Designer News

A vintage 18kt gold Tag Heuer Carrera chronometer steeped in history fetched 10 times its estimated value at the Sotheby’s Important Watches Auction on Saturday, May 14, 2016. The timepiece, a Calibre 12 Manufacture, with date, previously owned by Swedish Formula One race car driver Ronnie Peterson, sold for a record $230,000. Adding to its allure is the fact that the watch was a gift to Peterson by Jack Heuer, with the words, “Success Ronnie Peterson from Jack W. Heuer” on the case, as well as the gold ingot that comes with it, commemorating the Prix Rouge et Black Joseph Siffert award bestowed upon Peterson for his performance at the 1972 German Grand Prix at Nurburgring. The Carrera model, launched in 1963, is known as the first chronograph specifically designed for professional drivers. J.R. Dunn Jewelers is proud to be an authorized retailer for Tag Heuer.

Emoticons, small digital images or icons used to express an idea or emotion, are nothing new. With the advent of Smartphones, they joined the mainstream, and were seen in text messages and Instagram hashtags. Now, emojis have a starring role in a business billboard from J.R. Dunn Jewelers, at I-95 and Oakland Park Boulevard, heading north. Drivers can see the graphic message: couple plus heart equals diamond, along with the J.R. Dunn Jewelers logo. The translation is: A couple in love will get engaged with a diamond ring…with J.R. Dunn as their destination. The billboard was designed by J.R. Dunn Jewelers Graphic Designer Lauren Paletz. J.R. Dunn Jewelers carries a large selection of engagement rings, both online and in its South Florida showroom located at 4210 N. Federal Highway in Lighthouse Point. An authorized retailer for some of the biggest names in the industry – Tacori, Verragio, and Simon G., to name a few. Unique, one-of-a-kind custom creations are also a specialty, with an award-winning designer in-house: Robert Pelliccia. An extensive diamond vault is also on the showroom premises, featuring gemstones of all shapes and sizes, certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The family-owned-and-operated J.R. Dunn Jewelers was established in 1969. Two generations work side by side to bring the best in selection and customer service to South Florida. The 8,000-square-foot showroom serves clients in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and West Palm Beach, while a thriving eCommerce business assists clients locally, nationally and internationally.

J.R. Dunn Jewelers has a supply of jewelry that is in-demand, and will be on-sale in the showroom for two days: Friday, April 22 to Saturday April 23, 2016. Join the festivities one or both days from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; the timing is perfect for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Graduation Day gifts! Items from some of the world’s most popular designers will be discounted as space is cleared for new inventory. What will you find at the event? A great selection, a knowledgeable and friendly team of sales professionals, and double the manufacturer’s warranty offered on all jewelry and accessories. And, of course, champagne and mimosas for your browsing pleasure! Look for sterling silver and karat gold jewelry in white, yellow and rose gold. Wrap your wrist in a gold and diamond evil eye bracelet or Swiss watch with a stainless steel or titanium bracelet, or rubber or exotic skin strap. Adorn your ears with chandeliers, hoops, ear climbers, studs and dangles. Color your world with a gemstone necklace, pendant or ring…and more! You’ll find pieces that have texture, unparalleled craftsmanship and are totally on-trend! Storewide savings are up to 50 percent off; merchandise includes pieces that will come with a 30-day-return policy, as well as those that are final sale and are non-returnable, not-refundable and non-exchangeable. Savings like this come but once a year, so think ahead, and “shop and store” for the rest of your 2016 occasions (food for thought)! Transform your look with authentic designer jewelry from J.R. Dunn Jewelers, an authorized retailer with authentic merchandise. Your next piece of designer jewelry is waiting for you! Call 954-782-5000 for more information about the J.R. Dunn annual Sale Extravaganza.

