A T U F T S C O M M U N I C A T I O N S F I N E J E W E L R Y P U B L I C A T I O N M A G A Z I N E Orloff Jewelers partners with Children’s Hospital Redesign Your Treasures Red Carpet Ready David Yurman’s World of Beauty The Incomparable Lauren Bacall Shhhh... You’re one of a select few chosen to receive our debut issue! AUTUMN/HOLIDAY 2014 • ISSUE 1 BEING A KID IS AN IMPORTANT JOB. Right now, painting pictures is something he does for fun. Tomorrow, it might just be a hobby. But someday, it will be the thing he’s known for. And Children’s Hospital Central California wants him to get there. That’s why we have the best doctors and nurses trained to work specifically with kids, using the best equipment designed just for kids. He may never need to go to the hospital. But if he does… Children’s stands ready to return him to the business of being a kid. 9300 Valley Children’s Place Madera, CA 93636-8762 559.353.3000 ChildrensCentralCal.org W O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E • A U T U M N / H O L I D A Y W 2 0 1 4 Warmest personal greetings from all of us at Orloff Jewelers. Each year we look forward to the opportunity to share with you our vision and passion that is translated into our exquisite jewelry. Please enjoy our debut issue of Orloff Jewelers Magazine. Year after year, we endeavor to stay ahead of the latest jewelry and watch industry trends and innovations, while staying true to our standards and objectives: to give the utmost attention to customer service, to provide knowledgeable sales assistance and guidance in a pleasant manner, to offer great value and unsurpassed quality with every purchase. We pride ourselves in our commitment to our customers and each other. We are dedicated to creating an experience that allows those who visit our store to enter as customers, but leave as members of the Orloff family. Couture jewelry retailers make up only one half of one percent of all jewelers in the country. We are proud to be recognized as one of those jewelers. As a couture jeweler, we are invited to work with an exceptionally talented group of internationally renowned designers and luxury brands. We strive to provide our customers with the world’s most unique styles and designs, made with the highest level of craftsmanship. The result is jewelry that is not only fashionable and chic, but also destined to become the classics and heirlooms of tomorrow. At Orloff Jewelers, you don’t have to settle for the ordinary because you can attain the extraordinary. The Orloff family and staff welcome the opportunity to help you select the perfect gift to honor those who give special meaning to your life. We treasure the experience of being part of your celebrations, from generation to generation. Each year we find ourselves challenged to stay ahead of the latest trends, not only in jewelry and watches, but in technology as well. Technology has changed our daily lives, allowing for greater convenience and up-to-the-minute communication. Along those lines, take time to visit our website at orloffjewelers.com Finally, beyond our dedication to customer service, quality and integrity, Orloff Jewelers is committed to serving and generously giving back to the community. We are proud to be charitable partners with many local and national non-profit agencies and service organizations, and want to take this time to thank you for helping make contributions possible, and for including us in so many of your events. In closing, may this coming year be one of good health, joyous occasions and prosperity. Many of you have been loyal customers and friends for a long time. In fact, next year will mark our 60th year serving the Fresno community! We are grateful for your continuing friendship and patronage. As always, we appreciate the experience of sharing your personal celebrations. We look forward to seeing you again real soon! With gratitude, James and Mary Ann Orloff 7 7 0 W . S H A W ( 5 5 9 ) A V ENUE # 101 221- 6622 • • FRESNO , CALIFO RNIA O RLO FFJEW ELERS.CO M 93704 contents I S S U E O N E • O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E p48 3Welcome 6Orloff Jewelers — The Royal Treatment 10 How to Choose a Jeweler 12 David Yurman’s World of Beauty 13 Mercedes-Benz of Fresno 14 All for a Good Cause 16 TAG Heuer Times the Races 18 The New Audi A8 22 Pearl Trends 23 How to Serve Your Pinot Noir 24 Kwiat — 100 Years of Diamonds 26 50 is the New 30 30 Gorgeous Gold 32 Jewelry Trend Report 36 Gabriel & Co.’s Fashion Focus 38 Culinary Delight: Sausalito Dining 40 Man About Town 42 The Incomparable Lauren Bacall 44 Guardians of the Estate 46 Monelle Designs —Unmatched 48 Sparkling Sophistication 50 Your Orloff Wedding Planner 58 Ball — The Watch That Rocks 60 Womenswear —The Trend 64 The Power of Color 66 The Ultimate Jewelry Professional Todd Tufts • Editor in Chief/Publisher/Creative Director Carol Besler • Assistant Editorial Director Kyle Boyer • Art Director Stephen Lewis • Assistant Copy Editor Vence Vida • Production Manager/Designer Ron Saltiel/RSP Media • Select Jewelry Photography *Prices subject to change. Please contact the store for current pricing and availability. Orloff Jewelers Magazine is published by Tufts Communications, 1201 E. 5th Street, Suite 1009 • Anderson, IN 46012 T: 765-608-3081 • E: [email protected] • © 2014, Tufts Communications. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. THE KWI AT D I A M O N D TA G C O L L E C TI O N b y C A R O L B E S L E R Orloff Jewelers The Prince of Jewelers gives clients the royal treatment Orloff Jewelers was founded in Fresno, California, in 1955 by Paul “Prince” Orloff, a renowned businessman known for his personal touch and refined taste. His nickname originated from a conversation with a client, a professor of Russian Studies at Fresno State University who told him about the Russian Orloff family, including Prince Nikolay Alexeyevich Orlov, and their connection to the Tsars of Russia. The nickname stuck, and Paul renamed the business “Prince Orloff Crown Jewels.” When he retired in 1988, his son James and daughter-in-law Mary Ann changed the name of the business to James Orloff the Jeweler, and in 1994, it became Orloff Jewelers. Mary Ann and James retained Prince Paul’s personal touch and keen eye, building their business from humble beginnings. “We started in a 175-sq.-ft. office with two desks and a safe,” says James. “We later moved into 600 square feet, with two desks, a safe, a steamer and an extra room.” The business has grown exponentially since then, and is now located in a 5,400-sq.-ft. store in Fig Garden Village. Orloff Jewelers carries more than 20 prestigious lines of jewelry, including Kwiat, Charles Garnier, Crown Collection, Imperial Pearl, 6 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E Gurhan and Michael M. In addition, Orloff Jewelers has an extensive custom jewelry design department. Fine timepiece brands include TAG Heuer, Ball Watch and David Yurman — Orloff Jewelers is the exclusive provider of David Yurman watches and jewelry in the Central Valley. “I am also very proud of our Crown 500 Collection,” says Mary Ann Orloff. “It is our most accessible line, and represents luxury for everyone.” The Crown 500 Collection is a selection of fine sterling silver jewelry by various manufacturers that is priced under $500. It is all hand picked by Orloff’s staff to represent quality, popular, trendy affordable gifts, and self purchases. Orloff Jewelers is the exclusive provider of Endless Jewelry. The store is also known for its custom jewelry, with James as the key designer. “I am also the chief cook and bottle washer,” adds James, who had worked at his father’s side since he was a young boy, going in to the store after school and on weekends. “I started out sweeping floors, cleaning windows and polishing jewelry,” he says proudly. “When you grow up in the industry, as I did, it becomes a “Every piece has to meet a level of quality, even the most basic jewelry.” part of your life. It has to be in your veins like blood, otherwise it’s no fun.” When he was 15, James passed his first diamond grading class at the Gemological Institute of America. He obtained his Graduate Gemology diploma in residence from GIA in 1979, and became a certified gemologist by the American Gem Society (AGS) in 2001. He is a past president of the California Jewelers Association, a senior appraiser with the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, a member of the Jewelers of America, and a member of the American Gem Society. His expertise as an appraiser and custom jewelery designer is recognized across the country. “The signature element of everything we offer is quality,” says James. “We make sure every item is made with workmanship of the highest quality and that the quality is consistent. We ask that our clients bring their jewelry in twice a year for a complimentary check and cleaning to keep their guarantee up.” That guarantee of quality extends to the staffing policy. “We are constantly striving to be more professional,” says James. “All of our staff hold titles from GIA or AGS. Barbara Barletta is GIA certified in diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls, and synthetics, and is a professional sales associate from both GIA and AGS. She is also an AGS sales associate, a TAG Heuer certified sales associate, and has 32 years in the jewelry business. Chaleena Perez has completed the GIA jewelry essentials, diamond essentials and color certifications, and is a GIA professional sales associate and an AGS sales associate, with TAG Heuer certification and 12 years in the jewelry business. Cliff Shannon is an AGS certified sales associate, and is GIA certified in the areas of diamonds and color. He has 38 years in the jewelry business. Melodie McColm has completed GIA diamond essentials certification, and has three years of experience in the jewelry business. Veronica Wall is a professional sales associate and diamonds essential GIA with three years in the jewelry business. “Our customer deserves the best, not just in jewelry, diamonds, essentials, and gifts, but also in staff,” says James. “We are very meticulous in what we do and how we do it. We inspect every piece under magnification, whether we’re buying it for our showcases or taking a piece in from a client for repair.” It’s this attention to detail that has earned Orloff Jewelers membership in the American Gem Society, placing them in the top 5% of jewelry stores in the nation. “Every piece has to meet a level of quality, even the most basic jewelry.” Has he ever sent pieces back to the supplier? Of course. “And they get it,” says James. “It only takes one or two times before their quality control changes. He is quick to add: “We have a good relationship with our suppliers, and that results in high quality standards for the jewelry they supply to us, and it also means we can source special pieces that are very exclusive. Our vendors play an important role in our business.” The Orloffs are, in turn, loyal to their suppliers. “I am now dealing in some cases with the grandchildren of the owners of vendors I have dealt with for years,” says James. “I can remember them when they were six years old. And they still have the same ethics and values.” The Orloffs, in turn, serve the children and grandchildren of the loyal clients they have worked with over the years. “Trust and integrity are paramount in this industry,” says James. “It’s a very special feeling when I’m helping a second- or even third-generation customer. When that happens, you know you’re doing something right.” “What inspires me most of all about the jewelry business is the loving and happy relationships that stem from it,” he says. “With every piece of jewelry, there is a story behind it that leads to love. The jewelry industry is not just about jewelry; it ranges from the artistry of the jewelry to the humanity of the relationships.” That sentiment also applies to the partnership between James and his wife, Mary Ann. “She is the champion of our company,” says James. “Not only is she a full partner, handling all the business of the store, while raising our kids, she is very involved in several charities. She sits on three or four boards, and puts a lot of energy into our community.” Orloff Jewelers is committed to supporting several charities in the Central Valley. To name a few: St. Agnes Medical Center Foundation, Children’s Hospital Central California, O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E [7 CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Camp Taylor, All About Care, Valley Animal Shelter and many more. Mary Ann Orloff’s particular passions are children and animals. “We take every opportunity we can to donate our time, funds or jewelry for auctions that support charities, particularly for children or animals,” says Mary Ann. The Orloff’s dedication to their community is mirrored in the store’s high level of service for customers, and in some cases that dedication goes above and beyond the call of duty. James and Mary Ann recall one adventure that stemmed from a text message they received from a client while they were on a buying trip in New York City. “The client, who was in St. Lucia, had decided to get married, and wanted us to help him price a couple of diamonds,” recalls James. “He told us what he was looking at and gave us the prices he was quoted. Sensing something was fishy about the quote, Mary Ann said: ‘you’d better call him.’ I agreed, and I told him not to do anything until I investigated. I hit the diamond district the next morning, a Thursday, and found a couple of gems that were less expensive and had better quality certificates than the ones he described,” says James. The client asked, “Can I see them tomorrow?” “The only way that was going to happen was if Mary Ann and I personally delivered the diamonds to the Caribbean,” says James. On Friday, the Orloffs had their passports delivered to them from California, and by Saturday, they were on a plane to St. Lucia. By 3 p.m. that day, they presented the diamonds to the client at the resort where he was staying — “We had them mounted, just in case,” says James. The client chose one, and asked James to be his best man. At sunset that same day, the vows 8 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E were exchanged, and the ring fit perfectly. “We had a great four days in St. Lucia,” recalls James. This kind of dedication to service perhaps warrants a resurrection of the “Prince Orloff” nickname, with the added “Mary Ann the Great.” industry info b y C A R O L B E S L E R You have probably heard the adage: “If you don’t know jewelry, know your jeweler.” How to choose a jeweler Y There is more to buying jewelry than clicking on a picture. 