Designer News

The 10th Annual Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance presented by Mercedes-Benz and AutoNation, benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County, will be held from Friday, February 19 to Sunday, February 21, 2016. J.R. Dunn Jewelers has been the Official Jewelry Sponsor with an onsite presence at the event since its inception in 2007. On Friday evening, the festivities kick-off with the DuPont Registry Live Hangar Party, presented by Ulysse Nardin, at Atlantic Aviation at the Boca Raton Airport. There will be select gourmet tastings from more than 20 restaurants and a display of exotic cars, custom motorcycles, boats, private jets, vintage aircraft and luxury motorcoaches. The Seminole Casino Coconut Creek is providing entertainment. Saturday evening’s prestigious Gala at The Boca Raton Resort & Club will include a welcome reception, silent auction, dinner, live auction and entertainment by comedian and TV star Jay Leno. Additionally, Rita and Rick Case, of Rick Case Automotive Group, and Stephen Cannon, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, will be presented with the Annual Automotive Lifetime Achievement Awards. J.R. Dunn Jewelers is donating both a $10,000 shopping spree at its 8,000-square-foot showroom as the champagne raffle prize, as well as a pavé diamond ring from the Stephen Webster Magnipheasant collection for the live auction. The highest bidder will be able to wrap their finger in a piece of jewelry that resembles a pair of dazzling angel’s wings. “It’s easy for -- and essential to – us to contribute to a cause as worthy as the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County,” said Jim Dunn. “We want to help every child reach their full potential, regardless of their circumstances in life. The most disadvantaged individuals are the ones who need us the most, and are among the most deserving. I feel blessed to be able to continue the tradition of giving back I learned from my mother as a young boy.” J.R. Dunn Jewelers will also be displaying unique items from the collections of the world’s top designers at the resort Saturday and Sunday, including cutting-edge designs from Britain’s Stephen Webster and accessories for men in the artistic and exclusive knives from American designer William Henry. A portion of the weekend’s sales will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County. The main event on Sunday at the resort, presented by Impala, will feature an expert panel of judges and some of the finest automobiles and motorcycles ever built! Wayne Carini will serve as grand marshal, Jay Quail as chief honorary judge and Dr. Paul Sable has been named chief judge. Attendees can see a celebration of Packards and classic vintage automobiles from the Classic Car Club of American (CCCA). Gourmet food, wine and cocktails will be available from 30 South Florida restaurants in the Concours d’Gourmet Pavilion.

Five new collections, as well as additions to existing collections, by Roberto Coin were shown at VicenzaOro 2016, a six-day jewelry show running from January 22-27, 2016 in Vicenza, Italy, the designer’s birthplace. Buyers from more than 121 countries were able to see Coin’s new Gourmette, Rock & Diamonds, Carnaby Street, Princess Flower and Cheeky Monkey creations, as well as pieces that extend his New Barocco, Nabucco and Princess lines. All Roberto Coin jewelry shown was crafted in 18kt yellow gold. Gourmette reinvents chain jewelry. Rock & Diamonds uses a petite pyramid structure to display an edgy, modern aesthetic. Carnaby Street pays homage to mod 1960’s London. Rings from the collection feature bowl-shaped black jade, malachite and Mother-of-Pearl gems set below a pave diamond halo. Princess Flower is floral and feminine. Cheeky Monkey celebrates Chinese New Year and the Year of the Monkey. A captivating chimp grasps the earlobe in a pair of earrings, and surrounds a finger in an attention-getting ring. Roberto Coin was one of 1,500 exhibitors at the show, nearly 1,000 of which were Italian brands. JCK, the jewelry industry authority, was live at the event, and provided photos of the new designs. These new pieces of jewelry, like all the designer’s creations, will feature the artist’s signature; a small ruby cast inside the jewel, a symbol of well wishes. They are merely a few of the more than 600 new models Coin creates a year. Look for them at a jeweler near you, and on red carpets during the year as timeless trend-setters!

