Designer News

Once again exploring what it means to be British, and paying homage to his heritage with luxury jewelry, a-typical designer Stephen Webster unveiled his new Gold Struck collection at Baselworld 2015. His inspiration for Gold Struck was inspired by the legendary discovery of a large cache of assorted Elizabethan and Jacobean jewelry in the Cheapside neighborhood of London beneath a department store. Why the jewels were hidden remains unknown. The Gold Struck collection features bold, colorful gemstones like tanzanite, ruby, orange sapphires and emeralds in rose, yellow and white gold. They are irregularly faceted, and multi-shaped and sized, working together impeccably well. The collection is a fabulous follow-up to Webster’s Magnipheasant collection. The brightly colored and adorned male pheasants were clearly the models for the Magnipheasant collection. The striking, oversized pieces crafted with marquise-cut hand-selected gemstones like amethysts, citrines, topaz, opals, garnets, spinels and colored sapphires are tipped in pave black diamonds to depict the pheasant's distinctive feathers. The Gold Stuck collection also pairs well with another Webster collection: Lady Stardust. Inspired by David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust persona, the Lady Stardust collection has a rock ‘n roll edge and looks a bit rebellious. Pieces depict the famous lightning bolt motif – a now iconic geometric pattern – featured on Bowie’s renowned “Aladdin Sane” album cover. A classic “herringbone” pattern, a chevron-like design accentuated by white and black diamond pave, as well as skillfully set and brightly colored sapphires are also incorporated into the 18kt white and rose gold jewelry. A “dip-dye” effect of graduated color is achieved through sapphires, pearls and pave. Vibrant colors are a common denominator of the aforementioned collections; it is the cornerstone of his creations. The unconventional collections can also be deemed “conversation starters,” as they invite questions. The designer is bold and adventurous, with a distinct vision, inimitable style and impeccable attention to detail. Webster’s British heritage and passion for traditional goldsmithing is at the heart of the brand that bears his name. The goldsmithing techniques of the 16th century are currently of particular interest. “Last year, the Cheapside Hoard was exhibited in London, and what struck me most was the vast array of gems, pearls, techniques and details used to create these truly exquisite pieces. The 2015 fine jewelry collection, Gold Struck, is inspired by this legend. It is a celebration of art and design.” Webster was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) from Queen Elizabeth in 2013 for his service to the British jewelry industry.

Attentive designer Roberto Coin presented his new Golden Gate collection, his interpretation of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, at Baselworld 2015. The 18kt yellow gold pieces share two characteristics with its namesake: an impressive architecture and technological feat, thanks to structure and clasp that closes by itself. At once glamorous and innovative, the collection in which gold is the main feature includes a sculptural ring and new spin on “huggie” earrings. The design is an example of unprecedented brilliance – of idea and materials! The interior of the ring features intricately woven gold threads that resemble the wires of the Golden Gate Bridge, while the golden exterior showcases a diamond. Roberto Coin’s signature ruby rests inside the piece, to “kiss” the skin of its wearer. These important pieces transcend time and can be passed from generation to generation. Inherent in Golden Gate jewelry is the legendary craftsmanship of the brand, which will carry its legacy forward. Sleek and rich-looking Golden Gate jewelry will be available in time for Mother’s Day. Retail prices range from $2,500 to $10,000.

Internationally acclaimed jewelry designer Marco Bicego showcased some changes to established collections and unveiled impressive one-of-a-kinds at Baselworld 2015. His best-selling Lunaria collection was strengthened through a colorful extension via sea-green aquamarine gemstone – “Lunaria Aqua” – as well as diamonds, while the layered-look Paradise, celebrating 15 years in the market, got a fresh update with larger stones. The designer’s one-of-a-kinds, which has been a consistent theme for the show, included gemstones like African amethyst, sapphire slices, tanzanite and tourmalines, to name a few, set in 18kt yellow gold. Lunaria is a collection that celebrates nature, Bicego’s muse. The organically-shaped pieces were inspired by feather-thin leaves and flower petals blowing in the wind. The Paradise collection gracefully combines yellow gold chains, hand-engraved golden beads and a colorful explosion of gems joining together in perfect harmony. As the designer’s advertising shares, “Every emotion has a color.” Emotion is a strong component in all the hand-crafted jewelry of the passionate Bicego. So are precision and technology. All Marco Bicego pieces are ever-evolving fantasies. They are hand-finished with the time-honored Bullino technique, blending old-world tradition with contemporary design.

