A T U F T S C O M M U N I C A T I O N S F I N E J E W E L R Y P U B L I C A T I O N
JEWELERS MAGAZINE
ROLEX A NEW GENERAT I ON
ALL NEW TESLA ROADSTER CARTIER FORT I F I ES THE TANK
A CENTURY OF SHAR ING YOUR SPEC I AL MOMENTS CELEBRATING 100 YEARS
AUTUMN/HOLIDAY 2021 • ISSUE 13
The Spotlight Squad
Charlize Theron Misty Copeland Yao Chen
#SQUADONAMISSION
LOVE IN VERONA COLLECTION
P O L A C H E C K ’ S J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E • A U T U M N / H O L I D A Y 2 0 2 1
Photography by April Belle Photos
Centennial Anniversary As we look back on the past year, our most reflective journey has been the hope to come out of the Pandemic empowered to celebrate life; we all truly know how precious it can be. This year, we celebrate Polacheck’s Jewelers 100th Anniversary. Polacheck’s first laid down its roots in 1921 and has been passed on for four generations of cultures, traditions, heritage, and history. We’ve built on the success of the 3 generations before us, who have paved the way of true craftsmanship and harmoniously bringing together tradition and innovation. Reflecting back on the history of our family, is like traveling back in time when everything was new and fascinating. This monumental milestone is truly one to be celebrated. Amidst the challenges each generation experienced, including this unprecedented past year, we have found tremendous light in all we have accomplished as a community and as a team at Polacheck’s. It gave us time to connect with each other, spend more quality time together and to appreciate all those moments. It was quite a year--one we will never forget. A century later, the significance of generation is synonymous with the luxury services and products at Polacheck’s. Our elegant jewelry and timepieces can be passed on from generation to generation; each has its own story. All these stories inevitably play a role in the people we become. We are all a part of history. We are living in the midst of the stories that will be written in the books of tomorrow.
As we celebrate the lives of those who came before us and examine our own, we look forward, with the confidence and hope that we are making the world a better place for those who will come after us.
In the spirit of celebrating life, we dedicate this magazine to all of you, for your continued support and love for 100 incredible years.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Brent and Stephen Polacheck
T H E C O M M O N S A T C A L A B A S A S
4 7 1 9 C O M M O N S W A Y • C A L A B A S A S , C A L I F O R N I A 9 1 3 0 2 • 8 1 8 2 2 5 0 6 0 0
porschewoodlandhills.com 818-932-1600 Woodland Hills, CA 91364 21301 Ventura Blvd. Porsche Woodland Hills
P O L AC H E C K ’ S J E WE L E R S M AG A Z I N E • I S S U E 1 3 CONTENTS
42 L Ū VENTE: SEIZE THE MOMENT
20 SMART HOMES
56 THE MAGIC OF NORWAY
22 CARTIER FORTIFIES THE TANK
60 HAPPILY EVER AFTER
44 TIME FOR WOMEN
26 ROBERTO COIN ROARING 20S
64 TRENDING NOW
46 SOUP FOR THE SOUL
28 SICILY, MEDITERRANEAN JEWEL
66 ALL NEW TESLA ROADSTER
47 POLACHECK’S GIVES BACK
32 HAPPY CUSTOMERS
70 BREITLING CHRONOMAT
48 DIAMOND BUYER’S GUIDE
36 TUDOR GOES FOR GOLD
72 RAHAMINOV TRIPLE THREAT
50 WHAT, EXACTLY, IS CRYPTO?
38 A FINE WINE CELLAR
74 DON’T LIKE TO EXERCISE?
52 ROLEX NEW GENERATION
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Todd Tufts • Editor in Chief/Publisher/Creative Director
Tarah McLean • Managing Editor
Lori Roberts • Associate Editor
Vence Vida • Production Manager/Designer
Carol Besler • Editorial Director
Curt Corzine • Designer
Stephen Lewis • Assistant Copy Editor
Steven DeVilbiss • Select Jewelry Photography
Prices are subject to change. Please contact the store for current pricing and availability.
