Fall and Winter 2012 - Amazon Web Services

A C C E N T ♦ T H E M A G A Z I N E O F L I F E ’ S C E L E B R AT I O N S ♦ FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 1 2
THE
SENTIMENT
OF A
DIAMOND
HOMEGROWN
LEGENDS
+
FROM
THE
RUNWAYS
WARM
WINTER
WISHES!
Contents fall/winter 2012
INDIANAPOLIS
FASHION MALL COMMONS
(317) 255-4467
GREENWOOD
GREENDALE CENTRE
(317) 883-4467
REISNICHOLS.COM
P U B L I S H E D B Y T H E B J I FA S H I O N G R O U P
PUBLISHER
STU NIFOUSSI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN
C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R
HANS GSCHLIESSER
MANAGING EDITOR
JILLIAN LAROCHELLE
PROJECT MANAGER
LISA MONTEMORRA
40
DESIGNERS
CYNTHIA LUCERO
JEAN-NICOLE VENDITTI
PRODUCTION MANAGER
PEG EADIE
PRESIDENT AND CEO
4
See & Be Seen
36 The Sentiment of a Diamond
6
Profile: John Hardy
40 Cuffs & Chains
8
Bigger is Better
42 One With Nature
BRITTON JONES
CHAIRMAN AND COO
MAC BRIGHTON
Jewelry has been enlarged to show detail. Due to the fluctuating prices
10 Fall for Color
44 Interiors: Heavy Metals
13 Accent Advisor
48 Football: A New Generation
14 Hot Watches
50 Giving Back: Animals in Need
magazine,
18 Guy Style: Express Yourself
52 Speed: The Thrill of Victory
Copyright 2012. Accent® is published by Business Journals, Inc,
21 Timepieces: David Yurman
55 Craftsmanship: Homegrown
Legends
23 The Arts: Cabaret Renaissance
27 The Details: Something Even Newer
28 Engaging Style
of diamonds, gold and platinum, prices are subject to change. While we
have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this
we
are
not
responsible
for
errors
or
omissions.
P.O. Box 5550, Norwalk, CT 06856, 203-853-6015 • Fax: 203852-8175; Advertising Office: 1384 Broadway, 11th Floor, NY, NY
56 Travel: It’s About Time
10018, 212-686-4412 • Fax: 212-686-6821; All Rights Reserved.
58 Spirits: Get the Skinny
The publishers accept no responsibilities for advertisers’ claims,
unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or other materials. No
part of this magazine may be reproduced without written per-
30 The Rings: New and Non-Traditional
mission of the publishers. Volume 10, Issue 2. Accent® is a trade-
35 A Brilliant Investment
mark of Business Journals, Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and
38 The Stories: Wedding Day Magic
Trademark office. Printed In U.S.A.
2
IMAGE COURTESY JOHN HARDY
FEATURES
SEE & BE SEEN
Designer Penny Preville
visits Indy
REIS-NICHOLS JEWELERS CONTINUES ITS LONGSTANDING TRADITION OF
HOSTING FUN EVENTS TO ENTERTAIN CLIENTS AND BENEFIT CHARITABLE CAUSES.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Charity Event
Super Bowl fun!
4
SEE & BE SEEN
Guys and Dolls Charity Night
REIS-NICHOLS JEWELERS CONTINUES ITS LONGSTANDING TRADITION OF
HOSTING FUN EVENTS TO ENTERTAIN CLIENTS AND BENEFIT CHARITABLE CAUSES.
WZPL Wedding Winners
Vintage Watch Auction
Happy Birthday to Me!
PROFILE
INSPIRED BY NATURE
JOHN HARDY REVISITS ITS NAGA COLLECTION WITH FIERY NEW DESIGNS
TO CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON. BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE
F
irst introduced in 2009, on the
anniversary of John Hardy’s 20th
year in business, the Naga collection
tells the Balinese myth of the dragon and
the pearl. As legend has it, the dragon
would leave his volcano each night
and dive down to the
bottom of the sea to visit
his love, the pearl. At
sunrise, as he burst
from the water and
returned home to the volcano, the water dripping from his
scales fertilized rice fields across the land and brought
prosperity to the Balinese.
Now, for the Chinese Year of the Dragon, John Hardy head
designer and creative director Guy Bedarida has dramatically
expanded the 2012 Naga collection with more pieces featuring
this mythical symbol of good fortune, prosperity and success.
Like the dragon in the myth, one of John Hardy’s missions is to help
the Balinese land and people flourish. The company views
itself as a collaborative effort between designers and
artisans, and believes that “a business can prosper
while respecting people and nature.” Their
Greener Everyday policy signifies an
ongoing commitment to environmental
conservation, which includes the
planting of bamboo, rice and even the
black palm wood used in some of its
men’s designs. The brand’s Hong
Kong headquarters are completely
green, and its Mambal, Bali compound is
a village unto itself, composed of traditional
bamboo and mud structures, rice paddies and an organic
farm that provides lunch for the entire workforce there.
The Naga collection, like all John Hardy collections, is handcrafted in Bali
by these talented native artisans, some of whom have previously served as
jewelers to Balinese kings. Some pieces feature full dragons or dragon
heads, while others showcase a more abstract dragon scale motif. Crafted
from sterling silver, yellow gold and an assortment of precious and semiprecious gems, the collection’s cuffs, bracelets, rings, necklaces and earrings
are rich with detail, inside and out.
Reis-Nichols
Jewelers was
honored to host Guy
Bedarida for an
exclusive personal
appearance and
spectacular one-day
showing on
November 2, 2012.
“I LIKE TO THINK THAT THE WEARERS OF THE NAGA
COLLECTION WILL ENJOY LOVE, PROSPERITY AND LUCK.”
–GUY BEDARIDA, HEAD DESIGNER
6
Bigger
IS BETTER
IMAGES COURTESY OF ACCESSORIESDIRECTIONS.COM
FROM THE RUNWAYS
Statement
make a
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:
David Yurman Cable Coil necklace $3,400
John Hardy Palu circle necklace $795
David Yurman Starlight bracelet $5,400
Ippolita mother-of-pearl ring $1,495
John Hardy Kali drop earrings $550
TW Steel chronograph watch $625
Color
FALL FOR
Color
forms
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:
Stephen Webster black opal pendant $11,760
Marco Bicego long multi-sapphire necklace $4,820
Green agate necklace $2,950
Honora set of 3 Gelato bracelets $100
Penny Preville blue sapphire earrings $1,695
Marco Bicego multi-sapphire drop earrings $1,220
ACCENT(ADVISOR)
I OFTEN HEAR TALK
ABOUT “LAYERING”
JEWELRY. BUT ISN’T ONE
GREAT PIECE MORE
IMPACTFUL THAN MANY
LESSER PIECES?
Depending on the outfit, one great piece is often the most dramatic way to wear
jewelry, but mixing pieces (layering) is another good option, an expressive way
to create looks that are more personal and uniquely you.
And these days, there are few rules. Yellow, white and rose gold can be
combined in a single piece or worn at the same time in separate pieces. Modern
and Deco-inspired styles can work hand in hand; colored gemstones can be
mixed and matched according to your tastes, your personality, or your mood of
the moment. (Contrast colors are very “in” this season.) Spend some time
experimenting with creative combinations and see what moves you. Often, an
old piece worn differently can become a new favorite!
IS THIS A
GOOD
TIME TO
INVEST IN
GOLD?