There’s a new entry in the field of retailers selling online directly to consumers: Tacori. J.R. Dunn is pleased to welcome the fashion and bridal designer to the growing mix of designers who sell jewelry direct to consumer in cyberspace. Designer's web sites generally tell a brand's history, display the craftsmanship and quality of merchandise in a user-friendly way that is largely controlled by brand itself. "They do a fantastic job of romancing and solidifying why a consumer may want a particular piece" says Sean Dunn. "But when it comes time to buy, we are banking on our customers coming back to us online because of the experience we offer." J.R. Dunn Jewelers in Lighthouse Point broke new ground as one of the first Mom and Pop retailer jewelers to enter the eCommerce arena more than 10 years ago. At that time, this action challenged the status quo and co-owner Sean Dunn was considered a bit of a renegade by his industry peers. Undeterred, JRDunn.com followed luxury department stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue in selling designer jewelry online. Now, Tacori is following suit, making its fashion jewelry available for purchase online, as well. “I am always gratified to see new entries to online retailing,” said Dunn. “Luxury brands belong online. An Internet presence allows designers to reach a wider audience, making their goods available to more people. Our clients, whether in-store or online, have developed relationships with our jewelry consultants. They appreciate being able to have occasion to shop in more than one way.” J.R. Dunn Jewelers carries a full line of Tacori fashion jewelry, as well as Tacori engagement rings and wedding bands, the latter setting the retailer apart from others who can now carry products online. The brand is a popular choice for jewelry throughout the year, but is especially relevant for Valentine’s Day gifts. The holiday is often seen as a particularly appropriate time for proposals, and the presentation of a piece of jewelry is an obvious go-to. Tacori merchandise is designed for men and women. See a huge inventory of pieces, including those crafted in sterling silver and karat gold, with and without gemstones, can be viewed at our Tacori Fashion Jewelry page. You can also view our selection of Engagement rings and wedding bands 24/7, 365, in the comfort of your home, office or on your mobile device while on the run.

Lana Jewelry founder Lana Bramlette is passionate about fine jewelry with a fashionable flair. This makes for a perfect fit as a new product line carried by J.R. Dunn Jewelers. This like-thinking encouraged J.R. Dunn to carry the Lana line of stylish and streamlined earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings. Shoppers local to the J.R. Dunn showroom in Lighthouse Point, FL and Internet users everywhere can see the captivating Lana jewelry collections, in-store and online at JRDunn.com. The Chicago-based Bramlette, known as “The Queen of Hoops, established her look-attracting line in 2002. More than a dozen years in, yellow gold remains the main protagonist of Lana Jewelry pieces (white and rose gold pieces are also available). Gemstones now grace many pieces, including diamonds, Mother-of-Pearl, opal doublet and turquoise. A high-polish finish is one of the recognizable trademarks of the brand. Another identifiable essential is a variation on the diagonal faceted chain in the Blake collection. The collections include jewelry at a number of price points, with names that leave a lot the imagination: Electric, Illusion, Mirage, Elite and more! As the designer herself said,” Fine jewelry should be an attainable luxury for the modern woman.” Earrings run the gamut from studs to cuffs, chandeliers to drops, with a variety of bars, discs, hoops and spikes. Signature pendant and charm necklaces are available in yellow, white and rose gold, along with bi-colored white and rose gold, as well as tri-colored gold. Multi-length chains include 16”, 18”, 20”, 30” and 35”. Look for bracelets in bangle and chain styles, plus hand and wrist lariats in precious metal. Some Lana rings stack, some make a statement and others do both! Whatever Lana Jewelry you select, you can be sure that it will complement all of your outfits…or no clothing at all. Describing her jewelry pieces Lana said, “They are simple enough to wear every day and sexy enough to wear with nothing at all.” Lana Jewelry has been featured in the top women’s magazines on the shelves and is available at the finest retailers, making it easy for everyone to be a Lana Girl! Sexy and architectural, this is jewelry that is perfect for building a well-rounded collection that is at-once timely and timeless! Start – or continue – building your collection of Lana Jewelry today at J.R. Dunn Jewelers!