Polacheck’s Magazine is published by Tufts Communications, 10012 Gulf Center Drive, Suite 5150 • Fort Myers, FL 33913 T: 765-819-2500 • E: todd@tuftscom.com • © 2021, Tufts Communications. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
techy trends
home SMART
RESEARCH BY THE S&P MARKET PREDICTS THAT 28% OF HOMES WILL BE SMART BY THE END OF THIS YEAR, A NUMBER UP FROM THE CURRENT 12% AND ONE THAT IS NOT PROJECTED TO STAGNATE ANY TIME SOON. HAVING A SMART HOME WILL SOON BECOME THE NORM, AND GIVEN THE SHEER MULTITUDE OF BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH IT , IT COULD EVEN BE THE NEW STANDARD.
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THE 5 TOP FEATURES OF A SMART HOME Before the smart home revolution, home-based technology featured advanced appliances, internet connections, and the occasional smart air conditioner. In 2021, the revolution aims to create homes that are fully sentient and self-functioning.
THE USE OF GREEN TECHNOLOGY With climate change becoming a growing concern, most people opt to go green and cut down on their carbon footprint as much as possible. Major companies such as Samsung, Amazon Inc, and ABB Ltd. have joined the fight by implementing sustainable manufacturing processes and creating products that are more environmentally friendly.
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CONSCIOUS FURNITURE AND APPLIANCES Sentient furniture and appliances are those that read the environment and react accordingly on their own. These aim to improve convenience and increase the security of homes. A great example is the kitchen shelf that remains closed if a child attempts to open it and doors that let you know when your child or pet passes through them to make you more aware. IKEA announced that they will spearhead this chapter in smart home technology with the introduction of the wireless charging lamp. This is just one of the upcoming innovations in connected furniture technology. This lamp will charge devices that share the same charging standard wirelessly.
LOCKDOWN FITNESS TECHNOLOGY Following movement restrictions due to the pandemic, smart home technologies will prioritize home fitness appliances and applications that will encourage physical activity. This could be in form of webcams on your television to help keep track of your workouts and other connected appliances that will remind you to use your fitness equipment daily. Your ho e should be your safe space, the one place you will feel relaxed and at ease. With smart home technologies, your tasks are made easier, you get help staying healthy, and invasions are kept at bay. 2021 is a good year as any to go smart and improve your living experience. IMPROVED SECURITY AND SAFETY SENSORS One of the biggest concerns for home-owners is security. Why invest in all of this technology is if it is only going to get stolen, right? Smart home trends in 2021 will therefore strive to improve existing security technology. This includes better sensor technology that will help detect invasions more quickly. These sensor systems will not only help keep human invaders at bay but also curious animals and destructive insects. In 2021, advanced sensors are predicted to have the capacity to detect termites, roaches, and houseflies and either release an electric pulse to scare them off or a small dose of insecticide. For now, confirmed technology will let you know when an insect infestation is taking root in your home. 5
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A good example of a green technology feature is the smart thermostats, connected to heating systems to enable more precise and even automated temperature control. It is estimated to reduce energy wastage by 30%. Other appliances are also following suit, coming in features that minimize their carbon footprint. You will find green technology items like motion sensors and other automation that will help reduce energy consumption by only activating devices when they are needed. BETTER DATA SECURITY Data theft and hacking have become serious concerns for owners of smart homes. 2021 smart home trends will therefore include a lot of antivirus and anti-hacking software that you will need to purchase to safeguard all networks and appliances in your home. More appliances will also be made with hardware and software that is harder to infiltrate externally.