Yes! The intrinsic value of precious
metal is always a good investment,
particularly in a precarious
economy. In fact, a gold ring
purchased 25 years ago is worth at
least 10 times as much today. Gold
is indestructible: it does not
corrode or tarnish; all the gold that
has ever been mined still exists. In
addition, jewelry designers today
are creating more spectacular
works in gold than ever before.
Next time you visit us, we’ll show
you some truly irresistible
investments—both financial and
emotional!
OVER THE YEARS,
MY HUSBAND
HAS GIVEN
ME MANY SMALL
AND DELICATE
PENDANTS THAT I
SOMETIMES WEAR
TO MAKE HIM
HAPPY, BUT DON’T
REALLY LOVE. ANY
IDEAS?
How about buying a beautiful gold link chain and creating a
charm bracelet or necklace? Or combining a few of the smaller
pendants into a more significant piece? Bring them into the
store and we’ll be happy to work with you on designing
something truly special that you’ll wear with pride and that
you BOTH will love.
13
DO I NEED
TO BUY MY
WATCH
FROM AN
AUTHORIZED
DEALER?
Absolutely yes! Unfortunately, today
there are plenty of decent-seeming
knockoffs available on the internet and
even in stores. Unless your dealer is
authorized, you can never be sure what
you’re buying, so when the time comes
for repairs or your watch requires a
replacement part, you could be out of
luck. Why jeopardize your investment in
such an important item, which is often
not just a timepiece, but a treasured
heirloom?
WATCHES
Fendi
Crazy Carats, $3,200
THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF OUR FABULOUS WATCH SELECTIONS
FOR HER. COME IN AND SEE WHAT’S TICKING.
TAG Heuer
Lady Link, $5,600
Chanel
J12 Automatic
38mm, $17,700
14
Cartier
Tank Anglaise
medium, $69,200
"A MAN PASSIONATE ABOUT AVIATION AND FINE
MECHANISMS ONLY SHARES HIS FLIGHTS WITH
THE ULTIMATE CHRONOGRAPH LEGEND."
Whether at the controls of one of his jets or his many other flying
machines, John Travolta daily plays his own role: that of a first-rate pilot
who has notched up over 6,000 flight hours and eight certifications on
various types of aircraft. That of a man who is passionate about everything
embodying the authentic aeronautical spirit. On his wrist is a Breitling
Navitimer with its famous aviation slide rule. A cult-watch for all devotees
and professionals of the conquest of the skies, equipped with Breitling
Caliber 01, probably the best selfwinding chronograph movement.
For John Travolta, it is simply the ultimate chronograph legend.
5-YEAR BREITLING WARRANTY $7,945
BREITLING.COM
HOT WATCHES
FOR HIM
Breitling
Stainless steel Transocean
Unitime, $11,200
Raymond Weil
Stainless steel
Freelancer GT
Chronograph,
$2,950
TW Steel
Stainless Steel
Automatic, $595
Panerai
Stainless Steel Luminor
44mm, $8,000
IWC
Pilot’s Watch Worldtimer,
$9,650
17
GUY STYLE
EXPRESS
YOURSELF!
TEN GREAT WAYS FOR GUYS TO WEAR
JEWELRY IN 2013. BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN
I
NOLET’S GIN
“HOW ELSE CAN
A MAN REVEAL
HIS TRUE
PERSONALITY?”
18
DAVID YURMAN
t’s no secret: Men’s jewelry is uptrending this season and more guys are
wearing more interesting jewelry pieces than at any time since the
1960s. And that’s a good thing, according to women everywhere who
have been begging their men to step it up a bit, fashion-wise. And what
better way for a guy to express his personality than with jewelry, the perfect
accent for uniform male attire, be it a navy suit, golf shirt with khakis, or
jeans and a T-shirt.... While it’s no longer about bling, men’s jewelry today is
creative in a subtle, sophisticated, artisan-inspired kind of way, making it just
as appropriate with business and formal wear as it is with casual wear. So
bring out your inner rock star and consider the following:
Stacks of bracelets. Mixing materials like leathers, metals, interesting
beads and colored stones creates a unique look that reflects personal style.
(We know a few corporate execs whose rolled up shirt sleeves reveal stacks
of cool bracelets…)
Pendants, dog tags, necklaces of all kinds. These might include the
proverbial “skull” motifs, religious symbols and “slices” of colored minerals
(agates, geodes, etc.). There are even pendants made from dinosaur bone,
tire treads and other unusual materials. Wear them on anything from a gold
or silver chain to a beaded or leather cord.
A simple ID bracelet. Whether it’s yours, your dad’s or your partner’s,
it’s sure to turn heads and sure to become a family heirloom.
A modern link bracelet. Maybe in a non-traditional metal like titanium
or hammered sterling with a gunmetal finish (gold is good too!).
Cuff links. Have fun with them! Vintage designs like subway tokens,
golf clubs and typewriter keys are always fun, but you can’t go wrong with
sleek modern styling and/or anything personalized. (Young men are
wearing French cuff shirts, even when they’re not wearing suits!)
A tie bar. Not for everyone, but this retro-inspired accessory adds a
touch of hipster, especially worn with skinny ties.
The ring’s the thing! Wedding bands, commitment bands, anniversary,
eternity, fraternity: nothing symbolizes devotion more emphatically than a
band of gold (or platinum!). If it’s been awhile since your original wedding
bands, you and your loved one might want to consider a more
contemporary statement. (Even if you still have the same partner after all
these years, your taste has likely evolved.)
A bold signet-type ring with a fabulous colored stone.
A fun watch. Something colorful, playful, not so serious. Something
sporty, rugged or with complications. (Because life can be complicated…)
The quintessential classic dress watch. In gold of course. Because he
deserves it. (And if not now, when?)
Fascination in Detail
Platinum-plated writing implements
with barrels made of matte black
ebony segments, separated by gleaming
platinum-plated rings. Also available with
barrels made of ivory colored precious
resin segments, polished to a high-gloss.
18k gold nib ‘run in’ by hand.
freelancer collection
TIMEPIECES
When and why did David Yurman enter the timepiece business?
We entered the business in 1994 with the introduction of the Cable
collection, a bracelet that ticks. In 2000 we launched the Thoroughbred
collection, our first traditional watches, addressing what we saw as a void
in the market. No one was doing iconic timepieces rooted in the tradition
of fine Swiss watchmaking, but with an American design sensibility.
Is that what makes Yurman watches so special?
Yes. David Yurman is America’s only fine timepiece designer and to us, that
in itself is special. The Yurman brand has always been inspired by American
art and design and our timepiece collections adhere to this aesthetic. Each
watch is treated like a piece of art, reflecting David Yurman’s casual sense
of luxury and high standards of precision.
At the heart of our timepieces is our commitment to quality, design and
innovation. From the Classic Ancestrale to the Revolution collection, each
watch combines the precision of Swiss movements and manufacturing with
sophisticated American design.
Tell us about your passion for classic cars and motorsports, and
the launch of Shelby Revolution?
Cars have always been a passion of mine. I enjoy the mechanical nature of
cars. They’re a lot like timepieces in that way—thousands of machined parts
coming together to create one cohesive mechanical movement. The Shelby
Revolution watch collection came about because Shelby is an iconic
American brand and I wanted to celebrate their achievements and the mark
they’ve left on American design.
EVAN YURMAN ON WATCHES,
CARS AND PERSONAL FAVORITES.
BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN
AMERICAN
DESIGN
What are your best-selling watch styles at the moment?
The new Revolution collection has had an incredible response, both the
automatic and the chronograph. We offer it in a number of variations,
including a beautiful rose gold case. The Shelby, which is a limited edition
within the Revolution collection, is extremely popular and is mostly
reserved on pre-order.
