bruce g. weber precious jewels

AC

CE

NT

/T

HE

MA

GA

ZIN

E O

F L

IFE

’S C

EL

EB

RA

TIO

NS

SP

RIN

G/

SU

MM

ER

20

13

FIND THE PERFECT GIFT

JEWELRYTRENDS

FOR THE YEAR AHEAD

SPECIALWATCH SECTION

BWEB_.indd C001BWEB_.indd C001 3/15/13 8:23 AM3/15/13 8:23 AM

Ippolita.indd 2Ippolita.indd 2 3/6/13 10:30 AM3/6/13 10:30 AM

Ippolita.indd 3Ippolita.indd 3 3/6/13 10:30 AM3/6/13 10:30 AM

Three Exceptional Jewelers and a Collection of the World’s Best Brands,

All Under One Umbrella.

DIAMOND CELLAR HOLDINGS is a family of three of the finest jewelers in the United States. Each store has its own unique heritage, but together they represent almost 150 years of history in

the jewelry business. We’ve built our reputation on excellent service, fine craftsmanship and unwavering integrity. That’s why the world’s top jewelry and watch brands trust us. And so can you.

Columbus, Ohiowww.diamondcellar.com

Tulsa, Oklahomawww.brucegweber.com

The Woodlands, Texaswww.donohos.com

A. JaffeAaron Basha

Adolpho CourrierAlex Woo

Baume & MercierBell & Ross

BreitlingCarla Amorim

CartierCharles KrypellChristian Bauer

Christine Cooper HillChristopher Designs

Corum

Collegiate JewelsDavid Yurman

Denise RobergeDi Modolo

Elizabeth LockeForevermark

Goldman DianaGirard Perregaux

Graf von Faber-CastellGregg RuthHarry Kotlar

HermesIppolita

Ivanka Trump

Jaeger-LeCoultreJay Strongwater

JB StarJohn Hardy

KwiatLagos

Marco BicegoMemoire

Michael BeaudryMichael Bondanza

MicheleMikimoto

Patek PhilippePenny Preville

Precision SetRaymond WeilRobert ProcopRoberto Coin

Roberto Coin CentoRolex

Scott Kay Sterling & BridalStephen Webster

SohoSUWA

Swiss ArmyTAG HeuerTW Steel

William Henry Studio

BWEB__.indd P002BWEB__.indd P002 3/28/13 11:33 AM3/28/13 11:33 AM

Dear Friends,While reviewing pictures of our tennis tournament for this issue’s Events recap (see page 9), I couldn’t helpbut smile. It makes me so proud to be a part of the Tulsa community. Bruce G. Weber Precious Jewels beganas, and remains, a family-owned jewelry store. We strive to give you a level of personal service here that nocorporate chain store could hope to match.

What makes us especially unique is our partnership with our sister stores in Columbus, Ohio and TheWoodlands, Texas as part of the Diamond Cellar Holdings family.

A lot has changed since we opened our doors in 1952. Today’s customers want to shop world-class luxurybrands. They demand a selection of global, iconic names and they seek out stores who carry them.

And these premier global brands have high expectations for the stores that represent them. They look forscalability: Can a store give them the kind of space they need to showcase their creations? Can they supportthe brand with a strong marketing initiative? Can they invest at an inventory level that represents their linesignificantly?

I truly believe that Bruce G. Weber Precious Jewels encompasses the best of both worlds. We provide person-al, professional service in a relaxed atmosphere. And because we are part of a bigger family, we’re able tobring you the finest brands the world has to offer.

Our roots are in the community. And as our customer, you are what really matters most. So we’ll continue tobe your “local” jeweler, with branches that reach out into the world.

Michelle Holdgrafer, Store Director

3

WELCOME

BWEB_.indd P003BWEB_.indd P003 3/28/13 11:42 AM3/28/13 11:42 AM

4

CONTENTS SPRING/SUMMER 2013

14

1700 UTICA SQUARE

918-749-1700

800-749-1771

BRUCEGWEBER.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

P U B L I S H E R

STU NIFOUSSI

E D I T O R - I N - C H I E F

KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R

HANS GSCHLIESSER

M A N A G I N G E D I T O R

JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

P R O J E C T M A N A G E R

LISA MONTEMORRA

D E S I G N E R S

CYNTHIA LUCERO

JEAN-NICOLE VENDITTI

P R O D U C T I O N M A N A G E R

PEG EADIE

P R E S I D E N T A N D C E O

BRITTON JONES

C H A I R M A N A N D C O O

MAC BRIGHTON

Prices are subject to change without notice and may vary

depending on size, quality and availability. Copyright 2013.

Accent® is published by Business Journals, Inc, P.O. Box 5550,

Norwalk, CT 06856, 203-853-6015 • Fax: 203-852-8175;

Advertising Office: 1384 Broadway, 11th Floor, NY, NY 10018,

212-686-4412 • Fax: 212-686-6821; All Rights Reserved. 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-

mission of the publishers. Volume 11, Issue 1. Accent® is a trade-

mark of Business Journals, Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and

Trademark office. Printed In The U.S.A.

FEATURES3 Welcome Letter

6 Our People

8 Events

10 Caring for the Community:American Red Cross

12 Red Carpet: Rainbow Brights

14 Designers: David & Sybil Yurman

16 Trends: Strong & Soft

18 Trends: Asian Fusion

21 Fashion

36 Perfect Gems

38 Eats: Food for Thought

40 Spirits: Fine Tequila

42 Design: Nate Berkus

44 Reads: Living a Charmed Life

WATCH SECTION32 Advisor: Watch Wisdom

20_Content+Mastheads.qxp:TRAD_ 3/28/13 12:51 PM Page BWEB2

BWEB_.indd P003 8/29/12 3:03 PMBWEB__.indd P005BWEB__.indd P005 3/15/13 3:17 PM3/15/13 3:17 PM

OUR PEOPLE

Brandon Lunsford

How long have you been with Bruce G. Weber PreciousJewels? I've been here since August of last year.

What did you do before coming here? This is my 9th year injewelry retail, and my 22nd year in retail sales.

Where are you from originally? I was born in Louisville,Kentucky and my early childhood was spent just across the OhioRiver in New Albany, Indiana. My family moved to the Bay Areain California when I was young and I relocated with my wife toTulsa at 21.

What’s your favorite part of your job and why? It's difficult tonail down one thing, there are so many aspects that make this

SALES ASSOCIATE FOR BRUCE G. WEBER

place what it is. The simple smiles, the big grins, and the thankyous; it all comes down to the customers’ reactions. Knowing thatyou've put a bright light into someone’s life and that you've helpedthem in creating memories — that's what this is all about for me.

What do you admire in other people and why? A true willing-ness to help, honesty, and integrity: those are key and theywarm the heart when you see them in action.

What job would you do if you could do anything at all?Definitely space travel with my family… in the Tardis!

What are you passionate about? In all honesty, my wife andchildren are always first on my mind. My passions always centeron seeing them smile. Life is not always easy, but having a familymakes it so worthwhile.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received or thebest lesson you’ve ever learned? Hold on to the promises.Whenever things seem the most difficult, and you feel like doingit the least, hit your knees.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life and howdid they influence you? My wife: she is such a remarkablewoman. Her commitment to our family is immeasurable and herlove to me is astounding, yet she valiantly displays both daily.

What do you do to wind down? Grab my wife by the hand andhead out the door. A movie, a snack, dinner, errands, whatever;the point is just being together.

Describe your perfect day. It would start with church with myfamily on Sunday morning, a good brunch afterward, relaxingand spending the rest of the day with them.