There are three things that mark a piece of Marco Bicego jewelry: a hand-finished texture, fluid strands of gold and precious stones in captivating color combinations. Old-world traditions are employed to create contemporary designs inspired by the designer’s Venetian origin and natural surroundings. Eighteen-karat yellow gold plays the leading role in Marco Bicego earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings. Bicego learned the jewelry trade from his father. The second-generation master craftsman is clearly a man who cares, uses his imagination, and is energetic, enthusiastic and passionate. These traits result in jewelry that features a timeless elegance. It’s not surprising that Marco Bicego jewelry has a large following all over the world. Simple and splendid pieces are versatile and seductive; everyday luxury that work day and night. Collections include: Africa has an ethno-urban design. You can see the inspiration of tribal jewelry in the pieces that feature hand-engraved, hand-textured golden balls. Cairo has an unmistakably elegant countenance. Fine strands of warm-toned gold are twisted to produce a woven silk effect. Delicati (Italian for delicate) mini necklaces and bracelets are graced with the time-honored Bulino hand-etched technique and faceted stones like amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, diamond and tourmaline. Goa features white diamonds that appear to be swirling in graceful shapes of flattened coil that has been manually twisted. Jaipur celebrates the Indian region’s rich traditions of stone carving with meticulously detailed, yet playful, jewelry with cut stones reminiscent of sunset. Jaipur Link pieces have irregularly shaped links with a silken finish. Various-sized links are embellished with signature hand-engraving. Lunaria (Italian for moonlike) is elegant and refined, with hand-engraved yellow gold plates framed by polished gold molded to resemble flower petals blowing in the wind. Marrakesh is modern and sculptural. Gold and gold-and-diamond pieces have been carefully hammered and manually twisted to intertwine. Murano showcases irregular shapes, geometric patterns and hand-engraving in atmospheric pieces designed with the vibrant colors of the Venetian Lagoon in Northern Italy. Paradise displays a graceful assortment of 18kt yellow gold chains, tiny hand-engraved beads and colorful gems in delicate and detailed jewelry. Siviglia is sophisticated and elegant. Irregularly shaped pebbles, some which shimmer with pave diamonds, can be found in varying sizes and lengths. Hand-crafted Marco Bicego designs will be highlighted on J.R. Dunn Jewelers’ web site, www.JRDunn.com, from April 14-23, 2016 during an online trunk show. Log-on to see the latest styles in the collections.

Spring is a transformative season complete with new beginnings and revived energy in all aspects of life…and the jewelry industry is no exception! Jewelry designers are continually inspired by nature and fashion. The effects of environment are evident in blue-as-the-sky-and-sea, green-as-grass, yellow-as-the-sun and brown-like-sand gems. The Spring 2016 Pantone Color of the Year, unveiled via the year’s Pantone Fashion Color Report, just so happens to be named for a gem: Rose Quartz. The top 10 shades selected for the season combine calm, peaceful hues with bold and playful shades, and have gemstones that complement them: Rose Quartz is a gentle pink with soothing appeal. The delicately colored like-named gemstone, a variety of quartz, is said to be the stone of unconditional love. Feel confident wearing jewelry designed with the durable gem every day. Buttercup is a warm, cheerful yellow that brings fancy yellow diamonds (the most popular colored diamond) to mind. Captivating color is just one of the many attributes of fancy yellows, which present an attention-getting alternative to a white diamond engagement ring! Fiesta is a vivid and fiery yellow-based red, similar to red coral, a stone reported to represent passion. The gem is distinguished by its intense color and durability. Green Flash resembles restful yellow-green peridot, the birthstone for August. The gemstone, found in meteorites, is suitable in every type of jewelry. Iced Coffee is a subtle earth tone. Consider smoky or whiskey quartz, brown diamonds, tiger iron, chocolate brown pearls and smoky topaz among its gemstone counterparts. These neutrals are a natural for your wardrobe – fashion and jewelry! Lilac Grey is, as its name implies, a neutral with lilac undertones. This basic is a classic with a twist and evokes a blend of cool, neutral gray pearls and amethyst, the most valued quartz variety, available in shades of purple, lilac and mauve. Clean, fresh Limpet Shell is a tranquil shade that is reminiscent of aquamarine, the birthstone for March. Crisp and modern, the gem, dubbed “Water of the Sea,” is like a breath of springtime every time you wear it! Peach Echo is a friendly-looking tone in the orange family that evokes feelings of warmth and openness. Its gem complement is the highly prized imperial topaz, which has a golden color enhanced by reddish and orange overtones, like a sunset. Serenity is an airy pale blue with a palpable calming effect, like that of sky blue topaz. The color of calm and quiet, it is December’s birthstone, suitable in virtually any type of jewelry. The maritime-inspired Snorkel Blue is as energetic as lapis lazuli. The beautiful rock is treasured for its bright blue color. Hailed as a stone of friendship and truth, its fabulous color is fascinating to men and women alike. The great news about these gemstones is their ability to work across colors in unexpected combinations. Mix and match pieces to express yourself and make a colorful statement day or night. Get ready to launch your seasonal look with a new piece (or two!) of gemstone jewelry! As you have read, every color of the rainbow is available…and then some! Colors speak volumes, and gemstones have played a role in myths and legends throughout history. They are beautiful, therapeutic and rich in symbolism.