What’s your personal favorite watch these days and why?
Recently, I’ve been wearing a steel chronograph Revolution with a bracelet.
It has a beautiful, clean aesthetic and I like the heft and feel of it. Plus it’s a
sport watch, so I also appreciate its ruggedness.
And your personal favorite car?
There are so many beautiful cars out there that it’s difficult to
pick one, but my favorite genre is certainly American muscle.
There’s an elegant simplicity to American muscle cars, both
vintage and modern, that I find appealing. It’s that simple
design that makes it so easy for owners to customize
and improve them, and essentially express their own
personalities.
“I enjoy the mechanical nature of cars.
They’re a lot like timepieces: thousands
of machined parts coming together to
create one cohesive mechanical
movement.”
–Evan Yurman, Director of Design,
Men’s and Timepieces, David Yurman
Like father, like son... David and Evan Yurman.
21
T H E O R I G I N ATO R O F C U LT U R E D P E A R L S . S I N C E 1 8 9 3 .
THE ARTS
THIS PAGE: COURTESY OF FEINSTEIN’S AT THE LOEWS REGENCY. OPPOSITE PAGE: PAT JOHNSON STUDIOS; RICHARD TERMINE; CHRISTOPHER HADLO CK
CABARET
RENAISSANCE
“IN HERE, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL..” BY DONALD CHARLES RICHARDSON
J
ohn Iachetti doesn’t spend much time behind his desk at the entrance
to Feinstein’s. Smiling and charming, the director of entertainment
greets guests and personally escorts them to their tables, as if hosting
an exclusive private dinner party. His enthusiasm is infectious. There’s an air
of anticipation as musicians settle on the small stage, the lights dim, and a
voice announces the performer. The audience applauds (when a favorite
takes the stage they cheer like baseball fans). For the next 70 minutes, a
talented entertainer will be close enough to touch, playing to each individual,
talking and joking with the crowd. On an average night, it’s exciting. On a
great night, when a truly incomparable artist is at the peak of his or her
powers, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Cabaret in America has had its ups and downs. Popular at speakeasies
during the Roaring Twenties and again at supper clubs during and after the
Second World War, today it’s having a renaissance in grand rooms with
gourmet chefs and elaborate wine lists, as well as little, out-of-the-way
clubs. “I think cabaret is popular again because it’s a personal experience,”
says Iachetti. “For the audience, it’s like sitting in a living room listening to
brilliant performers tell their stories.”
While cabarets occasionally feature instrumentalists or comedy acts,
it’s the singers that fill the rooms. The great stars, like the legendary Barbara
Cook, Marilyn Maye and Michael Feinstein, blend equal measures of artistry,
emotion, and nostalgia…and often dress to the nines. Michael Feinstein is
always in a tuxedo. Marilyn Maye wears a jeweled brooch, a gift from Bob
Mackie and Joe McFate, as well as an enormous star sapphire ring. (“I think
it’s my obligation to be chic and I love jewelry,” she says.) Then there are
the “insiders,” often brilliant entertainers with devoted followings in cabaret
circles. And, of course, new performers who appear at open-mic shows,
hoping for their big breaks.
New York is the bastion of cabaret. Feinstein’s, currently at the Loews
Regency (moving to a new location in January 2013), and the Café Carlyle
at the Carlyle Hotel offer the ultimate in elegance and entertainment.
Feinstien is known as "The Ambassador of the Great American Songbook"
for his commitment to American popular music over a 30-year career of live
performances, recordings and broadcasts. His repertoire spans serving on
The Library of Congress' National Sound Recording Advisory Board to
acting as director of a new popular music series for Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Closer to home, at the new Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel,
Feinstein has served as the artistic director at the Palladium since its
opening in 2011. The Center is a haven for local theater, dance and music
organizations to perform and plays host to some of the globe's most gifted
performers. In addition to his role as artistic director, Feinstein also
performs frequently at the Palladium.
Farther downtown in New York, there’s Birdland, where on Monday
nights the multi-talented Jim Caruso holds his celebrated Cast Party. At this
casually elegant gathering, eminent show business names, Broadway and
cabaret pros, and new talent including the staff (bartender William Minyard
23
Above: The Rrazz
Room in San
Francisco Right:
Michael Feinstein and
Barbara Cook perform
Left: The Duplex in
New York City’s
Greenwich Village
brings down the house when he sings) show up to perform and mingle with
the audience until the wee hours of the morning.
The Duplex has been a Greenwich Village landmark for nearly 60 years.
New Yorkers (and visitors anxious to explore the real thing) climb a set of
somewhat rickety stairs to a long narrow room where some of the greatest
entertainers, including Barbara Steisand and Woody Allen, have appeared.
Booking manager Thomas Honeck says, “The Duplex has always been a place
of beginnings…giving young performers a shot, a place to feel comfortable to
try new things and stretch.” Today, audiences pack the room nightly for acts
such as superb songstress Colleen McHugh, who offers enchanting
contemporary interpretations of classic tunes, the comedic Recignos
Brothers, and other fresh, innovative singers and comedy acts.
abaret is, fortunately, not limited to New York. In Austin, the charming
Austin Cabaret Theater, produced by Stuart Moulton, has presented
Carol Channing, Elaine Stritch and Natalie Douglas in her tribute to
Lena Horne. The attractive Royal Room at the Colony in Palm Beach combines
gourmet food with shows by some of the best cabaret performers in the
business. And then there’s the Rrazz Room in San Francisco. Owners Robert
Kotonly and Rory Paull have created a plush nightclub with an extraordinary
wine list and uncommon cocktails. Alternating tradition and innovation, some
nights, the Rrazz Room sticks with the standards and the city’s society figures
gather for Betty Buckley or Tony Martin. On other evenings, the club encourages
young people to venture into the cabaret experience with acts like The Three
Degrees and Jefferson Starship.
Chances are, there’s now a cabaret near you. Go hear the music play.
C
24
THE ARTIST’S VIEWPOINT
Bebe Neuwirth “There is nothing that can compare to the
experience of attending a live performance. The music is more
deeply felt, the performance more deeply felt….”
Barbara Cook “Cabaret is a place where honesty has a lot to do
with how effective you are. You’re not playing a character, you’re
your honest self.”
Marilyn Maye “You create a real relationship with your audience;
you make a moment, an evening.”
Pianist Tedd Firth “I’ve worked with very well-known performers and
first-timers. Cabaret has a common appeal: the chance to perform in an
intimate setting that’s unlike any other performance environment.”
Natalie Douglas “Sometimes I can feel the audience’s
reactions…[they develop] an almost spiritual connection with me,
the music, the lyrics and the musicians.”
Colleen McHugh “Cabaret, at its best, provides the ultimate
connection between song, performer and audience.”
Jim Caruso “People have been ringing the death-knell for cabaret
for years, yet it continues to thrive….”
BEAUTIFUL
SO
BRIDES
T H E D E TA I L S
BY LISA MONTEMORRA MENGHI
Something Even Newer
AS TIME MOVES FORWARD, SO DOES OUR DESIRE TO RE-INVENT OLD TRADITIONS.
It’s a ritual dating back to the Victorian
era that’s meant to bring luck to
newlyweds: on her wedding day, the
bride carries or wears something old,
something new, something borrowed
and something blue. Here, a few ideas
for the modern bride who wants to
honor this age-old custom with a fresh,
updated twist.
Above: Sterling Silver Floral Stemmed
Pair Candlesticks ca. 1943, USA
CANDLESTICKS: 1STDIBS.COM; CAKE: FANTASY FROSTINGS, SOUTH PASADENA, CA
SOMETHING OLD
• Think out of the box. Your
‘somethings’ can be places or
decorations instead of worn
items. One example: hold your
wedding at a historic site.