10 You have probably heard the adage: “If you don’t know jewelry, know tional recognition in the jewelry and watch industries for their extensive your jeweler.” The truth is, it’s a good idea, even if you do know jewelry. selection, sterling reputation, exceptional service, integrity, philanthropy, A reputable, knowledgeable jeweler makes the jewelry shopping process and successful growth. Through the years, the Orloffs have also been easier, more enjoyable, and more successful. When you buy a piece of privileged to become the jeweler of choice for clientele throughout the jewelry, you are investing in a work of art, a keepsake that you will be United States and around the world. able to treasure forever as a memory of a milestone in your life — or Selection is another important criteria that defines a great jewelry even just a celebration of life itself — and you want to make the right store. The Orloffs have worked hard to curate a selection that represents decision. There are many factors to consider beyond simply choosing a world-renowned brands, as well as unique, one-of-a-kind items, and style that appeals to you, including metal options, gemstone selection and some of the rarest diamonds and gemstones from around the globe. Aside properties, colors, and even which brand is right for you. If you’re buying from top brands that include David Yurman, Kwiat, GURHAN, and Ball a watch, there is also function to consider. Once you have made your Watch, Orloff represents many leading bridal jewelry designers, including purchase, you want to be confident that it can be professionally serviced, Michael M. and Kwiat, as well as in-house experts and master jewelers repaired, or cleaned. Above all, you want transparency and honesty in who can design and handcraft the ring or jewelry, of your dreams. “We your transaction — someone who will advise and guide you rather than are not looking to simply sell jewelry in our store and online,” says James just sell you what they want you to hear. Orloff “but to give our customers the highest level of professional guid- Orloff Jewelers has become the jeweler to get-to-know in Fresno. “We ance and education necessary to make the best decisions when it comes to like to form relationships with our clientele,” says Mary Ann Orloff. “We such important purchases.” Orloff Jewelers is also an authorized dealer for go through a lot of life-cycle events in our customers’ lives.” Their expe- many of the worlds most prestigious and respected Swiss watch brands, rience adds up to many years of expertise, hands-on jewelry making skills including Ball Watch USA, David Yurman, and TAG Heuer watches, also and extensive knowledge of gemology and design. including vintage watches by Rolex, Omega, Breitling, Vacheron Con- Orloff Jewelers has created a unique combination. While being a local stantin, and Gerard Perregeaux. Fresno jewelry store, Orloff Jewelers receives national, as well as interna- Service is another important criteria in choosing a jeweler. Orloff ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E provides custom design and various repair services, including sizing, and stress-free. If you want an engagement ring or jewelry that is designed cleaning, remounting, re-polishing, as well as authorized watch repair and just for you, Orloff Jewelers will guide you from vision to fruition with maintenance. The Orloffs have met all of the designers and manufactur- your own unique custom designed jewelry pieces. ers they represent, in many cases visiting their premises abroad, so they The Orloff family and staff look forward to meeting you, and helping are well-versed in the latest developments and technological advance- you to “know your jeweler” even better! ments in the fine watch and jewelry industries, as well as the latest design and manufacturing trends. Their advice carries a great deal of substance. The Orloff family and staff go to great lengths to create a comfortable, warm and inviting atmosphere. “We do not believe in putting pressure on someone, especially when a significant purchase is being considered,” says Mary Ann Orloff. “We maintain a non-pressure selling environment where customers can take their time and make their own decisions without a pushy salesperson hounding them. A customer’s confidence in their purchase results in a higher level of customer satisfaction.” Finally, it is important to choose a jeweler with roots in the community, someone that extends its family values to neighbors, friends and complete strangers. Orloff Jewelers’ foundation in the Fresno community is solid. Among the many organizations supported by the family are the Children’s Hospital Central California, EPU Children’s Center, Camp Taylor, All About Care, Assistance League, St. Agnes Hospital, Valley Animal Shelter, and local high schools. A good jeweler makes every effort to make your purchase enjoyable O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E [ 11 designer spotlight b y C A R O L B E S L E R World of Beauty David Yurman’s David Yurman’s background as a sculptor and his appreciation for the enduring motifs in everyday life are evident in his collections for this fall. An avid equestrian, Yurman has long been inspired by the classic devices of the equestrian world – stirrups, bits, halters and other equipment used in tack. The Cable Buckle collection is an evolution of the designer’s original Thoroughbred collection. The buckle, which takes its cue from that found on a horse’s bit, is paired with a curb link chain in some pieces, and with the designer’s iconic cable motif in others. The designs are rendered in sterling silver with 14k yellow gold highlights. Some are set with diamonds. The new pieces from this season’s Confetti collection are a reinterpretation of David Yurman’s original design. The stacked rows of metal set with cushion-shaped gemstones capture the effect of light and color dancing on a grid. In fact, the original working title of the collection was “spots and dots,” a reference to reflected points of light. The new pieces are a refinement of this concept, evoking a relaxed geometry with an organic, delicate balance. Colored gemstones and diamonds are set in a petite mosaic, adorning cabled metal in a playful dance. Since its founding in New York in 1980, David Yurman has become known as America’s leading fine jewelry and timepiece brand. It features a range of signature gold and silver designs, as well as diamond, pearl, and gemstone jewelry. The designer’s fall collections are inspired by motifs ranging from the equestrian world to confetti Confetti Wide ring with blue topaz and Hampton blue topaz in sterling silver. Confetti Narrow bracelet with white diamonds in sterling silver. Confetti Wide bracelet with blue topaz and Hampton blue topaz in sterling silver. 12 ] Cable Buckle bracelet with white diamonds in sterling silver. O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E children’s hostpital b y C A R O L B E S L E R All for a Good Cause How two “gems” of the Valley work together to improve the lives of children Throughout that time, patient care has remained a top priority. It was the first children’s hospital west of the Rockies to receive the Magnet Nursing designation, the highest nursing benchmark in the world, and About 20 years ago, Mary Ann Orloff had occasion to visit Children’s Hospital Central California in support of a dear friend whose daughter was very ill with a severe heart defect. “I was so impressed by the way the staff and doctors took care of that child,” says Mary Ann. “They were so supportive and wonderful to the whole family, and even though she is not treated there anymore, they still follow her progress and care. They have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help this child survive and live with her illness.” The level of care witnessed by Mary Ann is not surprising, considering that the hospital was founded by five mothers in 1952, who saw the need for a dedicated pediatric hospital in Central California. Who better than a group of mothers to lay the foundation for a hospital that helps children cope with illness and live better lives? More than 60 years later, Children’s Hospital has grown to a 356-bed, nationally respected regional pediatric medical center on a 50-acre campus. 14 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E it is one of fewer than 10 pediatric intensive care units in the country to have received the Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence. A Life of Giving The Orloff family, of Orloff Jewelers, is among those who recog- “Jamie has a great sense of humor and he’s wonderful,” says Peggy nize the hospital’s essential value to the community — “it’s the ‘gem’ Dunlap, a manager with the hospital’s Foundation. “He knows every- of the Valley,” says James Orloff — and like many others, feels that one, he went to school with everyone, and he is very good at motivat- supporting it is just part of being a good citizen. ing and entertaining the guests.” “This hospital was founded on community support,” says Todd James and Mary Ann also frequently donate jewelry to the Harvest Suntrapak, president and CEO of the hospital. “Because of generous Ball, the hospital’s signature fundraising event, and even host events businesses and people like Orloff Jewelers and the entire Orloff Fam- in their store, such as the upcoming David Yurman show, with a ily, who give so willingly of their time, talent and treasure, Children’s portion of the proceeds going to benefit the hospital. Orloff Jewelers Hospital is able to continue offering the best pediatric medical care in also donated a mobile gaming center that goes from room to room to the region and supports our goal of becoming the best in the nation.” distract the kids from the distress of being ill. Fundraising events are an important part of achieving this goal, and “Jamie’s dedication and positive example shows what one business the Orloffs are deeply involved in this endeavor. If you have ever been member can do in the community,” says Robert Saroyan, vice-pres- to the Evening Under the Stars event, raising money for the hospital’s ident of philanthropy and chief development officer of the hospital. Willson Heart Center, you have witnessed James Orloff taking up the “Our supporters have helped us to become one of the largest children’s gavel as the auctioneer. hospitals in the state and one of the largest of its type in the nation.” O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E [ 15 designer spotlight b y New Carreras with in-house movements and a Formula One for l adies TAG Heuer is widely recognized for its chronographs and its progressive approach to technology and design — TAG stands for Technique Avant-Garde. The company’s 154 year history of watchmaking innovation is especially evident this year in the new Carrera collection. The latest models are equipped with TAG Heuer’s newest movement — its second movement entirely manufactured in-house, this time with an unprecedented 80hour power reserve. The Carrera was the first sports chronograph created specifically for professional drivers and sports-car enthusiasts. It was designed in 1963 by Jack Heuer, great-grandson of the brand’s founder and grandson of the CEO during its golden era of innovation in the 1960s and 1970s. The collection was named for the Carrera Panamericana Mexico Road Race, a grueling, open-road endurance competition. The Carrera is distinguished by its rugged construction and at-a-glance legibility, two things essential to sports watches. Today’s sleek designs are also noted for their uncluttered elegance, helping to coin the phrase “sportsdress watch.” The design elements draw upon the timeless codes of motorsports, including the black and white of vintage dashboard counters and the perforated leather driving gloves favored by professional drivers. This year’s new Carrera Calibre 5 Automatic in steel and rose gold features an H-shaped bracelet, which has become another recognizable signature of the Carrera collection. The blend of gold and fine-brushed steel is finished with meticulously polished edges on lateral rows. There is also a steel and yellow gold version of this 39mm watch. Monaco 37mm Automatic with steel case, black dial, and black alligator strap. $3,800 16 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E C A R O L B E S L E R Link 43mm Automatic chronograph with steel case, black dial, and fine-brushed steel bracelet. $4,350 Aquaracer 34mm, in steel and 18k rose gold, with an automatic movement, white dial with rose gold markers, and fine brushed steel and 18k rose gold bracelet. $4,700 The 41mm Carrera 5 Day-Date Automatic is equipped with day and date functions, with rose gold-plated hands, indexes, date window and logo, all meticulously hand applied. The polished and satin-brushed indexes accentuate the contrast with the hands, creating a highly readable dial — a trademark of the Carrera, and a loyal tribute to Jack Heuer’s original design. The date window, with its polished sides, provides a simultaneous day-date display, while the entirely polished case may be fitted with an ergonomic bracelet featuring H-shaped links or an alligator leather strap for a more traditional look. The Monaco collection is also an essential element of TAG Heuer’s involvement in the racing world. Steve McQueen picked out a TAG Heuer Monaco to go with the white racing suit he wore in the 1971 film Le Mans, and since then, the chunky square-cased Monaco has been a symbol of speed and savvy, with the unshakable association to McQueen’s era-defining cool. The watch, introduced in 1969 in honor of the Monaco Grand Prix, was the first automatic chronograph and the first chrono to feature a square case. The Aquaracer and Formula One collections are also associated with the high-paced world of auto racing. A highlight of the new Aquaracer collection this year is the elegant steel and 18k gold automatic model. As a tribute to ladies who love the TAG Heuer aesthetic, there is a Formula One for women this year, in steel and ceramic, set with diamonds. Rounding out the company’s lines is the Link, collection, an elegant dress watch with sporty elements and reliable mechanical movements. Founded in Saint-Imier in 1860 by Edouard Heuer, TAG Heuer is among the elite brands to win the world’s most coveted watchmaking award, the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix “Aiguille d’Or.” The brand is a sponsor of the F1 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team and its World Champion Jenson Button, the Automobile Club of Monaco for the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix and the new FIA Formula E Championship, the world’s top competition for electrically powered racing cars. TAG Heuer is also a partner of Oracle Team USA, 2013 champion of sailing’s most prestigious trophy, the 34th America’s Cup. Formula One 37mm in steel and ceramic, with diamond bezel, white dial, and polished white ceramic and steel bracelet. $2,850 Carrera 39mm Automatic, with steel and 18k rose gold bezel, anthracite dial and anthracite alligator strap. $4,950 A exceptional automobiles Don’t just show up... rrive t h e n e w a u d i a 8 Some dress for success. Others drive it. With an unrivaled level of luxury, craftsmanship and per- formance, the A8 ensures that there’s no mistaking your arrival. The 2015 A8 further underscores its positioning as the drivers’ luxury sedan in 2015 through design changes that communicate a wider stance and more dynamic look throughout the A8 model line. “As the flagship of the Audi brand, the A8 represents the best in Audi innovation, design, and craftsmanship” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “The A8 has been a strong contributor toward building our brand and the changes for the 2015 model year will continue to build upon that success.” 