You’ve planned the perfect vacation. Where are you goingand what will you do? It would either be a cruise with my family or to sit on a beach somewhere in the Caribbean. We’d ofcourse take in the sights, but most of all we would just relax andenjoy the company.

Name your top three favorite movies of all time. Tombstone,The Avengers , and The Lord of the Rings .

Hollywood is making a movie about your life. Who is playing you? David Tennant.

What is something on your “bucket list” you accomplishedrecently, or something you’d like to accomplish soon? ADisney Cruise with my wife and kids would be awesome! That issomething we've always wanted to do.

6


Penny Preville.indd 1Penny Preville.indd 1 4/1/13 10:50 AM4/1/13 10:50 AM

8

BRUCE G. WEBER EVENTS

Beautiful jewelry in a beau-tiful setting! We were veryexcited to welcome Italianjewelry designer RobertoCoin to the Southern HillsCountry Club in October.Customers gathered tomeet the designer, enjoy awonderful dinner and tryon some of Roberto’s latest fashions.


A record number of ladies participated in the 5th AnnualBruce G. Weber Tennis Classicon September 22nd and 23rd at the Michael D. CaseTennis Center at the Universityof Tulsa. Jeanette Kern was honorary chairwoman of theevent that raised over $31,000for the Children’s Hospital at St. Francis.

9


AMERICANRED

CROSS

T ushka, Oklahoma, April 14, 2011: A tornado touches down, destroyingthe small community’s school and dozens of homes. Within four hours,an American Red Cross volunteer team has arrived on the scene and

opened an emergency shelter, giving those left devastated and homeless a safeplace to stay and hot meals to eat.

Creek County, August 2012: Wildfires, fueled by months of drought andextreme heat, are consuming land — and homes — at an alarming rate. Again, theRed Cross is there, sheltering, feeding and caring for those forced to flee theirhomes. It will be a number of days before the fires are contained and it becomessafe for residents to re-enter the ravaged area to discover what, if anything,remains of their homes and possessions. Throughout that time, the Red Crosswill remain on the job, providing three hot meals a day and offering families saferefuge as they begin their journies on the long road to recovery.

As always, every bit of Red Cross disaster assistance is provided free of charge.The Eastern Oklahoma Region Red Cross is responsible for the safety and pre-

paredness of 1.5 million people spread across 26,000 square miles. Across the 31counties in its service area, the Eastern Oklahoma Red Cross responds to an aver-age of three disasters each day — primarily single-family home fires. Last year,the chapter responded to more than 1,000 disasters and provided more than$424,000 in financial assistance.

Approximately 65% of those who receive Red Cross disaster relief servic-es have no insurance on their homes or belongings because they cannotafford the premiums. Considering the cost of hotel or motel accommoda-tions and meals out, purchasing a change of clothes for everyone in the

family, replenishing infant supplies or replacing vital medications and eye-glases, and making security deposits on a new place to live, it becomes clearthat many of these families would spiral into overwhelming debt or even home-lessness were it not for Red Cross assistance after a disaster.

Because the Red Cross is not a government agency, its services are made pos-sible only through the dedicated work of volunteers and generous financialdonations from companies, foundations and individuals.

Bruce G. Weber and the Hale Family Foundation teamed up to help by offer-ing a stunning Roberto Coin designed necklace for auction at the Red CrossRescue Gala. The exquisite 36” eyeglass necklace in 18K white gold, featuring 21brilliant bezel-set diamonds, 4ctw, is valued at more than $14,000.

To make a secure financial donation to the Red Cross, visit OkRedCross.org, or maila check to: Eastern Oklahoma Red Cross, Dept. 995, Tulsa, OK 74182.

CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY

Bruce G. Weber supports The American Red Cross in the Eastern Oklahoma Region.

“We’re so appreciative of this generousgift,” said Regina Moon, CEO of the

Eastern Oklahoma Red Cross.“Support from the community and ourpartners will help the Red Cross con-

tinue to be there for our neighborswhen they need us most.”

10


MarcoBicego.indd 1MarcoBicego.indd 1 3/12/13 2:28 PM3/12/13 2:28 PM

ASTR

ID S

TAW

IAR

Z

ASTR

ID S

TAW

IAR

Z

IAN

GAV

AN

CH

RIS

TOPH

ER P

OLK

RAINBOW BRIGHTSIVANKA TRUMP

Red All Over

RASHIDA JONES

Pop of Pink

JESSICA LANGE

OrangeYou Glad

KATE MARA

Not So Mellow Yellow

Stars shine in every color under the sun. JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

12

At the Montblanc de la CultureArts Patronage AwardsCeremony honoring her father,Quincy Jones, the Parks andRecreation star’s fuchsia poutpumped up the pink pattern onher dress. Though she kept therest of her accessories minimal,Jones’ choice of jewelry provestwo rings are better than one.

The always-elegant jewelry designer let her dress speak foritself at the 9th Annual Style Awards. Statement earringsand a silver bag subtly accented the sparkly floral appliqué.

Even through the London fog, this rising star shone asbright as the sun at the West End premiere of her newNetflix series House of Cards. Mara added even more boldcolor with a jeweled bib necklace and violet box clutch.

Perhaps Lange’s goldencuff was a prelude to thestatue to come. Thistangerine dream turnedout to be a winning lookfor the actress, who tookhome the Best SupportingActress Emmy for her roleas Constance in AmericanHorror Story while wearingthe goddess-like gown.

Red Carpet

BWEB_20_Red Carpet.qxp:BWEB_ 3/15/13 8:39 AM Page 12

BWEB_P012.pdf

ASTR

ID S

TAW

IAR

Z

VITT

OR

IO Z

UN

INO

CEL

OTT

O

MIK

E C

OPP

OLA

BEN

JAM

IN L

OZO

VSK

Y

The actress played up herexotic good looks in theMercedes-Benz Star Loungeduring Fall 2013 FashionWeek at New York’s LincolnCenter. A satin sheath in aroyal blue hue provided theperfect backdrop forintricate silver beadwork,while a cocktail ring helpedHudgens call attention toher avant-garde manicure.

For a lesson in how to liven up basic black, look no further thanthis Italian bombshell, who paired a show-stopping statementnecklace with a slinky black dress to cut the ribbon at thereopening of Cartier’s boutique in Milan last fall.

Not many people can pull off head-to-toe plum velvet, butIman manages to make it chic with the additon of a chunkygold tassel necklace. (Her glowing golden skin doesn’t hurt,either.) We bet Bowie would approve.

Proof that a lack of colorcan sometimes be just assexy! The Dutch model’son-trend extras, includinga studded bag and astack of mixed bracelets,popped against the blankcanvas at a partycelebrating the inauguralissue of Generation Whosted by W Magazineand Jaeger-LeCoultre.

MONICA BELLUCCI

Green with Envy

VANESSA HUDGENS

Blue Beauty

DOUTZENKROES

White Hot

IMAN

Purple Passion

BWEB_20_Red Carpet.qxp:BWEB_ 3/15/13 8:39 AM Page 13

BWEB_P013.pdf

‘‘We create art for people to wear.” With those words, David and Sybil Yurman articulated an enduring visionfor their company, America’s foremost jewelry house for

over 30 years. From the very beginning, their belief that art is personal —that the artist’s world is unique and the creative process is an expression ofthe artist’s aesthetic — made using the word ‘jewelry’ seem insufficient.‘Jewelry’ doesn’t entirely encompass David Yurman’s vision of what he iscreating, nor does it express his passion for the creative process, his love ofdesign and his refusal to be led by conventional wisdom.