• Display old photos of ancestors
(extra points if taken on their
wedding days) at your ceremony
and/or reception. It’s heartfelt
and gives your guests an insight
into your family history.
• Wear lace or a button from a
family member’s wedding dress
in your hair, or incorporate it
into your bouquet.
• Have your ring bearer carry the
rings in a treasured heirloom
instead of on the standard satin
pillow. A jewelry box from a
beloved family member could
also hold a flower girl’s petals.
• Instead of wearing heirloom
jewelry in its intended manner,
pin or sew it onto your gown as
a featured design element.
• Find an alternative use for your
mother’s or grandmother’s veil.
Use it to wrap your bouquet or
drape it over a photo display table.
book table. It will elicit good
memories of shared family
meals and togetherness.
• Give your grandmother’s crystal
candleholders or vase a vacation
from the curio cabinet with a
place of honor at your ceremony.
• Borrow a pretty silver knife
from a friend or family member
and use it to cut the cake.
• Set your sweetheart table with
heirloom china and silver, to
make your first meal as husband
and wife even more special.
• If your parents are sentimental,
they probably still have their
wedding cake topper. Get it out
of that dusty box in the garage
and give it another go.
SOMETHING BLUE
our bouquet
Embellish y a family dress.
m
o
with lace fr
SOMETHING
BORROWED
• Borrow a family tablecloth to
dress up the escort card or guest
A C C E N T
27
• Incorporate a beautiful blue
stone or side stones into your
wedding band. Sapphire, blue
topaz, tanzanite and aquamarine
are all excellent choices.
• Why not wear a pair of strappy blue
evening shoes? They’ll be a fun flash
of color beneath your dress.
• Getting rid of wedding cake guilt
B R I D A L
Something b
and yummy lue...
too!
is easy: decorate it with delicious
fresh blueberries and meet your
daily fruit quota!
• When you go for your wedding
day pedicure, choose a pretty
pale blue. Or how about a strip
of blue to replace the white on a
French manicure?
• Use a small blue clutch for your
lipstick, cell phone and other
wedding day necessities.
• Signature drinks are always fun.
Why not use Blue Curaçao to
concoct your custom cocktail?
• Splurge on luxurious blue
lingerie for your wedding night.
SOMETHING NEW
• A brand new piece of jewelry,
of course! You’ll be investing in
an heirloom that will have
special meaning for the next
generation of your family.
DIAMONDS
Yellow Diamond Collection: Styles shown start at $8,400.
Engaging Style
DISCOVER A FABULOUS VARIETY OF EXCEPTIONAL ENGAGEMENT
AND WEDDING RINGS AT REIS-NICHOLS JEWELERS.
Men's Wedding Bands: Styles shown in 14K gold, palladium and cobalt metal priced from $260 to $1,770.
28
Rings left to right: 5-diamond band $15,990. Emerald-cut diamond $34,495. Sapphire and diamonds $58,990. All in platinum.
Beautiful, rare and responsibly sourced: Eternity band. Half-carat solitaire. Bouquet ring. Split-band ring.
18K gold Modern collection
setting $5,905.
14K gold vintage setting $2,310, with
matching band $1,720.
29
THE RINGS
BY LAURIE SCHECHTER
NEW AND NON-TRADITIONAL
UNIQUE OPTIONS ABOUND TO SUIT EVERY COUPLE’S TASTE.
ince engagement and wedding rings are choices you
live with forever, it’s no wonder that current bridal
ring trends reflect the individual style and personality
of their wearers more than a strict tradition or a
certain set of rules. In fact, non-traditional is the new
trend! One has only to look to recent famous weddings and engagements
for proof: think Angelina Jolie’s custom-designed engagement ring of
graduated tablet-shaped diamonds, or the new Mrs. Mark Zuckerberg
and Jessica Simpson, both showing off ruby engagement rings.
Many of today’s rings are rooted in history. The giving of rings along
with taking vows of marriage dates back to ancient times. The wedding
band, fashioned into a circle, symbolizes never-ending immortal love, and
the finger it is worn on was thought to have a special vein connected
directly to the heart. Both customs are said to have originated in Ancient
Egypt.
The forerunner to the modern-day engagement ring was the ancient
Greeks’ betrothal rings. Early betrothal rings from the Middle Ages, called
‘‘posy’’ rings, were inscribed with poems and love notes. Engagement
rings with diamonds were first given by royalty and nobles beginning in the
15th century, mixed with rubies in the 17th and 18th centuries, and had
messages spelled out in colored stones in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Today’s betrothed have all this history to mine, with the benefit of
modernity found in unusual designs and wide range of metals, stones and
shapes available.
In actuality, the halo has never really gone away, but it has been trending more strongly for the past few years, which aligns with the reigning
popularity of round diamond cuts. The difference now is the variety of designs available, and the cuts and arrangement of the stones. Double halos with
two rows of surrounding stones, three-stone rings (a descendent of the early 20th-century princess ring) incorporating halo diamonds, and the stilltrending-strong eternity wedding bands with halo diamonds are all turns on the halo’s road to success. A. Jaffe reports, ‘‘Styles with cushion shaped
halos surrounding the center diamond, as well as a cushion cut diamond standing alone in the center setting, are very popular engagement rings.
Matching halo earrings and pendants for the bride have also become increasingly popular.’’
2.RESPONSIBLY SOURCED
Choosing diamonds that are sourced in an ethical manner is
increasingly important among socially conscious brides. Without
question, all the stones we sell in our store are responsibly
sourced. Forevermark is among those that guarantee diamonds
are carefully selected to meet “high standards of business, social
and environmental integrity" (less than 1% of the world's
diamonds are eligible to become a Forevermark diamond).
Along with this heightened consciousness is the popularity of
“recycling” diamonds: wearing vintage or heritage rings, family
heirlooms which can be adapted and updated for a fresh look.
3.COLOR MY WORLD
Color seems to be the biggest driver at retail today. It’s the big story for women’s
and men’s fashion on the runways and in the
stores. Today’s bride, to set herself apart, might
even opt for color instead of traditional white for
her wedding dress. And color is, of course, also a
big trend in engagement rings. Beautiful colored
diamonds and other colored gemstones are surging
in popularity in no small part due to the Duchess of
Cambridge’s (previously Princess Diana’s) gorgeous
sapphire engagement ring.
A C C E N T
30
B R I D A L
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: FOREVERMARK, FOREVERMARK, SCOTT KAY, A. JAFFE, BEAUDRY
1.RETURN OF THE HALO
7.TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
4.I’LL TAKE MINE
Saying "black is the new white" may be going too far, but many
are opting for this alternative look to make their wedding jewelry
stand out from the crowd. It's a great new option to consider, and
because black diamonds are far less expensive than white ones,
it enables your budget to go further. Combinations of black and
white have always been timeless, so we're guessing this new
trend will be here to stay.
WITH A TWIST
You can’t get much more non-traditional
and unique than a twisted band
engagement ring. It’s an individual
statement with a modern spin that can
quickly update the classic solitaire or take
pavé in a new direction. In streamlined
metal or an all-diamond band, it’s an
attention grabber either way.
5.WIDEN
YOUR
HORIZONS
Wide diamond bands and
channel rings—where the
band can be any width with
diamonds filling the
“channel” in the center—are
trending as wedding bands
and, in some cases, can
even serve as both the
engagement and wedding
ring. With the high-powered
real estate it occupies on the
finger, it’s a glamorous and
practical all-in-one statement.