18 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E exceptional automobiles The A8 model line continues to offer industry-leading performance and design. The ASF® aluminum construction of the A8 and S8 models provides exceptional rigidity and performance while enabling excellent efficiency due to its lightweight characteristics. Completely redesigned LED headlights are now standard on the full model line and are complemented by powerful creases in the hood as well as a newly designed grille, bumper and splitter. The A8 L TDI® clean diesel makes a powerful statement in achieving the best fuel economy in its segment with an EPA estimated 24 city/ 36 highway/ 28 combined mpg, boasting improved efficiency without compromise on performance, while the A8, equipped with the optional 4.0T V8 engine, has been improved upon for 2015 with horsepower increasing from 420hp to 435 hp. A new electromechanical steering column helps reduce weight and improves fuel efficiency. Dynamic steering, newly available as part of the sport package, provides variable-ratio steering that increases responsiveness based on speed and steering input required. Industry-leading technology continues to improve the driving experience. Active lane assist helps keep the A8 between lane markings through active steering adjustments. Night vision assist now offers animal detection that can help alert the driver to deer and other animals that are hard to see in the night. Animal detection joins pedestrian detection — previously available in the A8 model line — in the night vision system that will outline the image of the animal/pedestrian and make an audible sound if the object is in danger of entering the driver path. Also new are secondary collision assist, which automatically applies the brakes after an initial collision and a heads-up display for easier viewing of vehicle speed, navigation and adaptive cruise control functions. Inside, the new A8 offers available 22-way front comfort seats with 5 different massage functions, as well as improved acoustic measures for a quieter cabin experience and optimized trunk packaging for increased space and usability. Audi’s LED daytime running lights were an industry first. They combine a striking aesthetic with critical safety funcion. A car of this calibre ought to have the pinnacle in safety innovation, but the creativity to make the same a strong statement of style is what sets the great designers apart. LED headlights on the A8 provide incredible brightness and visibility. — you’ll see and be seen. 20 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E When it’s time to turn the wheel, the A8 holds the road with confidence. The quattro® all-wheel drive system helps maximize handling performance in any pavement configuration. Cornering is made even more precise and exhillarating with the available sport differential. It’s a quite and smooth sanctuary in the city that will still put a smile on your face in the stretches in-between. The updated S8 becomes even sportier with its new exterior design, fea- offers a selection of five different inlays and an a la carte menu of options turing larger air intakes in the lower bumper and an available new sport for customers to create the A8 L W12 suited specifically to their needs. exhaust with wide oval quad tailpipes, which allows passengers to audibly Audi also launched the A3 earlier this year — a new segment for the experience the 520hp twin-turbo V8. Inside, the newly available Ver- luxury market. The A3 already won the World Car of the Year award, and mont Brown Audi design selection leather appointed interior and carbon is a welcome addition to an already exceptional brand. The A3 is available twill copper inlays combine the sporty character of the S8 with stunning in three different gas engines and one diesel variant, as well as a Cabriolet. elegance and craftsmanship. Audi must be doing something right; With forty-three straight months The top of the range, the A8 L W12 model is the first 12 cylinder of sales growth, they have set the longest running monthly record sales engine to feature intelligent cylinder control, helping provide improved streak in the premium car market. They have obviously captured more highway efficiency. The top of the line flagship model also benefits from than our attention. Audi has captured the hearts and minds of discerning all of the design changes to the lighting, hood and grille. The A8 L W12 drivers around the world. “Audi’s A8 is the pinnacle of German über-luxury sedans, with an exterior that is understated yet impressive. It’s beautiful inside, too, but don’t be fooled: The A8 can be quite athletic when the road gets twisty.” ~Car And Driver Magazine Having power involves having choice, and with the A8, you have plenty. Choose from a supercharged 333-hp V6 or the available TDI® clean diesel engine that can take you further on every drive. Of course, if you’re really hungry for power, the turbocharged 435-hp V8 can take you on a power trip unlike any you’ve had before. O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E [ 21 pearl trends b y C Y N T H I A Pearls U N N I N A Y A R DAVID YURMAN 10 MM PEARL CROSSOVER ADJUSTABLE-LENGTH ENHANCER IN STERLING SILVER WITH PEARL AND DIAMONDS. DAVID YURMAN STARBURST PEARL RING WITH PEARLS AND DIAMONDS IN STERLING SILVER. Popular, Prized, and Precious Pearls have always been a symbol of elegance and refinement. In the past, fashion icons such as Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O were rarely photographed without their pearl necklaces. Today, pearls continue to fascinate, whether seen on Angelina Jolie, Katy Perry, Sarah Jessica Parker, the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton or even Laura & Barbara Bush, and Hillary Clinton. The most popular way of wearing pearls remains the traditional strand, long or short. Yet pearls also come in a range of colors, sizes and shapes, and have become an integral part of original and varied designs, whether classical, edgy or contemporary. One of the fastest rising trends is to combine pearls and gemstones, creating new looks and new ways to wear them. They are often a featured element in cocktail rings, forming the center of a beautiful flower or in a circle of colorful gems. Another popular trend in pearl fashion jewelry is the use of baroque pearls. Their unusual and freeform shapes lend themselves to a vast array of designs in brooches, earrings, pendants and bracelets. Designers also pair pearls with leather, rubber and other non-traditional jewelry materials for today’s contemporary look. Clusters of pearls create volume and color in all types of jewelry. Even traditional strands can be dressed up or down, knotted, worn as a belt, or even combined with blackened metals for a vintage look. The possibilities for pearls are endless, depending only on the imagination of the designer. Pearls can be natural, meaning they were formed in the oyster with no human intervention, or they can be cultured. Natural pearls are very rare and found mainly in the Gulf region of the Middle East. Understandably, they carry a hefty price tag. Cultured pearls run the gamut as far as price goes. At the least expensive end of the spectrum are freshwater pearls, ranging in color from cream to pink, from gray to lavender, and even gold hues. They are cultivated mainly in ponds and small lakes in China. Freshwater varieties are also sometimes dyed various colors for use in inexpensive fashion jewelry. The more expensive seawater pearls can be divided into three general categories: South Sea pearls from the oyster Pinctada maxima, from the warm waters off Australia, the Philippines and Indonesia, ranging from white to spectacular gold; Tahitian pearls from Pinctada margaritifera oysters in French Polynesia, ranging from black to multi-color peacock; and Akoya pearls from the Pinctada fucata oyster, grown in the cool to temperate seas near Japan and China, with a brilliant luster in cream to pink to gold. Because pearls are organic, they require special care. They can be damaged if they come in contact with perfume, cosmetics, hairspray or household cleaners. It is good practice, therefore, to put them on last and take them off first, and then store them in a soft cloth DAVID YURMAN CROSSOVER pouch, but never in plastic because it can emit a BRACELET IN STERLING SILVER WITH PEARLS AND DIAMONDS. chemical that damages the pearl’s surface. Pearls should also be worn often to let them absorb moisture from the skin, which prevents them from drying out. With a little care, these popular, prized and precious gems can be enjoyed forever. 22 ] DAVID YURMAN CABLE CUP PEARL CLASSICS RING IN STERLING SILVER WITH PEARL AND DIAMONDS. DAVID YURMAN 9.5-10 MM PEARL CROSSOVER BUTTON EARRINGS IN STERLING SILVER WITH DIAMONDS. DAVID YURMAN STAR BURST PEARL DROP EARRINGS WHITE CULTURED FRESHWATER PEARLS. O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E wine & spirits how to serve your A Pinot Noir As with any wine, the temperature at which you serve pinot noir is key to perceiving the numerous and subtle flavors. Serving a glass at the right temperature will enable you and your guests to experience everything the wine has to offer. First of all, a little background is in order. A pinot noir wine starts with pinot noir grapes, which are grown all over the world. The most famous pinot noirs are grown in France’s Burgundy region, but many other wonderful varieties come from California and Canada. Interesting tidbit: A champagne is produced by blending chardonnay and pinot noir grapes. Pinot Noir’s darkened reddish color comes from the process used to produce the wine, where the clear pinot noir juice is left touching the dark grape skins. What flavors should you expect from a properly served glass of pinot noir? After all, the primary reason to be mindful of serving temperatures is the subtle flavoring of the wine. Though pinot noir’s notes do vary from region to region, there are nevertheless a few common flavors you can expect to find in a well-served glass: smoke, black cherry, mushroom, leather, plum, tomato, berries, and earth. A well-served pinot noir will also have a rich, velvety, soft, and full to medium-bodied quality. And what about serving temperature? Finding the best temperature to store and serve pinot noir involves a delicate balancing act. Do it right and you will preserve all the above-listed characteristics perfectly. Your wine will stay a beautiful balance of fruit, alcohol, and acidity that reveals the subtle nuances of flavor. Serving temperature does not change these characteristics, contrary to popular belief. Temperature affects the degree to which your palate can interpret them. Pinot noir is best served at slightly below what most consider room temperature. It is a myth that red wines are room-temperature wines. Room temperature is too warm. Lighter-bodied red wines like pinot noir should be served around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, or 12.8 degrees Celsius. As you serve the wine, be careful to hold the glass correctly. Hold the stem of the glass such that your hand does not warm the wine as you pour and as you lift the glass to your lips. If you’re drinking with stemless glasses, only pick up the glass when you’re planning to take a sip. It can be helpful to store bottles of pinot noir in a basement or refrigerator to help them last longer. Storing bottles at room temperature means you have to cool them down prior to serving, typically by leaving them in the refrigerator for two hours. Don’t cool them down too far or you’ll miss more subtle aspects of the wine. Storing the wine in an area that’s too warm, on the other hand, can actually affect the wine’s flavor profile. If you store a pinot noir, or any wine, in a place where it will be too warm for a long period, the wine can age prematurely, or the flavor may break down. The same goes for storing the wine at temperatures that are too cold. The best temperature for storing red wines, like pinot noir, is the same temperature at which they are best served. O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E [ 23 designer spotlight b y H E D D A S C H U P A K 100 Years of Diamonds F Kwiat jewelry is a favorite on the red carpet Natalie Portman Founded in 1907 in New York City, Kwiat has been family owned and operated for more than 100 years. Sam Kwiat arrived in the United States on a steamship from Europe and, upon arrival, opened a diamond jewelry store in the heart of New York City’s diamond district — at the time, downtown near the financial district. Halle Berry Platinum and diamond snowflake drop earrings. He quickly earned a reputation as a skilled diamond merchant who was highly regarded for his expertise in cutting exceptional diamonds. Sam’s son, David, joined the family business in 1933. Like his father, David was a talented designer and craftsman who, over time, formed an impressive collection of important diamond jewelry that could be found at the most exclusive shops on New York’s Fifth Avenue and around the world. 24 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E Claire Danes By the 1960s, David had become a renowned diamond merchant. In 1965 he purchased a 126-carat rough diamond that yielded the 50-carat “Teardrop of Africa,” cut for famed jeweler Harry Winston. This cemented his reputation as one of the finest diamond cutters in the world. Kwiat diamond jewelry is a favorite of celebrities on the red carpet. Whether it’s the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, or any other glamorous event, there are sure to be multiple stars draped in Kwiat jewels: Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams, Claire Danes, Tina Fey, Fergie, Halle Berry, Kwiat Echo double diamond loop earrings, which were worn by actress Emmy Rossum. Emmy Rossum, Glenn Close, and many more. Even the men love a Kwiat diamond: Tom Cruise and Forest Whitaker, to name just two! In 2007, in celebration of its 100th anniversary, the Kwiat family opened a flagship boutique in New York City’s luxury shopping district on Madison Avenue. To this day, Sam’s grandsons, Sheldon and Lowell, and his great-grandchildren run the business according to the same principles that established the family legacy: integrity, quality, craftsmanship and design. Diamond strings necklace in 18k white gold. 100 Years of Diamonds Glenn Close Emmy Rossum Michelle Williams O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E [ 25 sensible attire b y 50 IS THE NEW 13? Everybody gets older. So how come are so many men still wearing the same casual clothes they did in their teens? A high-level expert appears on CNN to discuss the first Malaysian Airlines disaster attired in a tails-out plaid shirt, shorts, and sandals. Elton John, now in his mid-60s, shows up at a recent concert wearing a top-to-bottom Adidas track suit. On every street in America, middle-aged men and seniors alike amble about our streets wearing jeans, sweatshirts, running shoes, and baseball caps. Yes, there’s something to be said about being comfortable — and casual clothes that one has always worn possess a warm familiarity about them — but is that any excuse for your wardrobe letting the team down so badly? There comes a certain time in life — most experts pinpoint it at around age 35 — when wearing youth-oriented styles becomes as sad and silly as a 80-year-old in a ponytail. It’s the same fork in the road where tattoos stop looking cool and start people wondering if you’ve ever been to prison, when walking around without a shirt on in the summer turns heads for all the wrong reasons, when nobody congratulates you right after you’ve told them that you’re wearing the same size jeans as you did in college. Men not wanting to appear older is as endemic in America as overeating, yet this problem receives very little media attention — likely because the bulk of reporters and editors out there would themselves fall into the same sorry category. So how do you carry off casual without looking like you’ve raided your teenage son’s (or grandson’s) closet? Well, you can begin by realizing that just because that jacket or trousers, or what have you, can still technically be worn doesn’t mean you 26 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E PHOTO COURTESY OF CARL GROSS L E S L I E C . S M I T H sensible attire should actually wear it. Go through your dresser drawers and rigorously get rid of any T-shirt that bears a slogan or a large logo. The same holds true for any piece of clothing sporting the logo of a mall outlet that caters to the under-25 crowd, as well as any piece of clothing that comes with a hood or cargo pockets. While you’re tossing the place, if you happen to run across some plastic shoes, up to and including high-topped athletics, Crocs, and flip-flops, tip them in the recycling bin