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TANK CARTIER FORTIFIES THE TIMELESS AND GOES ECO-CONSCIOUS
The redesigned Tank Must is another of Cartier’s savvy remasters. Here, the Tank is paired with Cartier’s “Must” designation, a reference to its can’t-live-without accessibility. The revamped line includes new colors, smaller sizes, and a strap that is the star of the show: It is made of 40 percent plant matter, and thus geared to the growing masses of eco-conscious buyers. Specifically, they are made using waste from the processing of apples grown for the food industry in Europe. Cartier touts them as an ecological alternative to calfskin and says they will be rolled out across other Cartier collections in the near future. The new quartz-based Tank Must also incorporates a new eco-movement technology called photovoltaic. It involves creating perforations in the dial through the Roman numerals that allow solar energy to reach the photovoltaic cells hidden under the dial. It took two years to develop and works in conjunction with what Cartier calls the SolarBeat movement, which has an average lifespan of 16 years.
The revitalized Cartier Tank, with straps made from recycled material.
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The Cartier Tank incorporates eco-movement technology.
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The many variations of the Cartier Ballon Bleu.
Cartier also updated its beloved Ballon Bleu line this year with a new 33 mm model, including a new gold case and dial version. There are also new blue and gray dials in the 40 mm size. The Pasha has also taken on new proportions, with a new 30 mm case size and the introduction of new red straps that can be swapped out for other options, including steel.
The Cartier Pasha.
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Fly Fishing. Refined.
Fly Fishing in Montana can be a rugged, sometimes-tiring adventure—that’s why Madison Double R will be a welcome respite at the end of each day. Located on the world-renowned Madison River south of Ennis, Madison Double R offers first-quality accommodations, outstanding cuisine, expert guides, and a fly fishing lodge experience second to none. Now accepting bookings for the 2022 season.
MADISONRR .COM • 406-682-5555 • office@madisonrr.com
designer spotlight
b y J E N N I F E R B R U G H
THE NEW
ROARING TWENTIES THAT SPARKLE & SHINE
Y necklace in 18k gold from the Love in Verona collection.
ROBERTO COIN RINGS IN A NEW ERA WITH MEANINGFUL MEDALLIONS, MODERN NECKLACES, AND ALL THE DIAMONDS YOUR HEART DESIRES.
A hundred years ago, the roaring twenties were just getting started, and the women were daring, elegant, charming, and oh-so- stunning, sporting the jewelry to match. These ornaments included layers of pearls, diamonds, feathers, and art deco designs that have lasted through the years. Today, many designers are giving their nod to the days of long ago while keeping up with the modern woman — who, not surprisingly, is still beautiful, sophisticated, and enchanting. This year, Roberto Coin is tipping his hat to the original twenties, focusing on the layers of jewelry a woman can adorn, especially around her neckline. His medallion and locket collections are the perfect addition to any woman’s existing drapery. He’s even incorporating more glamour by adding diamonds to a lot of these newer pieces, including full pavé flowers from his beloved Love in Verona Collection. Accompanying Roberto’s medallions and lockets are plenty of layering gold chains, including the trendy paper-clip links. Elevating his previous design, this year’s paper-clip link chain can be unconnected and re-connected anywhere, using any of the links. This means you can quickly go from boardroom pendant by day to a slinky sautoir necklace by night.With more than 1,700 chain link styles to choose from, you’ll never grow tired of your Roberto Coin chain collection.
Gold and diamond bangles from the Navarra collection.
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Triple paperclip strand in 18k gold from the Designer Gold collection.
Gold, diamond and lapis lazuli pendant from the Venetian Princess collection.
Turquoise and diamond pendant from the Venetian Princess collection.
Art Deco lapis lazuli and diamond zipper necklace from the Tassels collection.
Looking for something more colorful? Roberto loves color! This year, the Venetian Princess collection features the deep, rich blue hues of lapis lazuli, something new for the entire line, as well as vibrant shades of turquoise. Diamond accents make these unique earrings and necklaces a must-have addition.
Gold, diamond, and lapis lazuli earrings from the Venetian Princess collection.
Turquoise and diamond earrings from the Venetian Princess collectio.