If you don’t have plans for the weekend, you do now! And if you did, you’re going to want to work in a visit to Tacori Weekend at J.R. Dunn. It’s where California chic will meet Florida fabulous, complete with the opportunity for shoppers to win Tacori jewelry in a raffle and earn American Express gift cards with purchases of $250 or more, up to $1,000. That’s right, all Tacori, all the time, for two days: March 19-20, 2016 at the J.R. Dunn Jewelers showroom at 4210 North Federal Highway in Lighthouse Point, FL. The in-store event will feature Tacori bridal and fashion collections. Additionally, visitors will have the chance to talk with a Tacori representative up-close and personal. Jewelry specialists from J.R. Dunn Jewelers’ e-commerce division are standing by now through Sunday to assist with online purchases. More than 500 engagement rings with the designer’s iconic crescent design will be on display, along with his and her wedding bands, in platinum and 18kt white, yellow are rose gold. A Tacori Sport Band is Tacori’s gift to every guy who buys a Tacori wedding ring. Handcrafted, made-in-the-U.S.A Tacori engagement settings accommodate assorted diamond sizes, shapes and styles. J.R. Dunn has an extensive selection of diamonds for you to choose from, many with GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certification. Jewelers will be on-site at the event, available to set diamonds in Tacori engagement mountings. Check out the brand’s fashion line, too, for jewelry with blue gemstones that are perfect for wedding days! The sterling silver Island Rains and Barbados Blue and yellow gold Golden Bay collections are devoted to the hue, along with half of the Sonoma Skies collection. The Tacori engagement keepsake memory box and journal, and Promise bracelet make ideal engagement and wedding gifts, too. Join J.R. Dunn Jewelers and Tacori on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Noon until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Call 954-782-5000 for an appointment today! or Visit JRDunn.com and then call 866-362-5787 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable online jewelry professional.

Jewelry-maker John Hardy, with design facilities located on the island of Bali, will open its first U.S. boutique on the Island of Manhattan. The building at 11 Prince Street, between Greene and Wooster streets in the SoHo neighborhood, will take up an entire building over three floors. Shoppers can anticipate the brand’s hand-crafted luxury jewelry collections in-store this summer. The move-in follows a growing trend in the jewelry industry of designers opening their own boutiques, selling direct – and online—to their customers. This is undoubtedly one of the hottest developments in retail, with designers targeting the hottest real estate markets. The Roberto Coin boutique in Miami is an another example, with its amazing facade making a big impression on cosmopolitan visitors to the city's design district. “John Hardy’s growing availability in the United States makes the brand more visible to more people, which is a great thing,” said Sean Dunn, co-owner of J.R. Dunn Jewelers. "We don't expect the New York store opening to take sales from brick and mortar retailers. In fact, I think it does the opposite, and builds confidence in those who want to invest in a piece of Hardy. It sends a clear message that the brand is here to stay."