too. Next, take serious stock of what’s left. That basketball/baseball/hockey/football jersey, once it’s been cut up into small pieces, would make a great addition to the rag bag. (We know this act will prove difficult if not impossible for you to perform, so why not make your wife extra-happy by giving her the scissors?) Pretty much all your other garments that flaunt athletic striping should go in a big pile for the Goodwill box. Allow the next generation to scoop these out of PHOTO COURTESY OF HETTABRETZ 28 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E PHOTO COURTESY OF CARL GROSS second-hand stores for their ironic content, since irony on older men simply not tight line to your legs, and don’t puddle down around your heels. looks tragic. Although you may still be in pretty good shape, zippy stripes Although you fondly recall how hot you looked back in the day in those on track pants, socks, rugger shirts, and ski jackets belong on real athletes chalk white or tomato red five-pockets, do not indulge in them now. who could conceivably have a shot at competing in the next Olympics. A dark-wash indigo is classic and retains its attraction long after other, By now, your casual wardrobe should be whittled down to three cot- trendier colors fade. ton-weave shirts and your favorite pair of jeans. You love those jeans. You will build your new, age-appropriate attire on this foundation, Sure, they’re a bit worn and torn in places and have a few stains here and choosing wisely sourced garments from a real, grown-up men’s store. there, but you’ve broken them in just right over the years and… guess You will still look relaxed but way cooler in the eyes of others. And what? Out they go. (The shirts can stay.) whenever you require a reminder of what not to don, simply check out Then out you go to get a new pair of denims that fit you properly what actor and comedian Russell Brand (age 40) is currently wearing. at the waist, give a bit of definition to your backside, offer a trim but PHOTO COURTESY OF CARL GROSS O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E [ 29 trends in gold b y H E D D A There’s a saying in fashion circles that if you hang onto something long enough, it comes back into style. It’s true. Of course, there’s also the corollary that if you’re old enough to have worn something the first time around, you should pass on it the second. Luckily, that part isn’t always true. Fine jewelry transcends all ages. It’s all in how you wear it. The 1980s were all about gold. Jewelry was big, bold, and shiny, to offset big hair and bigger shoulders. The trend was ubiquitous: buttons, zippers, buckles and handbag hardware also were gold-toned, and home decor centered more on brass than chrome. Then the 1990s came and design did an about-face. Shoulder pads gave way to slip-dresses, supermodels to waifs, and big hair to bed-head. At home, brass was out and stainless steel ushered in an era of industrial luxury. And in fine jewelry, a great whitewashing had begun: yellow gold went back into the jewelry box in favor of anything diamond, silver, white gold or platinum. But design, like history, is cyclical. Yellow gold started coming back in the aughties, and now it’s a full-on fashion force. The World Gold Council reported gold jewelry demand in 2013 had the largest volume increase since 1997. Gold jewelry demand increased 6% in the fourth quarter of 2013 alone. But we don’t need official figures to see that gold is hot. We saw it all over the red carpet, favored by It Girls like Lupita Nyong’o and Jennifer Lawrence. In case you sat out the Oscars, picking up a home magazine is proof enough that yellow is in: The Epoch Times recently labeled gold “the hottest trend for 2014 home decor.” Of course, it’s never quite the same the second time around. Just as fashion always comes back with just enough of a subtle shift to separate the new from the old, so do home and jewelry designs. Today, gold and copper accents warm up stainless steel and LESLIE’S 14K YELLOW GOLD SCRATCH FINISH BEADED NECKLACE 30 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E S H U P A K GURHAN’S ANTIQUITIES CHARM BRACELET IN 24K GOLD AND GEMSTONES. LESLIE’S 14K YELLOW GOLD ROUND PENDANT WITH GREY DRUZY NECKLACE Bold and Bright, Gold Is Fashion Right! LESLIE’S 14K SCRATCH FINISH ROUND WITH YELLOW GOLD DRUZY POST DANGLE NECKLACE nickel. Think of adding a touch of old-fashioned luxury to modern industrial chic, not a 1980s brass revival. So, back to the original question: can you wear your eighties gold without looking like a relic from Dynasty? Yes, but not without adding something new to bring it up to date. It’s the same rule as in fashion: one vintage piece is cool but vintage head-to-toe just looks like Grandma was your stylist. “We’re really seeing a redefinition of jewelry pieces, a reimagining of the way we wear jewelry,” says Jamie Gage of LoveGold. Earrings may climb up or cuff the ear instead of the traditional down-facing dangle, or the design may pass through the front and back of the ear. Really modern: wear just one super-bold earring, not a pair. “We’re also seeing multi-finger rings or delicate midi rings that only go up to the first knuckle. Or hand bracelets where a delicate chain goes up and over the hand,” says Gage. “It’s all about mixing and matching and layering.” Layering, of course, means you always have a good excuse to add to your jewelry collection. Whether it’s stacks of bangles or chains, you can pile it on for a larger look. Just remember: whatever you wear, statement making is the way to wear it, so don’t be shy. CHARLES GARNIER 40 MM GRADUATED HOOP EARRINGS SS W/ GOLD OVERLAY O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E [ 31 hottest trends b y Jewelry C A R O L B E S L E R TREND REPORT Jewelry trends this year are all about updated classics, innovative design and flawless quality. Designers are putting a new twist on enduring styles — everything from button earrings to the cocktail ring — giving classic looks a contemporary feel. There is a growing sense of fearless creativity in jewelry design, the result of greater demand for jewelry that is unique and makes an individual statement. Designs are often built around one special gemstone, or based on shapes that make collections unique and unforgettable. This year we see everything from the sensuous curves of bamboo to the angles of urban architecture and even the shape of a 1950s television screen. Quality and innovation are the top trends in jewelry this year, no matter what the style Perhaps the one over-arching trend that is evident in most fine jewelry today is a greater attention to craftsmanship across the board. The standard of quality and workmanship has notably increased, and the mark of the craftsman can be seen in even the most accessible pieces. For diamonds and gemstones, only stones with high quality, cut and color values are making the grade. Here are a few of our picks for what’s trending right now in jewelry, but DAVID YURMAN TEARDROP PENDANT 18-20 DIA WT 1.04 AH DI SIL. don’t let the word “trend” fool you. We have chosen pieces that qualify as modern classics, guaranteed to look beautiful for years to come Colored Gemstones T he allure of colored gemstones never goes out of style, but each season brings its favorites. This year, shades of purple dominate, in tune with Pantone’s Color of the Year, Radiant Orchid. But blue is still a strong color in jewelry, heralding a new age of popularity for fine blue sapphire and for the lighter shades of blue chalcedony and lots of aquamarine. (By the way, sapphire comes in many different colors, and being one of the hardest gems, it is highly appropriate for rings). And opal is one of the strongest gems in the jewelry market right now at all levels. Because of opal’s unique play of color, no two ever seem exactly the same, and the gem works with so many different colors of complementary gemstones (and fashions!), making it a highly versatile gem. PERIDOT AND DIAMOND EARRINGS BY EICHHORN IVAN GEMS 14KT WG TANZANITE RING WITH DIAMONDS. 32 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E CARL K. GUMPERT 18K WHITE GOLD CITRINE DIAMOND EARRINGS. To view the entire collection & locate an authorized dealer, please visit www.endlessjewelry.us hottest trends Black and White T here is something timeless, classic and elegant about black and white, the world’s most sophisticated color combination. In jew- elry, it reignites the styles of the Art Deco era, with diamonds and onyx or black sapphire. Today, many more gems are available to create the elegance of black and white, including white sapphires, white or black spinel. And styles are not just Art Deco but also Bohemian Chic, with long necklaces, hand crafted chains and even blackened metals for an edgier look. Black and white can be worn with virtually anything, and H.J. NAMDAR 14K WG DIAMOND FASHION EARRINGS W/ BLACK DIAMONDS 1.39CTW. will never, ever go out of style. H.J. NAMDAR 14K WG FASHION DIAMOND PENDANT BLACK DIAMONDS 0.85TW. H.J. NAMDAR 14 KARAT YELLOW GOLD RING. ROUND WHITE DIA: 0.24 TOTAL WEIGHT. ROUND CHAMPAGNE DIA: 1.44 TOTAL WEIGHT. TOTAL DIAMOND WEIGHT: 1.68. Diamonds D iamonds are the single most important gem in fine jewelry and timepieces, and have never been more popular. In both bridal and fashion pieces, there is a trend toward large cushion-shaped diamonds surrounded by halos of smaller gems, often colored diamonds or even colored gemstones, as well as white diamonds. Diamond slices are also still popular, lending a contemporary mosaic feel to fine fashion jewelry. There are some classic diamond segments that will never go out of style: right hand rings, long necklaces with stations of diamonds, classic tennis bracelets, and ear studs. And of course, quality never goes out of style. Look into picking a special cut that gives a diamond maximum sparkle or brilliance. DIAMOND EARRINGS FROM THE SUNBURST COLLECTION BY KWIAT. 34 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E H.J. NAMDAR 14K DIAMOND PENDANT W/ 2.62TW FANCY COLOR DIAMONDS & 0.05TW ROUND BRILLIANTS. KWIAT 18 KT WHITE GOLD OVAL OVERLAY DIAMOND DROP EARRINGS 1.88 CTW GH/VS2-SI1. Earrings H alos, diamond studs, drops, buttons, doorknockers and line earrings — anything goes in earrings right now, as they rival the cocktail ring as the must-have statement piece of the moment. The one thing they all have in common is lots of volume, with bigger gems, larger proportions — often with cut-out metals to reduce the weight — and lots of diamond sparkle. There is a greater variety of styles than ever before, with earrings now designed for every occasion: gold for every day, a bit of color for some pop, cascading diamonds for evening and diamond studs for the gym. There is BLACK AND WHITE DIAMOND EARRINGS BY DAVID YURMAN. no occasion that does not call for earrings. Don’t leave the house without them! ORLOFF JEWELERS PARAIBA, DIAMOND EARRINGS P@ 0.77 TW DIA.@ 2.65 TW. Rings DIAMOND EARRINGS FROM THE KWIAT STAR COLLECTION IN 18K GOLD. T he cocktail ring, big, bold and unique, is hot right now. It lends itself more than any other segment to one-of-a-kind status, as most are built around one spectacular gemstone. Today, the center stone is being complemented by other colored gemstones in new, fearless combinations of colors that have never been seen before. DIAMOND RING IN 18K GOLD FROM THE KWIAT SUNBURST COLLECTION. GABRIEL & CO. 14 KT WHITE GOLD CROSSOVER CIRCLE DIAMOND FASHION RING .73 CTW SIZE 6.5. The diamond ring is also becoming a lot more interesting, with designers dreaming up different ways to decorate the shanks, prongs and halo or bezel settings with special cuts, shapes and even colors, giving the diamond right-handring new life. There are also some daring new styles, such as the knuckle ring and bracelet ring. And the practice of stacking rings — to create a different look every time — is quickly becoming a modern classic. KWIAT DIAMOND AND SAPPHIRE FASHION RING IN 18 KT WHITE GOLD FROM THE CONFETTI COLLECTION SAP CTW 1.39 DTW F-G/VS2. KWIAT 18 KT WHITE GOLD DOUBLE FLOWER DIAMOND FASHION RING FROM THE SUNBURST COLLECTION 0.89 CTW GH/VS2-SI1. GABRIEL & CO. 14 KT ROSE GOLD DIAMOND FASHION RING .38 CTW SIZE 6.5. O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E [ 35 designer spotlight b y C A R O L B E S L E R Stellare collection earrings, handmade with 14k gold and 0.62tcw of diamonds. $1,230 Kaslique collection necklace, handmade with 14k gold and 0.13tcw of diamonds. $505 Diamond ring, handmade with 14k white gold and 0.70tcw of diamonds. $2,145 Bangle, handmade with sterling silver, black rhodium, pearls and 0.56tcw of black spinel, from the Carmen Marc Valvo by Gabriel & Co. Gabriel & Co.’s Fashion Focus Introducing several new collections with foundations in the fashion world Gabriel & Co. is a New York based jewelry design house founded in 1989 by brothers Jack and Dominick Gabriel. What started as a small diamond wholesale operation has since evolved into one of America’s most prolific fine jewelry brands, the goal of which is to provide an unparalleled styling experience to the wearer. Each piece is customizable, allowing a woman – the brothers affectionately refer to their customer as the “Gabriel Woman” – to personalize her jewelry look to every stage in her life. Recently, the company has pursued an intensely fashion forward direction, elevating its presence by appointing former InStyle magazine fashion director Hal Rubenstein as Gabriel’s global style director. The new collections created in collaboration with Rubenstein debuted recently at the JCK jewelry trade show in Las Vegas. A fervent jewelry lover, collector and wearer, Rubenstein carefully put together a series of styles that reflect his philosophy that women should wear their best jewelry daily, instead of tucking it away for special occasions. “The five new collections I curated for Gabriel & Co. are distinctive and exclusive, and yet all share a wonderful overriding philosophy – that beautifully crafted 36 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E Diamond hoop earrings, handmade with 14k white gold and 0.55tcw of diamonds. $1,355 jewelry is not to be stored and saved for specific occasions,” says Rubenstein. “Instead, I believe jewelry should be worn every day because you never know which day is going to turn out to be special, and when that happens, shouldn’t you always look your best?” Gabriel & Co. also recently collaborated with fashion designer Carmen Marc Valvo to co-design a jewelry collection that appeared in the designer’s runway show at Mercedes Benz Fashion week in New York this summer. The collection commemorates the companies’ joint 25th anniversaries this year. It marries vintage looks with modern details, paying homage to some of the most iconic jewelry styles of the twentieth century. Designed to compliment Valvo’s Spring 2015 ready-to-wear and couture collections, highlights include: vintage inspired 10.5 millimeter black and white pearl earrings set in sterling silver or black rhodium; coil bangles in combinations of sterling silver and red onyx layered with white quartz, smoky quartz or black mother-of-pearl layered with white quartz; stackable bangles in combinations of sterling silver and white pearls with black spinel or black rhodium with black pearls and black spinel; white sapphire and black spinel encrusted cuffs in sterling silver and black rhodium. “We are thrilled to partner with Carmen Marc Valvo as we celebrate 25 years in the fine jewelry business,” says vice-president/ designer Dominick Gabriel. “We are continually inspired by Carmen’s pristine designs and this collection is a labor of love between two brands whose combined mission is to make women look and feel beautiful,” says CEO Berna Gabriel. www.orloffjewelers.com 770 West Shaw Avenue | Suite 101 Fresno, CA 93704 559.221.6622 dining destinations Culinary Delight Dining in Sausalito Sausalito, California is a prime destination for a weekend getaway or an extended Pacific coast excursion filled with nyriad culinary possibilities. While you’re there, you’ll definitely want to check out some of these exceptional dining opportunites. Murray Circle Restaurant At Cavallo Point — the Lodge at the Golden Gate AN ICO NIC LOC ATION Located in WITH the hear t of nationa Gold-certifi l parkland ed Cavallo just minut Point Lodg acclaimed es from Sa e features dini n Francisc the awardA luxurious ng at Murray Circle o and Saus winning H re hotel expe alito, LEED ealing Ar ts rience achi staurant, and stunni Cent eved with ng Golden ecological Gate Bridge er & Spa, intelligenc and bay vi e. 500 WOR ews. Cavallo Point’s acclaimed restaurant Murray Circle, under the direction of Executive Chef Justin Everett, is one of the Bay Area’s top culinary destinations. A meal here is inspired, highlighting refined modern Northern California cuisine anchored to its Marin roots, the freshest local ingredients, and stunning Golden Gate Bridge views. Settle into the elegant yet comfortable dining room accented with beautifully restored tin ceilings, fine art photography, and toasty fireplaces. Outside, soak up the sun on plush outdoor seating on the historic porch, with sweeping views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Executive Chef Justin Everett, a longtime resident of the Bay Area with extensive experience in California’s Wine Country, uses the finest local ingredients, building on long-standing relationships with Bay Area farmers and fishermen. Straight from the source at the height of flavor, these ingredients inspire food carefully crafted to showcase the best of the season. Once you’ve made your dining decisions, pair them with selections from the stellar wine collection. Featuring over 2,000 options and 30 wines by the glass, Murray Circle’s wine cellar is one of California’s deepest and most diverse. Enhanced by its proximity to celebrated wine regions, it showcases local artisan wines from small California producers, often hard to find — combined with the best vintages of Europe’s top estates. Poggio 777 Bridgeway, Sausalito 415-332-7771 • www.poggiotrattoria.com Poggio from the Italian translation for “a special hillside place,” is a classic Italian tratto- ria with comfortable neighborhood charm and destination-caliber cuisine. Using the best available local ingredients and property-grown organic herbs and vegetables, the daily changing menu features soulful classics of Northern Italy, simply and earnestly prepared. The SF Gate says: “Sausalito meets the Italian coast at this handsome restaurant overlooking Bridgeway and the Sausalito marina. Ben Balesteri takes an artisan approach to cooking — grilling lamb’s tongue over oak wood, making his own burrata, crafting light potato gnocchi and tossing it with a rabbit ragout. He also gathers much of the produce from the restaurant’s garden to use in such recipes as long-cooked spigariello soup. Owner Larry Mindel, who brought the Il Fornaio chain to prominence, opened this all-day restaurant ten years ago, installing a timeless interior featuring terra cotta floors, marble baseboards and mahogany arches.” The seasonal menu that changes daily features locally grown ingredients and items from the large-display wood-fired rotisserie and grill and wood roasting oven. 38 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E ASS VIEW S LD’S 60 1 M UR RA Y 601 Murray Circle | Fort Baker | Sausalito Phone: 415-339-4750 • www.cavallopoint.com/murray-circle-restaurant.html WORLD -C L CI RC LE BEST HOTE TRAVEL+L LS EISURE RE TOP 35 HOTE ADERS’ CH OICE LS IN NORT FO RT BA HERN CALI KE R SA CONDÉ NA US AL IT O, ST TRAVEL FORNIA CA LI FO RN ER READER IA 94 96 5 S’ CHOICE 1.8 88 .6 51 .2 00 3 ww w. ca va llo po in t.c om /C av al lo oP oi nt Barrel House 660 Bridgeway, Sausalito 415-729-9593 • http://barrelhousetavern.com With a Northern California vibe, attentive hospitality, and a locally sourced, seasonal menu, the Barrel House Tavern is open every day for all your social gatherings. Nestled downtown overlooking the Bay, Chris Henry’s Barrel House Tavern is an inviting urban oasis and a lively destination fit for an intimate dinner for two or a celebratory venue for large groups. Landmarked as a historical building, this location was the first ferry terminal to and from San Francisco for Sausalito before the Golden Gage Bridge was built. Now converted into a modern eatery, its sure to put anyone at-ease with contemporary twists on rustic comfort food. Check out these reviews: “Wow. Second floor outdoor deck, seated right over the water with 270 degree views of our city by the bay. Stunning. Had the Don & Sons Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, better than expected, a nice blend of Carneros and Petaluma Gap fruit from Mr. Sebastiani. We ordered three of the small dishes, and all were great (tomatoes; flatbread w/onion/apple; and the triangles of watermelon ceviche). Great service. I’m still stunned. The main room is equally impressive. This place is a magic carpet ride. It’s a home run.” ~ David C., Novato, CA @C av al lo Po in t “What’s not to like? Trendy atmosphere. Phenomenal views. Good service. Very tasty food (I recommend the seafood dishes). They have great bar-type seating outside that stares directly out to the bay. Also a big bar indoors with a fireside lounge area. Not a bad table in the place!” ~ Tami S, San Francisco The Trident 558 Bridgeway, 1st Floor, Sausalito 415-331-3232 • www.thetridentsausalito.com Trident Philosophy (circa 1960s): It was a another time, but the same place... Where you can still channel your inner love child and groove on the original Trident atmosphere and philosophy, which advocated “positive energy projection” and offered “good-tasting, natural, wholesome, organic foods in a living, growing and stimulating atmosphere.” And, as in those heady, halcyon days, we invite you to “take a deep breath, relax and dig on the love and artistry about you. May all our offerings please you. Peace within you.” But times change, and in 1980 The Trident closed its doors and became the popular Horizons restaurant. Now it has come full circle to The Trident once again, where you can enjoy the original decor from the 1960s, including the famous wall (and ceiling) art and rich, warm woodwork featuring voluptuously flowing curves. Following its original philosophy, The Trident offers satisfying and sophisticated fare showcasing local, organic, and sustainably produced ingredients. Today’s Trident is still groovy after all these years. Executive Chef James Montejano adds his passion for seafood and flair for creating the ultimate dining experience to The Trident. A seasoned chef that has worked at some of California’s top restaurants, James was educated at the California Culinary Academy. In San Francisco, he is known for supporting local farmers, fishermen, and sustainable organic food producers, which allows him to provide you the freshest food for dining experience. The Trident is the perfect place to sit on the deck, enjoy fresh seafood with a signature cocktail and experience the bay. Less than five-minute walk from Blue & Gold and Golden Gate Ferries. Peace, love, and bon appétit! O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E [ 39 accessories for him b y MAN D E B O R A H Y O N I C K Dog tag from the Meteorite collection by David Yurman. ABOUT TOWN Mixed metals, precious gems, and cuff bracelets are dominating men’s jewelry Men stepped out of the recession with bag on hip and bracelet on wrist, proclaimed The New York Times in 2012, and since then, accessories have become even more important to the modern man, as his perception of fashion continues to grow. “The recession has taught men that looking fashionable can be a key component to getting and keeping a job,” says jewelry stylist and TV host, Michael O’Connor. “Accessories give men more opportunities to make a personal statement on traditional fashion. Men are feeling more confident about experimenting, realizing they have more options available to them than ever.” Smart designers and otherwise iconic female brands caught the news early that men’s jewelry was on the rise and have been building on the category recently. O’Connor recognizes artists like Stephen Webster, John Hardy, and David Yurman as pioneers. When it comes to fashion accessories, expressing individual style for a reasonable price is now more possible than ever. Designers today are using a broad range of materials including alternative metals, leathers, and exotic stones. Embracing Bracelets Bracelets are probably the most popular choice in men’s jewelry next to the wristwatch. Favorite styles mix materials like precious and alternative metals with woven leather and rubber, multi-colored sail cord, gem, or exotic wood inlay, and diamond details. Bead bracelets are very popular from designers like Yurman, Hardy, and Webster, mixing detailed silver clasps with gems such as carnelian, lapis, and black onyx. Moreover, cuff styles with interesting patterns and new takes on the ID bracelet with gem inlay are trending. In rings, right hand fashion bands are strong in mixed metals with diamond accents (black and cognac are favorites) or inlaid with other materials like enamel or wood. The signet ring remains a favorite style, not only in classic monogrammed gold designs, but also 40 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E showcasing gem centers (carved, cabochon, inlay, pavé) and mixing metals (i.e. titanium and yellow or black gold). In cuff links, designs range from traditional classics to whimsical, lifestyle imagery like mermaids, dragons, lions, eagles, and skulls. In necklaces, new takes on dog tags are especially popular. Designers are working tag pendants in much the same way they are bringing new takes to the basic signet ring, with interesting gem centers, unique engraved patterns, and mixed metals, colors, and textures. Gem Curious “What’s most exciting in men’s design is a growing fascination with gem material like black and brown diamonds, sapphire, tanzanite, abalone, and mother-of-pearl, even meteorite,” says Mark Melancon, precious and contemporary metal band manager for Stuller. Cohen cites greater use of color expressed not only in stones, but also enamels, dyed leathers, and plated metals. And don’t forget the diamonds. After all, why should the most precious stone on earth be reserved only for women! screen legend b y Even after all this time, there’s something strange about seeing Lauren Bacall in color. Maybe it’s because some of her greatest work was in film noir, but she’s always seemed better suited to black-and-white — to a bygone, romanticized vision of the silver screen that probably never actually existed. It’s not just me: Bacall herself longed for a career that was part of Hollywood’s early years. “If I could have lived as an actress in any period,” she once said, “it would have been the 1920s — I would have loved to have been part of that speakeasy era.” But she came of age at a different time. And then life intervened. Bacall was born in New York City in September 1924. Her name was Betty Joan Perske, and her father, whom she refers to as a “bastard,” ran out when she was five. Bacall came from her grandmother, who was Bacal. (Lauren would come later when she moved to Hollywood.) Initially, she wanted to be a dancer, but she tried acting and modeling. “I didn’t think I was ever any good,” she told the Guardian about her modeling days. “I didn’t look at all like any of the other fabulous-looking creatures.” Her luck changed, though, when she appeared on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar in the spring of 1943. Filmmaker Howard Hawks’s wife Nancy saw the 18-year-old on the front of the magazine and mentioned to her husband that he ought to think about casting her in something. A year later, her first film hit theaters. To Have and Have Not, the story goes, came together when Hawks made a bet with author Ernest Hemingway that he could make a movie out of Hemingway’s worst novel, which Hawks deemed to be To Have and Have Not. Whether you agree with Hawks’s assessment of the source material, the film (which differs sharply from it) is a classic, and Bacall was on her way, now dubbed Lauren due to Hawks’s prompting. acall B T H E I NC O M P ARA B L E Lauren Bacall 12/16/1924 - 8/12/2014 “It was Howard Hawks who changed my life,” Bacall told Vanity Fair in 2011. “Despite all of his great accomplishments — Bringing Up Baby, Scarface, some of the best pictures to that date — his one ambition was to find a girl and invent her, to create her as his perfect woman. He was my Svengali, and I was to become, under his tutelage, this big star, and he would own me.” 42 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E T I M G R I E R S O N bacall was sexy because, even at a young age, she exuded an adult sophistication. But as much as Hawks wanted to control her — and, apparently, sleep with her — he lost Bacall to her costar. When Bacall had gone to see Casablanca with her aunt a few years earlier, she hadn’t been overly impressed with Humphrey Bogart. “[Aunt] Rosalie was mad about Humphrey Bogart,” Bacall wrote in her 1978 memoir By Myself. “I thought he was good in it, but mad about him? Not at all. She thought he was sexy. I thought she was crazy.” That all changed when she filmed To Have and Have Not with Bogart. Although he was married, Bogart kissed her one night while visiting her trailer. Soon, they were an item — and soon after that, a love story onscreen mirrored one off it. As film critic Leonard Maltin described To Have and Have Not, “It’s one of these instances where it’s quite possible that we are eyewitnesses to an actor or actress falling in love, and while good actors make us believe that all the time, there has to be some extra kick when it’s real.” Fame and love were hers now, as well as the establishment of her famous persona. Smoky voice — she finally gave up cigarettes in the 1980s — but also tough, funny, and vulnerable all at once, Bacall was sexy because, even at a young age, she exuded an adult sophistication. That’s all encapsulated in the movie’s most famous line, her character Slim telling Bogart’s Steve, “You know how to whistle, don’t you, Steve? You just put your lips together and” — pausing just long enough — “blow.” It’s delivered with utter confidence and nonchalance, which is even more impressive considering how intimidated she was at first about being in front of the camera. It was Hawks’s suggestion that she calm herself by putting her chin down and looking up that gave birth to her trademark sultry stare, which suggested a lifetime of experience and street smarts in someone so young. Fresh from her star-making turn in To Have and Have Not, Bacall had other successes, costarring with Bogart in The Big Sleep — the trailer declared “They’re Together Again!” — Dark Passage, and Key Largo, all in glorious black and white. The two were married in 1945, and while she looked at their life together as some of her happiest years, it took a toll on her career. “He had told me that he wouldn’t marry me if I wanted a career,” she said in 2005. “He had been married already to three actresses, each time a disaster. And I was so mad about him I said, ‘Of course. Absolutely. I only want to be with you.’’’ She still acted — her 1950s highlights include How to Marry a Millionaire and Written on the Wind — but by the time he died in 1957, her stardom was more related to being married to Bogart than to her own fine work. “My obit is going to be full of Bogart, I’m sure,” she once said. “I’ll never know if that’s true. If that’s the way it is, that’s the way it is.” She left Los Angeles behind, moved to New York, and focused on theater. She won two Tonys for lead actress in musicals, for Applause and Woman of the Year. And she kept popping up in films — Sidney Lumet’s Murder on the Orient Express in 1974, Robert Altman’s Health in 1980 — but she seemed to have mostly left that life behind. “You can’t imagine how beautiful L.A. was then,” she said about moving to Hollywood as a young girl. “Of course, it’s all ruined now.” If movie fame had faded, her life kept marching forward. She married Jason Robards, their divorce one of the major topics covered in By Myself, which won her the National Book Award. Whether it was speaking honestly about her marriages or trying to break with the notion of how the traditional mother should behave, Bacall has never lost the toughness she portrayed onscreen at an early age. “I remember my oldest son, Steve, saying to me once, ‘I don’t ever remember seeing you with an apron on,’’’ Bacall once said. “And I thought, ‘That’s right, honey, you did not.’ That was his concept of what a mother should be.” And she’s never lost that no-nonsense attitude either. “There have always been rumors about me: Oh, she’s very difficult. Be careful of her,” she wrote in By Myself. “People who don’t know me — even some people who do know me — know that I say what I think. Very few people want to hear the truth. Bogie was like that, my mother was like that, and I’m like that. I believe in the truth, and I believe in saying what you think. Why not? Do you have to go around whispering all the time or playing a game with people? I just don’t believe in Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart in To Have and Have Not that. So I’m not the most adored person on the face of the earth. But I wasn’t put on earth to be liked. I have my own reasons for being and my own sense of what is important and what isn’t, and I’m not going to change that.” She demonstrated that beautifully while doing press for Birth, the 2004 film that starred Nicole Kidman as a woman convinced that a ten-year-old boy is the reincarnation of her beloved dead husband. A reporter asked Bacall, a film legend, what it was like to work with Kidman, another legend. Bacall cut off the reporter: “What is this ‘legend’? [Kidman] can’t be a legend, you have to be older.” It was the sort of comment that we almost never see in the film press since celebrities are so careful not to ruffle any feathers. But it wasn’t said out of spite; it was a simple fact. “What I meant was that her career is just beginning,” Bacall later clarified to the Guardian. “She is wonderfully talented, a working actress. I hate these labels, I hate categories. Why do they have to burden her with all that? Legends are all to do with the past and nothing to do with the present.” Bacall probably understands that as well as anyone. When she shows up in a movie now, there’s a sense that a regal presence from another time has somehow beamed in to our universe. No doubt her decision to focus on being a mother and a wife curtailed her career, a choice with which professional women in many different fields must contend. But like her modest assessment of her acting ability, she seems to be at peace with how things played out. “I put my career in second place throughout both my marriages and it suffered,” she has said. “I don’t regret it You make choices.” As for her talent: “I don’t consider myself a great actress. I’m just trying to stay alive, actually. I think I’m good, and I’ve learned a lot, certainly, mostly in the theater. I’ve been sloughed off movies for years. But what can you do? That’s life.” A pretty great one, actually. O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E [ 43 estate b y jewelry D E B O R A H Y O N I C K Estate guardians of the Fine, casual, chic jewelry does not always have to be newly made Consumers searching for special pieces unique to them are finding that jewels from the past deliver in design, craftsmanship, investment value and personal meaning. The market for antique and estate jewelry is robust, with demand strong in very rare, high-end pieces, gem quality pearls and colored stones as well as fine signed jewels from top houses like Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Boucheron, Lalique and Harry Winston. There is also a growing movement among brides and grooms to make their “something old” a wedding or engagement ring from the past. Previously owned jewelry doesn’t always imply signed pieces from elite jewelry houses, though. It is also possible to find affordable, meaningful alternatives to auction pieces. And many pre-owned finds are unique, with elements such as old mine cuts, romantic filigree designs and period style characteristics, making them stand apart from more modern pieces. There is also a lot of interest in recycling today, which appeals to buyers of estate jewelry. popul ar periods Art Deco, nearly 100 years old now, remains the most enduring design period in estate jewelry, a market favorite for its timeless on-trend qualities. Recognized for its mix of bold colors, geometric forms and diverse materials, Deco style is modern and easy to wear. Diamonds were very popular in the period, often with rubies, sapphires and emeralds, and the use of black onyx contrasted with white diamonds and rock crystal is a defining characteristic. While the period covers the early 1920s to mid 1930s, its influence extends through the ’50s and ’60s, and into current day. Cartier, Tiffany and Van Cleef & Arpels are considered to have created some of their most iconic work during the Art Deco period. But the buzz in estate circles is that the works of Suzanne Belperron are destined to be a collector’s favorite. Ahead of her time, Belperron was among the most revolutionary designers of the 20th century. A head designer at Maison René Boivin (19191932), her unsigned designs diverged from conventional Art Deco style in gold and 44 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E semi-precious stones as opposed to platinum and diamonds. She gained increasing notoriety after a May 2012 Sotheby’s Geneva sale of her own personal collection. Jewelry from the 1940s, especially big chunky bracelets in yellow and pink gold, with sprinkles of diamonds, or necklaces with gems and enamel are spot on trend. Moreover, there’s a resurgence in brooches that also serve as pendants and hairpieces. In fact, head ornaments like tiaras and bejeweled headbands are very much in fashion. Likewise, cameos from all eras, some carved out of gems like layered agate and jasper, are back in vogue, especially in pendants and rings. But the real sizzle, many say, is in mid-century modern, particularly the 1960-’70s, as more goods are available from this time than in earlier periods, offering some amazing finds. Especially popular are wildlife and nature patterns, something that gained a following in the 1960s among major houses like David Webb, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. People who hunt for estate and antique jewelry are drawn by the thrill of the chase. You never know what your treasure-hunting dealer or retailer has uncovered in the dusty jewelry boxes of previous owners who, for one reason or another, want to sell their pieces – it’s always something different, always a surprise. Imagine channeling your inner Marilyn Monroe, wearing an amazing 1959 diamond floral necklace by Harry Winston! Collectors of estate jewelry relish in the artistry, history and beauty of what they may discover. designer spotlight b y C Y N T H I A U N N I N A Y A R Monelle Designs unmatched from mine to market Monelle Designs features a wide range of diamond earrings, including these trendy tassels. Exquisite diamond engagement ring and matching wedding band. Contemporary, yet classic, diamond bangles. Engagement ring featuring diamonds on the top and sides of the shank. Monelle Designs has a wide range of bridal jewelry, with decorated shanks, to accommodate a variety of solitaires. Nikhil and Ela Jhaveri are two people who really know diamonds. Drawing on four generations of experience and know-how dealing with the precious gems, they started their own business, Jhaveri Diamond Corporation, more than a quarter of a century ago, selling loose stones. A few years later, they created the fine jewelry company Monelle Designs, also based in Los Angeles. “While selling the loose stones, we received so many requests for finished jewelry that we decided to create a second company,” explains Nikhil. But for the Jhaveris, it was about more than just selling diamond jewelry, as exquisite as it might be. “It was about creating a beautiful product based on our values,” he says. “We therefore sought out retailers, such as Orloff Jewelers, that share these values and our commitment to ethical practices, corporate social responsibility and conflict-free diamonds. These are not mere words. The brand’s production partner is a member of the Responsible Jewelry Council, is ISO-Certified, and meets or exceeds the global benchmarks for good governance and sustainability. The diamonds are also sourced directly from the mines, so they can be certified as conflict-free. “We are also very demanding about the end product,” adds Ela, “not only in terms of superb craftsmanship, but also in terms of design.” To this end, Monelle Designs works with detail-oriented designers from around the world who have a finger on the pulse of fashion. “We look at trends and then bring them to the consumer in ways that the designs still retain their elegant timelessness,” she says. “Our goal is to provide sophisticated yet simple heirlooms that are passed from one generation to the next.” 46 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E A selection of stackable diamond bangles. So, just what are these heirlooms? Trendy tassels, elegant hoops, stackable bangles, hearts, studs, right-hand rings, eternity bands and threestone rings are but a few of the brand’s luxurious, fashion-forward, and yet affordable diamond creations. While fashion designs make up about 40% of Monelle’s main production, most of the remaining 60% is composed of exquisite bridal pieces. “This is a category that gives us special pleasure,” muses Nikhil. “Many of our customers share their story of how they became engaged. Many are quite original, such as putting the ring in dessert or half-burying it in the ground and leaving a piece to shine in the dark so the bride-to-be sees it in the moonlight. It’s amazing how creative people can be when popping the question.” Ela goes on to add, “We even have people who call us two or even three years later to tell us how much they love their wedding rings. These stories bring us a lot of joy and touch our hearts.” When not overseeing Monelle Designs, Nikhil Jhaveri is active in the jewelry community. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and is president of the Diamond Club of the West Coast (for the last five years). Recently, he was appointed to the advisory board of the prestigious American Gem Society (AGS) Lab. The AGS is the country’s preeminent jewelry trade organization dedicated to consumer protection. Only a small percentage of jewelry stores belong to this elite group of dedicated professionals. Over the last 25 years, the Jhaveris have built their reputation on service, attention to detail, and the promise of delivering the highest quality products at the most competitive prices. Clearly, this is why Monelle Designs is unmatched from mine to market. designer spotlight b y C Y N T H I A U N N I N A Y A R sparkling sophistication the Michael M. Collection Drawing on a quarter-century of experience in manufacturing gold jewelry, Michael Meksian, along with his son Peter, launched his own brand — Michael M. Collection — in 2008, specializing in high-end bridal and fashion jewelry. “Each piece is handcrafted in the company’s Los Angeles workshop Today, six years after its creation, the Michael M. Collection is an using only the finest diamonds, platinum, and 18k white, rose, or yellow internationally renowned diamond jewelry brand coveted by fashionable gold,” explains Peter Meksian, the brand’s co-founder. During college, he and sophisticated women everywhere. This appreciation extends to the had worked at his father’s factory and knew that Michael’s magnificent red carpet where Michael M. pieces can be seen on such celebrities as artistry and unparalleled taste would provide the foundation for a collec- Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Rowland, Catt Sadler, Miranda tion of elegant and luxurious jewelry. Peter was right. With his vision and Kerr, and Angela Kinsey, among many others. his father’s world-class designs and craftsmanship, success was quick in coming for the Meksians. The handcrafted channel and U-set shank with U-set diamond crown gives this engagement ring and matching band from the Europa collection an air of total luxury. Available in platinum, 18k white, yellow and rose gold. Princess side bezels add hidden detail to this ring in the Princesse collection, featuring channel-set princess cut diamonds and rows of pavé-set diamonds adding sparkle to the sides of the ring. Available in platinum, 18k white, yellow, and rose gold. 48 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E Petite bands of pavé-set diamonds and delicate engraved details make a statement in this ring from the Michael M. Collection. Highly polished bands, elegance, and sophisticated design unite to create this distinctively beautiful engagement ring. Available in platinum, 18k white, yellow and rose gold. Taking inspiration from Mother Nature and authentic European design, styles range from traditional to modern, from vintage-inspired to avant-garde. From the Estrella collection, this ring showcases a handcrafted U-set and prong-set split shank with diamond-tipped prongs. Available in platinum, 18k white, yellow and rose gold. The focal point of each engagement ring is the timeless diamond solitaire that blends with signature elements from the most popular styles. Graceful curves and diamond accents punctuate the delicate hand-engraved details on the brand’s rings, all characterized by their femininity and dainty flourishes. The hallmarks of a Michael M. ring are the regal European shank, brilliant micro-pavé and unique U-setting, all of which translate into more beauty and brilliance. Master artisans scoop the metal into a U This Amore engagement ring features a single string of channel-set diamonds decorating the shoulders, set in a highly polished band. Available in platinum, 18k white, yellow, and rose gold. shape that embraces each individual diamond along the shoulders, allowing the diamond detail to be seen from every angle. The inside of the U is polished to create a mirror-like finish. Exquisitely cut diamonds, more light, a mirror finish and a higher ratio of diamonds-to-metal than any other designer all ensure that each Michael M. design features less metal, more diamonds, and more sparkle. Among the brand’s popular engagement rings is the Strada collection. Available in a variety of cuts and designs, the name means road in Italian, and features extraordinary channel-set diamond shanks that suggest a journey on the road of life. The Princesse collection was created specifically for the princess-cut diamond, a square shape that sits like an inverted pyramid. Whether flanked by cascading side stones or surrounded by dazzling micro-pavé, the square has never seemed so progressive. Featuring the designer’s signature micro-pavé diamond setting, rings in the Amore collection are simple, elegant, and classic. The unparalleled brilliance highlights and enhances the choice of center stone. This handcrafted U-set engagement ring in the Vercelli collection features pavé-set