The 33rd Anniversary MS Gala Luncheon, presented by MassMutual Financial Group South Florida, is scheduled for Friday, January 22, 2016 at the Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, at 10:00 a.m. The event, honoring President of the Miami Marlins David P. Samson, will feature a cocktail reception, silent auction, lunch, presentation of the MS Hope Award to Samson for his volunteerism, raffle drawing and a fashion show featuring the Spring 2016 line from Mayda Cisneros. Ila Feld Davidoff chairs the event, with Alberto Ibarguen, President, CEO and Trustee of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation serving as vice chair. As Official Jewelry Patron of the 33rd Anniversary MS Gala Luncheon, J. R. Dunn Jewelers will be showcasing a display of fine jewelry at the event, with a percentage of sales benefiting the National MS Society, South Florida Chapter. “We are so pleased to be able to make a difference for those living with MS in South Florida,” said Ann Marie Dunn, co-owner of J.R. Dunn Jewelers. “We give to fund research and drive change, and encourage everyone who is able to join us in our quest to find a cure for MS.” Ann Marie, Jim and Sean Dunn have also donated one of the raffle grand prizes, a $10,000 shopping spree at their Lighthouse Point, FL showroom. A second grand prize, donated by The Miami Marlins, is a Miami Sports Experience with four (4) Diamond Club seats at a Marlins game in 2016 with dinner and drinks, an autographed baseball from each of the starting nine (9) players for Opening Night 2016 Season and two courtside seats to a Miami Heat game. Certain restrictions apply to each grand prize. The National MS Society, South Florida Chapter works to improve the quality of life for people affected by MS in South Florida and raise funds for critical MS research. The organization’s office is located at 3201 West Commercial Boulevard, Suite 127 in Ft. Lauderdale. Call 954-731-4224 to learn more about the 33rd Anniversary MS Gala Luncheon. The family-owned-and-operated J.R. Dunn Jewelers has been in business since 1969. Two generations work together to bring the best in selection and customer service to South Florida, including bridal jewelry from the top designers in the world! The jewelry showroom features an engagement ring design center with GIA-certified diamond experts, and authorized Rolex service center in the heart of South Florida.

Zoe Chicco jewelry is all the things today’s women are: elegant, feminine, stylish and sexy. That’s why J.R. Dunn Jewelers is proud to be an authorized retailer for the brand, carrying the smart, straightforward line of geometric rings, bracelets, necklaces and fashion-forward earrings. Wrap your fingers in dazzling yet delicate gold-and-diamond rings. Select from a cuff, ID, hand chain, infinity or cross bracelet. Drape your nape with a contemporary Y necklace with diamonds, edgy lariat or other necklace with bars and curves, points, initials, symbols or spikes. Earrings styles include cuffs, shields, stud charms and studs. All are available from J.R. Dunn and are totally on-trend. Here’s the thing, though: they will work as well tomorrow as they do today; this is what happens with style standouts! Mix them and match them for an entirely individual look. The company’s namesake, jewelry designer Zoe Chicco, is a trained goldsmith who finds inspiration everywhere, from art to fashion, nature, travel, and her surroundings and friends. “It is always my goal to make jewels that feel current but transcend trend,” she said. “I try to make jewelry that goes with everything in your closet – the go-to pieces you want to wear every day.” The designer and a small dedicated staff of artisans work out of her Los Angeles studio, lovingly hand-making each piece in pursuit of this philosophy. The earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings they produce are personal, classic and versatile, displaying a meticulous eye for detail. They are at-once significant and delicate, suited for solo or layered wear. Jewelry components include 14kt gold, oxidized sterling silver and diamonds. Zoe Chicco jewelry is a way for women to express their personality. The right pieces can evoke a feeling…and completely change one’s mood. An uplifted frame of mind is a gift the designer bestows on her clients. As the designer said, “I want to give my clients…a bejeweled happy place.” Find your happy place at the space that just became a little happier with Zoe Chicco jewelry: J.R. Dunn Jewelers!