To further his appreciation for the Roaring Twenties, Roberto extends his lovely hoop earring selections to include simpler, casual styles that match the daytime attire. But if you’d prefer to jazz it up, try a new stunning pair of diamond drop earrings that convert to loop around for a gorgeous slack hoop with movement — perfect for the evening look. In his Palazzo Ducale collection, Roberto satisfies every woman’s obsession with a classic and elegant bangle. Cutouts in the shape of links that mirror the chains from the Obelisco collection are accentuated by cross-crossing rows of diamonds and lapis lazuli stones. Flexible and stretchy rings and bracelets are also making their debut — giving today’s on-the-go lady that perfect one-size-fits-all option. While these newer pieces ring in a new Roaring Twenties era, Roberto stays true to his modern display of motifs, Venetian florals, and Gothic-inspired quatrefoil. The ever-familiar and beloved satin, polished, indented, and engraved finishes continue to give his refreshing new designs that Roberto Coin flair today’s women love.
Turquoise and diamond ring from the Venetian Princess collection.
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travel destinations
b y J A N E T M Y E R S
S icily J EWEL OF THE MED I TERRANEAN
Everyone should visit Sicily at some point. From its rich history and dazzling landscapes, to its volcanic excitement and glorious food, it offers much, as Giovanni promised...and the trip to Stromboli to see the lava eruptions was just one of its highlights. The best times to visit are April to June or September to October. We unlocked just a few of its treasures, but you will find many more, and although the mafia might still be alive and kicking, they won’t get in the way of your enjoyment!
TOUCH DOWN As we neared Taormina, with its breath-taking coastal scenery, our eyes glanced to the mountains. Mount Etna was easy to spot, but nearer to us, houses clung like limpets to other lofty pinnacles. Fancy living up there, we mused. The satellite navigation directed us away from the coast and onward to our first location. We knew Castelmola was set above the town, but we did not expect the narrow twisting road to finally arrive at that group of houses set high on that mountain top. The views from here were astonishing. From the apartment balcony, Mount Etna peeped between the houses opposite, and as we dined outside at a local restaurant later that evening, Taormina twinkled far below us in a clear night sky. We seemed so high that I doubt whether it would have appeared any different had we still been airborne!
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Teatro arena di Taormina and Mount Etna in the distance, Sicily, Italy
ERUPTING STROMBOLI Nothing quite prepares you for witnessing a real magma eruption from an active volcano, and when we rounded the Aeolian island of Stromboli in the early evening the following day to witness the brilliant scarlet larva tossed into the air in the dark sky, we were delighted. The day started early with an hour’s drive to Messina, followed by an hour’s boat trip to our first stop on the island of Panarea, with its white buildings clustered around a black sandy beach. Here, colorful fishing boats were drawn on shore after the early morning catch. Bars, restaurants, and cafés offered plenty of refreshment and time to sit and soak up the awesome view. We opted to take the opportunity to explore the island with the aid of a golf cart and driver for around 30 euros. After another hour back on board, we reached Stromboli. We stopped off the shore to witness the bubbles from underwater eruptions and smell the sulphur, before we cruised between giant islands of basalt thrust up during activity many years ago. We spent an hour ashore, and then as dusk fell, we boarded the boat again to sail round the island to witness the pulsating pyrotechnic display that Stromboli offers its visitors. GODFATHER COUNTRY For many, Sicily is synonymous with the Godfather trilogy created by Francis Ford Coppola, and his movies are immortalised in the places where filming took place. Savoca and the surrounding countryside is the number-one shrine to their memory. There are many tours on offer, but we hired a car to explore the Godfather trilogy ourselves. At the Bar Vitelli, we sat and drank a lemon granita. It was the location where Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) met Mr. Vitelli (the bar owner) and asked his permission to court his daughter, Apollonia. It was also the location for the official engagement and for the party after the wedding ceremony. Some of the interior was stuffed with memorabilia and images, and opposite, the view showed the Church of Santa Lucia, where the wedding between Michael Corleone and Apollonia took place. Next stop was Forza D’Agrò then back to Taormina, where we met our host for our Sicilian gourmet food and wine tour.
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Caccamo, Sicily. Medieval italian city with the Norman Castle.
The landscape with a lateral crater, Mount Etna, Sicily.