diamond details on the prongs and undercarriage of the ring for sparkle from every angle. Available in platinum, 18k white, yellow and rose gold. In the Europa collection, the specialty U-setting places the center stone on a regal crown, and elevates the setting to a proposal fit for a queen. Inspired by classic European styling, these rings bring a touch of refinement to fashion-forward design. The Estrella collection burns brightly and warms the hearts of wearers everywhere. The finest diamonds, combined with meticulous European craftsmanship, along with intertwined bezel set, channel and pavé diamonds create a magnificent piece of art to enjoy for a lifetime. For the one-of-a-kind bride, the Vercelli collection exemplifies Michael M.’s couture artistry. Highly unique settings mingle with channel-set shanks to produce amazing results. It is perfect for the groom who knows that an ordinary settling is simply not an option. Rows of graduated diamonds in the Strada collection form paths along an elegant European-style engagement ring, with diamond details adding sparkle from every angle. Available in platinum, 18k white, yellow and rose gold. Each Micheal M. piece is engraved with an individual ID number, ensuring authenticity. Its lifetime warranty guarantees heirloom quality jewelry that will sparkle with sophistication for generations to come. O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E [ 49 wedding planner Your Orloff Jewelers WEDDING PLANNER Your wedding jewelry guide: engagement and wedding rings, wedding-day jewelry, gifts for your bridal party, and more 50 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E M wedding planner b y H E D D A S C H U P A K ringing in the trends Modern Designs In the latter half of the 20th century, the Tiffany-style solitaire setting became the standard for American engagement rings, and has remained CARL K. GUMPERT 18KT WG TT DIAMOND SEMI MOUNT. so until recently. It is still hugely popular, but more and more women are entranced with vintage-style milgrain work, halo settings, cushion cut diamonds, and micro-pavé (oddly enough, this vintage-inspired MICHAEL M 18 KT WHITE GOLD HALO DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING 1.40 CTW G/VS. trend was made possible only with the very modern development of CAD-CAM technology). The round brilliant still remains the numberone diamond shape, but more and more brides are choosing cushion, Asscher, oval, princess, radiant, and other special cuts. MICHAEL M 18 KT WHITE GOLD 0.56 CTW DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING. KWIAT 3.07 CT PLATINUM I / SI1 DIAMOND RING WITH 46 ROUND BRILLIANT SIDE DIAMONDS = 0.25 TW. Today the engagement ring that most couples want to buy is the one that best reflects their personal, unique style. Personalization and customization are common — indeed, almost standard. Some couples still abide by the more traditional method CONSINGMENT LADY’S PLATINUM AND DIAMOND RING. CENTER (1) DIAMOND CRISS-CUT 3.24CT. SIDES (2) DIAMOND EMERALD CUT 1.54TW. GIA 12132297. 52 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E of having the groom select a ring and present it to the bride, but more often, the couple chooses it together. THE KATE EFFECT: PRECISION SET CUSHIONCUT SAPPHIRE IN A HALO OF DIAMONDS. CARL K. GUMPERT 14K WHITE GOLD RING 1 OCTAGON-CUT BLUE TOPAZ= 4.65CT 44 ROUND BRILLIANTS= 0.50CTW. GABRIEL & CO. Halos, Clusters, Celebrities, & Colors The halo setting (a center stone surrounded by a “halo” of smaller stones) is the biggest thing to hit engagement ring design since the Tiffany setting. The halo adds visual interest to a single stone, while incidentally making it look way bigger. It’s a win-win all around. So what’s next? Well, there’s a double halo, or even a triple, but where to go from there? Some fashion soothsayers predict the next big thing may be a diamond cluster ring. Cluster styles are a great option for the bride that wants a big look but has a tight budget, says Amanda Gizzi, director of the Jewelry Information Center in New York. The diamond cluster ring has the same advantage as a halo in making a big statement for less money — sometimes far less — than a single stone would cost for comparable size and quality. But rather than the halo’s combination of a center stone surrounded by many tiny diamonds, the cluster uses multiple diamonds of the same size artfully arranged in such a way as to give off maximum sparkle. For example, Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burress’s engagement ring looks like a two-carat oval, but it’s actually a cluster of smaller diamonds set in the shape of an oval. Speaking of Burress, celebrity engagements are one of the biggest influences on engagement ring trends. While engagement ring designs do mirror general jewelry style trends, the celebrity trend emerged big in the 1960s with the public’s fascination over Elizabeth Taylor and her engagement ring from Richard Burton. Today, we know what a celebrity’s ring looks like almost before her groom pops the question. Recently, lots of them featured cushion cut center stones — in a halo, of course. To wit: Tennis star Ryan Sweeting proposed to The Big Bang Theory’s Kaley Cuoco with a 2.30ct cushion cut halo set engagement ring. Not to be outdone, Tim Witherspoon popped the question to former Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland with a 4ct cushion cut in a halo setting and pavé band. Then rapper Big Sean presented Glee star Naya Rivera with a 4-5ct cushion cut in a platinum halo setting with pavé band. The cushion cut — so named for its softly rounded corners that resemble a pillow — is the third most popular style after round and princess (square). Some diamond dealers even say it has supplanted the princess as number two. The cut dates back 200 years and was once considered the cut of royalty. Today’s versions, however, use modern cutting technology to imbue this vintage style with renewed sparkle. Other trending styles include floral designs, east-west settings, colored gemstone centers, mixed metals, and twisted bands. In an east-west setting, an elongated stone such as an oval, radiant cut, or marquise is set sideways across the finger, as opposed to the traditional north-south direction up and down the finger. This modern setting has reignited the popularity of cuts like pears and marquise, which largely fell out of favor in the 1990s. Color is a huge trend. Color has been big in fashion, and the appeal crosses over into jewelry. First, there’s the Kate Effect: Kate Middleton (aka the Duchess of Cambridge) wears the sapphire engagement ring belonging to the late Princess Diana, Prince William’s mother, which has driven acceptance of not only sapphires but also other colored gemstones as a center stone. According to Gizzi of the Jewelry Information Center, the newest way to wear color is in the reverse: colored gems flanking the center diamond. Fancy color diamonds and mixed metals are also trending. Whether platinum and yellow gold, pink and white gold, or even blackened metals for the hipster bride, mixing metals adds a personal touch to the standard engagement ring. According to Severine Ferrari, editorin-chief of YourEngagement101. com, “Yellow gold has made a big comeback, as well as fancy yellow diamond centers. Rose gold and pink accents are very strong, too.” MICHAEL M 18KT WHITE GOLD HALO DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING .82 CTW G/VS CARL K. GUMPERT 14K WHITE GOLD BAND 27 ROUND RUBIES=0.40CTW 108 ROUND BRILLIANTS=0.40CTW. CUSHION-CUT FANCY YELLOW CENTER SURROUNDED BY A HALO OF YELLOW DIAMONDS SET IN PLATINUM AND 18K YELLOW GOLD, BY RAHAMINOV. O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E [ 53 wedding planner b y W H E D D A S C H U P A K don’t forget the band KWIAT PLATINUM ETERNITY RING 0.37 CTW F-G/VS 44 ROUND BRILLIANT. Wedding band trends For many couples, the rush of excitement about getting engaged quickly morphs into the hectic details of planning a wedding. So much so that the most lasting symbol of the marriage — the wedding band — is left as an afterthought. But wedding bands, too, have their design trends. There is always the classic plain gold or platinum band, but more and more couples view the wedding ring as a style statement as well as an outward sign of their commitment, especially women who don’t wear their engagement rings. Amanda Gizzi points to split-shank bands as a popular trend. This is a style that allows the engagement ring to fit in the middle, but it can be worn alone, which looks like an open, airy NAMDAR 14K ROSE GOLD ROUND DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY RING 0.52TW design. Severine Ferrari says the leading trends for wedding rings are intricate designs for the woman’s band, and black diamonds and texture for the men’s band. Alternative metals such as tungsten and titanium are also popular for men’s bands, because of their modern high-tech appeal and their relative indestructibility. But again, remember those Romans: no reason a guy can’t also have two wedding bands: his gold or platinum ring for the ceremony and to wear for dress, and the second contemporary metal band to wear for sports. LUMINAR CREATIONS SAMPLE, GP, CZ/PRICED @ 14K, A-1 QLY, 2.50CTW. GOLD/PLAT And, of course, multiple bands give women fashion options. “Stacking bands let women achieve a balanced aesthetic. One band on top of the engagement ring balances the ring on the bottom,” says Gizzi. “Some women continue to stack on bands after the ‘I do.’” KWIAT PLATINUM ETERNITY RING PRINCESS CUT F-J/VS 25 PRINCESS DIAMONDS. DANIELLA DESIGN PLATINUM CUSHION DIAMOND ETERNITY BAND 5.49 CTW 17 DIAMONDS I-J COLOR VS+ BENCHMARK 14 YG 6 MM, SATIN CENTER, HIGH POLISHED ROUND EDGES, MILGRAIN. BENCHMARK 14 WG 7.5MM ALL SATIN FINISH WITH 20 2PT WHITE DIAMONDS THAT GO HALF WAY AROUND, .40CT TW. BENCHMARK BLACKTITANIUM, 8MM, BLACK CARBON-FIBER, HIGH POLISHED BEVELED EDGES. BENCHMARK COBALT 8MM WITH A LINK PATTERN INLAY AND BEVELED EDGE. 54 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E BENCHMARK COBALT 8MM WITH ROSEWOOD INLAY. Fresno’s Premier Floral Provider SPECIALIZING IN UNIQUE FLORAL ARTISTRY AND EVENT PLANNING FOR ALL OCCASIONS Located in the Bullard Fair Shopping Center on the northeast corner of Bullard and West 1760 W. Bullard Ave. • Fresno, California • 559-431-2278 T wedding planner b y H E D D A S C H U P A K more than just the ring Bridal jewelry doesn’t end with the engagement ring or wedding ring. There’s a wedding gown that needs the right accessories, and what better choice than something the bride (and her attendants) can really wear again? CARL K. GUMPERT 14K WHITE GOLD NECKLACE 15 ROUND BRILLIANTS=0.45CTW Wedding dress styles range from ornate to simple, but Amanda Gizzi, director of the Jewelry Information Center, says texture is a top trend. Lace or bejeweled embellishments on the bodice of the dress make earrings a wonderful way to pull the look together. We suggest diamond or pearl as classic choices, and of course blue gemstones such as sapphire, aquamarine or blue topaz continue to be a favorite for brides to incorporate her “something blue.” Hair jewels such as brooches or hairpins are also of the moment. Fashion-forward brides are also drawn to hand ornaments such as bracelet rings (a ring and bracelet connected by a chain), says Gizzi. Wedding day jewelry is a beautiful gift idea for the groom to give his bride, or, as Kate Middleton’s parents did for her, the bride’s parents to give their daughter. Long after the dress is boxed up and put away and the video is on the shelf, the jewelry is something she can wear over and over and always remember that special day. KWIAT DIAMOND RIBBON NECKLACE IN 18K WHITE GOLD - 5.63 TW F-G / VS. KWIAT 18KT WHITE GOLD BUBBLE DIAMOND BRACELET FROM THE ECHO COLLECTION 2.08 CTW GH/VS2-SI1. CARL K. GUMPERT 14K WHITE GOLD EARRINGS 92 ROUND BRILIIANTS=0.40CTW 56 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E wedding planner SINGLE ROW CUFF IN 18K YELLOW GOLD FROM THE VENETIAN QUATREFOIL COLLECTION BY DAVID YURMAN. Gifts for the bride, the groom, their parents, and the bridal party Brides are ditching the matchy-matchy gifts and choosing personalized jewelry options, says Gizzi. She suggests initial pendants or monogrammed necklaces. Another way brides are getting personal is by selecting one gemstone or metal as a unifying theme, and then finding different jewelry styles to match each bridesmaid’s personality. For the mothers of the bride and groom, Gizzi suggests earrings. “Necklines of the dress can vary, so a beautiful pair of small drop earrings in diamonds or gemstones will draw the perfect amount of attention to the face.” For the best man and groomsmen, cuff links are a no- PENDANT FROM THE KWIAT SUNBURST COLLECTION HAS 0.40CT OF CLUSTER- AND HALOSET DIAMONDS IN 18K GOLD. brainer. It’s also a great idea for a gift to the fathers of the bride and groom. In keeping with today’s trend of personalization, choose either a playful style that represents your bud’s or dad’s favorite hobby, or a classic monogrammed style. Not French cuff kind of guys? Try a sterling silver business card case or flask. With artisan whiskeys and bourbons trending, it’s an elegant and useful accessory. Finally, the bride needs a gift for her groom. Cufflinks to wear with his suit or tuxedo are his own special marker of RAHAMINOV 18KT WHITE GOLD DROP EARRINGS. the day. This is also a prime time to choose an heirloom timepiece that he will wear every day, and can pass along to children and even grandchildren. MEN’S DRESS SET BY DAVID YURMAN DAVID YURMAN’S CLASSIC CERAMIC LADIES’ WATCH, FEATURING: 38MM STAINLESS STEEL CASE WITH INTEGRATED HIGH-TECH BLACK CERAMIC CABLE; BLACK, DIAMOND-SET, STAINLESS STEEL BEZEL; SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL WITH DOUBLE-SIDED ANTI-REFLECTIVE COATING; CERAMIC CABOCHON CROWN; WATER RESISTANT TO 100 FEET. designer spotlight b y N A N C Y BALL the watch that rocks back in black The Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Black relies on the intensity of the monochromatic palette and luminescent numerals and hands to define its character. 