Designer News

Opals are historic. They have great beauty, and lend themselves to all kinds of jewelry. Take this 8 Mile Coober Pedy Opal, for instance, made into a necklace by Robert Pelliccia. From the moment he saw the gem, his mind was designing. He looked at it in different lights and from every angle. He was excited by its rainbow of colors. He said that the palette reminded him of the setting sun. So much so that he named the piece “Opal Sunset.” The one-of-a-kind necklace is crafted in 18kt rose gold. It features a 13.29 8 Mile Coober Pedy opal surrounded by yellow and white diamonds and pink sapphires. A Diamonds-by-the-Yard” chain has bezel set diamonds and leads to a diamond bail. The opal, surrounded by a double halo, hangs from it. The first halo has yellow diamonds. The outer frame is an organic shape of pink sapphires and white diamonds. The effect is the same as the sun setting over water. The gems disperse and diffuse light. The necklace is stunning with amazing colors that include yellow, green, orange, red, purple and blue. Now that the beauty has been covered, on to the history! Coober Pedy is a mining town in the Australian outback that produces 70 percent of the world’s opals. Its name means “white man’s hole,” from the Aboriginal “kupa-piti”. Aborigines walked the region for thousands of years. Legend has it that opals were discovered there by 14-year-old Willie Hutchison in 1915. A member of his father Jim’s gold prospecting party, he was assigned camp duties. When he finished working at the camp, he started to explore. Was he looking for gold? Was he looking for water? While he found neither gold nor water, he did find an opal field! Today, there are more than 70 Coober Pedy opal fields, including the 8 Mile mining area. They cover an approximate area of more than 3,100 miles. The region has a history of boom and bust. Opals are its number one trade, second to tourism. The passion felt by the designer for opals is obvious in this work. He put his heart into the creation of the 8 Mile Opal necklace. It shows how creative, inspired and skilled the artist is, and why his designs have won awards and are widely recognized. Coober Pedy, the opal capital of the world, celebrated 100 years of the gem in 2015. You can celebrate, too, with a piece of opal jewelry!

The name John Hardy has been practically synonymous with Bali since the company’s inception in 1975. The company is known for their green initiatives and hand craftsmanship of local artisans in Bali. So what happens when something goes wrong with your beloved hand-made piece? Where do you turn? If you are one of our local John Hardy clients, feel free to stop in or give us a call (954-782-5000) and we can begin the process of making your piece good as new. As an authorized dealer, we offer an extended one year warranty on top of John Hardy’s two year warranty. Our courteous and helpful staff will walk you through the process of making your beautiful jewelry good as new. We will ask you some questions for initial trouble-shooting, and then ask you to bring in or send us the piece. Once we have received it, we will provide you with an estimated cost and repair time. If approved, we will then forward it to John Hardy, where their skilled craftsmen will repair it to like-new condition. Luckily, even if you did not buy your piece from us or live outside Florida, here’s the steps to take. Please visit the John Hardy Repair Website, where you fill out an online form to begin the process. Many repairs are covered by John Hardy’s warranty policy, so please refer to the warranty card that came with your piece to determine if it is covered under John Hardy’s guarantee. A few helpful tips: Rings can only be sized up or down by one size, provided they have a sizing bar Bracelets and necklaces can only be shortened (sized down) If you have a single earring or stone piece that requires a match made, John Hardy will ask you to send it so they can create the closest match possible If your piece has been discontinued from the John Hardy line, they will suggest a replacement piece of similar value ** If you’d like one of our John Hardy experts to walk you through the latest collections we are thrilled to do so** Good luck and hopefully you will be enjoying your good as new John Hardy piece very soon! Bianca Kawecki, G.G. / Fashionista-Gemologist-Extraordinaire