His interest in sculpting began early, at just 13 yearsold. During summers off from high school, David studiedart, working as an apprentice to Cuban sculptor ErnestoGonzales in Provincetown, Massachusetts. In his 20s, hehitchhiked to California, joining other artists in Big Sur,and immersing himself in the culture and lifestyle of thebohemian community. Moving back to his native NewYork City several years later to pursue his passion forsculpture and form, he served apprenticeships undermaster sculptors Jacques Lipschitz, Hans Van de Bovenkamp and TheodoreRozack — experiences he describes as life-altering. Then, another call fromdestiny: the chance meeting of his muse and future wife and partner, Sybil.

His romantic nature inspired, he sculpted a piece of jewelry as a giftfor her. She wore it to an art gallery opening and the owner, taken withthe design, asked if David had more to sell. He recalls, “I couldn’timagine recreating something so personal that I had made for Sybil, soI said ‘no.’ But at the very same moment, Sybil said ‘yes’ — and, like that,

we found ourselves in the jewelry business.” Though he never set out to be a jewelry

designer, working closely with Sybil, a painterin her own right, led him to explore differentavenues of artistic expression. For the twohalves of the famed Yurman design team,their collaboration as artists epitomizes the

very essence of yin and yang. “Wecomplement each other,” says Sybil,

“and that creates a dynamic unity.Together, we create something biggerthan us, sometimes larger than lifeitself.” While David sees the world

through the lens of a sculptor, with arefined sense of proportion and a three-

dimensional perspective, his muse sees theworld as a kaleidoscope of emotion, color,

form and movement. After years of designing sculptural jewelry that was sold at craft shows

and galleries, it was David’s creation of the cable bracelet, a twisted helix ofsterling silver wire composed of multiple strands, thatput his name on the proverbial map. The piece becamean instant icon, a contemporary classic that has servedas the thread that runs through all of the collections.Deemed a phenomenon in the jewelry world, DavidYurman’s handcrafted creations — silver paired withgold, and diamonds and semi-precious stones set insilver — were revolutionary. The pieces, with ancientGothic and Egyptian references, blended classic withcontemporary styling. “We bridged the gap between

fashion and fine jewelry, and we used art as the bridge,” says David.For David and Sybil Yurman, beautiful jewelry is not the end result

of a simple technique or a single element. Outstanding quality andextraordinary craftsmanship are achieved from a foundation of artisticexcellence. Over 30 years later, what began as an artist’s passion forsculpture and a painter’s love for color has turned into a jewelry housethat continues in the classic tradition of the guild, but pushes theboundaries of convention with imagination and innovation.

14

Crossing Over“In the new Crossover

collection [far left], wecombine smooth and cable

cords to create contrast,texture and a sense of

movement. It’s really a symbolof the way Sybil and I work

together: everything we do isintertwined.”

—David Yurman

DESIGNERS

“We use artto bridge the gap between fashion

and fine jewelry.” David Yurman

WORKING ARTISTS

Sybil Yurman remains David’s muse. And so much more.

BWEB_20_Designers_Working Artists.qxp:BWEB_ 3/15/13 8:29 AM Page 14

BWEB_P014.pdf

PH

OT

OG

RA

PH

Y:

BA

RT

OS

Z P

OT

OC

KI

Christopher DesignsCrisscut

Crisscut Round 121 Facet

Generic Round58 Facet

Crisscut Cushion77 Facet

Generic Cushion58 Facet

®Crisscut Emerald77 Facet

Generic Emerald46 Facet

®®

BWEB_.indd P017 9/11/12 10:45 AMBWEB__.indd P015BWEB__.indd P015 3/15/13 3:17 PM3/15/13 3:17 PM

From gelato greens to sherbet purples, jewelry’s newest pastelgem palette looks simply delicious! And this spring andsummer, the sweetest delicately hued designs are those that

spotlight the stone as the star. As the precious metal plays more of asupporting role in many of the new pieces, four interesting stone cutsin particular are adding to the latest statement jewelry’s drama:cabochons, checkerboards, rose cuts and slices.

THE COLOR STORYAlthough bright Emerald is 2013’s Color of the Year, according tointernational color authority The Pantone Color Institute, most of theother leading hues of spring and summer are toned down, moremuted. In a one-on-one interview, Pantone’s executive director,Leatrice Eiseman (often referred to as the “International Color Guru”)explains: “The first half of this year is more about less-bold shadesthat help us find harmony in the frantic pace of our everyday lives.That said, however, today we have a lot of trans-seasonal colors.”

Exactly what colors are at the top of this proliferation of pastels?For women, there are 10 key shades, but here Eiseman discusses fourof those that are especially significant to new luxury jewelrycollections this season: Dusk Blue, Grayed Jade, African Violet andLinen. “You need to try a touch of all these on-trend colors in someway. And buying a beautiful piece of colored stone jewelry is a greatplace to start — because it’s like dipping your toe into new colorwaters. But just be sure it’s good color, from a quality brand and arespected jeweler that you trust.”

SOME PERFECT PASTELS On that note, here are some of the pretty-in-pastel gems that finejewelry brands are focusing on this season. Because they’re fashionforward, you’ll often find them in pieces that are important to add toyour jewelry wardrobe, like multi-strand bracelets and necklaces,power pendants, dramatic drop earrings and epically sized fashionrings.Dreamy Greens. Prasiolite, opal, chalcedony, moonstone, agate, greenamethyst, jade, peridot, tsavorite, chrysoprase, tourmaline, greensapphire, green diamonds. And emerald, of course, because Emerald isthe Color of the Year! Pretty Purples. Quartz, jade, moonstone, amethyst, mother-of-pearl,purple sapphire. Be-in-Style Blues. Moonstone, blue topaz, labradorite, blue cat’s eye,blue agate, aquamarine, turquoise, chalcedony, blue quartz, iolite,lapis-lazuli, sapphire, tanzanite, zircon, blue diamonds. The Right Whites. Rutilated quartz, agate, pearls, moonstone, mother-of-pearl, white coral, champagne diamonds and linen-like shades ofrough-cut diamonds. C

LOC

KW

ISE

FRO

M T

OP

LEFT

: JA

NE

BO

HAN

, S

TEPH

EN W

EBS

TER

, ER

ICA

CO

UR

TNEY

, R

OB

ERTO

CO

IN

TRENDS

STRONG& SOFT

For warm-weather style, giant gems in subtle shades are oh-so-cool!

LORRAINE DEPASQUE

16

BWEB_20_Trends_Strong Soft.qxp:BWEB_ 3/15/13 8:44 AM Page 16

BWEB_P016.pdf

Roberto Coin_PRI.indd 1Roberto Coin_PRI.indd 1 3/4/13 1:56 PM3/4/13 1:56 PM

W hile shoppingfor your wardrobe thisseason, have you noticed thatmany of the most fashion-forwardstyles contain elements of Easterncultures? Influences from Japan are

particularly prevalent, like pleated origami-inspired organdy cotton, wing-shaped shoulders, and wide pants, among others. It’s a trend that willcontinue into fall and winter, with floral jacquards from Vera Wang, Easternspiritual styling from Prada, and brushstrokes of color from Lela Rose.

And what jewelry do these Asian-infused fashions beg for? Pieceswith a decidedly Eastern edge, of course. “These clothes are theperfect canvases, so to speak, for jewelry,” says David Wolfe, creativedirector of the Doneger Group in New York City. “Unlike what we sawbefore this year, the new fashions aren’t heavily embellished.” Wolfe,one of fashion’s leading international forecasters, adds that with thesemodern Eastern-inspired clothes, “The lines and the shades provide thecolor, if you will. And with this new sophisticated simplicity of extremestructures and curvilinear cuts, a strong jewelry statement becomes veryimportant.”