A jewelry designer extraordinaire and Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), Stephen Webster is also now a published author! Gold Struck:A life Shaped by Jewelry, his jewelry journal, made its debut in November 2015. It is, essentially, a love letter culled from a 40-year love affair working in gold. The entertaining book is based on diary entries and contains original poetry and a short story. On-page elements include musings on his life experiences; reproductions of his stunning creations that span 14 collections, including: Thorn, which explores the details of barbs and spikes in a chic and timeless jewelry collection. Crystal Haze, which showcases Webster’s innovative spirit! By fusing a faceted crystal over a precious gemstone, the designer developed the crystal haze process, producing a color unique to the timeless and ultra-feminine collection. The Jewels Verne collection has an aquatic-fantasy motif inspired by the 1870 literary classic “Twenty Thousand Leagues” by Jules Verne. Victorian-inspired pieces of blackened silver visit sea creatures like lobster, octopus, shark and fish tails. The Murder She Wrote collection features black diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires prominently. Pieces present an air of intrigue. The “author” is a combination of femme fatale and English country home grand dame! Fly by Night celebrates creatures from a magical forest. The seductive pieces are meticulously detailed and seductive. Enter a world of woodland delight! The striking, oversized pieces in the Magnipheasant collection are modeled after brightly colored male pheasants. Marquise-shaped, hand-selected gemstones include amethyst, citrine, garnet, opal, colored sapphires and spinel tipped in black diamond pave. It is clear from Webster’s Lady Stardust collection that he was clearly influenced by David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust persona when he created jewelry that is a little bit rebellious with a rock ‘n roll edge. Pieces feature a lightning bolt motif and classic herringbone pattern. The chevron-like design is accented with black and white diamond pave. Brightly colored sapphires are also incorporated into the 18K white and rose gold jewelry. Sapphires, pearls and pave in graduated color result in a “dip-dye” effect. Couture Voyage pays homage to the architecture of New York, Russia, the Middle East, Hong Kong and Africa. Accolades from luminaries in the art, entertainment and fashion worlds; and insights into what has inspired and influenced his work for many decades make for a fascinating read. Intricate sketches and designs, archival imagery, magazine editorials, advertising campaigns, and photographs from the designer’s personal collection round out the contents. The photographs within the 400-page book were taken by Rankin and Amelia Troubridge, and a forward by Webster’s friend Tracey Emin. “Gold Struck” is an intimate book with an accessible style; the perfect holiday gift for jewelry-lovers!

It is that time that comes but once a year: the J.R. Dunn Holiday Shopping Party! Join the festivities at the showroom at 4210 N. Federal Highway in Lighthouse Point, FL on Saturday, December 5, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and find spectacular jewelry and accessories that will help you spread holiday cheer! Find designer jewelry from around the world, including pieces from Aaron Basha, Roberto Coin, Chopard, Gucci, Honora, John Hardy, Marco Bicego, Mikimoto, Stephen Webster. If it’s time for a new watch, check out Breitling, Carl F. Bucherer, Michelle, Philip Stein and Tag Heuer timepieces. There will be something for everyone, from babies to children, brides-to-be and those looking for religious and heart-motif jewelry (are you thinking ahead for Valentine’s Day?). Be sure to look at the Visconti line of fine writing instruments, too. The atmosphere will be warm and welcoming, as it always is at the family-owned-and-operated business. The invitation to shop extends all-year-long, both in-store and online at jrdunn.com, as new merchandise is always arriving. J.R. Dunn is an authorized retailer for top designers, offering a best price promise, and free lifetime cleaning and inspection on purchases. Additionally, double the manufacturer’s warranty on jewelry and two extra years on watch warranties are offered. Repairs on jewelry and timepieces are handled on-site by a specially trained team. J.R. Dunn wants to be your family jeweler; at the holidays and throughout the years. Two generations run the business together, and look forward to seeing established clients and adding new shoppers to the extended family!