We have probably all heard fish tales about the one that got away. Now, there is a new tail to tell; one that serious anglers, as well as people who love to fish, will want to hear. It's the tale of the "golden" fish tail, highly detailed sport fishing pendants created by J.R. Dunn Jewelers' award-winning designer Robert Pelliccia and the renowned Captain R.J. Boyle. Sport fishing jewelry has rarely captured the true detail as seen by anglers. This is what prompted Boyle to present Pelliccia with a tail from a 300-pound swordfish caught in August 2015. He also brought a question and a challenge. "Is it possible to realistically show the intricate beauty of a swordfish tail on a piece of jewelry?" Boyle asked. He proceeded to show Pelliccia the little details of what makes a swordfish tail unique unto itself. "The meat on any pelagic fish tail shows aging rings similar to that of a tree. As for the tail itself, you will also notice ridges of age and growth," said Boyle. "I've never seen a piece of jewelry that captured the essence of a realistic fish tail. Can we do it?" Pelliccia, fascinated by what he saw up close, wanted to push the technical side of the art of making jewelry to the limit. "Seeing an actual three-dimensional swordfish gives one a perspective that you can't get from any photograph. The real challenge, though, is that you are taking something that in real life is very large with tiny details and then trying to 'shrink them down' into a wearable piece of jewelry without losing all the wonderful details," he said. "It's a very fine balancing act to achieve, but I think we've done it! R.J. is incredibly knowledgeable about what he does. The jewelry needs to be able to pass his critical eye as well as my own. For anyone who has fought and landed a good sized swordfish, it is an unforgettable experience. A swordfish tail pendant is a stylish way to commemorate that special moment. Other fish, whose tails will be immortalized, include the sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna and wahoo. The realistic pieces will be crafted in gold and silver, available with and without diamonds. All of the fish tails will be exclusive to J.R. Dunn Jewelers. The partnership between Pelliccia and Boyle is a natural fit. The accomplished jewelry designer, the recipient of 17 major design awards, including those from DeBeers and the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), has always had a special relationship with the water. As a child he fished every day. He enjoys snorkeling and marvels at the creatures of the sea, with deep appreciation for its variety and vibrancy. Boyle, the fisherman, grew up around the arts and is an accomplished sculptor and painter. His art is inspired by life on the water. Boyle's work has been commissioned around the world. His passion extends to tackle, so his business is both a studio and tackle shop. The store also stocks Boyle's custom clothing, swordfish bills with his original paintings on them, and swordfishing instructional films. If you are looking for something unique for the sport fishing enthusiast in your life, look no further than one of the fish tails of Robert Pelliccia and R.J. Boyle! They are suitable for men and women. Best of all, they tell a story; a beautiful fish tale. Click to View the Swordfish Pendants Available Exclusively at J.R. Dunn Jewelers

A sprained ankle led to love and a 67-year-long marriage for Selma and Vito Tripi. Over the years they raised five sons, and now have three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The only thing missing from their relationship was a traditional wedding …until this past Monday, that is! The teenage sweethearts who eloped in 1948 had a vow renewal ceremony at The Palm Garden of Aventura. All wedding day accouterments were present and accounted for, from the rabbi and pastor to music, flowers, a trip down the aisle, wedding bands engraved with the words, “Love You Forever,” donated by J.R. Dunn, kisses, and a reception with wedding cake, sparkling cider and Hershey’s kisses. Jim Dunn, co-owner of J.R. Dunn Jewelers, and Andrew Lefton, one of the showroom managers, were among the people lucky enough to witness the vow renewal, themed “Love is in the Air.” “It’s obvious to me that these people are still in love as the day they met,” said Dunn. “My mother was a visiting nurse, so I was exposed to older people at a young age and learned that love is the thing that lives on, after – and above -- everything else.” “We were thrilled and honored to be a part of the momentous occasion,” said Lefton. “Hearing about their love story, and seeing it unfold before our eyes, was incredibly emotional for just about everyone in the room.” The Tripis are a fine example of opposites attracting. They are of different religions, political views and hobbies, none of which matters! The vow renewal was coordinated by Zita Willensky, the life enrichment director of Palm Garden, where Selma lives and Vito is a daily visitor.