GO EAST WITH YOUR JEWELRYSome of the best fine jewelry brands aremaking accessorizing à la the Asian aestheticeasy to do this year, by incorporating one orseveral of the following elements: Gems. Certain stones “say” Eastern, especiallyjade (in all colors), red coral, black onyx,pearls, mother-of-pearl, emerald and ruby. Materials. Enamel and lacquer, materials usedin original Far Eastern jewelry, are significant,

and today “new Eastern” collections sometimesrely on colored resins and ceramics to impart that same

bold mien. Techniques. Filigree and mokume-gane bring Eastern cultures

to mind. The openwork of filigree can invoke the idea ofChinese calligraphy, while the ancient Japanesemetalworking art of mokume-gane is a process used byspecially trained artisans for one-of-a-kind jewelry.Themes. Art Nouveau-like motifs are characteristic ofEastern jewelry, especially dragonflies and butterflies, plusflowers and plants like cherry blossoms, bamboo, lotusand peonies. Spiritual symbolism abounds: the Om, theTree of Life and certain mythological creatures, such asdragons. And all 12 animal signs of the Chinese zodiac are

definitely key. 2013 is The Year of the Snake on the Chinesecalendar, so new jewelry focused on those writhing reptiles is

everywhere. The ancient Chinese culture viewed snakes as apositive omen, symbolic of eternal love, wisdom, immortality and

so on. Today, contemporary luxury brands are fashioning serpentine-stylejewelry whichever way you want it: replete with demonic details like a long

tongue and menacing eyes, or in morestylized versions merely hinting at asnake via their super-curvy shapes,often inlaid or prong-set with preciousgems. Whether you choose a snake-ystyle this year, or pieces with afeminine Art Nouveau-like beauty,heading toward the exotic East willsurely lead you in the right direction!

FRO

M T

OP

RO

BER

TO C

OIN

, JO

SEP

H M

UR

RAY

, JU

ST

JULE

S

18

TRENDS

ASIAN FUSION

Eastern elements inspire modern American style.LORRAINE DEPASQUE

WITH FASHION’S NEW SOPHISTICATED SIMPLICITY OF EXTREME STRUCTURES AND CURVILINEARCUTS, A STRONG JEWELRY STATEMENT BECOMES VERY IMPORTANT.

BWEB_20_Trends_Asian Fusion.qxp:BWEB_ 3/15/13 8:43 AM Page 18

BWEB_P018.pdf

THE UNIVERSAL STANDARD BY WHICH GEMS ARE JUDGED.

Natural DiamondNot Synthetic

Color Grade

E

Clarity Grade

VS1

Cut Grade

Excellent

Laser Inscription Registry NumberGIA 16354621

Carat Weight

1.53

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. Scientifi c.

A report from GIA gives you a clear understanding of your diamond’s quality.

Look for GIA Diamond Grading Reports and the jewelers who off er them. www.4cs.gia.edu

PEACE OF MIND STARTS WITH PROOF OF QUALITY.

GIA.indd 1GIA.indd 1 3/12/13 12:51 PM3/12/13 12:51 PM

Mother’s jewelry that’s as unique as her love for her children.

1700 Utica Square, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114 (918) 749-1700 www.brucegweber.com

BWEB__.indd P020BWEB__.indd P020 3/15/13 3:17 PM3/15/13 3:17 PM

The Spring 2013 Runways exhibitedan eclectic mix of bold graphicprints, strong jacket silhouettes,feminine flounce and stark colorcontrast. With the help of clothingand styling from Rowe boutique,we have chosen four of the moststandout trends, featuring two distinct looks per trend, to sparkyour fashion fancy and keep youlooking stylish all season long.

SPRINGFASHION


This page: Scott Kay Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet $985, 18K WhiteGold Blue Agate Drop Earrings with Black and White Diamonds$3,070, Stephen Webster Sterling Silver and Gray Cats Eye Super-stud Ring $595, Sterling Silver Blue Sodalite Ring with Diamonds$1,331, Bell & Ross Stainless Steel Black Phantom Watch $2,900 Opposite page: Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Day-Date Watch $31,350,David Yurman 18K Yellow Gold Oval Link Bracelet $4,400, Ippolitanecklaces in 18K Yellow Gold: Jet Set Necklace $10,000, ModernChain Necklace $3,395, Glamazon Necklace $9,000, Diamond StudEarrings 1 Ct. T.W. and larger, starting at $2,200, David Yurman 18KYellow Gold Cable Bracelet $5,250, Ippolita bracelets in 18K YellowGold: Glamazon Bracelets $695 to $5,795, Hammered Bangle $895,Clear Quartz Gelato Bangle $3,995, Diamond Superstar Bangle$6,500, Diamond Bangle $2,495, Gelato Bracelet with Hematite,Mother-of-Pearl, and Clear Quartz Doublets $2,995, Hematite Doublet Rock Candy Bracelet $1,995, 14K White Gold Ring with Orange Sapphires and Diamonds $1,969, Roberto Coin 18K YellowGold and Lemon Quartz Martellato Ring $2,540

22

BWEB_.indd P022BWEB_.indd P022 4/1/13 1:00 PM4/1/13 1:00 PM

BY LAND OR BYSEABeautiful graphic landscapes have inspired manyof the bold prints we are seeing this spring. A wildcollage of mixed and matched linear shapes andwildlife make up some of the most sought-afterscenery a garment could ever hope for.

23


LeSMOKINGJACKETThe female tuxedo paved the way for a plethora ofmodern shapes and jacket styles for women. Considerthis season’s jackets a feminine twist on the sport coatand pant suit for the fashion-minded woman.

24


This page: 14K White Gold and Diamond Hoop Earrings $12,870, David Yurman Stainless Steel and 18K Yellow Gold Classic Watch with Diamonds $8,000, Penny Preville 18K Yellow Gold Labradorite and Diamond Necklace $2,783, Roberto Coin 18KYellow Gold Diamond and Yellow Sapphire Flourentine Necklace $6,140, Roberto Coin18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Yellow Sapphire Flourentine Necklace $12,000, DavidYurman 18K Yellow Gold Infinity Necklace $4,200, John Hardy 18K Yellow Gold andWhite Topaz Bedeg Batu Ring $700, David Yurman Sterling Silver and 18K Yellow GoldWheaton Ring with Pavé Diamonds $6,300, Roberto Coin 18K Yellow and White GoldPrimavera Bangle $1,900, Roberto Coin 18K Yellow Gold Mesh Primavera Bangle $780Opposite page: Rolex 18K Rose Gold Datejust $30,700, John Hardy 18K Yellow GoldClassic Chain Bracelet $9,600, John Hardy 18K Yellow Gold and Ruby Naga Ring$1,100, John Hardy Sterling Silver, 18K Yellow Gold and Blue Topaz Batu Ring $1,495,John Hardy 18K Yellow Gold Classic Chain Necklace $11,000, John Hardy 18K YellowGold and Diamond Pendant $4,700, Michele Stainless Steel with Yellow Gold-PlatingDeco Watch $1,495, Fashion Strap $120, Elizabeth Locke 19K Yellow Gold Venetian Glass Intaglio Drop Earrings in Mint Green with Tiny Chariot Design $4,825

25


FEMININEFLAIRLadylike flounces, ruffle details and dainty peplumsmake up this ultra-feminine trend, allowing girls tobe girls and celebrating the delicately intricate feminine complexity of fashion.