Every summer, the jewelry industry descends upon Las Vegas for “Market Week”, when retailers choose the styles to carry in their stores. Luckily for you, what happened this last June in Vegas is not a secret anymore! Here’s the scoop on what fashion buyers were raving about and what you can expect to see as the hot trends this fall. If one metal were to be the superstar this year it is yellow gold! The metal type peaked in popularity in the 80s, and was made iconic by the Mr. T character and his lavish display of gold chains in the “A-Team” television program. (For #ThrowbackThursday, here’s a blast from the past photo of Mr. James R. Dunn himself, sporting the iconic “Mr. T” look. This was part of a marketing campaign our store once had where the tag line was “Mr. T has nothing on me.” And Mr. T really pales in comparison to Jim Dunn, for Mr. Dunn is truly a one of a kind maverick in so many ways. Interesting enough, here is a fashion visionary modeling several trends I am about to write about for 2015.) In the 90s and 2000s, we saw a shift in taste from yellow to white metal, either white gold, platinum, or silver. However, with the millennial generation’s embrace of the 80s aesthetic (welcome back neon!), yellow gold is coming back big and with a vengeance. We will see its heavy presence within many other trends on this list. The biggest new directions in jewelry now are a prevalence of geometric shapes, “gladiator” rings, ear cuffs, climbers, and jackets, links, collars, choker necklaces, and wearing all these styles in a stackable fashion. Geometric styles are making a bold statement right now and these designs from Lana Jewelry really fit the bill. Long angular triangles, chevron patterns, pyramids, and other abstract shapes make this trend on point! As you can see these can have diamond pave accents, but the over-all geometric shape is very prevalent in all these examples. Gladiator Rings “Gladiator” rings are ones that mimic the look of laced up gladiator-style sandals. It’s an open and big look created with micro-pave set diamonds. Mixing and matching metal types is also encouraged. While you may not want to wear this many different rings on one hand, as you can see below, these rings look good when worn in combination: Furthermore, in this J.R. Dunn Jewelers exclusive piece on the right, we have a stacked look of many bands but spaced out into the “gladiator” type that exposes the skin underneath. From left to right, White, Yellow and Rose versions. Ear Cuffs, Climbers and Jackets Last year we saw the introduction of the vine earrings climber which became an instant hit: This trend has blown-up to such an extent that vine earrings, also called “climbers” are a jewelry staple. A year later this trend shows no sign of ending anytime soon. In fact, this style is being talked about as a “new essential” on par with diamond studs or chandelier earrings, pieces of jewelry that you will wear for decades, not a single season. If your fashion aesthetic leans toward “classic” rather than “trendy” this maybe the most accessible style for you to embrace. It will elevate your jewelry wardrobe to the current date and worth the investment of diamonds and gold. If you were previously hesitating because you wondered about how long-lived this look would be, I predict this look is here to stay, so don’t hesitate any longer. Jump in! With vine earrings or climbers the “new essential” earring style, those fashionistas on the leading edge of design are pushing the look to even more uncharted territory. Designers are creating styles of “climbers” that are more angular and more geometric.

Tag Heuer Brand Ambassador since 2014 and Soccer Phenomenon, Cristiano Rinaldo, can now add Chronograph Designer to his growing resume! Tag Heuer just unveiled its newest Formula 1 design, a collaboration with the superstar athlete, the Formula 1 CR7. Based on the Formula 1 Chronograph, the CR7 model sports a black and green color scheme on the bracelet, dial, and hands, a reference to the Real Madrid soccer player’s team’s colors. Another unique feature is the checker-patterned dial and its contrast to the three circular registers on its face. The one at the 9 o’clock is for minutes, the 6 o’clock one is for tenths of a second, and last one boldly labeled with the model number, CR7, at the 3 o’clock position displays current seconds. Both the bezel which holds the tachymeter scale and the whole 42mm case itself are made of steel coated by titanium carbide. This timepiece is waterproof up to 200 meters and its steel case back is emblazed with the CR7 logo. The nylon straps used by the British Army in World War II provided the inspiration for this timepiece’s black and green NATO strap. The buckle, keepers and pin are also made of 316L stainless steel contributing to the both sporty and chic feel of this dynamic chronograph. Adding to its inherent beauty is the gorgeous box the chronograph comes with. Attractively priced at $1,550 MSRP, in a numbered limited edition of 3,000, is a watch that is sure to excite watch connoisseurs and soccer fans alike.

