Happy Holidays

 

Snowflake earrings from JAR. All the best for you and your loved ones this holiday season.

Happy Holidays

I thought these Harry Winston Large Cluster Diamond Earrings would help us get into the mood of the holiday season. Resembling snowflakes, these earrings use 10 marquise and pear-shaped diamonds, approximately 4.40 total carats; platinum setting with ear clip closure. Length 16.6mm and width 14.4mm.The cost is $53,600 and available at harrywinston.com. There also is a smaller-sized pair of the same earrings.

Wishing everyone a joyous holiday season and good wishes for the coming year.

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The Exceptional Jewelry News Network Holiday Luxury Watch Guide

Check out the 11 timepieces below for men and women that would make anyone feel special this holiday season.

The 39mm diameter Montblanc Star Classique has eight indices and four numerals plated with gold, as are the leaf-shaped hour-hand and minute-hand. The little second-hand turns its circles on a subdial in the shape of the iconic Montblanc emblem at 6 o'clock. The sapphire crystal caseback reveals the self winding mechanical caliber MB 4810/408 with its ball-borne winding rotor and golden balance. It retails for $10,450 and is available at select Montblanc boutiques and retail locations.

The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle Self-Winding is a classic watch from the oldest manufacturer of fine timepieces. It reveals its timeless character through details such as the slender bezel, the knurled motif on the screw-down case-back, 18k pink gold, applied hour-markers, and elegant dauphine hands. The gold case frames an opaline silver-toned dial punctuated by 18k pink gold hour-markers. The 41mm case houses an ultra-thin Calibre 1120. It retails for is $31,300. It is available at Vacheron Constantin boutiques in New York, Las Vegas, and Costa Mesa, Calif., or by calling 877-862-7555 for the nearest retailer.

The Girard-Perregaux Cat's Eye features 150 emerald-cut diamonds on its white gold case, 102 emerald-cut diamonds on its dial and 13 baguette diamonds on its black satin strap with ardillon buckle in white gold. It retails for $405,000 and is available at the Girard-Perregaux Boutique, 701 Madison Avenue, NYC. Phone: 646 495 9915.

Baume & Mercier Capeland 10088 is the brand’s first limited edition men's timepiece for Tourneau in the U.S. The 44mm automatic flyback chronograph has a blue tachymeter and black telemeter. It is distinguished by a copper-colored dial and a sapphire crystal caseback. The case is polished and satin-finished steel with an anti-glare face. It’s limited to 250 pieces, each one is numbered. It retails for $7,900 and is available at select Tourneau stores nationwide.

The Franc Vila FVi17 Chrono Bicompax contains the FVi Nº 7 Tourbillon Intrepido. This watch is designed to be sporty and elegant. There are two chronograph subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock with a date indicator at 6 o’clock. The black case is made of titanium, a material Vila favors for lightweight and durability. The complicated movement is caliber FV17, with the exclusive “Gold Concept Rotor.” It has a power reserve of 42 hours. It retails for $20,700. Visit francvila.com to view dealers of Franc Vila watches.

The Girard-Perregaux 1966 Equation of Time has a rose gold case and annual calendar. Then of course, there's the "equation of time" complication, which measure the difference between apparent solar time and mean solar time—perhaps the most esoteric of all measurements of time. It's shown with a gauge that measures the variance from +15m to -15m. It retails for $32,860 and is available at the Girard-Perregaux Boutique, 701 Madison Avenue, NYC. Phone: 646 495 9915.

A convex sapphire crystal and see-through case back give a glimpse of its inner workings of the Frederique Constant Worldtimer Manufacture. The dial comes in silver, with an engraved guilloche design or a detailed world map in the center. All functions are accessed by using the crown; there are no extra push buttons sticking out from the ultra-smooth and polished sides of the case. The Worldtimer function is achieved by selecting the desired city and placing it at the 12 o'clock position on the dial. Internal discs automatically synchronize, and after that, it’s possible to see what time it is in any of the 24 cities on the dial. It is limited edition collection of 1,888 pieces. It retails for $3,450 and is available at Bloomingdales.com.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX7 Chronograph is inspired by the Aston Martin Vanquish, this watch has a titanium case with satin-finished lugs. A pivot mechanism allows the functions of the chronograph to be operated by pressing on the watch crystal. The chronograph function can be started or stopped by pressing the watch glass at 12’clock, while pressing at 6 o'clock resets to zero. The retail price is $26,000. Visit www.jaeger-lecoultre.com for purchasing information.

Frederique Constant Automatic Ladies Watch with Diamond features 56 diamonds. Hearts grace the inside of the dial while diamonds are used as hour indicators. It retails for $4,250 and is available at Bloomingdales.com.

The JeanRichard 1681 Collection is available in two versions: one with three hands and a date display, the other with a date display and small second display and in two colors, steel and pink gold. The time display appears against a classical rail-track minute circle. The three-hand version has applied Arabic numerals in a similar style to the hour-markers; the small second display at 9 o’clock counterbalances the date. The oscillating weight of the calibre JR1000, bearing the new signature of the brand, can be seen through the screw-in case-back. The 1681 pictured retails for $6,400 and is available at Kenjo Watches in New York.