26


This page: Roberto Coin 18K White Gold Flower Earrings with Diamonds$6,040, Roberto Coin 18K Yellow Gold Flower Necklace with Cento Diamond Center $3,400, Rolex Stainless Steel and 18K Yellow Gold Datejust Watch $16,150, Elizabeth Locke 19K Yellow Gold Flat Wide Banglewith Daisies $7,700, Elizabeth Locke 19K Yellow Gold Wide ChanneledBangle $8,975, Kwiat Platinum Diamond Tennis Bracelet $88,700,Roberto Coin 18K Rose Gold Art Noveau Ring with Pink Tourmaline, PinkSapphires, and Diamonds $6,080, Marco Bicego 18K Yellow and WhiteGold Jaipur Ring with Diamonds $3,830 Opposite page: Roberto Coin18K Rose Gold Mother-of-Pearl and Diamond Earrings $7,400, Baume &Mercier Ladies 18K Rose Gold Hampton Watch $9,450, 18K White GoldBracelet with Diamonds and 18K Yellow and Rose Gold Accents $25,968,18K Yellow Gold Smoky Quartz Ring $1,999, Roberto Coin 18K Yellow Gold3-Row Multi-Colored Semiprecious Necklace $37,000, John Hardy 18KYellow Gold Bamboo Ring with Pavé Diamonds in 18K White Gold $2,350

27


Black and white may represent the highest level of contrast on the color wheel, but in fashion, theycombine to create the perfect complementary duo. The stark contrast of black's sleek precision towhite's immaculate lightness createsa bold statement, the perfect canvason which to add bold pops of colorwith jewelry and accessories.

OPPOSITESATTRACT

28


This page: David Yurman Stainless Steel and Black Ceramic ClassicWatch $3,400, Stephen Webster Sterling Silver Superstud Bracelet$2,150, Stephen Webster Sterling Silver and Black Sapphire Earrings $1,195, Kwiat 18K White Gold and Black Diamonds Ring$900, Scott Kay Sterling Silver, White Sapphire, and Ruby SnakeRing $1,325, Scott Kay Black Spinel and White Sapphire GuardianLariat $1,145 Opposite page: David Yurman Stainless Steel ClassicWatch $3,000, John Hardy Sterling Silver Kali Pebble Link Neck-lace $1,895, Ippolita Sterling Silver Oval Link Necklace $995,Ivanka Trump Black Onyx and Diamond Cocktail Ring $3,650,Charles Krypell Sterling Silver Saddle Ring with Black and WhiteSapphires $2,596, Ippolita Sterling Silver Hammered BangleBracelet $495, Ippolita Sterling Silver Glamazon Bangle Bracelet$395, Ippolita Sterling Silver Hematite Doublet WonderlandBracelet $595, Ippolita Sterling Silver Wonderland Bracelet(Barolo) $395, Ippolita Sterling Silver Rock Candy Bangle withBlack Onyx $650, Ippolita Sterling Silver Doublet Earrings $395

29


Celebrate.The three-stone anniversary ring from Bruce G. Weber Precious Jewels.

1700 Utica Square, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114 (918) 749-1700 www.brucegweber.com


WATCHESACCENT MAGAZINE SPECIAL SECTION SPRING/SUMMER 2013

GE

TT

Y 1

BWEB_20_WATCHES_Cover.qxp:BWEB_ 3/15/13 8:46 AM Page 31

BWEB_P031.pdf

FOCUS: ADVISOR

IS IT NECESSARY TO SERVICE MYWATCH IF I’M NOT HAVING PROBLEMSWITH IT?All watches need maintenance. The extent of the service requireddepends on the particular timepiece, its movement and its age.Generally, quartz watches need battery replacements every twoto three years. Mechanical watches, much like automobiles, needregular servicing. The inner movements of the mechanical watchare lightly lubricated to reduce friction between the parts andensure accuracy and reliability. Deterioration of the lubricantsoccurs over time and results in higher friction, increasing wearand tear and decreasing precision. A mechanical watch should beserviced every three to five years. Watches should always betaken to an authorized retailer to be properly serviced. If thewrong gaskets, batteries or parts are used, it can result in moreexpensive repairs down the line. Even quartz watches, after asimple battery change, have to be properly sealed and closed toensure their water resistance.

32

WATCH WISDOMTIME TO ANSWER YOUR PRESSING QUESTIONS.

IS A WATCH A GOOD INVESTMENT?Many people buy a watch because they love the individualstatement the piece makes about them. However, in today’seconomy, people also want to know that the watch they’rebuying will hold its value over time, and maybe even go up invalue. Most top-name watches will hold their value and somecan even become heirloom pieces over the coming generations. Ifyou’re looking to start building a watch collection, invest indifferent styles of watches appropriate for different situations,and do your homework regarding the most coveted brands.Special or limited-edition watches are almost always a goodinvestment in the long term. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; ourknowledgeable watch experts are here to give you guidance.

BWEB_20_WATCHES_Advisor.qxp:BWEB_ 3/15/13 8:45 AM Page 32

BWEB_P032.pdf

© 2

012

-2

013

FO

RE

VE

RM

AR

K.

FO

RE

VE

RM

AR

K®,

®,

CE

NT

ER

OF

MY

UN

IVE

RS

E™

AN

D S

HE

IS

MY

EV

ER

YT

HIN

G™

AR

E T

RA

DE

MA

RK

S O

F T

HE

DE

BE

ER

S G

RO

UP

OF

CO

MP

AN

IES

.

F o r e v e r m a r k i s p a r t o f t h e D e B e e r s g r o u p o f c o m p a n i e s .

S H E I S M Y E V E R Y T H I N G

T H E C E N T E R O F M Y U N I V E R S E ™ F R O M F O R E V E R M A R K

Less than one percent of the world ’s diamonds can carry the Forevermark inscr iption

— a promise that each is beautiful , rare and responsibly sourced.

T H E D I A M O N D. T H E P R O M I S E .

Forevermark_Paige_Engagement.indd 1Forevermark_Paige_Engagement.indd 1 3/4/13 1:52 PM3/4/13 1:52 PM

FOCUS: ADVISOR

I HEAR PEOPLE TALK ABOUT“COMPLICATED” WATCHES; WHAT DOESTHIS MEAN (AND ISN’T LIFECOMPLICATED ENOUGH)? The term complicated refers to timepieces with certain functions orfeatures that are considered top feats of watchmaking. The mostcoveted complications vary depending on personal taste andwatchmaking progress. Among the top categories today aretourbillon watches (expensive, complex mechanical calibers thathouse an escapement, which compensates for errors in timekeepingdue to the effects of gravity), repeater watches that chime the timeon demand via a series of gongs and hammers, and perpetualcalendar watches that can track the day, date,month, year and leap year (and sometimesmoonphases and more) for hundredsof years to come. Some of theworld’s finest complicatedwatches can have waitinglists, but please stop inanyway — we’rehappy to show yousome fabuloustimepieceswhether or notyou plan to buy.

WHAT NEW MATERIALS ARE BEINGUSED IN WATCHMAKING?As watchmakers progress in their quests for innovation, theynaturally turn to other fields, such as the space and automotiveindustries, to see what these state-of-the-art worlds are utilizing.This has led to a wealth of new lightweight, rugged, hypo-allergenic materials being incorporated into wristwatch cases,dials and straps. Among the more interesting materials beingused: high-tech ceramic, carbon fiber, aluminum, titanium andalloys of various elements. These are great new introductions thatare well worth checking out the next time you visit the store.