Finally! The shouts of joy can no doubt heard from Breitling collectors, watch enthusiasts and just plain fans. Breitling has let us know that the Emergency II will be launching in select stores and markets within the United States in the first 2 weeks of July. No exact date as of yet has been released but by all accounts they have been given the green light by the FCC. If you’ve been following the brand itself or any timepiece news, you might remember the big announcement at the Basel watch convention in 2013. The New Emergency II, a 51MM beast would soon be distributed to authorized retailers around the world for watch lovers to wear and enjoy but also to use if facing an actual emergency. 2013 and 2014 never saw that promised release in the U.S. Mainly because the FAA and FCC wanted to test and make sure the watch was safe with all of this new proprietary technology. The testing we were told was because of the revolutionary rechargeable battery and Superquartz movement that has been fully developed in-house by Breitling. So after two years, why is this big news? Well, after two years of waiting we will finally be able to see and wear the most technologically advanced personal locator beacon timepiece available to the public. We were made aware last week that the FCC and FAA have cleared the Breitling Emergency II to be sold in the United States. Extensive, three hour training conducted by Breitling for their authorized retailers is required for the watch to even be sold by those retailers. The watch features transmission in dual frequency of both 121.MHz and 406.040 MHz and is backed by the COSPAS-SARSAT system. The history on the COSPAS-SARSAT is that since the system was developed in 1985, it has saved 26,000 people. Nothing to shake a stick at! This magnificent timepiece is available in 3 different color dials in Titanium, Volcano Black, Cobra Yellow, and Intrepid Orange. A black titanium version on the Diver Pro III rubber strap with deployant clasp is also available and then a very limited, 10 piece version with black diamonds in titanium on a rubber strap and deployant clasp, my personal favorite.

John Hardy marks its 40th anniversary in 2015 and is commemorating the occasion with new Limited-Edition 40th Anniversary Classic Chain Bracelets. Leave it to the designers at John Hardy to know how to reinvent an iconic collection in such interesting ways! Options range from the delicate to the dramatic, with beautiful braids and with gemstone accents. The woven bracelets are adorned with colored gemstone push clasps, with patterns that echo the weave of the recycled sterling silver woven chain. Semi-precious stones include amethyst, tsavorite and a variety of colored sapphires. The Balinese jewelry technique used to craft the collection with an instantly recognizable construction is known as rentai, a centuries-old hand-weaving process that meticulously heats and forms a supple drape of precious metal. The tightly knit community of skilled artisans working on the John Hardy compound today have preserved part of the past, creating these bracelets just like the goldsmiths of the ancient Balinese courts while fashioning fabulous jewelry for the present and future! You can wear your Classic Chain bracelet every day; it’s built for comfort and endurance. You can layer and stack, and mix and match, making your own unique statement.

Two established Marco Bicego collections – Lunaria and Siviglia – have been updated, in beautiful brand extensions showcasing the designer’s ingenious, creativity. There are now Lunaria pieces with diamonds and Siviglia Resort with aqua and blue chalcedony. Lunaria celebrates nature, a predominant muse of Bicego. Hand-molded plates that suggest rustling leaves and flower petals blowing in the wind create spectacular silhouettes! A necklace and earrings seen at the Las Vegas Jewelry Show featured a petal full of diamonds, while a wide ring was bookended by the gems. Bicego was obviously inspired by his natural surroundings when he created the latest pieces of Siviglia Resort jewelry that have the colors of the sea reflected in them. Deliberately irregular oval-shaped and delicately hued chalcedony, a mineral that’s a member of the quartz family, is framed in gold, creating calming necklaces, earrings, rings and more. Some pieces share the spotlight with golden pebbles and chain, while others let the stones take center stage. Both collections feature Marco Bicego’s signature Bullino finish, a hand-etched satin texture that leaves hundreds of tiny lines of the surface of the jewelry. The result is a brushed gold look that is elegant and refined.