Global brand Tag Heuer introduced new global ambassadors at Baselworld 2015, including American basketball point guard Jeremy Lin, British fashion model-actress-singer Cara Delevigne, French DJ-record producer David Guetta and Paraguayan footballer Cristiano Rolando. All have one thing in common with each other and Tag Heuer: they #NeverCrackUnderPressure. The Tag Heuer brand is fashionable and architectural, a functional representation of art and design. With its strong heritage in watch manufacturing and elegant lifestyle, the designer is renowned for collaborating with the icons of multiple industries, and 2015 is no different. This year’s entries include an initial foray into the world of music, plus new spirits in sport and style who deliver in the social media arena. Like Tag Heuer, all four new brand ambassadors have defied the time-honored conventions of their respective fields. They’re relentless, uncompromising and pretty much make their own rules. They’re precise. They’re performers who exhibit “grace under pressure.” Lin is the first professional basketball player of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He unexpectedly led a winning turnaround while playing with the New York Knicks in 2012, generating a global following known as “Linsanity.” After two seasons with the Houston Rockets, the Los Angeles Lakers got the point guard in a trade. He has 1,413,149 Twitter followers. Delevigne is bold and brash. Her anthracite, black and rose gold Tag Heuer Carrera Cara Special Edition has a feminine touch that targets and can help attract the female market. Who better o get the word out about this noteworthy novelty than a style icon with 2,381,549 Twitter followers? Guetta is a composer who has collaborated with the stars of hip-hop, pop and electro music. His namesake bespoke Formula 1 David Guetta Special Edition helps the Beat King direct his global lifestyle, emphasizing travel with two-time tracing and day-night bezel. He counts 17,082,513 people among his Twitter followers. Like the impactful and sporty Tag Heuer Formula 1 CR7 chronograph that pays tribute to him, Rolando has a distinctly assertive character. He makes no secret of his desire to be the best, and has worked hard to reach the top spot in the world of football. The risk-taker has 34,389,316 Twitter followers. Tag Heuer has a history of firsts in Swiss watch-making, including the 1887 invention of the oscillating pinion, a key chronograph component to this day, the first stopwatch accurate to one-one hundredth of a second (1916), the first Swiss watch in space (1962), the first chronograph specifically designed for professional drivers with the 1963 launch of the Carrera model, the first chronograph movement with an automatic microrotator with 1969’s Chronomatic Calibre 11, the first belt-driven watch in 2004 as The Monaco V4 made its debut, and The Tag Heuer brand currently has 162,792 Twitter followers. For the uniquely individual Lin, Delevigne, Guetta, Rolando and Tag Heuer there are no limits. Anything is possible.