Baume & Mercier Linea 10036 ladies watch comes with a double wrap strap in the light brown calfskin, however, there are several other colored bands (single and double) that may be interchanged. The 27mm round watch has a satin finish and a quartz movement. It retails for $1,950 with the interchangeable bands $200 each. Call 1-800-Mercier for purchasing information.

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Nine Timely Luxury Watch Gifts for the Holidays

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine Ultra-Thin Caliber 1731 combines the complexity of a striking mechanism with the additional challenge of producing the thinnest minute repeater caliber and the thinnest minute repeater watch on the market—at just 3.90 and 8.09 mm thin respectively. It has a 65-hour power reserve, a silent flying strike governor, which steadies the rate at which the hammers strike the gongs. It is available at Vacheron Constantin boutiques.

Buying a luxury watch as a gift can be a downright terrifying experience. The choices are near endless in this day and age.

Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Rising Hours Chronograph relies on two discs, one atop the other, to show not only the hours, but to also indicate whether it is day or night. This unusual time display is made possible by Montblanc’s caliber MB R220. The chronograph tallies 60 elapsed seconds and 30 elapsed minutes on rotating discs with motionless hands. It is available at Montblanc boutiques.

Fortunately, I put together a list of nine watches that cover a variety of mechanical variations, designs and lifestyle attributes. There are watches in all shapes, styles and prices. Some of the world’s most prestigious watch brands are represented as well as critically acclaimed independent brands. There are ultra thin watches. There are watches in line with a lifestyle pursuit, such as high-powered automobiles or world travel. Several watches on the list have fanciful complications. Then there are the timepieces that speak to history and heritage. There’s even a watch brand that’s made in America.

Arnold & Son HM Perpetual Moon boasts one of the biggest moonphase apertures on the market along with rich guilloché dials and three-dimensional big moon. The 42mm, 18k red gold case houses the Arnold & Son caliber A&S1512 mechanical hand-wound movement. It has a one day-deviation every 122 years, at which point a single push on the corrector will keep it in sync for another 122 years. It retails for $28,550.

Surely there is something on this short list that could be a perfect gift for that special man in your life.

Nomos Glashütte Zürich Weltzeit 5th Avenue watch was designed in Zurich built in its manufacturing facility in Glashütte, Germany, and dedicated to New York. It’s powered by the Nomos in-house caliber Xi. To view the time in another zone, press the button above the crown at 2 o’clock until the desired location is at 12 o’clock. The “New York” display is at the 3 o’clock marker in red typeface next to a 24-hour disc. It is available at Wempe stores worldwide, limited to 100 pieces. 

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Jaquet Droz Grande Heure GMT has 24 indexes in Arabic numerals set around a Grand Feu enamel dial make it easy to see all the hours of the day in two cities. The hands are designed in the form of a compass. The red hand indicates local time while the blued steel hand shows the time at the destination. When the two hands come together in the same time zone they merge into a single, bi-colored indication of the exact time. 

For the first time the Piaget Altiplano watch integrates a calendar and holds its place as the thinnest watch in the world in its category. The 40 mm watch has an 18k rose gold case set with 72 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1 ct). The 1205P ultra-thin automatic mechanical movement is the thinnest in the world (3 mm thick), with small seconds and date and a 22k rose-gold oscillating weight.

The Dubey & Schaldenbrand Grand Dome R92 has a stainless steel tonneau-shaped column wheel chronograph combines vintage movements with modern craftsmanship and design. The R92 movement was originally fabricated in the 1950s. It uses a swivel-pinion design to synchronize the chronograph components. The dial is exposed providing full view of the movement. It retails for $16,700.

Graham Silverstone “RennSport” Skeleton reflects the accuracy and efficiency of automobile mechanics, showcases all parts of the caliber G1790 chronograph movement. The 46 mm steel case has polished bevel horns. A lateral porthole on the case at 10 o’clock provides a view of the escapement and balance wheel. Limited to 250 pieces it retails for $14,580. 

Devon Tread 2 Shining is manufactured in Los Angeles. It runs on Devon’s distinctive Time Belt movement and powered by a lithium-polymer rechargeable battery that can power the movement for up to 28 days. It retails for $9,950.

The Spectacular Jewelry News Network Jewelry Gift Guide

With just eight more shopping days left until Christmas, I put together a variety of jewelry items designed to inspire you to buy that special gift for those closest to you. What all of these pieces share are superior artistry, craftsmanship and beauty.

The Cindy Chao White Label Four Seasons Pepper Ring consists of sugarloaf color-change sapphire, diamonds and yellow diamonds set on 18k yellow gold. It's available at Bergdorf Goodman. Price upon request.

Limited to a run of 10, Alexandra Mor Asscher-Cut Diamond Earrings with each set crafted and signed by the New York City-based artist. Each earring contains an Asscher Cut diamond weighing 3.41 carats suspended from a .42-carat round diamond encircled with rows of 1mm of diamond melee totaling 8.49 carats set with platinum and 18k yellow gold. The price is $330,000 and it’s available at Dorfman Jewelers, 617-536-2022, dorfmanjewelers.com.