Using alternative metals and mixing metals are trends, and the unique
options available have increased at an exponential rate. In both engagement
rings and women’s wedding bands, there’s been a strong introduction of rose
gold on its own or mixed with white gold, platinum or yellow gold. In men’s
wedding bands, in addition to the classic yellow gold, white gold and
platinum, there are many examples of alternate metals and materials:
everything from palladium, tungsten carbide and cobalt to ceramic, titanium
and seranite, all with two-tone as a leading direction.
Midnight Ice Black Diamond Collection
From top: Black and white diamond ring setting $1,875
1.25 ct black diamond with white halo ring setting $3,750
Matching white diamond band $1,295
"Heavenly" black diamond ring setting $1,150
Matching "Heavenly" black diamond band $895
"Enchantment" black diamond ring setting $695
Matching "Enchantment" black diamond band $595
A C C E N T
32
B R I D A L
LEFT COLUMN FROM TOP: MEMOIRE, MEMOIRE, RITANI, MEMOIRE, ROBERTO COIN CENTO
6. MIXING IT UP
PEACE OF MIND STARTS
WITH PROOF OF QUALITY.
Carat Weight
1.53
Color Grade
E
Clarity Grade
VS1
Cut Grade
Excellent
Laser Inscription
Registry Number
GIA 16354621
Natural Diamond
Not Synthetic
A GIA report is certainty from the source.
As creator of the 4Cs and the International Diamond Grading System™,
GIA sets the standards for diamond assessment, worldwide. Unbiased. Scientific.
A report from GIA gives you a clear understanding of your diamond’s quality.
Look for GIA Diamond Grading Reports and the jewelers who offer them. www.4cs.gia.edu
THE UNIVERSAL STANDARD BY WHICH GEMS ARE JUDGED.
PRICELESS INSIGHT
BJ NICHOLS knows jewelry from the inside, out.
T
hree things a jeweler can’t do without.
Happy, well-trained staff. Fabulous merchandise.
Positive referrals.
How did you get into the business?
We’re a family business, so we were all introduced at an
early age. Two of my sisters work in the business with me.
Combined, we have over 90 years of experience.
All-time favorite piece of jewelry?
My wife’s diamond wedding ring. Although I did recently
give her a wonderful cushion cut diamond to celebrate
25 years of putting up with me.
Most valuable lesson learned at work?
Short and sweet, it’s all about your people.
What should a customer always look for?
A jeweler with a good reputation, longevity and credentials.
Also, if you’re buying a diamond, get a GIA grading report.
Why is a GIA report so important?
As a GIA Graduate Gemologist, I can assure that this is the most accurate and unbiased
assessment in the jewelry industry. GIA is recognized as creator and maintainer of the
International Diamond Grading System™.
Insider’s tip?
The jewelry you buy for a loved one to celebrate an accomplishment will be cherished
for a lifetime. It doesn’t matter what you spend.
Best source for diamond know-how?
4cs.gia.edu. Not only to explain what to look for in a diamond, it’s information jewelers
use themselves.
DIAMONDS
A BRILLIANT
INVESTMENT
L
arge diamonds of fine quality have always been sentimentally
appreciated, but you may want to take a closer look at their
appreciation in value the next time you’re making an investment.
Martin Rapaport is respected as one of the diamond industry’s leading
experts. In 2011 his Diamond Price Statistics Annual Report stated that every
$1,000 spent on a 5-carat diamond 10 years ago would have returned
$1,645 in 2011. A decade-long diamond investment outpaced returns in the
yen, euro and Nasdaq or Dow Jones indices, according to the report.
“Most luxury items we buy wear out or rot," notes gem and jewelry
expert Dave Atlas. “Jewelry, and especially diamonds, can last forever and
have more intrinsic value than cars and houses. Land has intrinsic value and
so too do gold and diamonds. But the ‘fashion value’ can be fickle, unless
the piece is a rare collectable.”
RAPAPORT ALSO GAVE THESE TIPS
FOR WOULD-BE DIAMOND TRADERS:
• Only invest in diamonds examined and certified by the
Gemological Institute of America or International Gemological
Institute.
• Get an appraiser’s opinion on a diamond, making sure it's
appraised by current market price, and that the appraiser is a
member of the National Association of Appraisers.
• Invest in polished diamonds, rather than uncut.
35
DIAMONDS
THE
SENTIMENT
OF A
Diamond
D
Path of Life Necklace
The perfect gift for the
graduate, bride, new
mother or anyone
beginning a new
journey in their life.
The circle symbolizes
longevity; the
diamonds represent
new steps in your life.
$250.
Diamond Margarita
Stud Earrings
Starting at $795.
iamond is the birthstone for April. It is also used
as the symbol of a 60-year anniversary. However,
diamonds symbolize more than romance. For
centuries diamonds have been a symbol of love,
excellence and purity. Because of their unmatched
hardness and clarity, they also symbolize power, strength,
brilliance and unparalleled beauty. Throughout history
many regarded them as magical. Not only were they rare
and beautiful, but they could not be cut and were
impervious to fire. It was said that the Greeks believed
diamonds were tears of the gods. Romans believed they
were splinters of fallen stars.
Diamonds were also believed to have been used as
healing stones. They were used for detecting and
detoxifying poison, opening spirituality channels and
assisting in calming creatures. In modern times, the
diamond symbolizes eternity and love and is often given as
a gift to mark life’s milestones: a young woman’s 16th
birthday, an engagement, an anniversary, the birth of a child
or another personal sentiment. The gift of a diamond
presented to a woman from a man has also somewhat
evolved. Women oftentimes purchase diamonds for
themselves in the form of a ring to wear on their right hand
or diamond stud earrings, but even still the diamond is
connected to a meaning close to its wearer’s heart.
Diamonds are precious, as is life...and together they are a
beautiful celebration.
Precision Set Wedding Bands
Starting at $1,200.
36
THE STORIES
BY MICHAL D I MICELI
Wedding Day Magic
PHOTO BY GREG WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
A GREAT-GRANDMOTHER VISITS A NEW BRIDE…
had always wanted a vintage wedding,
and my dream came true on Saturday, June 9th, 2012 when I wed the
man of my dreams in Madison, Connecticut. We worked hard to get all
the details right, but I swear it was a few pieces of jewelry from my
beloved late great-grandmother that made the day magical.
My dress was a magnificent 1960s lace gown I discovered at my local
consignment shop. It had puffy shoulders and a high collar, but I saw the
potential and had it tailored into a sleeveless mermaid shape. The veil was
the original, also from the ’60s, and the engagement and wedding rings
were English platinum dating from the early 1900s.
The ceremony and reception were held at the beautiful Madison
Beach Club, which dates back to the 1920s. My family and I have spent
many happy times there, so it was a delight to share it with 140 people I
adore. We collected old mason jars to use as flower vases, and I decorated
the reception with family wedding photos going back three generations.
Everything was in place for my vintage theme, but the most
important element was surely the influence of my great-grandmother,
Mama Crowley. As a kid, I’d spend hours sitting with Mama. She was
confined to her bed, but always looked elegant in her silk and lace robe,
with her pink high-heel slippers waiting on the floor. I can’t remember
now what we talked about, but I do remember loving to be in her
presence and arranging all of her glass figurines and miniature Limoges
shoes (a wonderful collection I now own).