People eating in open air cafes in Palermo, Italy.
Fancy, narrow street in Ortygia old town of Syracuse in Sicily, Italy.
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD Here, our host was Alfredo. He was a great character. He had lived on Sicily all his life, and we learned so much about Sicily from him. Diners spilled out onto the pavements, musicians played, and friendly cats greeted us as we enjoyed countless regional dishes, which included cold meats and cheeses, swordfish, blue sardines, gratin mussels, and seafood risotto. We topped it off with five desserts and plenty of fine wines. I must admit, I was a little worried about the waistline! It is difficult to separate Sicily from its abundance of glorious food. Whether it was the fish and chips in Ortygia, where the fish came as a gourmet assortment in a small wooden box, to freshly made pizza cooked in traditional ovens. Every meal seemed to extol local ingredients and highlight one of the reasons why we love Italian cuisine so much. When visiting local restaurants where the menu was in Italian, we found a phone app which proved invaluable, as it translated the text when held above it
Should I venture into the realm of booze, the wine tastings and my enjoyment would fill a book, but when a good local wine is cheaper than a lemon soda, and when one suitcase on our return was filled with bottles...I say no more! MOUNT ETNA This is the largest active volcano in Europe, and one of the world’s most frequently erupting volcanoes. It is 10,900 feet (3,329 meters) tall, with a base circumference of about 93 miles (150 kilometres). On the southern side, cruise boats gorge thousands of visitors into a vast over-commercialized area to experience Etna. A cable car and a specialized vehicle take you toward the main crater, but I am sure these visitors miss so much. We explored on our own, due in part to bad visibility at a higher level. The landscape is eerie. Black dust is everywhere, and the giant black lava flows from past eruptions abound.
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Salt Pans near Marsala.
The old market and duomo square in Ortygia with the Santa Lucia alla Badia, Syracuse.
San Domenico square in Palermo, Italy.
View of the canal and Umbertino bridge between Syracuse and Ortygia.
CONNECTING WITH HISTORY We left Taormina for Syracuse, taking the coastal road, which took us through Catarina. Our location here was very central with views over the city. Its old, mellow, baroque architecture is shabby-chic but inside, sophisticated and elegant. It echoes with the feel of ancient civilizations — the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Swabians, and Aragones have all left their mark. The finest area today is Ortygia — Greek for “quail” — the tiny island on which the first Corinthians settled in 733 BC. It is an absolute gem, dense with a gorgeously crumbly feel but also beautifully restored Baroque buildings, boutique shops, and super restaurants, The following day it rained, but luckily, we were able to tour the great archaeological Park Neapolis before the heavens opened. The Roman Amphitheatre was enormous, and the Orecchio di Dionisio, a limestone cave shaped like a human ear into which we wandered, was also great. It twists like the inner ear, and the further we went the darker it became. BUZZING PALERMO A long early morning drive ensured we were on the steps of the opera house in Palermo at 10:30, where several tour groups were acting out a scene from the Godfather trilogy and dogs lay sleeping — they had seen it all before! You may have seen Marco with Rick Stein or Paul Hollywood, if you watch too many cooking shows. He was our guide on a five-hour street tour of Palermo. It is the best way to get a real feel for a place. We walked through old narrow walkways, where washing hung out to dry overhead and the bread boy delivered loaves by placing them in
baskets so that the women could haul them up to their balconies. Men pushed carts with chimneys, in which they roasted chestnuts, and the lottery man sold tickets for a box of fresh fish. All the while, we were stopping to try Palermo’s street food: entrails in buns, veal lungs in bread, fried chickpea paste, potato balls, and more. It sounds a little off-putting, but it was all served by Sicilians passionate about their food and was an experience not to be missed. The stop for masala wine was most welcome, and I enjoyed the fact that the tour included several of Palermo’s major sights. THE CATACOMBS After our day with Marco and an early morning visit to the city’s famous catacombs, we opted for the less-crowded road to Marsala and Trapani. An early morning start meant that we were at the catacombs before the full lighting was switched on! Very spooky, very interesting, with hundreds of dead bodies — no, make that 8,000 dead bodies. Within a short space of time, the lighting was fully switched on, but it still remained an eerie place. Arranged in categories, the bodies were surprisingly interesting. SALT FLATS AND FLAMINGOS The bright light reflected by the vast salt pans creates a feeling of space and a kind of serene quietness. The sun shone, and the crystals sparkled in the sun light. Standing proud from the flat white landscape, old windmills and mountains of salt reared up. We climbed one of these windmills to get another perspective. In the afternoon we took a boat out onto the shallow lagoon to visit the ancient remains on a number of off-shore islands. There were flamingos, spoonbills, and black heron. A great way to relax before our journey home.