34

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT WATCH TRENDS?One of the most important trends in the watch market today is definitely the proliferationof dual-, triple-, and multi-time zone watches. For today’s global business person, or anybusy traveler, having alternate time zones readily available at the flick of the wrist is almostessential. These timepieces come in a wealth of styles and in an array of price ranges,offering design and technology options for men and women. Chronographs also steal thelimelight with their form-meets-function attitude. A chronograph is a watch that timesmultiple events, and it can be a very useful tool. Another important trend today is themove toward new timepieces for women. These include mechanical and quartz watchesthat offer sophisticated features and functions, like elegant moonphase indications,chronograph counters and calendars.

BWEB_20_WATCHES_Advisor.qxp:BWEB_ 3/15/13 8:45 AM Page 34

BWEB_P034.pdf

John Hardy.indd 1John Hardy.indd 1 3/4/13 1:55 PM3/4/13 1:55 PM

EXPLORE THE LITTLE LUXURIES THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER.DONALD CHARLES RICHARDSON

THE NIGHT SPOTIt’s no secret that Broadway singers and actors hate whenthe curtain comes down and they have to leave the stage.So on Tuesday nights, after the shows are out, performersand the fans who love them gather for Backstage at 54Below (located in the basement of legendary Studio 54) tokeep the music and jokes going over drinks and supper. Ledby musical director Brad Simmons and host Susie Mosher,gypsies, Broadway and cabaret stars (and occasionally anaudience member) sing or do their routines in this intimateand fashionable 144-seat space created by Tony-winningset designers. The wine list and food are good, the serviceexcellent, the crowd always fun. And you never know whomight turn up to perform. End your evening on a high note.

A STROLL THROUGH HOTEL LA MAMOUNIAMarrakech has a fascinating history, exotic markets, exciting nightlife and a delightfully opulent hotel. La Mamounia, a former palace celebrated for its mixtureof traditional Moroccan and modern French styles, offers intriguing experiences from great art to ice cream. Take a walk through the reception room, lobby andtearoom, where Moroccan paintings and statues inspire. Stop at the Italian Bar to view the latest photography exhibition while sipping a Le Grand DameChampagne cocktail made with citrus essence. Next, wander outside into the serene 17-acre garden filled with olive and citrus trees, magnificent roses and anextensive kitchen garden (you might chat with the chef as he gathers vegetables for dinner). At the center of the garden is Le Menzeh, an ice cream pavilionthat offers pastries and freshly made ice creams. Finally, to recover from your exertions, complete your tour with a Royal Hammam treatment at the lavish spa.

36

PERFECT GEMSC

HR

IS L

EE

BO

TTO

M L

EFT

MAR

C B

RYA

N-B

RO

WN

BWEB_20_Perfect Gems.qxp:BWEB_ 3/28/13 12:03 PM Page 36

BWEB_P036.pdf

SPIRIT OF THE PASTBuilt in 1228 by the Anglo-Norman de Burgosfamily, Ashford Castle is set on 350 acres with aspectacular backdrop of Irish woodlands, lakeand mountains. Sir Benjamin Lee Guinnesspurchased the estate in 1855 as the family’scountry residence. Since becoming a hotel in1939, the castle has welcomed dignitaries andcelebrities including Prince Edward, King GeorgeV, Ted Kennedy, Sharon Stone, Brad Pitt andBarbra Streisand. The castle offers contemporarycomforts and conveniences, but naturally, old-world traditions still thrive. There’s Ireland’s firstschool of falconry, a decanter of sherry in eachroom, and tea served in the drawing room. Andin keeping with conventional castle ambiance,there’s also a ghost, reportedly from the 19thcentury when the Guinnesses were in residence.Not to worry: guests who’ve seen the youngfemale apparition say she’s friendly.

LIGHT FOOTEDThis spring, let your feet shine with bright bejeweled footwear byIvy Kirzhner, featuring cloisonné metal work and exotic leathers.The 2013 collection includes the Ark, a dress wedge with crystalsand snake leather inlays on an 18K gold-plated heel. The Taj Mahalgladiator sandal features gold silk metallic leather with crystals.Nefertiti is an ornamental high wedge with 18K gold-platedhardware and hand-enameled cloisonné treatment. Pictured aboveare the Montezuma Deco-bejeweled slippers in royal blue and hotcoral kid suede and gold silk metallic, and the Tresor, a Deco balletflat in gold silk metallic and opal, both with crystals on an 18K gold-plated hardware ornament. Step into a brilliant summer.

CONCERT GRANDSteinway Lyngdorf is a collaboration between Steinway & Sons, makers of theworld’s finest pianos, and audio innovator Peter Lyngdorf. Their speaker systemsrange from the invisible to the compact to the giant. Currently, the state-of-the-art choice is the Model LS Concert. Combined with the SP-1 Stereo Processor orP-1 Surround Sound Processor and Steinway Lyngdorf’s fully digital amplifiers, it’sperfect for luxurious home theaters. The open-baffle design makes the speakerinteract with the room much as a musical instrument would, resulting inextremely open and life-like musicality. There’s also a remarkable remote thatweighs nearly 2.2 pounds, with a rotating wheel crafted from solid, gold-platedbrass and mounted on precision-machined Swiss bearings, providing intuitiveand total command of the system.

37

ALEX

R.

KIR

ZHN

ER

BWEB_20_Perfect Gems.qxp:BWEB_ 3/28/13 12:03 PM Page 37

BWEB_P037.pdf

Once upon a time, everyone whocould grew vegetables in theirown “kitchen” garden, to haveeasy access to good, nutritiousfood and to supplement whatthey could purchase.

Unfortunately, as a civilization, we’ve movedfar away from the land, and most people nowget their fruits and vegetables from giant chainsupermarkets. Most of these fruits and veggiescome from industrial-sized farms, ripen in thetransport truck — instead of in the sun — andhave practically no taste and very littlenutritional value by the time we purchase themin plastic-wrapped packages.

STARTING A DELICIOUS REVOLUTION

The good news: a group of passionate anddedicated food “activists” has launched the

Good Food Movement. The overall goal is to getAmericans to eat healthier by relying more onlocally grown produce with higher nutritionalvalue, all while reducing our global carbonfootprint. In addition, there’s an emphasis onimproving children’s diets, specifically in low-income areas. Because while the number ofsupermarkets with organic produce sections,local farmers’ markets and locavore (organicfood, locally grown) restaurants has increaseddramatically, most inner-city children still live inneighborhoods served only by fast-foodrestaurants and convenience stores.

“Many in the movement credit famed chef

JOYC

E N

. B

OG

HO

SIA

N

38

EATS

FOOD FORTHOUGHT

Reimagining the kitchen garden. JACQUELIN CARNEGIE1

2

3

4 5RO

GER

DO

IRO

N

1 First Lady Michelle Obama plants a White House kitchen garden

with help from horticulturist Dale Haney and Bancroft Elementary

School students, March 20, 2009. 2 A public schoolyard is

transformed by The Edible Schoolyard Project. 3 Tools at rest.

4 Harvest from Roger Doiron’s (Kitchen Gardeners International) own

garden. 5 Famed chef Alice Waters started The Edible Schoolyard

Project to teach kids how to grow and cook nutritious food.

BWEB_20_Eats_Food for Thought.qxp:BWEB_ 3/28/13 12:04 PM Page 38

BWEB_P038.pdf

39

Alice Waters, of the renowned Berkeley, Californiarestaurant Chez Panisse, with getting the ballrolling,” says Arnell Hinkle, executive director ofCANFIT, an organization that helps communitiesimplement healthy-food programs.