B R I D A L
38
Mama Crowley loved family, loved to travel and always looked
stylish. She believed in living life fully and with passion...and that you
might as well look beautiful while you’re doing it! I learned so much
from her, and I know that she shaped the woman I am today. Although
we lost her almost 30 years ago, I’ve felt her presence throughout my
life, never more so than on my wedding day. My lovely grandmother
Joan is convinced that her mother (Mama Crowley) sent me Joe. He is
everything I could have asked for in a life partner, and exactly who my
great-grandmother would have chosen for me.
The weather on the morning of June 9th was a little iffy, so my
hairstylist (of all people) suggested that I leave rosary beads facing outside
to guarantee sunshine. It just so happens that I had packed Mama
Crowley’s rosary beads at the last minute, so my mother dutifully hung
them from the balcony of my hotel room. The weather continued to be
touch-and-go for a while, but the minute I took my first step down the
aisle, Mama cleared the skies and the weather stayed gorgeous for the
remainder of the day. (I should mention that Mama was a novice nun
before she married, so I’m sure she had some pull…)
Not only did Mama’s rosary beads work their magic on my big day,
but I also wore her gold and pearl drop earrings and her pearl and
sapphire gold bracelet, connecting me physically, emotionally and
spiritually to this amazing lady. I look forward to passing on the love,
traditions and family heirlooms to my future family.
S E C T I O N
Cuffs
AND CHAINS
38
Metal
heavy
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:
Ippolita hammered link chain necklace $1,395
David Yurman mixed multi-strand chain necklace $2,100
David Yurman blackened chain with gold link $3,900
Stephen Webster Superstud cuff $1,950
John Hardy Palu cuff $1,595
Nature
ONE WITH
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:
Sydney Evan chocolate diamond horn necklace $2,665
Icy diamond earrings $3,150
Marco Bicego 18K Jaipur link necklace $8,645
Rutilated quartz ring $5,250
John Hardy Kali Nuansa overlap cuff $1,195
Natural
instincts
INTERIORS
HEAVY METALS
F
urniture designer Sylvan Fiss had a wonderfully whimsical idea while
watching a show about gemstones on the Discovery Channel.
Inspired by the other-worldly geometric forms, the Indonesia-based
designer conceived his innovative Popova writing desk in the shape of a
meteor-sized gem. So impressed was he with the result, Fiss also translated
the radiant design (with an $8,600 price tag to match) into a coordinating
metallic Popova coffee table. Both pieces are now part of the collection for
Scala Luxury, the Los Angeles-based dealer of upscale home furnishings.
Lorin Marsh was thinking less about gemstones than where to store
them when he came up with the company’s new Jewel Box ottoman,
formed in the shape of...you guessed it...a jewel box, upholstered in metallic
gold with polished nickel trim. Then there’s designer Gary Hutton’s shapely
bronze and stainless steel Facet and Grand Facet cocktail tables, small
enough to hold a single cocktail and named for the thousands of multifaceted Swarovski crystals that cover the surface. “I found a woman who
worked for handbag designer Judith Lieber, who sets those stones—7,000
in all—one at a time with a pair of tweezers,” says the San Francisco-based
Hutton, who works exclusively in stainless steel and bronze. The tables
range from $4,200 to $14,000.
Much like Dutch designer Marcel Wanders’ idea a few years back to turn
a hulk of plastic into colorful Stone barstools cut like chunks of tourmaline,
44
Clockwise from top left: Scala Luxury Truffle Trunk table;
Christopher Guy Feather mirror; Ktribe by Philippe Starck metal
table lamp; Lorin Marsh Diamond credenza
NOLET’S GIN
COOL METALLIC FINISHES ADD WARMTH TO ANY HOME. BY WILLIAM KISSEL
topaz and diamonds, furniture makers are now turning heavy metals—
sterling silver, gold, nickel, bronze and even wrought iron and stainless
steel—into their own beautiful little jewels for the home. In particular,
brooches on steroids seem to be a compelling source of inspiration to
today’s metal workers. That would no doubt please the late designer Robert
Hutchinson, who often equated mirrors with brooches and freely
complimented those who translated them well. Today the “brooch effect”
can be found on everything from mirrors and headboards to table lamps.
ake for example the work of luxury furniture maker Christopher
Guy, who had French
designer Coco Chanel in
mind when he presented his new
Mademoiselle collection of furnishings
and accessories, inspired by the Paris
apartment of the influential couturier.
Among the offering straight from the
designer’s jewelry box was a gold and
black balled mirror resembling a strand of
Chanel’s famous pearls, another gold
metal feather-framed mirror, reminiscent
of a brooch or hat pin, and an upholstered
chair with a golden fan-shaped back. “The
fan-back
chair
is
Coco’s
successor’s trademark accessory,”
says the designer, referring to the
fan-waving Karl Lagerfeld, who
has reigned over the house of
Chanel since 1983.
Heather Palmer was clearly
channeling the work of another
French designer, jewelry maker
Jean Schlumberger, when the San
Francisco-based glass artist
conceived her $3,800 blue Sea
Fan ceiling light fixture for
Bespoke
Global,
the
Southampton, New York atelier
fostering the designs of artisan
craftsmen from around the world.
Looking at the polished nickel and
glittering coral-shaped glass
sconce, it’s easy to imagine
Palmer poring over the early
20th-century French jewelry designer’s colorful pins and
brooches in an effort to capture their translucent forms
and intricate detailing. Meanwhile, if you didn’t know
otherwise, you might swear Scala Luxury’s nickelplated brass Jewel Specimen mirror with its starburst
shape and colorful goatskin panels set to look like precious
gems was a jeweled family heirloom passed down
through the generations.
“I was always fascinated by the cuts of
gemstones, the framing and mounting around
jewels and the color coordination,” says
designer Sylvan Fiss, who translated the mirror
after a piece of jewelry he gifted to his wife. “I
used the gemstone cut on several furniture
T
From top: John Lyle Turtle table; Gary Hutton A-5 cube tables;
Christopher Guy Fan chair
pieces that I made for Scala Luxury, but for the Jewel Specimen mirror I had
to integrate some colors and didn’t want to deal with any jewels or stones.
Instead I used goatskin that I dyed in different colors, such as eggplant,
charcoal gray, celadon green and lapis blue, and finished it in a high gloss
polished finish, which really created a fascinating look.” Additional pieces in
the collection include the Truffle Trunk gold leaf side table, which looks
more like a sand-cast gold bracelet than a functional cocktail table,
and the Hedge Stone table, made of meteor-sized brass.
“I’ve always said there are only two kinds of people in the world:
those who love sparkly things and those who won’t admit it,” says San
Francisco-based designer Gary Hutton, whose jewel-like designs
include a stainless steel or bronze Ver mirror featuring spikes of
Swarovski pearls fanning out like a sunburst. “It’s a take on Dutch
painter Johannes Vermeer’s painting Girl with a Pearl Earring,” he says.
Look closely at that home you call your jewel box, adds Hutton. These
days it might actually be furnished like one.
Of course, there was a time when most people equated metal
designs with the stark cold interiors of the 1970s, or with the modern
trappings of a museum. But the chill factor is only an illusion, most
designers agree. Rather than mere shiny
distractions, theses pieces actually reflect the
warmth of the other furnishings that surround
them. “With my new Inox New York collection
I’ve moved into mirror-polished stainless steel
that has an immaculate reflection,” explains
New York designer John Lyle, who works
exclusively in metal. Among his new designs
are statuesque Klismos chairs, sinuous bar
stools and shapely tables wax-cast like jewelry
in bronze, nickel and even 24-karat gold. “The
reason these pieces aren’t cold is because they
reflect that Persian or Turkish rug and those
coral-colored walls. They sort of act as a
chameleon in the room,” says Lyle, whose
Adelphi mirror for Inox New York is akin to a
Baroque earring. But this Baroque mirror is
hardly a sign of bad luck; rather, it’s a beautiful
good luck charm. Rather than stand out, it
accentuates a room just as a piece of
jewelry might do to an outfit.