The sexy Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue has hit the shelves! The much anticipated book is a welcomed sign that the end of winter is near and features a half dozen gilded goddesses wearing Lana Jewelry on the beach. The showstopper is a custom body chain worn by supermodel Gigi Hadid who looks positively golden with her blonde beach hair and flawless bonze skin glowing in a white monokini. Other beauties include the well loved Chrissy Teigen who frolicked in the Bar Hand Lariat and Kate Bock in the Bacara chain. Designer Lana Bramlette creates her jewelry with a glittering quality so the chain sparkles against the skin in the sunlight. We highly recommend the Vanity Necklace. The pairing of Lana jewelry with swimwear couldn’t be any more perfect and the designer launched the appropriately named Nude collection this year. It’s not the first time Lana pieces have been featured in SI Swim, including the issue in 2007 when Beyonce was photographed wearing Lana. The collection features sparkly chains and lariats of all lengths, hand jewelry, and sensual earrings – enter the Tri-Fringe Eardusters - which lend themselves nicely to resort wear. Some pieces include diamond accents and all have sex appeal. Sure hits this spring will include items such as the Nude Choker, Vanity Expose Bangle, Expose Sheer Hoops and Large Tassel Ring. Whether your next beach vacation takes you to Miami or Malta, be sure to shine with Lana. With names like Vanity and Sheer – who could resist picking up some sunshine at J.R. Dunn Jewelers! Make sure to take a sneak peek at the new Spring / Summer 2016 Lana Lookbook Some of the links in this article are NSFW, not safe for a work environment

Robert Pelliccia, the award-winning in-house designer at J.R. Dunn Jewelers in Lighthouse Point, FL is the judge for the Lila Lewenthal Jewelry Award at The Boca Raton Museum of Art-The Art School. Named for a woman who taught enameling at the art school, the winning entrant will receive five hundred dollars towards tuition in a jewelry class, and have their name inscribed on a plaque that will hang at the art school. Additionally, the winning project will be on display for three weeks. The school will announce the winner’s name on Friday, March 4, at 6:00 pm at the Boca Raton Museum of Art / The Art School located at 801 West Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, 33486 (561) 392-2503. “I am honored to have been chosen to select the latest recipient of the Lila Lewenthal Jewelry Award,” said Pelliccia. “The work submitted was impressive. Among the criteria in making what was a difficult decision: beauty, wearability, craftsmanship and originality.” Pelliccia is uniquely qualified to choose the beneficiary of the award. His career in jewelry design spans more than 30 years, with national recognition and a host of awards, including the prestigious DeBeers “Diamond Today” Award three times, and 11 American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Spectrum Awards. He leads the on-site design team at J.R. Dunn Jewelers who custom-design one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry for distinguished clients, both in-store and online. The Pelliccia portfolio includes bridal, colored gemstone and fashion pieces, with most of the work done in gold and platinum, with various gemstones. Follow the jewelry designer on Instagram @robertpellicciadesigns and see his work at Robert Pelliccia's page here at J.R. Dunn Jewelers, too!

Jim and Ann Marie Dunn, co-owners of J.R. Dunn Jewelers in Lighthouse Point, FL were recognized at a social gathering as two of the newest Lifetime Giving Society members who have made generous gifts beyond $250,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County. Wayne Gilmore and PNC Wealth Management sponsored the event, held recently at a private home. “I am extremely humbled to be included in the Lifetime Giving Society of the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County,” said Jim Dunn. “It has been nothing but a pleasure to work for the organization’s causes for the past 20 years. I learned at an early age that giving back is a good thing. When you give, you get so much more; being able to be philanthropic is one of the greatest rewards in my life.” “The efforts of everyone involved with the Boys & Girls Club have changed the lives of so many young people,” said Ann Marie Dunn. “Words cannot express how gratifying it is to be able to help the cause, supporting the programs that build self-esteem and skills, and aid in the development of strong values to take our community’s children and young adults into the future, safely and successfully.” The Dunns encourage others to support the efforts of the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County by donating or participating in the various fundraising events held throughout the year, including the annual Dunn’s Run, a walk-run established in 1996. “Ann Marie and I look forward to the 20th anniversary of the Dunn’s Run this year, and our continued support of the wonderful cause that is the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County,” said Jim Dunn. Visit the organization’s web site at www.bgcbc.org to learn more about the Boys & Girls Club and how you can get involved.