The four-year-old American luxury lifestyle brand Shinola is an American success story. Since its founding in 2011, business has been booming! Housed in Detroit’s historic Argonaut building, built by General Motors in 1928, the state-of-the-art watch factory and corporate headquarters takes up 30,000 square feet of space. Here, a workforce without previous timepiece knowledge hand-assemble watches that are beautiful and built to last a lifetime. Shinola has invested in its people so you can feel comfortable investing in one of their watches! The company flew watchmakers in from Switzerland to train employees. The best available watch components are sourced to create solid, retro-inspired, finely crafted timepieces for men and women. All pieces will feature a Swiss-made Argonite movement manufactured by Ronda AG, an independently owned Swiss movement manufacturer, and sapphire crystal. Leather watch straps are made from materials supplied by Horween, a Chicago-based tannery in operation since 1905. The Runwell , the first watch the company released in 2013, has experienced a line extension to include a Coin Edge, Moon Phase, Chrono. Sport and Stone Dial version. Many other models have followed, including the Brakeman and Brakeman Chrono, with their cushion case design, a tribute to the American brakemen of the early 1900s; the Rambler travel watch; the sportsman-centric Journeyman and The Mackinaw Field watches that perform in harsh conditions; The Scout, inspired by classic pilot watches, with its dual time watch and date; The Birdy, a feminine classic; and the wide-cased Gomelsky with coin-edged bezel. Whatever model you choose, you can count on a clean and simple look. The Shinola trademark lightning bolt will be displayed on uncluttered and legible watch faces. Each watch is stamped with a serial number and comes with a lifetime guarantee, with the exception of the battery, leather strap and buckle. In its brief history, Shinola has created American manufacturing jobs and is helping to make Detroit a worldwide manufacturing hub. “Built in Detroit” has taken on a whole new meaning since Shinola took up residence in the Motor City! Flagship Shinola stores are currently in major cities, including Detroit, New York, London, Dallas/Plano, Minneapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. J.R. Dunn Jewelers is pleased to carry Shinola watches, in-store and online. Detroit is in the house in South Florida!

A William Henry pocketknife is as much intuitive as it is utilitarian, as much a piece of art as it is an award-winning accessory. Crafted from metals, wood, stone, exotic fossil materials, and more, each knife is the result of a succession of discreet steps that culminate in a small masterpiece. Matt Conable, president and creative architect of the company, is intrigued by the sensuous intersection of form and function, warmth and cold, hard and soft, and in his role as designer, this perspective is evident in the juxtaposition of patterns and materials. The earthy warmth of desert ironwood, for example, is the perfect counterpoint to cool Damascus steel, and the totemic DNA of fossil ivory effectively contrasts with the swirl of mokume gane. Founded in 1997, William Henry occupies a 6,400-square-foot manufactory in McMinnville, Oregon, that feels more like an artisan’s workshop than a state-of-the art facility. Conable modeled the space after a custom knife shop, which is where he first honed his craft as a teen. With natural shell hailing from Australia, wood from such reaches as Morocco and Mexico, and fossil mammoth bone from Russia or Alaska, as well as metalworkers, fine engravers, and stone experts stationed all over the globe, each knife is a remarkable international affair. The components are precision machined to tolerances reserved for aerospace level work – often measured at 0.0005-inch, or one-twelfth the size of a human hair. But the final fit, finish, action, and sharpness are achieved by hand, employing the time-honored craftsmanship developed by generations of master cutlers. There are 22 craftspeople at the Oregon studio, collectively realizing the company’s motto: “Superlative function deserves to be elevated to superlative art.” In recent years, Conable expanded the definition of William Henry to include a wider array of luxury accessories for men, including money clips, cuff links, key chains, and writing instruments. In 2014, the brand launched its first collection of men’s jewelry, which was received enthusiastically. William Henry’s collection of pens has already won prestigious awards and gained a new legion of devotees for their beauty, design, and original materials. The pen shop, adjacent to the knife-making area, has a buzz all its own. There, each pen is turned, assembled, and polished as a whole to a glass-like finish, rendering every piece unique. And here, too, it seems that human touch accounts for more than the most technologically advanced machinery: after multiple polishings, each of the rollerball and limited-edition fountain pens is carefully examined by hand for any imperfections. The names of the pen collections are an homage to the Willamette Valley wine country where William Henry is located: Cabernet, Chablit. The fountain pens feature 18k gold German-made nibs. A William Henry pocketknife takes more than 12 months to produce, the work of more than 30 artisans and 800 individual operations. There are currently about 10 distinctive knife collections available, each with a personality all its own. In addition, the company produces exclusive editions as well as one-of-a-kind pieces. “Heirloom quality,” a tenet on which the company was founded, doesn’t come easily. Article courtesy of Nancy Olson, appeared in J. R. DUNN Magazine, Autumn / Holiday 2015, Issue 5