Something chemical also
happens when metal designs
accent a room. “Sparkle is really
nothing more than the
reflection of light, and human
beings respond dramatically to
light,” says designer Gary
Hutton.
“The love of things
that sparkle is just hotwired into our DNA.”
46
FOOTBALL
A NEW
GENERATION
I
ndianapolis Colts fans have enjoyed a
decade full of winning moments. Now
we are all revved and ready, hoping
that new talent and a new coach will lead to
more exciting (and winning) seasons to
come. NFL football is a steadfast American
tradition. Every Sunday during the season,
fans everywhere schedule their days
around kickoff time. Some head off to the
stadium, while others find ways to tailgate…
just about anywhere. Families gather
around the television, women make blue
and white-themed fashion statements and
grown men paint their faces.
The spirit is alive and everyone is hoping
that a little “Luck” will be on our side.
THE “GO BLUE”
COLLECTION
Horseshoe necklaces available
in three sizes and
diamond/sapphire combinations,
starting at $595.
Signature watch, available with
blue, white or brown strap $149.
48
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GIVING BACK
Animals
in Need
E
very year in the U.S., between nine and 11 million animals Alabama. The South in general is a harsh place for companion
die in shelters. Rescue shelters are always at capacity, animals, and Alabama’s animal cruelty laws in particular are
and there are many more animals being abandoned weak and rarely enforced. Over 100,000 animals are killed in
each day than there are homes that welcome pets in.
shelters there in a single year.
The most common reasons people give
We came across the touching story of
when dropping their pets off at shelters are:
Bobbie Holland Taylor through our friends
“The dog got bigger than we thought it
at AVRAL (Alabama Voters for Responsible
A PORTION OF
would.” “We’re moving and we can’t bring
Animal Legislation), a grassroots political
EACH "CAUSE FOR
our pet with us.” “She’s ruining our yard.”
action committee dedicated to helping pass
PAWS" SALE ALSO
But when you take in a pet, the pet
animal-friendly legislation.
LOCALLY BENEFITS
becomes a part of your family. Would you
Bobbie is a cancer survivor who has
THE SOUTHSIDE
leave a family member behind if you moved,
rescued animals in Lawrence County,
ANIMAL SHELTER
or if they grew too tall?
Alabama for the past 70 years. Though she
Most people who leave their pets at
has found homes for thousands of animals
IN GREENWOOD,
shelters probably think they’re doing the right
during that time, she knows she won’t be
INDIANA.
thing. The fact is, once your pet is left at a
around to care for them forever. Her goal is
shelter, it has about 72 hours to be adopted
to make sure that a kill-free shelter offering
before it is destroyed. If he or she is a highly coveted breed and stays spay and neuter services is in place before she dies. To this end,
completely healthy, they may survive for a few more days, but even we will be offering an exclusive bracelet for sale in each of our
the most beautiful and loving pets are susceptible to the harsh locations, and on our website. This sterling silver paw charm
emotional and physical conditions at overcrowded shelters.
is available on a black silk cord bracelet for $50, or $40 for
Reis-Nichols is part of a jewelers group who has made the stainless steel dog tag charm.
supporting shelters our pet project—pun intended! This year,
All net proceeds will go directly to help build this shelter, to
we’re paying special attention to the plight of animals in keep companion animals alive, healthy and happy.
50
SPEED
THE THRILL OF VICTORY
O
ver the decades, numerous
Hollywood film stars have been
bitten by the racing bug. There
may be some profound reasons for this, or it
may simply be that famous actors are
accustomed to glamour and attention.
When filming is over, the thirst for the
excitement, danger and competition kicks
in. (Or as Paul Newman once put it, “There’s
no acting needed when driving; it’s just you
and the machine.”)
The connection between film stars and
motor racing dates back to the turn of the 20th century, when Barney
Oldfield became the first man to travel at one mile per minute. His fame as
a racecar driver led to film stardom in the first half of that century. A
significant number of racing films were made during that time, but the
greatest of all was John Frankenheimer’s 1966 film Grand Prix starring
James Garner. Garner went on to form a successful racing organization
called American International Racers (AIR); when filming was completed,
his cars raced with considerable success at Le Mans, Daytona, Sebring and
other famous race circuits around the world. Steve McQueen’s film Le Mans
may not have been a critic’s choice for best drama, but the racing action
was brilliant, and his reputation as an accomplished racecar driver and
motorcycle racer subsequently grew. Paul Newman filmed Winning around
the same time; while it also lacked dramatic quality, the racing scenes
filmed at the Indianapolis 500 brought
viewers to the edge of their seats.
Newman’s racing was legendary, and at the
age of 80 he was even part of a winning
team at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
James Dean, James Coburn and Tom
Cruise also enjoyed motor racing, earning
respect in the amateur ranks of the sport.
But today it’s Patrick Dempsey who charms
race fans on and off the track. His dedication
to the sport is unparalleled as a driver, team
owner and ambassador for motor racing.
Actors may not appreciate equal billing on film credits, but at a race circuit,
they overwhelmingly acknowledge the team effort, giving much credit to their
crews, their sponsors and their cars. Famous names like Ferrari, Porsche, Aston
Martin, Lotus, Corvette, BMW and others have loyal fans of their own. In certain
cases, the driver and the car are even upstaged by the race circuit. Just hearing
names like Daytona, Sebring, Le Mans, Monaco, Spa-Francorchamps and
Monza brings intense emotion to motor racing enthusiasts.
And just as actors aspire to win an Academy Award, racecar drivers
dream of winning a series championship. In 2012, endurance road racing in
America celebrated two remarkable anniversaries: The Rolex 24 at Daytona
marked its 50th and Sebring its 60th. Both venues have earned a unique
place in the history of international motorsports—stars in their own right.
52
Above: Patrick Dempsey enjoys a day at the races.
NOLET’S GIN
CARS, STARS AND HISTORIC RACE CIRCUITS. BY DAVID A. ROSE
AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT
TWA200 Ø 45 MM $595.00
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CRAFTSMANSHIP
REIS-NICHOLS’ RENOWNED SHOP DESIGNS AND CREATES FABULOUS
JEWELRY PIECES IN OUR OWN STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES.
HOMEGROWN LEGENDS
F
rom humble beginnings in downtown Indianapolis, Reis-Nichols
Jewelers first made its mark in the mid-1900s by designing symbolic
Masonic rings for local townsmen. Soon thereafter, jewelers from
around the country heard of their quality and
intricate work and began ordering these specialty
rings to sell in their own stores. From this, ReisNichols manufacturing was born.
In the coming years, the expert jewelers honed
their skills and became some of the most wellrespected craftsman in the business. The little shop
moved to expand into bigger facilities with more
equipment, and a jewelry showroom was added.
Their design work soon evolved to create jewelry to
meet the personal style that their growing clientele
began to demand.
Fast forward to the 21st century: Reis-Nichols now occupies a 12,000
square foot showroom, complete with a state-of-the-art jewelry design and
manufacturing facility. The artisans have more than 150 years of combined
experience, each with his or her own expertise. “A jewelry shop of our size
and talent is rare these days,” states BJ Nichols, owner and president. “We
are able to offer a full range of services, from a simple jewelry repair to an
intricate and dimensional custom designed piece. Most importantly, when
we design and create jewelry right here in Indianapolis, customers don’t
have to pay more to get the quality they want.”
