Kerns Magazine 2026

KernsMagazine Table of Contents

ISSUE NUMBER 11 • 2026 - 2027

46 THE RISE OF INDIVIDUAL STYLE Redefining the Modern Engagement Ring 50 TUDOR ROYAL Sport-Luxe gets an Upgrade

24 ON TREND Fantastic Florals and Beautiful Butterflies 30 TWO BECOME ONE The Big Day in Diamonds 34 GOLDEN HOUR Yellow Gold, Reimagined for Today

8 SOPHISTICATED ELEGANCE Beauty is Found in the Smallest Details 12 DYNAMIC DIAMONDS Yellow and White Diamonds Shine 15 BLUE SKIES AHEAD Sapphire, Aquamarine, and More 18 ROLEX The Story of the Oyster

52 CHEERS Estate Jewelry: Old & Almost New! 58 BEAUTY & THE BRACELET The More the Merrier 60 A MOMENT IN TIME A Legacy Passed Down

36 PATEK PHILIPPE WORLD TIME A Refreshing Take on a Classic 40 LIVE IN A WORLD OF COLOR Colorful Gems at Kerns Fine Jewelry

ON THE COVER: Cascading emerald and diamond earrings, Picchiotti Xpandable emerald & diamond ring,

Muzo green emerald ring framed by diamonds, and Diamond bracelet

SCAN TO VIEW DIGITAL ISSUE

Ayushee Syal • Creative Director

Please contact us for current pricing and availability. All items subject to prior sale. Contact information on page 62. Appointments recommended.

Statement pieces become signatures, then favorites, and eventually heirlooms passed from one generation to the next.

ABOVE: A multicolored tourmaline necklace paired with oval earrings and a ring, each centering a vibrantly bold rubellite. OPPOSITE: Experiment with diamond cuts and shapes. Mixed-cut waterfall earrings and bracelet create an unexpected play of shape and light.

Unexpected details and fresh design bring something new to fine jewelry, creating pieces that hold their own.

ABOVE: A pairing hard to beat: emeralds and diamonds. Cascading earrings are complemented by rings that echo this classic combination. OPPOSITE: Diamonds set in yellow gold bezels take on a beautiful warmth. Layer different pieces in the same setting for added impact.

Dynamic Diamonds Diamonds have a way with light. It’s what makes them an enduring presence in fine jewelry, and what makes a beautiful diamond so eye-catching. With yellow diamonds, color elevates their beauty. Natural shades range from light to vivid, with more saturated color adding to a diamond’s rarity and value. Set against white diamonds, yellow diamonds really pop. Give an exceptional yellow diamond the spotlight, and see its true beauty shine.

Blue saphhires have captivated people for centuries, with an appeal that spans every shade. From the rich saturation of Royal blue to crisp, cool glacier tones, each offers a distinct expression to satisfy anyone’s taste. BLUE SKIES AHEAD

AVAILABLE AT

Mine to Shine TM

Cool blues, such as aquamarine and topaz, when set in polished white gold, become even more pronounced. The pairing feels fresh and modern, with an understated allure.

Oyster Story

It was born of HansWilsdorf’s vision.The founder of Rolex sought to make the wristwatch an integral part of the technological innovations transforming society at the turn of the 20th century. One hundred years after revolutionizing the watchmaking world, the Oyster continues to expand, helping every wearer to pursue their personal goals. Chronometric precision, waterproofness, and self-winding: these three key challenges and fundamental watchmaking achievements would cement the success of a visionary and forge the destiny of a revolutionary watch.

The challenge of precision In 1910, a Rolex watch was awarded a certificate of chronometric precision from the Official Watch Rating Centre in Bienne, Switzerland. This wristwatch was therefore proven to be as precise as a pocket watch, the benchmark at the time. A few years later, in 1914, the watchmaking world was astounded once more when another Rolex wristwatch received a Class A certificate from Great Britain’s Kew Observatory. This distinction had hitherto been generally reserved for hefty marine chronometers. Through these achievements, Rolex made a major contribution to the credibility of the wristwatch, which had previously been regarded as mere jewellery and highly unreliable in terms of accuracy. Having overcome the challenge of precision, Rolex turned its attention to designing flawless armour to protect its movements. From Oyster to Oyster Perpetual The invention of the Oyster in 1926 was a major breakthrough in watchmaking. The case, which was to lend its name to a wristwatch, was entirely waterproof and dustproof thanks to its system of screwing down the bezel, case back, and winding crown against the middle case. This watchmaking revolution would be put to the test in 1927 when Englishwoman Mercedes Gleitze swam the Channel between France and England, spending over 10 hours in freezing seas. The watch that she wore — a gold Oyster — remained in perfect working order. The development in 1931 of a groundbreaking self-winding system, the Perpetual rotor, further enhanced the performance of Rolex watches. Precise, waterproof and now autonomous, the Oyster had become ‘Perpetual’.