58 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E The Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Black — ideal for extreme sports or less rigorous pursuits — is appropriately free of superfluous detail, relying on the intensity of the monochromatic palette and luminescent numerals and hands to define its character. It was created with famed rock climber Alex Honnold in mind, and its impressive profile is heightened by the drama of its all-black design. Honnold, a native Californian, is the world record holder in free solo climbing. He started climbing at the age of 11, and since the age of 19, has devoted most of his waking hours to the sport. His precision and sense of daring make him the perfect new addition to the Ball Explorers Club as brand ambassador, and the Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Black timepiece is in turn the consummate companion for his ascents, with its rugged appearance, sturdy reliability and unqualified accuracy. O L S O N built to last The Engineer Hydrocarbon Black is equipped with the patented SpringLOCK® system exclusively developed by Ball Watch. The device guarantees the movement’s accuracy by providing the balance spring with a real “cage” to absorb the energy of external shocks to the watch. Such shocks can cause a standard mechanical movement to lose or gain up to 60 seconds per day. But the SpringLOCK® system reduces impact by up to 66%, thereby safeguarding the accuracy of the COSC-certified automatic ETA 2892A2 movement that powers the piece. The first model in the Ball collection to use a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating on its titanium case, the 42mm Engineer Hydrocarbon Black enjoys exceptional scratch resistance and increased durability. The patented crown protection, common to all models in the Engineer Hydrocarbon collection, protects the movement — to which the crown is directly connected — from the elements. The construction of the watch also ensures protection against magnetic fields up to 4,800 A/m and impacts of up to 5,000 Gs, and it also offers water resistance up to 300 meters. A black rubber strap further enhances the watch’s durability. The green color of the micro-tubes on the dial and the yellow hue on the hands enhance readability under all conditions. light up the night In addition to the basic time display on the dial, the date appears in a window at three o’clock enhanced by a Cyclops magnifying lens fixed to the antireflective sapphire crystal. Micro gas tubes containing luminescent 3H gas light up the dial and hands, providing light intensity up to 100 times more effective than conventional luminous paints. The green color of the micro-tubes on the dial and the yellow hue on the hands enhance readability under all conditions. ball delivers time and again since 1981 In addition to Honnold, the Ball Explorers Club includes such extreme sports greats as Guillaume Néry, world record holder in free diving, John Hembel, former speed skiing world champion, and Brian Binnie, who piloted the private rocket ship SpaceShipOne to an altitude of 69.6 miles above the earth. Club membership also comprises such humanitarians as Dr. Christopher Hillman, who travels the Himalayan Mountains providing health care to people living in remote areas and Dr. Geoff Tabin, co-founder of the Himalayan Cataract Project. The characteristic these compelling people share is a mission of excellence, founded on a desire to experience authenticity and fulfillment by exploring the world. Ball Watch, with coinciding objectives, has been providing timepieces since 1891 designed for “accuracy under adverse conditions,” whether high above the Earth, on a challenging rock wall or in the ocean’s depths. Alex Honnold’s precision and sense of daring make him the perfect new addition to the Ball Explorers Club as brand ambassador. O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E [ 59 women’s fashion b y L E S L I E C . S M I T H neutral news The 70s are back with loose, flowing tops paired with the ubiquitous pajama pant–a new celebrity favorite. The simplicity of neutrals with white can transition an outfit from casual to glam. A big contrast to the season’s usual somber tones, winter white has emerged as one of the important stories for this season bringing an understated sense of luxe dressing into play once again. On this page Model: Justine Bentley Photographer: Michal Rzepecki trend the The major trends of the season — menswear, layered knits, retro ’60s, ’70s and ’80s — are getting the biggest play in the fashion media, but often style comes down to one or two pivotal pieces that can easily be added to your existing wardrobe. Luckily, there’s a lot to choose from in this season’s new looks and trends. 60 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E sporty spice If you hate the way winter forces you to cover up your gym-hardened body, you’ll love all the new designer takes on weatherproofed athletic looks that you can take straight to the streets. Parka quilting and luxury fabrics have moved into elasticized sweatshirts and pants, oversized coats and boxy tops that stress a strong upper body are color-blocked for even greater emphasis, and performance fabrics, such as nylon and neoprene, can be found mixed with jersey and leather on everything from outerwear to day dresses. Rounding out the picture are leggings, a healthy slash of neon every so often, and shoes and boots featuring prominently indented soles. bag it up Small clutches in croc-stamped leather and mid-to-long leather- or chain-strapped purses are definitely trending, but there’s still a market for large, dual-handled “shopping” bags in either leather or carpet tapestry, or both. A handful of designers have upped the whimsical level by decorating these with colorful grocery brand logos. (Corn Flakes, anyone?) boho to go From tapestry on bags and dress inserts to embroidered or appliquéd embellishments on sheer tops and skirts; from hand-knit hats and sweaters to sheaths in colorful rag-rug wools, the bohemian touch allows its wearers a heightened sense of individuality, as well as a glimpse of what life was like before the fast lane was invented. O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E [ 61 women’s fashion perfect pastels Fall always features darkened neutrals, such as navy and charcoal, plus a plethora of such autumnal tones as acorn brown, olive green, and pumpkin orange, and this year is no exception. Yet we also find a small but vocal cheerleading section for spring-like pastels, which means that women who love baby pinks and blues, minty greens and soft lavenders, will not have to give these up until after next Lent. In the opposite camp, though, stands flaming red, the hue most associated with firemen and passion. Pretty much every collection is ablaze with this shade, turning it into the hottest color in town. bed ready There’s nothing more delicious on a cold winter’s morning than snuggling under a cozy blanket or trotting around in pajamas and a bathrobe. Designers, it seems, couldn’t agree more, which is why all three of these items are currently on offer — in the form of dressy pajama-style tops and bottoms, outdoor blanket wraps and ponchos, and shawl-lapeled robe coats with self ties at the waist. knit necks Turtlenecks dominate the sweater division this year. Whether a small mock, a mid-range fold-over, or a large funnel, this versatile knit can be worn on its own, with a trousered suit, with jeans, or even with a full-length evening skirt. It can also form the foundation of a layered ensemble comprising an assortment of clingy, elongated cards, pulls, and tunics. 62 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E shear pleasure The alternative to the wealth of furs seen on seasonal runways is sheepskin shearling. Cushy, comfortable, warm as all get out, this hairy hide provides us with several outerwear options. Coat hemlines generally hit the hip or the knee, with the plush side either turned inward as a lining or outward to face the winter winds. Reverse shearling also shows up in waist-length bomber jackets, and broad shearling collars have been added to many woolen jackets. O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E [ 63 color trends b y C Y N T H I A U N N I N A Y A R IVAN GEMS 18KT WG TANZANITE PENDANT WITH DIAMONDS TANZANITE 10.46 CT. The Power of Color The colors we choose to surround us play a major role in how we feel Probably the most important way we reflect our individuality is by the clothes and jewelry we wear, and color is essential to this process. “Jewelry and color go hand-in-hand,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, the world’s foremost authority on color. “Color is intrinsically why people buy jewelry and their choices are largely emotional. People choose a color because they respond to it.” While the biggest trend in jewelry is color, it involves not just the traditional gems of ruby, emerald and sapphire. Today, color comes from a wide variety of gemstones, including the large families of tourmaline, spinel, jade, garnet, and topaz, as well as tanzanite, iolite, opal, peridot and morganite, plus the more affordable ”semi-precious” gems of the versatile quartz family, such as amethyst, citrine, prasiolite and rock crystal. While the classic look of white diamonds may be “forever,” colorful gemstone jewelry offers a different approach to style. These vibrant accessories can dress up or down a particular outfit, depending on the mood of the wearer. They are fun and fanciful. For fall 2014, Eiseman says we are seeing a season of untypical colors in fashion, colors that are “more reflective of imagination and ingenuity.” She adds that these colors and combinations are not bound by the usual hues for fall. “There is a feminine mystique that is reflected throughout the palette, inspired by the increasing need for women everywhere to create an individual imprint.” ELAN LUXURY COLLECTION 18KY BANGLE (91) YELLOW SAPPHIRES= 6.71 CTTW. royal blue Top Ten Colors for Fall 2014 In the Pantone Fashion Color Report Fall 2014, listing the ten most prominent colors for the season, purple is the favorite, with the captivating and intriguing Radiant Orchid, the Color of the Year. At the other end of the violet spectrum is Mauve Mist, a romantic and elegant purple shade reminiscent of the deco era. Moving even warmer, the red shades are seen in the exotic Sangria, which evokes a sense of glamorous adventure and faraway destinations, and Aurora Red, a more sophisticated shade that adds verve and spark. Either red can be paired with Cypress, a powerful and majestic dark green with a lofty presence. As for the blues, Bright Cobalt, with a slightly greenish undertone, offers a subtle twist on the traditional cobalt blue, while Royal Blue provides more complexity and excitement than the average navy, while still remaining versatile. Bright Cobalt goes well with Sangria and Cypress, and Royal Blue is a natural with Mauve Mist and Aluminum, a stainless steel shade that serves as a complex neutral. Autumnal colors include Cognac a cultured brown, making the shade unexpectedly ideal for evening wear. Rounding out the top ten colors for Fall is Misted Yellow, which alludes to the promise of spring to come. 64 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E ELOQUENCE 14KT WG 2.50TW DIAMOND BRACELET. ELAN LUXURY COLLECTION 18KR BANGLE (91) PK SAP 5.91 CTTW. Determining the Trends When asked how the trends are determined, Eiseman explains that there are two slightly different processes, depending on whether it is the Color of the Year or Colors of the Season. “For the Color of the Year, such as Radiant Orchid, we determine it well in advance of the year. We travel the world and look for increased usage of a particular color or family, in all domains, including films, technology and art. We also consider the overall mood of the nation and the world. What color symbolizes this general mood? We then take all of these clues and place them next to each other. If we see the same color in many areas, then it becomes a candidate for Color of the Year.” For the colors of the season, epitomized by Pantone’s designer sketches, Eise- radiant orchid CARL K. GUMPERT 14K YELLOW GOLD PERIDOT AND DIAMOND EARRINGS. man explains that the process is more straightforward. “We ask designers to submit illustrations of the colors they will use in the upcoming seasonal shows along with their reasons and influences. We put this information into a computer and look at the percentages of designers tending towards a particular color direction. Based on what the designers are actually using, we then come up with our list of the top ten colors. This all happens approximately six to eight months ahead of the seasonal fashion shows.” How long do colors remain “trendy,” or “in?” Eiseman continues that CARL K. GUMPERT 14K WHITE GOLD DIAMOND, AMETHYST AND PINK TOURMALINE. mauve mist some examples of colors that came in and went out quickly were the yellow-greens and the oranges. “On the word-association surveys that we do, the oranges and yellow-greens were way down at the bottom – people did not respond well to them. There was a time when orange was all about fast food. But there has been a big turnaround. Today, people have seen what Hermès has done with orange, and it has become aspirational. Even though you still see articles stating that trends pass quickly, I don’t agree. There is evidence of this in fashion where designers continue to use yellow-greens and orange even though Tangerine Tango was the Color of the Year three years ago.” The longer lifespan of colors in jewelry is certainly exemplified by the continuing popularity of pieces crafted with beautiful orange gems such as fire opal, citrine and topaz, as well as the enticing yellow green tones of peridot and beryl. With colorful jewelry as an accent to fashion, you are communicating both the power of color and the power of your personality. cypress EMERALD AND DIAMOND LINE BRACELET EMERALD= 11.00TW DIAMOND1.30TW. AGS certified b y C A R O L B E S L E R The Ultimate Jewelry Professional What does it mean to be AGS-certified? There are a handful of select jewelry stores in the U.S. who call themselves AGS retailers, holding one of the titles bestowed by the American Gem Society. But what does it really mean? The short answer is that there is a lot more to being an AGS dealer than simply paying a fee and belonging to an association. AGS credentials must be earned and maintained. The American Gem Society was founded in 1934 by a small group of leading jewelers. Their goal was to create an organization that could help protect the jewelry-buying public from fraud and false advertising. That purpose was naturally extended to ongoing education, resulting in the highest standard of knowledge in the industry. Today, approximately 3,400 jewelers, retailers, suppliers, individual titleholders and affiliates have earned the right to join the American Gem Society by dedicating themselves to consumer protection, ethical business practices and the development and maintenance of superior gemological skills and knowledge. Only 1 in 20 jewelers have met the exacting requirements necessary for membership. To join AGS, every member must go through a peer-reviewed application process, followed by an annual recertification exam. This process ensures that every AGS member you meet is at the top of their game, and more importantly, each one has pledged to protect the consumer. The following titles are earned through the American Gem Society: Registered Jeweler, RJ To earn this title, a jeweler must truly understand jewelry, diamonds and gemstones. To earn this title, the associate must complete extensive coursework and classroom study, along with written and practical exams in diamond grading. Certified Gemologist, CG A Certified Gemologist has taken advanced studies in diamonds and colored gemstones. A CG also demonstrates mastery of diamond, gemstone, and precious metal testing procedures. 66 ] O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E KWIAT PLATINUM ROUND AND PEAR SHAPE DIAMOND DROP EARRINGS. Certified Gemologist Appraiser, CGA This title is the most highly regarded among peers in the jewelry industry. It certifies that the title holder can not only identify diamonds, gemstones and jewelry but also determine their value. It requires advanced training and experience in determining the value of diamonds and gemstones. Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser, ICGA This title represents individuals whose sole business is appraising. He or she does not purchase or sell diamonds, gemstones or jewelry. To receive this certification, the appraiser must complete the requirements for RJ, CG, and CGA, as well as an extensive course in personal property appraising. He or she must not only complete the annual recertification exam, but also submit proof of continuing education in their field every five years. Certified Sales Associate, CSA A salesperson with this designation behind his or her name has passed the Graduate Sales Associate course and the AGS Professional module. This assures you that the salesperson is knowledgeable about the diamonds and gemstones they are selling. Certified Jewelry Arts Professional, CJAP This designation is for those members who have completed studies in the art of jewelry repair and/or manufacturing. © D.YURMAN 2014
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