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
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
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
She was only 18 at the time, walking down the aisle in a glimmering cream wedding dress, which was the first of many. By the age of 18, Elizabeth Taylor had already become a legendary actress and Hollywood star. She would marry Conrad “Nicky” Hilton, Jr. the same year, 1950, and divorce him after only … Continue reading Famous Celebrity Memorabilia: Elizabeth Taylor’s First Wedding Dress
“Fulco and I have tried to discover whether it was the jewel that was for painting or painting for the jewel. We are sure, however, that they were born for each other; it’s a love marriage.” -Salvador Dalí Back in the early 1940’s, the celebrated and successful jewelry designer Duke Fulco di Verdura was invited … Continue reading Verdura and Dalí: A Surreal Jewelry Collaboration
The origins of wine predate written records, and archaeologists remain uncertain about the details of the first cultivation of wild grapevines. However, with the transition from a nomadic to sedentary lifestyle around 10,000 BC came agriculture, and later, the domestication of wine. There are many etiological legends about the first cultivation of grapes and wine production, including … Continue reading The World’s Oldest Wine
Created by the iconic fashion house and luxury leather-goods manufacturer, Hermès, the Kelly bag was originally made to be a saddle holder. The first prototype, known as the “Haut à courroies,” was designed in 1892 as a simple and utilitarian carryall. In 1923, Emille Maurice Hermès, President of the brand at the time, redesigned the “Haut à … Continue reading Haute Bag: The Hermes Kelly