Prolific jewelry designer Roberto Coin introduced three new lines at Baselworld 2015: Tanaquilla; Falco (Italian for falcon), the latest limited-edition ring to grace the Animalier collection; Golden Gate and Princess, along with a new interpretation of the Baroque period-inspired Barocco and black-sapphire-and-white-diamond Pois Moi pieces. As always, attendees were both surprised and delighted! The inspiration for the yellow gold-fashioned Golden Gate collection was San Francisco, CA’s Golden Gate Bridge. The pieces feature a self-closing clasp. Named for the legendary Etruscan prophet Tanaquilla, who was married to the Roman Emperor Lucius Tarquinius Priscus and renowned for her spinning and weaving skills, Coin has woven pieces of wearable art that embody the beauty of an ancient civilization. The pieces in the Tanquilla collection, the latest collection of Haute Joaillerie from Roberto Coin, includes rings, cuffs, earrings and choker necklaces set with yellow and chocolate diamonds. They were clearly designed for women who are strong and feminine, just like the emancipated woman for whom they are named! The Etruscans were responsible for teaching the Romans the alphabet and spreading literacy throughout the Italian peninsula; the Tanaquilla collection has inspired social network communication, with special hashtags to accompany photographs of Baselworld visitors wearing a mask created for the occasion that echoes the jewelry design in front of a backdrop of Venetian scenery, such as #iamTanaquilla, #RobertoCoin and #Baselworld. (The mask pays homage to Coin’s Venetian roots, which are never far from his heart or mind.) The development of ancient Roman art and culture, and the Italian Renaissance were set in place by the achievements of the Etruscans, who were the first superpower of the Western Mediterranean. They established the most important cities in modern Tuscany, including Florence, Pisa and Siena. The rose gold-feathered Falco joins the Roberto Coin menagerie beautifully, with black, brown and white diamonds, and gemstone eye. Roberto Coin has a personality that’s larger than life, and his joie de vivre is reflected in his imaginative, creative pieces of jewelry. He shows, with each and every collection a breathtaking ability to go beyond the boundaries of typical jewelry structure. The seductive Tanaquilla collection is no exception! The jewelry created under the Roberto Coin brand is distinctive and bear the mark of Vicenza, Italy along with a signature synthetic ruby. Only synthetic rubies are used, guaranteeing that none of them originated from a region in turmoil. All diamonds used in the 18kt gold pieces are acquired from legitimate sources from areas free of conflict. Roberto Coin’s most sought-after collections are offered at more than 800 points of sale in 53 countries. Admirers and satisfied clients can be found in Europe, Asia, North America and South America.

Baselworld 2015 unveils the trends of tomorrow today (and every day until March 26!) The growing industry of smartwatches is the buzz on the show floor, with traditional brands like Tag Heuer embracing the concept, partnering with Intel and Google to create a luxury Android Wear watch. Jean-C laude Biver, president of the LVMH Watch Group announced the collaboration for the first-ever Android Wear-powered Swiss smartwatch with David Singleton, director of engineering for Android Wear Development for Google and Michael Bell, Corporate Vice President. “Swiss watch-making and Silicon Valley is a marriage of technological innovation with watch-making credibility. Our collaboration provides a rich host of synergies, forming a win-win partnership, and the potential for our three companies is enormous,” said Biver. As the companies enter into an era of alliance, Bell said, “Intel is confident that a collective approach will inspire new innovation in wearable technology.” ”By fusing beauty with technology, the Swiss watch has inspired generations of artists and engineers alike – including us at Google. So we’re thrilled to be working with Tag Heuer and Intel to bring a unique blend of emotion and innovation to the luxury market, said Singleton. ”Together, and using the Android Wear platform, we can imagine a better, beautiful, smarter watch.” The designer presented other new timepieces as well, including : The Monaco V4 Phantom, a belt-driven mechanical watch which has a full black carbon matrix composite(CMC) case and bridges, blackened dial, hands and exposed movement parts. The