At J.R. Dunn Jewelers we love love! That’s why we have a large selection of engagement rings from top bridal designers…including Ritani! Engaged couples have pledged their love and commitment for a lifetime; your Ritani ring will go the distance with you! Providing excellent craftsmanship in ring settings that will showcase your selection of a beautiful center diamond are a hallmark of the Ritani brand. Each ring is a quality handmade creation produced in the U.S.A. at the Ritani studio in New York City. Five Ritani engagement mounting collections display your love your way. The solitaire is simple and understated. The Classic is an elegant option, with small diamonds on the band. Halo styles present a charm that will take your breath away. History shines in three-stone settings that represent your past, present and future. If you love an heirloom look, the Masterwork series will inspire. Now that you’ve found the One, present her with an engagement ring you’ll be proud of forever and it is sure to be the Ritani engagement ring of her dreams. You can find diamonds of all shapes and sizes to accommodate your Ritani engagement setting, too. They can be set in a bezel, channel, micropave, pave, prong or tension setting. No matter the Ritani setting you decide on, you can be sure it will provide your love a classic style with clean lines to suit the contemporary bride. Remember to check out Ritani wedding bands for men and women, too! Women can choose from diamond or plain wedding rings, eternity bands and stacking rings. Precious metal options include platinum, 18kt white gold, yellow gold or rose gold, 14kt white gold and palladium. For men, there are rings that are smooth or hammered, shiny or satin-finished. Finishes include 18kt white and yellow gold, 14kt white gold, palladium, platinum and cobalt chrome. J.R. Dunn is proud to have been selected by Ritani as an authorized retailer. Among the benefits of this direct relationship with the brand: We have been recognized for our sales, customer service and history. You will have access to the latest products. Our sales professionals are have unparalleled product knowledge. When you purchase Ritani at J.R. Dunn you are shopping smart and safely! The family-owned-and-operated business is your brand-authorized engagement ring source in the heart of South Florida, just minutes from Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale.

Join J.R. Dunn Jewelers at “La Bella Vita,” an Italian Designer Trunk Show on Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the showroom at 4210 North Federal Highway in Lighthouse Point, FL. Find the latest jewelry from Roberto Coin, Gucci, Marco Bicego, Chimento, Fope and Robert Pelliccia, J.R. Dunn’s award-winning in-house designer. Take a shine to pieces that will brighten the holidays, and every day! You can fuel your search for the latest in Italian jewelry design with Italian wines, antipasto and pastries. Italian jewelry is in a class by itself. Made-in-Italy means style and denotes culture. Handcrafted pieces in 18kt gold, gold with gemstones and sterling silver are treasures-in-the-making. An all-Italian jewelry event is the next-best-thing-to-being there. The trunk show puts the accent is on design aesthetics! Find Roberto Coin jewelry from delicate to bold. Pieces part of the renowned luxury brand have signature ruby hidden on the inside. See Gucci’s fashion heritage in pieces inspired by horses, boating and the great outdoors. Feel brushed gold and twisted coil jewelry from Marco Bicego. Look at organic-shaped creations from Chimento. Check out Fope pieces from essential to elegant, to wear day and night, from casual to cocktail occasions. Marvel at the glory of gems in the jewelry of Robert Pelliccia. He works in gold and platinum with diverse collections from gold and precious stone designs, birthstone and bridal jewelry. La Bella Vita is Italian for The Beautiful Life. Every day is beautiful at J.R. Dunn Jewelers!