Ulysse Nardin Black Ocean Watch: Super-Stealthy Maxi Marine Diver Limited Edition

When a timepiece gets an exciting (and slightly ominous) name like “Black Ocean”, how can you not be at least a little curious?  I’m referring to one of  the hottest new limited edition variations of the Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver.  UN’s 200-meter rated dive watch with crown guards, a massive screw-down winding crown, and a beautiful wave dial that borrows charm from the 1846 Chronometer has worked its charms on many a lover of luxury watches, and the addition of a number of colorful variants has only added fuel to the fire.  With stealthy all-black sports watches being incredibly hot right now (witness the number of custom PVD-coated Rolex models that have surfaced) it was only a matter of time before Ulysse Nardin entered the fray. Continue Reading… »

Franco Pianegonda – Creating a Lifestyle

As one of Italy’s most successful young jewelry designers, Franco Pianegonda has built a globally recognized brand that offers bold fashion designs. With collections for both men and women, Franco Pianegonda is a true lifestyle brand that displays an adventurous and distinctive aesthetic. Continue Reading… »

Gurhan Cuff Bracelet in Modern Bride

When it comes to bridal style, playing it safe with classics is a good strategy for some, but it’s certainly not essential. In fact, choosing to go bold can be a great way to add to the significance and excitement of such a momentous celebration. While most will choose white metals and white diamonds for their wedding day, a more adventurous soul might opt for radiant yellow gold and gemstones to add iridescence and drama. Continue Reading… »

Blancpain 500 Fathoms Watch No. 1/1 For Only Watch 09

There’s nothing like a noble cause to stimulate the creativity of luxury watch brands.  I’m making reference, of course, to the annual Only Watch auction, which stars some exceptional and one-off timepieces from a spectrum of Switzerland’s finest–all of which are going to be auctioned off next month for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research.  One of the most interesting to me from this year’s crop–at least in the sport-themed genre–comes from Blancpain. Continue Reading… »

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Watches With 8500 Movement Set To Challenge Rolex’s Datejust

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Chronometer is a luxury timepiece that is really growing on me.  While it’s always been a good watch that has seen a lot of popularity among Omega fans, this year represents a new high point for the Aqua Terra–and people are talking about it. What’s the reason, you ask?  A very sharp yet modest redesign that wraps itself around Omega’s sensational in-house 8500 caliber movement. Continue Reading… »

IWC 2009 Aquatimer Watches Defeat Early Gripes To Win Over Watch Collectors

No matter what their preferred watch brands may be, devotees of sports watches all seem united when it comes to the issue of dial design. Make ‘em big, make ‘em bold, and oh yes–make sure there’s plenty of luminous applications that keep a brilliant glow for more than just a few minutes.  With that last point in mind, I have to sing the praises of the IWC’s 2009 Aquatimer line, which I’ve recently been able to see live for the first time this year.    (Click here to read a summary of the 2009 IWC Aquatimer collection) Continue Reading… »

Gurhan Sleeping Beauty Turquoise in Veranda

Turquoise is one of the most distinctive gemstones in the world and has been used in jewelry craft for many thousands of years. The name is a French derivation of Turkey, a country through which much of the original supply of turquoise travelled from Egypt. Though the original sources of this unique gemstone lie in the east, there are turquoise mines throughout the world. Amongst the most prominent mines currently in operation is the Sleeping Beauty mine in Arizona. This mine produces some of the most prized turquoise in the world and is a major supplier to a variety of jewelers.

One such jeweler is Gurhan Orhan. Known for his revival of ancient jewelry craft techniques, tools and designs, Gurhan brings antique character into a modern context. In this way, it is fitting that Gurhan would choose to use Sleeping Beauty turquoise in his storied designs. As a native of Turkey, Gurhan’s use of turquoise is that much more felicitous, and the gem’s exceptional character is particularly well matched to his metal of choice, 24k gold. Continue Reading… »

Sienna Miller in H.Stern at G.I. Joe Premiere

Following the trend set by the blockbuster “Transformers” movie franchise, Hollywood is attempting to further capitalize on the childhood nostalgia of today’s late 20’s and 30-somethings with the newly released “G.I. Joe” feature film. Whether the film is a hit or not, it’s clear that its young star, Sienna Miller, is ascending. This multi-talented young belle is, amongst other things, a model, actress and fashion designer. Consistently lauded for her distinctive and impeccable style by such heavy-hitting publications as Vanity Fair, Vogue and InStyle, Miller has become a bonafide style icon.

It’s fitting then that Sienna Miller woud choose to don H.Stern jewelry for the “G.I. Joe” film premiere. Like Miller herself, H.Stern is an icon of style in the designer jewelry world and beyond. Furthermore, the brand has joined elite company like Chopard in being ubiquitous at recent Hollywood red-carpet events. Continue Reading… »

Hot Pink!

On December 1st, Christie’s Auction House in Hong Kong is set to offer the largest fancy vivid pink potentially flawless diamond ever to be offered for sale at auction. Weighing exactly 5.00 carats and set in a ring by famed international jeweler Graff, this cushion cut pink diamond is estimated at $5-7 million US dollars. This makes it one of the finest and most important pink diamonds ever to be offered at auction. Continue Reading… »

The Omega Seamaster Ploprof Watch Redeems Michael Phelps’ Dignity (Sorta) At FINA ‘09

What do you get when you squeeze two world class male swimmers on a tiny white Vespa?  A decidedly strange photo op for one of the world’s most incredible dive watches!  Omega’s super-impressive Seamaster Professional Ploprof 1200M watch, which I blogged about back in March (click here for the details), showed up on the wrists of a beaming Michael Phelps and Massimiliano Rosolino, as the two Omega ambassadors hammed it up in matching white helmets for the press at the 13th FINA World Championships in Rome.   Continue Reading… »