A living laboratory “Performance under pressure” — such was the philosophy of Hans Wilsdorf, who, in the wake of Mercedes Gleitze’s achievement, entrusted Oyster watches to various explorers, scientists, athletes, pilots, seafarers, mountaineers, and divers. These men and women were to test the reliability of Rolex watches from the highest peaks to the deepest oceans, turning our planet into a living laboratory. Their feedback allowed the manufacture’s engineers to perfect Oyster watches and constantly improve them.

A collection driven by innovation Enhanced resistance to pressure and strong magnetic fields, graduated rotatable bezels, a second time zone. From the mid- 1940s onwards, models multiplied, becoming increasingly specialized to meet a wide range of requirements. And so, from the first Oyster a whole family of watches emerged. Each has set the standard in its category, and many have been hailed as icons of watch design.

A commitment to the future The history of the Oyster is also marked by the many accomplishments of iconic Rolex wearers. The brand supports athletes whose expertise, rigour, technique, and ability to inspire younger generations have helped to shape the history of their sport. Rolex continues to demonstrate this commitment by partnering with the most prestigious institutions in the fields of equestrianism, golf, motor sports, tennis, and sailing. This quest for excellence is also what drives the individuals championed by the Perpetual Arts Initiative, whose talent leaves a lasting impression on global culture. By supporting these masters of emotion, as well as the institutions where they perform, Rolex strives to preserve and pass on the fundamental human values it holds dear. This commitment to the future is also expressed through the Perpetual Planet Initiative, driven by those who share their expertise in order to tackle the environmental challenges of our time. Today, these changemakers build on the legacy of the early explorers, striving to increase our understanding of the world in order to find ways to protect it.

The new Superlative Chronometer certification In 2026, Rolex is expanding the criteria for its Superlative Chronometer certification: resistance to magnetism, reliability, and sustainability now join precision, waterproofness, self-winding, and autonomy, bringing the total to seven pillars of excellence. The constant drive for improvement has always been at the heart of Rolex, and this philosophy is reflected in every one of its watches. One expression of this commitment to constantly pushing boundaries is the brand’s ongoing quest for chronometric precision. This has led to the development of pioneering optical atomic clocks, giving the manufacture access to an unprecedented level of timekeeping accuracy. These cutting-edge, innovative tools are the new guardians of time at Rolex and form part of the international network that establishes Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

On Trend Jewelry takes on a playful new expression. Fresh silhouettes, natural motifs, and imaginative details bring a contemporary twist to your jewelry collection.

A floral motif can be surprisingly understated . Look closer, and the details begin to emerge : the curve of a petal, a touch of color, a scattering of diamonds . It’s jewelry that reveals itself gradually and gives the eye a reason to linger .

Scale changes the mood. A small flower can add a subtle detail to a necklace or bracelet, while oversized blooms are meant to be noticed. In diamonds, gold, or a mix of both, today’s floral jewelry plays with shape and dimension while holding on to the romance that made the motif a classic in the first place.

fantastic

florals

Flowers have long held a place in jewelry. Inspired by nature, floral motifs bring a sense of movement, form, and dimension. From diamond-covered blooms to sculptural petals, each design offers a fresh interpretation of nature’s beauty.

beautiful

butterflies

Butterflies have long carried a sense of optimism. Symbols of transformation, hope, and new beginnings, they also have a natural beauty that translates easily to jewelry. Delicate wings and graceful symmetry give designers a familiar shape to play with, whether the look is subtle or made to stand out.

sylviejewelry.com

In diamonds, the butterfly takes on a little more glamour. Wings shimmer with pavé, silhouettes grow in scale, and yellow and white gold bring another layer to the design. Some are wonderfully lifelike; others take a more stylized approach. Either way, the butterfly is having a moment.

“ The best thing to h oi ls de ao cnht oo it nh e lr”i.f e AUDREY HEPBURN

two become one

Every detail of a bridal look deserves its moment. From diamond earrings that frame the face to a necklace or bracelet that adds a finishing touch, the right jewelry brings the entire look together with elegance and sparkle.