matte timepiece has hands that are faceted and satin-finished and jewels that reveal a whisper of red. The ultra lightweight watch has extra shock resistance, too. Calibre Heuer 01, has lightweight titanium modular construction with 12 different pieces. Its clean design reveals its chronometer controls and open-work date disk on the dial side. The back of the case draws you into the watch’s inner workings, with a red column wheel, skeleton chronometer bridge and black weight. Its perforated black rubber strap is stylish and sporty. Special Edition Formula 1 watches from the latest Tag Heuer brand ambassadors: footballer (soccer player) Ronaldo Cristiano; DJ David Guetta; and a numbered limited edition 43mm McLaren edition that celebrates the 30th anniversary of the partnership between Tag Heuer and McLaren. Cristiano’s 42mm showcases the green color associated with the three-time Ballon d’Or winner CR7, as seen on the flange, hands and indices. The all-black bezel, coated with titanium carbide, bears the chronograph’s Tachymeter scale. The watch’s NATO strap is black-and-green stripe. Guetta’s 43mm model is black and blue, with a wide cuff watch strap crafted in aged black calf skin with tone-on-tone stitching, and black buckle engraved with the Tag Heuer name. A striking black and blue aluminum bezel displays 24 hours by day and night, second time zone, black dial, and blue hands and appliqués. The red McLaren measures 42mm features an opaline black dial, and aluminum bezel with tachometer function engraved with the McLaren name. The timepiece has quartz chronograph movement accurate to a tenth of a second (displayed on three small counters). A Special edition Aquaracer Calibre 5 41mm for basketball point guard Jeremy Lin that has his name and initials above the seven. The watch has a charcoal grey sunray dial, 12-sided bezel with six studs and ceramic ring, along with yellow second and minute hands, and strap seams. The look is modern ad relaxed. A Special edition Carrera for British supermodel-turned Tag Brand Ambassador Cara Delevigne. The elegant case has faceted lugs, and the dial is quite legible. Rose gold-plated markers and hands add a feminine touch to the watch, which ends with an aged black calf skin strap that’s padded with tone-on-tone stitching, and features Delevigne’s signature in rose gold. The case back is stamped with the head of a lion; an homage to her astrological sign of Leo. It was a very big week for Biver, who was also presented the GQ Lifetime Achievement Award by Jonathan Newhouse at Baselworld on March 19, 2015.

Jewelry designer Marco Bicego loves nature in all its irregular shapes and colors, and the old-world, hand-made industry traditions of his Venetian origins. “Made in Italy” means something to him; it is at his core…as a man and an artist. This is only natural, it seems, as he grew up in Vicenza, “the gold capital of the world,” near Venice, home to some of Italy’s richest historical, artistic, cultural, musical and cultural heritage. A second-generation master craftsman, he is a man of caring, imagination, energy, enthusiasm and passion; these characteristics that are thoroughly evident in and exuded through all his jewelry designs. Marco Bicego’s work has a distinctive quality, due in part to the signature engraving, hand-twisted style and delicate hues of his collections. The result is jewelry that has a timeless elegance…and large following throughout the world. You’ll find an artisanal quality that is the hallmark of the brand in each and every piece. Marco Bicego captures the spirit of Italian design in a singularly exceptional way. All of the fashion-forward jewelry by this visionary designer is renowned for two elements: hand-woven coil strands and a handcrafted satin finish that leaves hundreds of tiny lines on the surface. Simple yet splendid, Marco Bicego jewelry is an everyday luxury that can be worn day and night. The pieces make a statement…as does the designer. He has set – and reached – a high standard of quality and precision, with a unique style and aesthetic; his motifs can most accurately be defined as urban-ethnic. The popular designs of Marco Bicego’s jewelry are universally identifiable. The pieces are versatile, personal and seductive. The designer seems to find new, modern interpretations for 18kt gold with the debut of each collection. The collections – all of which are ingenious and creative – express the sensations Marco Bicego feels and is compelled to design from, including: Africa – Inspired