About 15 years ago, over concern for a localpublic school, Waters launched The Edible SchoolyardProject. Through kitchen gardens planted on theirown public school grounds, students across thecountry learn how to plant and harvest organicproduce. The kids are then taught how to makenutritious meals from what they’ve grown.

“We’re calling for a revolution in publiceducation — the ‘Delicious Revolution,’” Watersexplains. “When the hearts and minds of ourchildren are captured by a school lunch curriculumenriched with experience in the garden,sustainability will become the lens through whichthey see the world.”

The Good Food Movement got another boostwhen First Lady Michelle Obama planted a kitchengarden at the White House in 2009. She wasinspired to do so by a grassroots advocacycampaign led by Roger Doiron, director of KitchenGardeners International.

Doiron is a modern-day Pied Piper for thebenefits of kitchen gardens. Knowing that whenEleanor Roosevelt planted a “victory” garden at theWhite House in the 1940s, it inspired 40 percent ofthe U.S. population to follow suit, he figured Mrs.Obama’s enthusiasm for the cause might have asimilar effect.

“The commercially grown foods we’re eatingtoday are significantly less nutritious than they werejust 30 years ago,” Doiron points out. “What we needare millions of people joining the movement byplanting four-season kitchen gardens right in theirown back — or front — yards. This produce provideshealthy meals for families and any excess can bedonated to local food pantries.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF URBAN FARMING

As the population explodes and urban areas continueto encroach on farmland, the ability to grow morenutritious food in less space becomes paramount.

Will Allen, CEO of Growing Power, is anurban-farming guru, admired and revered byeveryone in the Good Food Movement. Allen’smission is to get nutritious, organic food grownwith the smallest environmental impact. Using hismethods, Growing Power’s two-acre urban lot inMilwaukee, Wisconsin, produces enough healthyfood to feed 10,000 people.

Some of these methods include: greenhouses

and “hoop” houses (made from plastic sheeting andplywood) that are composted with the richestfertilizer, verimcompost, made from worms (heatgenerated from the composting process also warmsthe greenhouses in winter); aquaponics, a symbioticmethod of growing certain plants and fish together;and raising crops and animals (bees, chickens, ducks,goats) sustainably, without chemicals.

Growing Power not only raises healthy food in acompact urban space, they run extensive programsfor inner-city and disadvantaged youths to get theminterested in and involved with the process. Theyalso hold workshops and travel around the countrytraining others how to replicate their results.

Allen, winner of a Ford Foundation leadershipgrant, a MacArthur “genius” award, and a spot onMrs. Obama’s “Let’s Move” team, states: “We have tochange where and how food is grown right now,because we are malnourishing ourselves to death.Today, most people live in urban areas, yet manyhave very limited access to healthy, nutritious food.What’s needed is a Good Food Revolution.”

GET ON BOARD THE GOOD FOODREVOLUTION

All of these organizations offer advice, classesand workshops. Kitchen Gardeners Internationalcan help anyone plant a kitchen garden. If youdon’t have the space, find a community gardenwith help from the American CommunityGardening Association. Learn how to get akitchen garden planted at your local public schoolthrough The Edible Schoolyard Project. And, ifyou want to start or join an urban farming projectin your community, attend a Growing Powerworkshop. As Thomas Jefferson said: “Cultivatorsof the earth are the most valuable citizens.”

Learn More: Good Food Movement ResourcesACGA communitygarden.orgCANFIT canfit.orgEdible Schoolyard Project edibleschoolyard.orgGrowing Power growingpower.orgKitchen Gardeners International kgi.orgWindowfarms windowfarms.com

Our Global Kitchen: Food, Nature, Cultureexhibit at the American Museum of NaturalHistory, through August 2013

6

7

8

9

6 Roger Doiron, Kitchen Gardeners International. 7 On a two-acre lot in

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Growing Power produces enough healthy food to

feed 10,000 people. 8 No room for a kitchen garden? Set up

Windowfarms. 9 vintage Victory Garden poster.

BWEB_20_Eats_Food for Thought.qxp:BWEB_ 3/28/13 12:04 PM Page 39

BWEB_P039.pdf

T he Margarita continues to rank as one of the country’smost popular cocktails, according to the Distilled SpiritsCouncil of the U.S. (DISCUS), as well as a perenniallypopular resort option. Fortunately, today’s drinker hasan unprecedented range of premium and super-premium tequila options from which to choose, whethersipped, shot or mixed into a drink. Casa Dragones is a

super-premium, limited-production blend of blanco (aged two to six months)and extra añejo (aged five years) tequilas, designed for refined, smoothsipping. It’s made in small batches and bottled in individually engraved,signed and numbered crystal decanters. “For us, it’s one bottle at a time,” saysco-founder and maestra tequilera Bertha Gonzalez Nieves, “and we neverwant to change that.” At about $300 a bottle, it’s not for shooting. Instead,it’s for sipping and is part of what could be called a Third Wave of Tequila inthe U.S. (Jose Cuervo representing our introduction to the agave-based spiritin the 1960s and ’70s, Patron/Sauza/El Tesoro taking us further along thejourney in the ’80s and ’90s, and today’s artisanal and luxury productsexpanding our horizons yet again).

Most of the flexibility in tequila production involves the fine points ofharvesting agave hearts, or piñons, how and how long the piñons are cooked,and specific distillation techniques. Blending differently aged batches, asCasa Dragones does, is a relatively new twist, one which Maestro Dobel

Single Estate tequila ($45) claims to have mastered first. A clear, colorlessblend of various aged tequilas, Dobel is unexpectedly earthy on the palate,in part due to the use of Balkan oak. Don Julio, meanwhile, launched itsAñejo 70 Claro ($70) in late 2011. Not a blend of aged tequilas, rather aclarified and filtered añejo, the result is a clear, colorless juice like a blanco,with the toasted oak and dusty sugar notes of an aged spirit.

Perhaps the most interesting experimentation happening with tequilainvolves barrel choices. Most brands employ new oak or used bourbonbarrels (the way most Scotch whisky does) during the aging process, buta few are exploring sherry casks, port barrels and more. DeLeon, aGuanajuato-based spirits brand, launched Leona on December 21 last year(the “end of the world” on the Mayan calendar). It was the first in a seriesof high-end, limited-edition “reserva” releases from the brand. FounderBrent Hocking says, “We were lucky to have purchased extra Sauternesbarrels used in finishing our añejo expression. While going through thewarehouse, we decided to experiment and see what would happen if weleft some to sit.” Taking the tequila to the aging “edge” of the añejoclassification (34 months), the resulting liquor is sweet, rich and complexand, quite simply, one of the most intriguing tequilas on the market. At$825, it had better be good of course, but Leona is no vanity project. It’sdefinitive proof that tequila has potential, as a fine spirit, far beyond bodyshots at spring break.

CO

UR

TES

Y D

ELEO

N T

EQU

ILA

FINETEQUILAMexico’s national spirit looks toward luxury.

ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON

40

SPIRITS

BWEB_20_Spirits_Fine Tequila.qxp:BWEB_ 3/28/13 12:05 PM Page 40

BWEB_P040.pdf

Designer, film producer, author and TV personality Nate Berkus hasmade a career out of taking interior design beyond paint colorsand fabric swatches. His latest book, The Things That Matter

(Spiegel & Grau, 2012), gets to the heart of design in a way that has yousimultaneously poring over the vibrant pages and setting it down torearrange your living room. Here, we chat with Berkus about the book, hisown home décor, and more.Your new book focuses on design as a personal statement. Wasthere a point where you realized design was not just aboutmaking things pretty?I realized that very early on. My mom is an interior designer, so “home” wasmore about a well-designed room than a home-cooked meal. That was herway of saying she cared about her family. Things were not expensive, butthey were beautiful. It was ingrained in me that assembling interiors wasnot something to be rushed. You talk about incorporating things from your travels into yourdécor. How does one avoid a room full of kitschy souvenirs? I do a lot of research before I travel. I talk to the concierge at the hotel, I talk

to a friend who’s gone there before, to really get the best sources foreverything. I have a deep knowledge of furniture creators and modern art,but one thing that is always important to me is the element of the hand-made, whether it’s a Navajo basket on a coffee table or a South Americanbelt on a pile of books. I look for the best silversmith in Portugal, the besttextiles in Asia or ceramics in Mexico. I look for what’s indigenous, what’shistoric and traditional.When you walk into someone’s home, what stands out as“good” or “bad” design?What makes me happy is walking in to see different styles all combined.That may be a Swedish dresser, a French mirror and a Native American rugin one room. I think it makes a room feel layered, like it was assembled overtime. I love when someone takes a risk. I may not love what they did, but Iam taken in when I see someone is adventurous. Conversely, what bugs meis when everything is of the same quality or out of one catalog. You can tellwhen someone spent a great fortune, but you don’t know anything aboutthat person except that they’re rich. In the book, you discuss designing your own home in NYC. Howwas the process different than designing for other people?In a designer’s own home, he is answering only to himself, so he can takemore risks. I like to let things find me, whereas with clients you don’t havethe luxury of buying things haphazardly. For my home, I started to feel likeI didn’t have roots; I wanted to assemble everything in one space, under oneroof. Over 570 boxes were delivered to that home and as I went through allof them, I started to understand my own connection to things. I had todecide what to keep, where to put it, what it went with. The editing processis the most important part. Even if there is something you love, if there’s noplace for you to display it and enjoy it and have it add to the graciousnessof your home, then it should be edited out. What did you learn from writing the book?I didn’t set out to write an autobiography, rather I wanted the book to beabout how I approach design. I hope people recognize that we each have astory, which is why I shared my own in the book. Everyone I’ve known,everywhere I’ve been, everything I’ve done has influenced my style. I hopepeople will stop, take a beat, and decide for themselves what really servesthem in the home and what doesn’t. Only then can someone achieve aninterior that truly reflects their personality. What’s next for Nate Berkus?My Chicago design firm is constantly undertaking new projects. I am excitedabout my collaboration with Target, and hope people find a few things frommy line to add to their décor. I’m producing a second feature film that I’mreally excited about. I love books so much, and after producing The Help, Iwanted to find another project where I could make a beloved book into afilm. We need more of that.

42

DESIGN

TELLING STORIES

Nate Berkus discusses his new book, The Things That Matter. BETHANY RABORN

BWEB_20_Design_Telling Stories.qxp:BWEB_ 3/28/13 12:06 PM Page 42

BWEB_P042.pdf

DIAMOND STUD EARRINGS FROM BRUCE G. WEBER PRECIOUS JEWELS.

Brilliant from any distance.

QUALITY FOR QUALITY,

THE BEST PRICE ANYWHERE.

GUARANTEED.


You’ve been touring the country and the reviews have beensensational. Why did you write this book? I felt there was something ultimately universal in the way women relate themost significant moments in their lives to jewelry. Open any woman’sjewelry box and there will be at least a few pieces that connect her to herpast, that represent her present and that can be handeddown in the future. As a writerand jewelry designer, Iwanted to explore thistheme, kind of what IleneBeckerman did in Love,Loss, and What I Wore.What did you learnabout yourself fromwriting it? More than I wanted to know;it was a painful process of selfdiscovery. I learned that I holdon, am afraid of loss (thus Ihave every piece of jewelryevery guy ever gave to me —even the ones I don’t want toremember). I learned that I haveincredible connections that godeeper than I realized with the maternal side of my family. That Icontinually choose the wrong men and stay too long in bad relationships.And that my mom and grandmother were the true gems in my life.What have women told you about themselves upon readingyour book?I’ve had many women write me about their mothers: the shared emotionsand shared jewelry boxes. Almost everyone who wrote mentioned therelevance certain pieces have to significant moments in their lives: theexciting time they got their ears pierced or the magical moment they werefirst given jewelry by a guy — even if it was from a vending machine!Women have told me about the pain of selling their jewelry after a divorce,the joy of receiving their engagement ring, the bittersweet memoriesconjured up by their mom’s charm bracelet… What are your most prized pieces and why? • My mom’s baroque pearls handed to me in the hospital in a Ziplock bag

when she died unexpectedly• My great-grandmother’s brooch, transformed four times for four

generations, taking on each of our personalities as it changed• My grandmother’s fantasy gems• A platinum eternity band I bought myself. It was my first self purchase

and it meant that I was independent and didn’t need a man to buy mejewelry.

• A locket and baguette stick pin from my mom, pieces that always remindme of her

• My dad’s Cartier Tank watch• The plastic bead necklace my niece made for me when she was three• A pendant my dad gave to my mom that I had revamped into a ring; it

keeps them alive, and together, forever…Family is obviously important toyou. What’s the best advice youever got from your loved ones? From my grandmother: “Always wear alittle lipstick. And earrings…”

“Superstitions are just that. Worryingdoesn’t make something not happen…” Andthe zinger: “If he hasn’t married you by now,he’s not going to!”

From my father: “People can onlyhurt you if you let them.”

From my mother: “You can usuallysee the train coming from afar; get off thetracks before it hits you.” And (the wordsI heard most often) “He wasn’t worthy ofyou anyway…”What’s your best advice to womenabout buying and wearing jewelry?

I very much believe in personal style and creating your own look. Buy forwho you are, not who your friends are. Try on lots of different things: you’lllearn your style as you get more comfortable trying on. Leave hints for yourhusband or significant other about your dream gifts. But never feel like youhave to stick with something: you can change your style as you grow. Themost important rule: there are no rules. Wear what you love. Wear yourjewelry; never let it wear you.I understand you’re a bit superstitious about your jewelry…Just a bit! I always wear some sort of talisman when I fly. (I truly believe ithelps land the plane…) I never wear a ring on my left hand ring finger becausesome Russian woman told me when I was very young that I’d never getmarried if I did. I’m still not married, and still longing for that band of gold… N

OLE

T’S

GIN

LIVING A CHARMED LIFE

Stylist, designer, writer and founding fashion director of this magazine,BETH BERNSTEIN talks to Accent about love, life and the profound power of fine jewelry.

44

“WEAR YOURJEWELRY;

NEVER LET ITWEAR YOU.”

READS

BWEB_20_Reads_Living a Charmed Life.qxp:BWEB_ 3/28/13 12:06 PM Page 44

BWEB_P044.pdf

Roberto Coin_Cento.indd 1Roberto Coin_Cento.indd 1 3/4/13 1:56 PM3/4/13 1:56 PM

BR

UC

EG

.W

EB

ER

AC

CE

NT

THE

MA

GA

ZIN

EO

FLIFE

’SC

ELE

BR

ATIO

NS

SP

RIN

G/S

UM

ME

R2

013

bruce g. weber precious jewels

Documents

indd c001bweb

indd p002bweb

indd p003bweb

familyowned jewelry

store director3welcomebweb

finest brands

worlds best brands

diamond cellar holdings