“ There is no t f o o r r l o e l m v o e v e e d m y b o u r t e” . HENRY DAVID THOREAU

Diamonds have a natural way of catching the light, creating subtle

glimmers of brilliance that come alive with every movement.

GOLDEN

BEYOND ITS BEAUTY, YELLOW GOLD CARRIES LASTING VALUE.

34 HOUR YELLOW GOLD, REIMAGINED FOR TODAY

Yellow gold has an unmistakable warmth and richness that has made it a favorite for generations. It carries a sense of history without feeling dated, moving easily between classic designs and more modern, sculptural styles. There are countless ways to wear it. A substantial necklace can carry a look on its own, while bold earrings add instant impact. Stacked

bracelets create an inviting look, and a sculptural ring adds shape and shine. Each piece holds its own, but gold also lends itself naturally to wearing more than one piece at a time. Beyond its beauty, yellow gold has lasting value. Versatile and effortlessly wearable, it’s a lasting addition to any jewelry collection, designed to be enjoyed for years to come.

By Celine Simon

A polished 36mm yellow gold case with elegantly curved lugs is paired with a lacquered carmine red dial featuring a hand-guilloched center with a basket-weave motif. The matching city ring, printed with city names in white, and the glossy carmine alligator strap continue the monochromatic theme, while yellow gold applied hour markers and lozenge-shaped hands provide contrast. Unlike previous 36mm World Time references, which feature diamond-set bezels, this one opts for a smooth polished bezel that places the emphasis squarely on the richly textured dial. Power comes from Patek Philippe’s long- running ultra-thin self-winding Caliber 240 HU, which uses a 22K gold off-center mini- rotor to keep the movement to just 3.88mm thick. Thanks to an ingenious mechanism patented in 1999, a pusher at 10 o’clock simultaneously advances the local hour hand, city disk, and 24-hour disk, allowing local time to be adjusted with a single press. The 24-hour display also distinguishes day from night across all 24 time zones, making the complication intuitive to read.

A Refreshing Take on a Classic

PATEK PHILIPPE WORLD TIME REF. 7129J-001

Few complications are as closely associated with Patek Philippe as the World Time. Based on Louis Cottier’s ingenious system from the 1930s, the brand’s iconic travel watch displays time across all 24 time zones simultaneously and remains one of its signature complications. The new World Time ref. 7129J-001 preserves that technical sophistication while introducing one of the collection’s boldest color combinations to date.

Patek Philippe World Time — Reference 7129J-001, 36mm yellow gold case, lacquered carmine red dial with hand- guilloched center, automatic World Time movement, glossy red alligator leather strap.

By pairing one of its defining complications with an unexpectedly vibrant color palette, Patek Philippe shows how an icon can continue to evolve.

Color Color has a way of transforming fine jewelry. Rich reds, vivid greens, cool blues, and shades of pink bring their own personality, especially when a beautiful gemstone is given room to take center stage. Diamonds often provide the finishing touch, adding brightness without competing with the color. Part of the appeal is how personal color can be. Some are drawn to deep, saturated tones; others to softer shades or an unexpected hue they simply can’t resist. There are no rules. Set in white metal, warm yellow or rose gold, colored gemstones offer a beautiful way to wear the colors you love.

Takes Center Stage

WWW.GUMUCHIAN.COM

LIVE

in a

Colored gems have an undeniable presence. From vivid emeralds and sapphires to saturated rubellites, their captivating hues naturally draw the eye, making each stone a focal point.

WORLD of ...

In the mood for fun? Multicolored sapphires open up an entire palette, from complementary colors to unexpected combinations, the choices are endless. For a more classic approach, rubies offer a rich, deep red with effortless sophistication.

Jadeite brings a fresh energy to any look, with shades that range from bold and intense to soft and luminous. Its expressive color feels equally at home against everyday denim and neutrals as it does paired with more formal evening pieces.

BLUE AVENTURINE

The soft blue colors of this naturally occurring stone offer a warm welcome to a joyful

summer. The finest rich blue specimens of this material are found in Brazil and India, where it has been long admired for its healing and spiritual properties. Traditionally associated with opening the third eye chakra, it is believed to promote inner peace, prosperity, and a sense of purpose. Hand carved Blue Aventurine presents a refreshing new color way to our signature link bracelets and enhances our shell pendants and earrings. We invite you to visit our shops to view these beautifully crafted, signed and numbered pieces.