by tribal jewelry and the soft hues of the Sahara Desert, the Africa collection features an extravagant expression of hand-engraved and hand-textured golden boules (from the French word for “ball” or “globe”) of different sizes and finishes. Choose from a selection of light and spherical necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. Confetti – Gold meets organic minimalism in this collection that celebrates the allure of nature’s variations. Feather-light, colorful “pebbles” combine with artfully crafted 18kt gold for perfectly imperfect pieces sure to delight the most discerning consumers. Delicati – the Italian word for “delicate,” the tantalizing Delicati collection showcases dainty, small wonders from around the world. The hand-crafted 18kt yellow gold refined and graceful creations are a tribute to the joy of traveling, inspired by a variety of places; note the African, Arabian, Indian and Italian influences reflected in the mini necklaces and bracelets that have been derived from the brand’s most iconic collections. Delicati incorporates the time-honored Bulino hand-etched texturing technique along with an array of beautifully faceted stones from diamonds to amethyst, tourmaline, citrine and aquamarine. Goa – White diamonds seem to swirl in graceful shapes within each flattened coil in this collection, thanks to the “Corda di Chitarra” technique, a manipulation of gold exclusive to Marco Bicego. The textured bands of gold – in both warm and cool shades – are manually twisted, creating a tactile finish that is virtually unalterable. Il Cairo– A gold fil rouge – French for “common thread” -- between past and present is formed within these beautiful classic contemporary pieces. The designer’s love for organic shapes shines through in the collection. Jaipur – This collection is meticulously detailed. Hand-selected colors reminiscent of a tropical Indian sunset showcase the exclusively cut stones embraced by a gold frame and celebrate the Jaipur region’s rich traditions of stone carving. Hand-engraving and texturing the gold give it even more depth and dimension. Jaipur Link – The warm shades of 18kt yellow gold necklaces, earrings, pendants, rings and bracelets are easy to wear. Irregularly shaped links are finished with the artisan Bulino technique for a silken effect. The circular beauty of the pieces are never-ending. Lunaria – In Latin, the word means “moonlike,” and refers to decorative seedpods. Marco Bicego’s collection of the same name features hand-engraved 18kt yellow gold plates framed by polished gold that has been molded to resemble flower petals blowing in the wind. The look of brushed gold is achieved through the time-honored Bulino technique that had-etches satin texture onto precious metal. The collection is elegant and refined. Marakkesh– Carefully hammered and manually twisted 18kt coils intertwine to form interlaced engraved links, creating a modern, golden cascading sculpture of timeless elegance and contemporary flavor. Some of the pieces are further enhanced by the adornment of brilliant white diamonds. Murano – Inspired by a series of islands linked by bridges in the Venetian Lagoon in northern Italy where glass has been made for 700 years, this collection was inspired by the architecture and vibrant colors reflected on the Venetian sea. Bulino, irregular shapes and geometric patterns are showcased in the atmospheric pieces. Paradise –A graceful assortment of 18kt yellow gold chains, tiny hand-engraved beads and colorful gems – shimmering pink and white quartz complementing an infinitely delicate range of aqua blue and green stones -- join together to form the perfect balance of precious details and delicacy. Siviglia – A sophisticated and elegant collection comprised of chains connected to irregularly shaped 18 kt gold beans, some of which are encrusted with shimmering, previous pave diamonds. While Marco Bicego is based in Trissino, Italy, stores are located in London, Verona, Italy; Budapest, Hungary; Mykonos and Rethymno in Greece; and Tokyo, Japan. His line is found in more than 1,000 fine jewelry stores around the world – including J.R. Dunn (JRD) in Lighthouse Point – where you can find your piece of everyday luxury. JR Dunn is pleased to include Marco Bicego necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings from the Africa, Confetti, Delicati, Goa, Il Cairo, Jaipur, Jaipur Link, Lunaria, Marakkesh, Murano, Paradise and Siviglia collections in its inventory. You can also view the collections HERE.