Like a fine meal that pairs food with wine, men’s timepieces pair perfectly with a bracelet. Males the world over are wrapping their wrists with dual accessories, tackling the trend with tremendous enthusiasm. Blending a bracelet and watch provide an opportunity to display personality and identity, and also add a bit of color to your outfit and life! Bracelets come in all shapes, sizes and designs to complement myriad timepieces, from leather to metal, beaded and woven fabrics like nylon cord. A leather bracelet will show a man’s appreciation for quality and workmanship. It’s an elegant and stylish accessory that works with most clothing choices. Metal bracelets, whether thick or thin, of the chain or one-piece variety, tend to be dressier. The gold and silver tones of precious metals are considered neutrals; as such they can seamlessly be mixed, matched and worn with other accessories. Beaded bracelets make a style statement and are said to have healing powers. Beaded bracelets from John Hardy are available with the lively and richly colored stabilized red coral; intense-hued lapis lazuli; soothing turquoise with black matrix, bold black chalcedony, neutral-toned tiger eye, lotus seed and colorful Borneo beads, among other materials. In some models, black onyx is seen with carnelian and malachite, and in others, sterling silver works with black sapphire, blue pietersite and black volcanic lava. Woven bracelets are casual and colorful; perfect when you want to wear something “natural,” or are out and about in the great outdoors (think picnic or day at the beach). Some bracelets from John Hardy combine “the best of both worlds,” pairing leather with sterling silver, and mineral beads with sterling silver. Whatever bracelet you choose, consistency in style and color are key. You should also keep body type in mind; a thin man should not have too thick a bracelet, while a larger man should not wear too small a piece. Tag Heuer men’s watches have straps and bracelets crafted in brushed and polished stainless steel, steel and ceramic, fabric, leather, alligator, python skins and rubber…so easy to put together a timepiece with a John Hardy bracelet from any of the men’s collections! Check out John Hardy Bedeg, Dot, Classic Chain, Kali, Naga and Palu men’s bracelets with a Tag Heuer men’s watch from the Aquaracer, Formula 1, Grand Carrera, Link or Monaco collections!

Mikimoto, the designer name synonymous with pearls, has been producing show-stopping cultured pearls for more than 120 years, and this year is no different! The company unveiled the latest in timeless elegance and sophisticated design at the Las Vegas Jewelry Show with its America 1927 Akoya Cultured Pearl l Special Edition strand of 8.8mm x8mm gems measuring 27” in length, presented in a keepsake box. The limited-edition strand was named for the year Kokichi Mikimoto arrived in America with his dream to “adorn the necks of all women around the world with pearls.” It was also the year that he met with his idol, the American inventor Thomas Edison, who is said to have admiringly remarked, “There are two things which couldn’t be made in my laboratory – diamonds and pearls.” Only the best pearls in the world are used to create a Mikimoto masterpiece, and all of the designer’s cultured pearl strands have the following unique characteristics in common: >> 18kt gold clasps engraved with the Mikimoto trademark >> Natural-color gemstones that have not been exposed to radiation or color treatment >> Stringing with the finest silk thread >> A separate M-circle logo charm The Akoya pearl, the most popular of all pearl types offered by Mikimoto, is prized for its brilliant luster and rich color. The retail cost of the Mikimoto America 1927 Limited Edition is $9,600.