STYLE The Rise Individual of For generations, engagement rings followed a familiar blueprint: a round brilliant diamond, a solitaire setting, and a precious metal band. The formula was so consistent it became shorthand for what an engagement ring “should” look like. While those classic styles remain part of the landscape, they no longer define it.

Increasingly, couples are approaching rings as something more personal. That shift reflects a broader change in how jewelry is worn and understood. Rings are chosen less by convention and more by how they fit the life and style of the person wearing them. CUT is often where the shift shows up first. The moval, part oval and part marquise, has become a favorite for buyers who want elongation without committing to a traditional marquise shape. Antique-inspired cuts are also finding new audiences. While old-mine cuts bring hand-cut character and subtle irregularity, more geometric silhouettes — hexagons, shields, and kite-set emerald cuts — offer a distinctly modern edge.

NONTRADITIONAL CUTS, SETTINGS, AND STONES ARE REDEFINING THE MODERN ENGAGEMENT RING.

SETTING STYLE has followed the same trajectory. The toi et moi design, with two stones set side by side, remains popular because it never settles into one formula. Designers continue to experiment with contrasting shapes, mixed gemstones, and unexpected pairings. Cluster rings push that idea further still, scattering several smaller stones, often in mismatched cuts, across the band instead of anchoring everything to one center stone. East-west settings, asymmetrical arrangements, and wide cigar-style bands offer additional ways to personalize even familiar stones. COLOR has become its own form of expression. Sapphires, emeralds, spinels, and fancy color diamonds are increasingly chosen for their character rather than as alternatives to white diamonds. A growing number of buyers are doing real homework first, digging into gemology, provenance, and craftsmanship before they ever commit to a stone, which gives the whole buying process a level of knowledge and intention that feels new.

With so many possibilities, the best choice is simply the one that delights your eye and melts your heart.

R TUDO R

The refreshed Royal collection is offered in new 30mm, 36mm, and 40mm case sizes in either stainless steel or steel-and-yellow-gold configurations. A redesigned notched bezel with sharper polished facets gives the watch a more contemporary appearance, and the screw-down crown and caseback maintain 100 meters of water resistance. While the integrated five-link bracelet preserves the streamlined profile that has defined the Royal since its reintroduction, it now benefits from revised end links that prevent it from contacting the case, reducing wear over time. It now features Tudor’s new T-fit rapid-adjustment clasp, allowing wearers to adjust the bracelet without tools for a more comfortable fit. The Royal introduces an expanded palette of dial colors, including black, blue, silver, green, light blue, ivory, salmon, burgundy, brown, champagne, and mother-of- pearl. Though Roman numeral dials remain part of the collection, buyers can now choose versions with luminous stick hour markers, lending a cleaner look. Those seeking a more jewelry-inspired style can opt for smaller models with eight diamond- set hour markers and full diamond bezels. The most significant changes lie beneath the dial. Manufacture movements now power every Royal model, replacing the previous generation’s outsourced calibers.

R OYAL SPORT-LUXE GETS AN U P G R A D E Introduced in 2020, the Tudor Royal brought integrated-bracelet styling to the brand’s lineup with a design that balanced sporty versatility and everyday elegance. The “Royal” name, however, traces its roots to the 1950s, when Tudor first used it to emphasize the quality and refinement of its watches. The latest generation builds on that heritage with a host of technical and design updates.

Depending on case size, the watches offer power reserves of either 50 or 70 hours, silicon hairsprings, and chronometer-level precision. With new case sizes, expanded dial options, updated bracelet features, and manufacture movements throughout the range, Tudor has made the Royal more compelling and versatile than ever.

AN EXPANDED PALETTE OF DIAL COLORS OFFERS MORE CHOICE THAN EVER.

CHEERS

to good times, old & renewed!

Past & Present

There’s something undeniably captivating about pre-loved jewelry and timepieces. It’s an allure that can’t be replicated – often because many of these highly sought styles are one-of-a-kind or hard to come by. Patina, handwork, and time-worn details add up to more than beauty – they offer connection, character, and history. Each piece has already lived a beautiful life, gathering stories you can practically feel as you wear it.