Smartphones are a major focus of Baselworld 2015, where independent Swiss watch brand Breitling made its debut of the B55 Connected, and showcased new developments in their more traditional lines. Independent Swiss watch brand Breitling made its debut in the world of smartwatches this year by reinventing the connection watch, producing the first connected chronograph: the B55 Connected. It’s a smartphone in the service of a user-friendly timepiece with enhanced functionality, communicating wirelessly with a smartphone app to compile, control and deploy data. The smartwatch can also be operated by a pair of studs on the timepiece and selected by turning the crown. The B55 Connected remains true to the houses’ aeronautical philosophy, with a design that will attract aviators and inspiring aviator markets. Among the features of the electronic multifunction chronograph: Analog and digital displays Bluetooth connected wireless data transmission, enabling the wearer to set a second time zone, alarm and reminder vibrations Countdown/count-up systems enabling mission elapsed time operations Electronic tachometer Flight time recording, including take-off and landing times and dates High-intensity backlighting Rechargeable battery; plus it into the USB port on a computer Wireless data synchronization Visually, the B55 Connected has an ultra-technical look, with a titanium case with black carbon-based coating and a dial with a blue wireless symbol. This black-and-blue theme continues through the rubber strap. The B55 Connected uses Breitling's B50 Calibre super-quartz movement, which is 10 times more accurate than standard quartz. Breitling’s B55 Connected combines smartwatch technology with haute horlogerie, delivering a Swiss pedigree and modern reliability that keeps the company’s heritage intact. The company’s Galactic collection welcomed the Unitime SleekT, a new model with the breakthrough “in-house” automatic Caliber 35 movement. The B35 Caliber has official chronometer certification by COSC, the Swiss testing agency. Its self-winding worldtime movement (the inaugural Manufacture Breitling caliber sans chronograph function) is easy to use. The time and date can be adjusted by simply pulling the crown out and turning backwards or forwards in one-hour increments. Day/night indicators are based automatically on selected time zone. The movement’s frequency is 28,000 vph and its power reserve is 70 hours. The 44mm steel-case watch’s dial has a filigree globe pattern and large hour markers and hands, while its smooth-surface bezel is made of tungsten carbide. It has a screw-locked domed crown, sapphire crystal with double-sided glare-proof coating and is water-resistant to 100 meters. It straps to the wrist with a Breitling Pilot Bracelet. Breitling’s Superocean II forges style with performance in a watch designed for professional and military divers, as well as recreational diving enthusiasts. The latest model to join the established lineage of exceptional technological and functional timepieces, the new Superocean features a redesigned dial and unidirectional bezel, slimmer and smoother profile, an additional 36mm size and rubber strap. The results of the transformation: enhanced lightness and comfort. The calendar watch’s fluted rubber-molded rotating bezel showcases large and legible numerals, a countdown of the last 15 dive-time minutes and a triangle with luminescent market at 12 o’clock. Large, rounded Arabic numerals are enhanced by a radiant white coating, and the oversized hands also glow in the dark. In addition to the aforementioned 36mm polished steel case, available in black or white, there is a 42mm diameter in polished steel and a 44mm with stain-brushed case that are fitted with a black or blue dial matching the bezel and strap. The movement in all three versions is the self-winding Breitling 17 Caliber. The water-resistance of the Superocean II varies from 200 meters (36mm) to 500 meters (42mm) and 1,000 meters (44mm). Baselworld, the eight-day major business-to-business watch fair runs from March 19-26, 2015, with more than 1,500 exhibitors and over 150,000 attendees expected.

