the five generations of the Green family and our many beloved customers and staff. Our company is committed to helping the communities that continue to drive our business by giving to over 125 nonprofits. Our staff contacted a variety of local organizations, including homeless shelters, food banks, hospitals, Little Leagues, cultural and arts associations, animal rescue groups and many others, enabling us to give back to these community essentials.

To our vendor and brand partners, thank you very much as your help with specially created items, which we are still selling and to raise monies for the mutually designated nonprofits, is an inspiration to our team. Each organization we have donated to, and those we will donate to in the future, brings warmth to our hearts. Symbolic of our 125th anniversary, the 1.25 carat diamonds (we still have a few left) were a creative approach to giving. The purchaser is able to designate the charitable 501(c)(3) organization to receive a donation. That is meaningful to everyone involved.

Instilling community and giving back is very important to the culture here at Lux Bond & Green. It all started with my great-grandfather whose involvement in the Greater Waterbury community was part of his daily life. That sense of fellowship was passed down to his seven sons and then their children. The three generations before me were very discreet about giving, as “nobody needed to know.” That’s the way we were raised, yet over time it has become important to us to make sure our staff and our community know how much we care about improving the lives of others. I personally was mentored not only by my parents and uncles about giving back, but by a wonderful friend and customer Sally Dun. Sally got me involved with the Bushnell Park Foundation and Ed Beckwith, and we raised monies in the 1980s to restore the Soldiers & Sailors Arch and add a bronze plaque to honor the 128 Black soldiers who were not previously recognized for their bravery in the Civil War.

We also raised and replanted over 200 species of trees that had been lost over the years. Lux Bond & Green created a limited edition of 50 terra cotta angels, which had been on top of the arch and were restored with the efforts of the foundation. That was my beginning, with engagements at the Hartford Ballet, Hartford Town Council, West Hartford Children’s Museum, Theaterworks and numerous other community organizations. Where I contributed my time and energy, our team continues in its dedication to giving back. Today our staff volunteer, offering their time and commitment to help their communities, and we couldn’t be prouder to continue the traditions started 126 years ago!

Lux Bond & Green hosted an entertaining afternoon in celebration of our 125 years in business. Staff, spouses and partners all gathered at TPC River Highlands on a beautiful, sunny Sunday, October afternoon. Special prizes added cheer as we honored our longest-tenured staff member Glenn Zinn, the gentleman who makes magic with our ribbon and paper, Ellis Paulman, and presented so many more silly and serious awards. We truly celebrated and cheered each other.

During this past November and December, we toasted our friendship with our many clients on Saturdays during the holiday season. To mark 125 years is truly a milestone, and we are so proud of our team and our relationships with our customers. As testament to the importance of friendship, we extend appreciation to all our customers. Here’s to the next 100

Let’s play.

FOR THE LATEST JEWELRY TRENDS AND WATCH RELEASES

flower of the desert

The agave plant and its kin give us tequila—and four other liquors that are fast gaining clout in the cocktail world.

TEQUILA

Just one kind of agave plant— blue Weber agave—is used to produce tequila. And because tequila is made from agave steamed in above-ground ovens, it doesn’t have the same smokiness as Mezcal. Roughly 90 percent of all tequila in the world is produced in Jalisco, Mexico; the other 10 percent is made in nearby Mexican states, where it is strictly regulated by the DO.

Drink it: Pass on your collegedays shot glass and chill out with tequila in a rocks glass or goblet. It’s an ideal spirit to consume neat or shaken with ice and strained into a vessel without ice. Of course, it’s the star of the show in many cocktails, including margaritas and palomas, and can be used in place of other spirits to make tequila martinis, mules and old-fashioneds.

MEZCAL

If you spent the past year or so sipping espresso martinis, you may be switching your order in 2024. While coffee-flavored cocktails remain on trend, agave-based liquors—those used in margaritas and palomas, for instance—are together poised to challenge vodka for American cocktail primacy. Move over, White Russian; it’s Mexican coffee’s time to shine.

Agave is a leafy, flowering plant that’s native to the hot and arid regions of North America (Mexico and the southwestern United States, for example). When the sap of the plant is fermented, distilleries can produce smoky mezcal and other agave spirits. But not all agave drinks are created equal: In the same way that France governs Champagne, Mexico and its Denominación de Origen (DO) have influence over the way agave spirits are classified. Below are five you should know:

Most of the world’s mezcal is produced in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, where mature agave plants (more than 40 varieties can be used) are roasted in underground, wood-fired pits and crushed. The smoky liquid is then fermented with airborne yeast and water for up to a month before it’s distilled in clay pots or copper stills. The new spirit is aged in oak or glass before bottling.

Drink it: Though many accompany mezcal with an orange slice and salt, traditionalists prefer sipping it neat from a small wine glass. To drink it like a pro, however, enjoy it from a small clay bowl called a copita. And remember to sip slowly—not as a shot—so you can appreciate the flavor from the first taste to the last.

RAICILLA

Tequila rules in Jalisco, but the town’s big enough for two great agave spirits. Raicilla is made from the wild agave varieties found along the coast as well as in the mountains. The processes also depend on the geography.

Coastal raicilla is roasted in subterranean pits and wood-fired stills, while the spirit produced in the mountainous region is cooked in above-ground ovens and copper stills.

Drink it: Raicilla was first legally imported into the U.S. in 2014, and it’s been winning new fans ever since. That’s likely because it doesn’t have the strong smokiness of mezcal, and it’s more aromatic than tequila. Night clubs and bars throughout New York City and Los Angeles use it as a cocktail ingredient.

BACANORA

Named for the Mexican town where it is produced, this spirit derives from the regionally grown agave Pacifica plant. In a process similar to that used for mezcal, the hearts of the agave plant are roasted in underground ovens, and the juices ferment naturally in vats before they’re distilled in copper stills. Because of the extreme heat (Bacanora is located in the Mexican state of Sonora, just south of Arizona), fermentation can be completed in as little as two days.

Drink it: On its own, Bacanora, which has a mild flavor with notes of grass and apple, is traditionally sipped neat. It can be infused with regional ingredients such as anise and uvalama, a grape-like fruit, making it more pleasing on the palate.

SOTOL

A close cousin of mezcal, this spirit is distilled from a plant called the desert spoon shrub, not agave. Many experts—such as Mexico City native David Hernandez, director of bars at the Mexican resort Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal—classify it as an agave spirit because it’s produced just like mezcal. After the shrub has matured, it’s roasted in ovens, and the juices are fermented, then distilled in pot stills. Though sotol is produced in Mexican states, it’s not limited by the DO, opening the door for production in the U.S. Drink it: Earthy-flavored sotol can be sipped like its cousins, on the rocks or neat. Depending on the region in which it’s produced, sotol can have flavors like banana or lemon or even sweet notes such as honey or chocolate.

Frame Your Look

Find the perfect pieces to show off your unique style.

From left, Oval Emerald and Round Diamond Bracelet in 18K

White Gold, $6,450; Oval Emerald and Diamond Necklace in 18K

White Gold, $28,500; Emerald and Halo Diamond Ring in 18K

Two-Tone Gold, $80,000; Emerald Cut Emerald and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold, $24,000

CHEVRON COLLECTION