Very few fine jewelry designs can be considered iconic, but Van Cleef & Arpels’ Zip necklace is assuredly one. The brainchild of the Duchess of Windsor, the design was first conceived in the late 1930s, but was not produced until 1950. This incredible masterpiece takes the form of a zipper closure, just as you would … Continue reading Icons of Design: Zip by Van Cleef and Arpels
A symbol of eternal love – a promise to marry – the engagement ring is a classic of a tradition that dates back to ancient times. Now the standard, diamond engagement rings were not always the go-to gift for brides-to-be. Read along to trace the origins of this thousand-year old custom. Engagement Rings From … Continue reading The Timeless History of the Engagement Ring
Celestial, kaleidoscopic, spectral: Opal’s phenomenal polychromatic character is unlike any other gemstone. The official October birthstone is a phenomenal stone, or a gem that changes its appearance when its elemental, inherent characteristics interact with the physics of light Writers have often compared opals to volcanoes, galaxies, and fireworks. The ancient Romans named it Opalus, a term … Continue reading Opal: A Moody and Magical Gemstone
Imagine being only seven years old and having two phenomenal, massive colored diamonds named after you! The Blue Moon diamond, a 12.03-carat blue diamond, was purchased for a staggering $48.4 million at a Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction back in November 2015. The buyer was Hong Kong billionaire, Joseph Lau, who immediately renamed the gem “Blue … Continue reading Once in a Blue Moon: The Magnificent Blue Diamond
It has to be said that being “cash-poor”—meaning you’ve got a lot of assets, but very little wealth in spendable form—is, despite its negative connotations, a position of incredible privilege. Most often you’ll hear about it in relation to celebrities as the reason for a house flip or sale of a beloved Lamborghini. But surprising … Continue reading Warhols for Fast Cash: Why Collectors are Pawning Expensive Art
A decade after the Cartier Tank’s first iteration, its style and elegance remains wholly intact. To celebrate the noteworthy anniversary, the high jewelry house has released six new timepieces to highlight the simplicity and history of the design and the brand. Released in 1917, the watch was inspired by avant-garde art movements like Bauhaus and … Continue reading The Cartier Tank: 100 Years Later
While the originators of many remarkable inventions are now lost to time, ironically, the watchmakers of today know exactly whom to credit with many remarkable innovations still in use. Abraham-Louis Breguet, founder of his namesake luxury watch company, was an incredibly prolific genius of horology whose work is the foundation of the most sophisticated timepieces … Continue reading Abraham-Louis Breguet: The Wizard of Watchmaking
Andy Warhol, the iconic king of Pop Art, is renowned for his chic celebrity portraits, playful Campbell’s soup cans and his engaging Polaroid snapshots. However, he also has been immortalized through his many bold, honest and amusing witticisms. In typical Warhol fashion, Andy has a quick and snappy answer for all of life’s quandaries, be … Continue reading Warholisms: Part Two
Ever need some inspirational words to live by? Ever ask yourself, what would Pop Art master Andy Warhol say? Never fear! Below are a handful of smart, witty and insightful quotes from the droll, eccentric and whimsical Warhol. Be it an opinion on the philosophy of art or advice on your love life, Warhol had … Continue reading Warholisms: Part One
That ring on her right hand may look very similar to an engagement ring, but do not automatically assume it is an “alternative” and just worn on the other hand. Perhaps she landed a well-deserved promotion, graduated a master’s program or sold her house, but it is becoming more and more independent that women are … Continue reading The History of the Right-Hand Ring