The center stone in the Amgad Red Diamond Flower Ring is a 0.48ct radiant shaped Fancy Purplish Red Diamond from the Argyle Mine in Australia, the world's top source for these rare colored stones. It's with 1.9cts. of colorless pear shape diamonds. Retail price: $350,000. To purchase the ring contact AMGAD at 212.719.4111 for a list of retailers.

Sethi Couture 18K Multi-Color Diamond Chandelier Earrings features 11.81 carats of fancy colored diamonds. Retail Price: $18,000. It is available at EB Horn, Boston, Mass.

The necklace features a 51.06-carat natural fancy black, pear shaped diamond. Rare in both size and natural-color achievement, it is adorned with fine white diamonds that includes a 1.68-carat shield shaped, E color, Internally Flawless diamond and 553 fine white diamonds totaling 14.35 carats. Retail price: $1 million. For purchasing information contact Ishay Ben-David Corp. at fancycolordiamond.net.)

A 2.02 grayish blue diamond and an 1.89 gray blue diamond center the earrings, which are finished with with 1.85 carats of pink diamonds. Retail Price: $3 million. It's available at Borsheims in Omaha, Neb., Borsheims.com.

Le Vian 18k Chocolate Diamond Necklace, features 7.27 carats of Le Vian's trademark Chocolate diamonds. Retail price: $46,097. Contact Le Vian at 877-2LEVIAN for an authorized retailer.

The Donna Distefano 18k gold, diamond and sapphire 'Mira' ring is made to order by the award winning goldsmith in her private atelier in New York City. The price is approximately $45,000 (each sapphire varies in price) and available by appointment at Donna Distefano, New York City 212.594.3757 or at donnadistefano.com.

The polished 18k rose gold cushions on the Fabergé Treillage Rose Gold Bandeau Rings along with the diamond studs give them a soft, pillow-like appearance. The large Bandeau ring is $8,492; and smaller Bandeau ring is $5,335. They are available at faberge.com.

Montblanc 4810 Star Pave Bracelet is made of 18k pink gold, the void in the iconic Montblanc star is filled with diamonds pave in different carat sizes to create sparkle. The cost is $4,300 and is available at Montblanc retail outlets.

The Nina Basharova Nest Brooch is made of Tahitian and South Sea pearls, champagne bezel-set diamonds and ostrich feathers, all set in18k gold. It retails for $17,800 and is available at David Orgell, 262 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Calif.; (310) 273-6660. 

The Bizzotto Infinito Ring features 18k pink and white gold ring with two rows of diamonds It sells for $6,900. For purchasing information, contact; 760-832-2325; export@bizzottogioielli.com; bizzottogioielli.com.

The Ceramique "Lover's Ring" from Etienne Perret features interlocked 3mm bands in 18k gold & black gem ceramic. Retail price is $899. In cobalt chrome & black gem ceramic the price of this ring is $248. This style is also available with 3 interlocking bands, in a variety of metals for a range of prices. Its available at retail stores around the country (go to ceramicjewelry.com for a list of jewelers) or directly from Perret by emailing Etienne@EtiennePerret.com.

Lagos Sapphire Statement Necklace features beaded and fluted sterling silver surround 13 brilliant, blue pave gems (twc. 36.41). The necklace retails for $15,500 and is available on lagos.com.

The four-inch  Large 'Flower Urn' Diamond Earrings from Madyha Farooqui are made with Rose cut diamonds, 14k gold, rhodium plated silver & diamond pave. It retails for $12,750 and is available at Talisman Gallery at Harvey Nichols, London, or at www.madyhafarooqui.com.

The Mary Esses Large Cabochon Chrysoprase is framed by micro pave-set diamonds, set in a latticework of 18k gold and bezel-set diamonds. It retails for $8,300. It is available at Skibell Jewelers in Dallas, www.skibellfinejewelry.com.

The JJ Number 8 Oval Swirl Stud Earrings are a modern take on old Hollywood glamour with oversized Pink Opals surrounded in a swirl of white sapphires and set in fine sterling silver. It retails for $2,840 For more information, contact JJ Number 8 jewelry at WWW.JJNUMBER8.COM.

The Me&Ro 18k Gold Black Diamond Circle Teardrop Chain uses clusters of black diamond briolettes hand beaded with recycled 18k gold wire dangle throughout this limited edition chain. It measures 20 inches in length and the reflective deep black diamond beads range in size from 4x3mm to 6x4mm. Necklace fastens with a recycled 18k gold hook and eye closure. The approximate carat weight is 86.54. Retail price $18,000 and is available on meandrojewerly.com.

The Carrera y Carrera Danza Maxi Ring is made with 18k yellow gold ring with diamonds and is inspired by the movement in a dancer's skirt. It retails for $8,300 and is available at Neiman Marcus stores nationwide.

The 14k Rose Gold Ruby and Multi-Color Sapphire and Diamond Ring from Effy Jewelry retails for $2,750 and is available at www.EffyJewelry.com.

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