The design and production team at John Hardy have done it again, producing a limited-edition cuff that’s exotic and exceptional for the John Hardy Fall 2015 collection: the women’s Classic Chain Heritage limited edition Macan cuff with blue Paraiba tourmaline eyes. The dramatic piece that is rich in symbolism, depicting the strength of the rare, large and powerful white tiger, was shown at the recent jewelry shows in Las Vegas, NV. Its abstract and figurative designs, crafted through etching and cut-work (ukiran) techniques tell a story, while the Classic Chain edge harkens back to the beginning of the brand’s history. This is jewelry that is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside, thanks to an interior with traditional Balinese decoration that serves as a personalization of the master artisans who fashion the pieces by hand. The new Macan cuff has an intricate design, rich texture and all the craftsmanship, quality and sustainability that you’ve come to expect from the John Hardy name (which has made them a household name in the jewelry world). The precious metals employed are 100 percent reclaimed silver and gold, and the Paraiba is a rare, colorful, brilliant and luminous stone. Not a season goes by where John Hardy doesn’t present a new interpretation of one of their community- , nature- , legend – or mythical-inspired designs, always driven by innovation and respect for tradition. The macan (Balinese for “tiger”) represents bravery, passion and triumph, and serves as an inspiring talisman. In ancient Japanese mythology, the creature was known as a life force affiliated with the samurai warriors. This handmade wearable piece of art is not only beautiful, it’s comfortable, too, and it will only improve with age! The cuff exudes power, style and substance. Wear it every day for inspiration and as your signature jewelry that makes a statement.

Ever since John Hardy unleashed his creative spirit to build a jewelry company on the island of Bali in the 1970s, the jewelry company bearing his name has been synonymous with the words “sustainable luxury.” The inheritance brought forth all these years later -- the harmonious community among all who work at the compound – is one of its greatest legacies. The heritage of the 40-year-old company is rooted I respect: for the people, places and things among them. One of the biggest design inspirations for John Hardy jewelry is nature. Nowhere is this more evident this coming season, than in the newly created Classic chain fully fashionable feather pieces, like the sterling silver Lava large kick cuff, with red, orange and yellow sapphire plumage. It has a hinged opening on one side, making it easy to put on and take off. The bracelet is at-once delicate and dramatic, thanks to its color scheme and tell-tale woven-motif edging and work on the back grills (inner surface). The cuff beautifully exemplifies the detailed craftsmanship found in each and every John Hardy jewelry item. This powerful and enduring piece of John Hardy jewelry, from John Hardy’s most iconic collection, is destined to become a new heirloom. It was masterminded by Head Designer and Creative Director Guy Bedarida, who has been at the helm of up to 200 of the brand’s new styles created each season since 2007. It undoubtedly adds a new-found diversity to the ever-evolving designs of the diverse collection. J. R. Dunn Jewelers is delighted to be an authorized retailer for the John Hardy brand, sharing brand-new authentic products in their original packaging, complete with warranty. As such, we have a direct relationship with John Hardy, and are able to provide our clients with the latest products. John Hardy products at JR Dunn Jewelers come direct from the manufacturer, and we keep a well-stocked inventory! Pieces can also be made-to-order. Plus, we are able to present John Hardy trunks shows a number of times throughout the year with the latest products from the designer! Sign up for email alerts at www.jrdunn.com and be among the first notified about VIP events!

Mikimoto was in full pursuit of the high-end market at Baselworld 2015, reaching out to consumers who are less likely affected by today’s economy, with four pieces designed and crafted by the firm’s Japanese team. The four pieces feature exquisitely sourced and designed pearls, with production time for the quad one year in the making. Plumage – This 18kt white gold five-strand feather necklace has Akoya and South Sea pearls, tanzanite, tsavorite, garnets, diamonds, sapphires, and Paraiba tourmaline. Stream – A cascading 18kt white gold necklace with Akoya pearls and diamonds that resembles a woman’s halter top. Universe – An 18kt white gold coil with diamonds leading to a droplet with 10 South Sea pearls. Duet – A sweeping necklace of 18k white gold that pairs Akoya cultured pearls with a conch pearl. Another show-stopper was the Legend necklace on-display, a rose and white gold piece replete with a water opal surrounded by pink-sapphire-and-diamond jeweled insects and flowers leading to a 24mm Baroque white South Seas pearl. Additionally, the new Blue Sonnet collection pairs Akoya cultured pearls with smooth turquoise beads. Mikimoto has procured the finest-quality cultured pearls in the world for 122 years, ensuring that the Mikimoto name is synonymous with pearls around the globe.