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client spotlight
HAPPY CUSTOMERS A t Polacheck’s, we believe our customers’ happiness is truly what makes a great experience. Every purchase
comes with an emotional connection and should be celebrated. Here is a look at some of our happy customers.
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client spotlight
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GOES FORGOLD—ANDSILVER TUDOR
NEW CASE MATERIALS AND A NEW
CERTIFICATION FOR THE BLACK BAY
Tudor’s new releases for 2021 go a long way to reinforce its mandate to produce high-quality watches at great price points. This year, the focus is on the flagship Black Bay and Black Bay Fifty-Eight lines, with new case materials, new movements, and a new performance guarantee. The Black Bay Fifty-Eight is getting both an 18k gold case and a 925 silver case. The addition of gold in the line takes the model up a notch on the luxury scale, and the silver is surprising because it’s a rare metal for watches. Since wristwatches became popular, the 1940s, gold has been the standard metal because it is soft enough to machine, yet hard enough for daily wear when alloyed with other metals. Silver was historically ruled out because of its softness and its tendency to tarnish. But times and timepieces change. Just as gold alloys are improving, silver has been upgraded. Tudor is the first brand to introduce the metal into watches, and although the precise alloy formula is top secret, Tudor says it is tarnish-free and hard enough for daily wear. The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 Silver is 39 mm wide, a vintage size that makes it wearable for both men and women. Silver takes a high polish, which gives the metal a decorative quality and a sheen like no other material, and it is an affordable alternative to gold. Is it poised to make a comeback in the watch industry? Time will tell.
The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight in 18k yellow gold.
The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 Silver.
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The new, METAS approved Tudor Black Bay Ceramic is 41 mm wide.
The Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 Silver has an open caseback through which to see the movement, a new caliber for Tudor, the automatic MT5400, with a 70-hour power reserve. It is chronometer rated, which means it is COSC certified at an average daily variation in the daily of between -4 and +6 seconds.Tudor does further testing in-house and confirms that the MT5400 tests between -2 and +4 seconds in variation. Tudor takes the accuracy standard up another notch with the new Black Bay Ceramic, an all-ceramic-cased watch with another powerful in-house movement that is METAS certified. Tudor is only the second brand in the watch industry to certify its watches with the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology — the other is Omega. Tudor meets the qualification with a new movement, the MT5602-1U, which has a silicon balance spring and 70-hour power reserve. It is produced by Kenissi (a joint venture owned by Tudor, Breitling, and Chanel). The caliber is not only COSC-certified, but it also meets the higher standards of METAS. In order to qualify, it is tested at two temperatures, in six different positions, and must be able to function within a five-second range of variation each day (0/+5), compared to the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) rate of -4/+6. The certification also guarantees the timekeeping accuracy of the watch when subjected to magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss. The 41 mm Black Bay Ceramic has an open caseback showing the openworked movement, which has been given a black finish. It comes with two straps, one fabric and the other leather and rubber. The case is black ceramic and the bezel is PVD- treated steel with a ceramic insert. The 18k yellow gold Black Bay Fifty-Eight is also a first for Tudor and seems ahead of its time in its redefinition of the dressy sports watch. The gold adds a touch of elegance to the model, while the green dial and fabric strap retain a sporty edge. It’s also trendy: green is the hottest color in timepieces at the moment and looks great with yellow gold. It contains the MT5400 caliber, and like the other new Black Bay Fifty-Eight, it is water resistant to 200 meters. The new 18k gold model is a nice dress/sport watch at a great price point. Just what we expect from Tudor.