Sustainable luxury scion John Hardy has conceived new looks of pattern, texture and rhythm for pieces in the Bamboo, Naga and Palu collections, and bid adieu to children’s jewelry. Adult men and women all over the world can rejoice about the newly created styles crafted by an imaginative team of highly skilled artisans. One-of-a-kind John Hardy jewelry is crafted one-at-a-time and by-hand, using a traditional jewelry-making techniques that’s been employed for seven centuries and is indigenous to the island of Bali. The current production team is descended from the kings of the island nation of Bali. Each season, up to 200 styles are created. Imagination, ingenuity and inventiveness are ongoing processes. John Hardy jewelry designs are always rich and diverse, inspired by the Balinese people, nature, culture and religion. The motifs continue to share the stories of tradition, and the brand’s ever-present precision sculpting of nature shines through. All of the jewelry is ethically made and meticulously crafted, with pieces between three and 10 months in-the-making! The eco-friendly company uses only 100% recycled silver. Bamboo is central to the Balinese way of life, figuring prominently in building, decoration and food. The John Hardy Bamboo collection pieces continue to have a contemporary style and earthy feel, gracefully paying tribute to the tree-like grass of beauty, strength and versatility. The new jewelry displays those characteristics, with various shapes and textures of the stem evident in the more narrow, multi-branch and crossover designs seen for spring 2015. The iconic core collection features items bamboo motif items that have been updated in beautiful 18kt yellow and rose gold, with some pieces that incorporate diamonds. You’ll see reeds that twist, layer and intertwine in bracelets, including cuffs with a modern interpretation that feature semi-precious stones, such as blue sapphires, black sapphires and diamonds; rings that wrap, bend and twist; and hoop earrings with sculptural arcs. The newest addition to the collection for men is a pair of woven half barrel cufflinks with a distinctive thatched design. Every purchase of an item in the collection plants bamboo seedlings in Bali to fight deforestation, help maintain the water table and offsets carbon emissions, thanks to an initiative established in 2006; the number of trees planted by a portion of the proceeds is inscribed on the jewelry and featured in the John Hardy catalog. You can see the impressive sterling silver bamboo cuff in the advertising campaign with “the face of John Hardy,” model Cara Delevigne (including other standouts for the season!). The Naga collection made its debut in 2008 as the first figurative piece for John Hardy, quickly becoming the second most popular assortment in the United States. Today, John Hardy admirers and collectors may choose from abstract and figurative interpretations of the revered design, whether depicting full-bodied dragons, smiling heads or sensual and stylized scales. John Hardy Naga jewelry is created in a seven-step process, from hand-drawn designs and gouache drawings to 3-D renderings, wax carving, master casting, molding wax tree and silver tree. Richly detailed Naga Scale and Two Tone jewelry present an exotic take on an elegant classic. The pieces are powerful and commanding, showcasing more open-work, harder-edged and geometric jewelry than before, with an array of sharp and curved links. They’re also more suggestive in their design than previously seen, with silhouettes that hint at dragon scales. There’s a bit of a cross-over as well, with signature chain engraving within the interior of the Scale Bracelet. The 18kt gold and sterling silver precious metals provide a laid-back luxury, working together in perfect harmony, much like the dragon and his one true love, the pearl, whose story is the basis for the Naga line. According to the legend of the Naga, the dragon leaves his volcanic perch each night to dive into the sea to visit the pearl, sealing their date with a kiss before climbing out of the water to return to his peak. Along the way, the water that drips from his scales feeds the rice fields, resulting in a plentiful harvest. Because of this, the Naga is revered by the farmers who feel, and benefit from, his support, and has become a symbol of love, prosperity and protection; with the John Hardy talisman providing the same to those who wear a piece from the magnificent jewelry collection. Luck will be granted to all who wear Naga: protection from evil when the dragon faces out; blessings of affection and wealth when facing the wearer. The softly-textured Palu collection is produced during an intense creative process by husband-and-wife teams of artisans. The wife holds the piece over the ire to soften the material as the husband hammers the metal. The collaborative relationship can be seen and felt within the piece. We think you’ll love the new Palu pieces to the moon and back! The collection, aptly named for the Indonesian word for “hammer,” is luxuriously understated, romantic, sophisticated and tactile. While forever fashioned to resemble the beautiful mottling found on the moon’s surface, with a smoothly textured finish where light and shadow play together, items in the 2015 spring collection have been crafted with moon quartz and blue chalcedony stones; talk about lunar-like sheen! Hammered metal pairs with the gems and braided bezel in sterling silver pieces that feature the collection’s signature discs. Make your selection from rings, bracelets and earrings. Remember: just because John Hardy has discontinued its children’s jewelry line, that doesn’t mean that you can’t buy that special baby, little boy or girl a John Hardy original to grow into! After all, the word jewelry originates from the Latin word “jocale,” which means “plaything.” Jewelry was born to protect and decorate; there’s just less liability when presented to someone when they won’t swallow or suck on it, or be put in peril by sharp, pointy edges or long necklaces!