Where Reis-Nichols is able to deliver quality, many other jewelers have
to sacrifice and resort to importing mass-produced goods from China.
Responsible sourcing of precious metals and
diamonds can also become an issue with imported
goods. One of Reis-Nichols’ designers, Andre
VanBergeijk, recognizes how important this is to
clients. “People are amazed when they learn that
they can be involved with the creation of their ring
from start to finish. We start with a design concept,
then they can choose the diamonds or gemstones
to be used. When we have a wax sample made,
they come in and see a 3D model of it before we
move on to physically make the ring. They love
being able to meet all the people who have a hand
in creating their special piece of jewelry.”
In addition to custom design creations, the merchandise managers at
Reis-Nichols identify popular best-selling styles and manufacture them in
house again, so they are always in stock. When you gaze into the showcases,
there will never be a shortage of beautiful baubles that shine so bright.
Buying and selling goods makes you a retailer, but designing and
creating unique and beautiful jewelry for nearly 100 years is what makes
Reis-Nichols jewelers…legendary.
55
TRAVEL
IT’S ABOUT TIME
AT FLORENCE’S HOTEL L’OROLOGIO, THE MAGIC IS IN THE DETAILS. BY STU NIFOUSSI
T
o the casual tourist, the Hotel L’Orologio is a luxurious boutique inn
overlooking Florence’s famed Piazza Santa Maria Novella, with a theme
relating to clocks and watches. But to those who share owner Sandro
Fratini’s passion for horology (the measurement of time), the hotel is a treasure
trove of memorabilia and unique design, with discoveries around every corner.
Fratini owns the small upscale hotel chain WTB (which stands for Why
the Best?) with six hotels in Florence; he is also chairman of Super Rifle
S.p.A, the parent company of Rifle jeans. A lifelong collector of vintage
watches, he owns more than two thousand, mainly from his three favorite
For true watch aficionados, however, the real excitement is found on
the ground floor, within rooms off the lobby. Claudio Delli, general manager
of WTB Hotels, showed off the incredible details waiting to be discovered
by those who choose to look more closely. Among them: the exclusive
mirrors designed in the style of Rolex watch bands, and the sundial etched
into the floor beside a reflecting pool that appears to be illuminated by
stellini, tiny stars in the ceiling above. Then there are the door handles in the
shape of Rolex watch hands (sometimes called Mercedes because they’re
similar to the Mercedes logo), and the hand-painted reproductions of watch
brands: Rolex, Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe. At L’Orologio,
Fratini has been able to combine his affinity for fine watches with his talent
for consumer marketing, creating a singular and fascinating hotel
experience.
Each room at Hotel L’Orologio is identified in two ways: with a room number,
as you might expect, and also with a name corresponding to a watch owned by
Signore Fratini. Each floor is devoted to a particular brand: the first to Vacheron
Constantin, the second to Rolex, and the top two floors to Patek Philippe. Within
each room are photos or artwork related to its namesake watch.
faces that decorate the floor in the smoking lounge beside Il Bar de L’O. But
the pieces de resistance were the elegant busts of Messieurs Patek and
Philippe that grace the pedestals in the sitting area. One could spend hours
cataloging the little touches that make this hotel unique in the world.
WTB plans to roll out L’Orologio as their premier nameplate to other
“artistic” cities in Italy, with new hotels planned for Venice and Rome. The
company also markets L’Orologio products including scarves, alligator
sneakers and other items, with an eye toward building L’Orologio into an
internationally recognized brand.
56
NOLET’S GIN
ONE COULD SPEND HOURS CATALOGING THE LITTLE TOUCHES THAT MAKE THIS HOTEL UNIQUE IN THE WORLD.
S ER EI N D I A MON D
SER EI N D I A MON D T W O- T ON E
SPIRITS
GET THE SKINNY
LOW-CAL DRINKS THAT DON’T SKIMP ON TASTE. BY ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON
mint, Perrier and lime juice, for example, comes in at only 74 calories.
In addition to the Skinnygirl brand, you’ll now find other pre-made and
low-cal options on liquor store shelves. New Zealand-based VnC Cocktails’
pre-mixed drinks feature real fruit juices and about 14%
vodka or tequila, keeping calories down to around 150 a
serving. And Voli Vodka drops its potency a bit (to 70
proof), meaning the flavored brand requires less flavoring
(sweeteners) to overcome the alcohol. Just remember—
moderation is still the key. Drinking three or four of these
tasty treats leads to trouble. And a tighter-fitting dress.
A Ty-Ku mojito with mint, Perrier and
lime juice comes in at 74 calories.
58
SLENDERIZE YOUR COCKTAILS
• Replace sodas and tonics with sparkling water. This
can cut your calories in half. (Mitigate flavor loss with
a lime or grapefruit-flavored Perrier.)
• Use fresh, seasonal fruits rather than high-calorie
purees, juices or pre-bottled mixers.
• Replace rum or light whiskies with sake or soju, lower
in calories while still adding flavor (unlike vodka).
• Don't discount liqueurs: Cointreau has a lower calorie
count than many grain-distllied spirits, according to
Williams.
• Avoid booze with additives. Many lower-quality
liquors (and wines) add sugar, caramel and other
goodies to their ‘‘pure’’ product.
• When drinking (or mixing with) Champagne, develop a
taste for the drier varieties (Extra Sec, Brut and Ultra
Brut) which have far less residual sugar.
• In the 1790s, before there were cocktails, there were
Slings: a little booze and a lot of water (think Scotch
Highball). The Japanese drink similar cocktails, like 2
ounces of Hibiki or Yamakazi whiskey, with a
large dose of soda water and ice.
Refreshing and light.
• Or follow Partida Tequila’s lead
with its signature margarita:
using agave nectar and
spring water in place of triple
sec and reducing the tequila
by a half ounce shaves off
200 calories but actually
enhances flavor.
NOLET’S GIN
O
ur national waistline may be expanding, but our palate has
evolved. Where ‘‘diet drinking’’ was once limited to rum and Diet
Coke or a cheap Chardonnay, we now want to have our mixology
cake and drink it, too.
Enter the ‘‘skinny’’ cocktail. First
popularized by Real Housewife Bethenny
Frankel and her line of Skinnygirl premixed cocktails (and now wines), the idea
has spread, particularly to beach and
resort destinations where a few extra
calories go a long way. New York’s Haru
Sushi recently launched a Skinny Happy
Hour. The very posh St. Julien Hotel and
Spa in Boulder is offering an elegant lineup of low-cal and no-cal (mock)
cocktails, as is the Saltbox gastropub in
San Diego. While most mixed drinks run
in the 200 to 500 calorie range (or
more!), drinks on the new menu have as
few as 90 calories per glass (usually a 4ounce serving) and are still full of flavor.
‘‘We have plenty of higher proof
and classic cocktails on the menu,’’ says
Erin-Elizabeth Williams, the beverage
manager for Saltbox. ‘‘But San Diego is
also a driving city and a fitness-oriented
city. The designated driver and dieter
shouldn’t have to miss out on all the fun.’’
Patti Stanger, host of Bravo’s The
Millionaire Matchmaker, agrees. She
recently became a strategic partner at TyKu spirits (sake, soju and liqueurs), in part
because of her desire to promote tasty,
low-cal cocktail options. ‘‘A while back, I
had lost a lot of weight, and wanted
something that could get me over first-date
jitters without a lot of calories. Sake was the
drink.’’ A mojito made with Ty-Ku liqueur,
© D.YURMAN 2012
REIS-NICHOLS JEWELERS ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS
FALL/WINTER 2012