At Kerns, we’ve long believed in the enduring power of the past. Our Estate Collection spans delicate turn-of-the-century filigree, joyful mid-century silhouettes, and modern signed creations – each selected for its craftsmanship, authenticity, and lasting appeal. These aren’t replicas or trends. They’re originals with a point of view, chosen because they stand the test of style and time. Rare & Rediscovered

Rich & Regal

Earth & Sea

Today, estate jewelry is anything but outdated. In fact, many of these pieces are remarkably current: easy to wear, easy to love, and infinitely personal. And because estate jewelry extends the life of something already beautifully made, it’s circular luxury at its best, becoming a meaningful upcycle for both the planet and your wardrobe.

Unexpected proportions, saturated gemstones, and substantial gold create pieces that feel luxurious and impossible to overlook. These are jewels with character. Striking combinations and beautiful craftsmanship give each piece its own character.

Part of the appeal of estate jewelry lies in discovering something you won’t see everywhere else. Designs from another era carry an enduring sense of style, feeling just as relevant today while bringing character and individuality to a modern jewelry collection. Timeless & Treasured

For watch collectors, the search is often part of the appeal. Our pre-owned collection offers the opportunity to discover coveted references that are difficult to find, no longer in production, or rarely seen on the market. Whether it’s the watch you missed the first time or one you’ve been searching for, the thrill lies in finding it. Time & Time Again

Kerns also buys pre-loved jewelry and watches. Make an appointment to learn more.

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Diamonds can be paired with richly colored gemstones, while emerald cuts and other shapes bring a fresh perspective to its classic silhouette. With a variety of stones, shapes, and settings to explore, there are countless ways to make this enduring design your own.

Diamond cuts offer endless ways to give a tennis bracelet its own character. Round stones create a continuous line of brilliance, while emerald, oval, pear, and mixed cuts introduce a different rhythm. Whether featuring a single shape or an unexpected combination, each design brings a fresh perspective to this classic piece.

A Moment in Time

The Family with Greg on his 40th

KERNS has been part of the Burlingame community for decades, but for the Mendell family, its story became personal in 1972. That year, Greg and Sue Mendell, together with Sue’s parents, Alvin and Marjorie Glass, purchased the store from the Kern family and decided to keep the familiar name. The next generation eventually found its way into the family business. Eric returned to the Bay Area and joined Kerns in 1997, followed by David in 2005. Today, the brothers carry forward a business shaped by their grandparents and parents. It’s not just the business they carry forward, but also the legacy behind it. A legacy built on what it truly means to be a family: fond memories that, if you’re lucky enough, are passed down as tangible keepsakes. Passed down through generations, two watches offer a deeply personal connection to the family’s history. Today, Eric and David each wear a Rolex with a history that began long before it reached their wrist. Passed from grandfather to grandson and father to son, the watches have become treasured family heirlooms, each carrying a story of its own.

trip and returned with watches for both brothers. Years later, when David graduated from high school, Greg decided it was time to pass his on. “What’s more special than something that signifies family ties and connection? So, I gifted the watch to him," Greg says. David wore it every day for years, rarely taking it off. "It helped me carry a piece of home with me while I was away at school,” says David.

A GENERATIONAL GIFT Eric’s watch belonged to his grandfather, Alvin “Papa”

Eric with Sue, Alvin, and Marj

Greg, Alvin, Eric, and David

Glass. Alvin purchased the yellow gold Rolex in the early 1980s to commemorate 10 years since purchasing the store from

Greg and Sue's Wedding Day with Alvin and Marj

the Kern family. Eric remembers seeing it on his grandfather’s wrist every day and being told that one day it would be his. After Alvin passed away, the watch was left to

DAVID’S ROLEX Rolex Air-King, Ref. 5500 Stainless steel with a silver index dial, acrylic crystal, and Oyster bracelet.

Eric. But there was one detail he hadn’t known:

A FAMILY HEIRLOOM

his grandfather had already engraved the caseback with his own initials and, beneath them, Eric’s. “It still makes me emotional thinking of the love and memories we shared,” Eric says.

The watch first belonged to David’s father, Greg. Though its story begins a generation earlier. Around 1960, Greg’s brother traveled to Europe with money their father had given him for the

ERIC’S ROLEX Rolex Date, Ref. 15037 18K yellow gold with a silver index dial, fluted bezel, and Jubilee bracelet.

Eric and David in High School

Eric and David with Alvin

Greg, Sue, Eric, and David in NYC

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ROLEX SHOWROOM SAN FRANCISCO 255 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94108 (415) 683-1338

PATEK PHILIPPE BOUTIQUE SAN FRANCISCO 259 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94108 (415) 598-2808

KERNS FINE JEWELRY 214 Lorton Avenue, Burlingame, CA 94010 (650) 348-7557

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