Swiss jeweler Chopard once again showed their “golden touch” at the 87th Academy Awards, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) on February 22, 2015. Bold earrings from the glamorous watch and jewelry company were all over the red carpet, with Best Actress nominees Marion Cotillard and Julianne Moore (who went home with Oscar), as well as presenter Lupita Nyong’o (the Best Supporting Actress winner last year), wearing pieces of Chopard High Jewelry. Additionally, the winner in the Best Actor category, Eddie Redmayne, sported a platinum Chopard L.U.C. XPS watch. Fancy-cut joillaire and statement watches from Chopard are no strangers to the red carpet. Stars of the screen and those working behind-the-scenes have been wearing original, refined creations from the designer and winning big for more than a decade! Best actress winners who took the statuette home while bedecked in Chopard jewelry include Moore, Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Winslet, Marion Cotillard, Helen Mirren, Hilary Swank and Charlize Theron. In addition to Nyong’o, Mo’Nique, Penelope Cruz and Rachel Weisz garnered Best Supporting Actress statuettes while in Chopard, as did Best Actor winners Matthew McConaughey and Colin Firth, and Best Director Michel Hazanavicius. At the 2012 ceremony, Chopard even “went to the dogs,” with a custom-designed collar with a black satin bow tie and 18kt yellow gold charm for Uggie, the canine star of “The Artist,” later auctioned off with proceeds benefiting an animal rescue organization. The glamorous watch and jewelry company is one of the film industry’s biggest supporters, having established long-term relationships with actors, actresses and others who work in the business. Chopard has been the official partner of the Cannes International Film Festival since 1989, redesigning the cultural event’s Palme d’Or; and has shown a presence at the César’s, British Academy of Film and Television Film Awards (BAFTA); and Golden Globes, in addition to The Oscars. Chopard and members of the film industry obviously have a “mutual admiration society.” While Chopard may be viewed as a “lucky” line for Oscar nominees, Chopard is fortunate to have so many industry insiders as fans.

By far and away the most dramatic jewelry trend of 2014 is body jewelry. While most of us will never be brave enough to wear a piece of jewelry that connects our waistline to our neckline, there are other styles of body jewelry like ear climbers and cuffs that could easily find their way into the modern jewelry fashionista's wardrobe. Often times these trends create a huge buzz at the jewelry shows only to fizzle in your local jewelers showcases and go on sale the next year. We do feel there is a difference with body jewelry though. From the simplest of terms it is just downright sexy. Have a look at the latest campaign featuring a bracelet-ring combo from Casato, an up and coming Italian jeweler with stunning style. Of course the model in the Casato campaign is gorgeous but who wouldn't look amazing with their hair pulled back in their LBD with stunning pair of chandelier earrings or ear climbers. Now the cool thing about this new Ear Climber and Cuff trend is it does not have to be always so dressy or dramatic. In fact there is a pair of ear climbers from Rina Limor that can be worn daily. They certainly make a statement but are SFW (safe for work). We think these Diamond Vine Earrings are going to be huge hit and are already the single most viewed designer jewelry item on the J.R.Dunn Jewelers website. They come in large and small sizes and are a dream to wear in terms of comfort. Gorgeous earrings and ring/bracelet combo from Casato. Amazing Vine Earrings From Rina Limor. Available at JRDunn.com $3395. Stay tuned for more pictures of ear climbers and cuffs as we are receiving all of goodies for upcoming Holiday Season at J.R.Dunn. Like what you see don't hesitate to call one of our amazing team member at 866-362-5787.