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good
b y T O D D T U F T S
taste
DEFINITION OF OENOPHILE :
wine cellar a fine
A LOVER OR CONNOISSEUR OF WINE.
We have always been fascinated by a home wine cellar. If you are like us, you look forward to wine o’clock in the evening. Many of our clients have shown us their incredible wine cellars at home. Some are an event in and of themselves. Others are innovative uses of space you might not have thought would be perfect for a smaller wine room. While a large wine cave is impressive and might cost many
thousands of dollars to build, a small area like a closet, pantry or under a stairway can allow you to create your very own small wine cellar. We thought it would be fun to do some research on what you need to emulate the most chic wine cellars available. While some of these suggestions are DIY projects, others might require some outside help, but here is what we’ve learned.
THE HOLIDAYS ARE UPON US. IMAGINE YOUR NEXT FAMILY GATHERING OR PARTY WHERE YOU’RE GATHERING IN THE WINE CELLAR OR WINE ROOM TO CHOOSE OR TASTE A SAMPLE OF YOUR WINE COLLECTION. THAT COLLECTION MAY BE JUST YOUR FAVORITE BOTTLES UNDER $20 OR THE MOST COLLECTIBLE WINES OF A PARTICULAR REGION OR WINES YOU’VE BOUGHT AND COLLECTED IN YOUR TRAVELS.
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YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A WINE SNOB TO APPRECIATE A GOOD WINE. FOR THOSE SEEKING A FUN HOBBY, WHY NOT COLLECT SOMETHING YOU NOT ONLY APPRECIATE VISUALLY AS A BEAUTIFUL DISPLAY, BUT CAN ALSO BE CONSUMED? WIN-WIN!
CLIMATE CONTROL If there is a secret to success, this is step one. Wine is delicate and doesn’t do well with big temperature and humidity fluctuations. Keeping your wine in good shape starts here. Did you know the ideal temperature is 55-58 degrees Fahrenheit? For shorter term storage of two-three years, 65-68 degrees will do fine. Whites are more delicate than reds and are much more sensitive to big temperature extremes. There are a couple options to maintain the optimal temperature and humidity in your wine cellar. Active: You can either invest in a good wine refrigerator, cooler, or cooling system. Passive: You can choose a cool, dry, dark spot for your wine cellar, away from windows or exterior walls, where the wine stays protected from exterior temperature changes year round. HUMIDITY CONTROL Humidity is really only an issue if you are planning to hold wines for over 15 years. You may be asking why humidity is a concern at all, since they are bottled? The answer lies with the cork. In order for it to stay in good condition and not affect the taste of the wine — since it should be touching it — a relative humidity of 50% to 75% is ideal. When the humidity is below 50%, the cork can dry out, and when the humidity is above 75%, the labels can deteriorate.
OENOPHILE. THIS TERM WAS DEVELOPED BY THE FRENCH IN THE 1800S COMBINING TWO GREEK WORDS OENO , MEANING WINE, WITH PHILE , MEANING LOVER OF.
LIGHT CONTROL Ultraviolet light is one of wine’s enemies. It can prematurely age the wine. Take great care with sparkling wines and whites, as they are very light sensitive. VIBRATION CONTROL Reds do not like to be disturbed! Constant vibrations from a nearby fridge or dishwasher are a big no-no. RACK CONTROL Did you know that wine likes to stay horizontal? Keep your jokes to yourself. The wine should stay in contact with the cork. That’s a good thing. Store your bottles with the label facing up so that any sediment deposits can be seen while pouring. Avoid using woods like cedar within the shelving and walls, as that can affect taste. Mahogany is a favorite with those contractors in the know.
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Organization goes beyond looks; most people organize their wines by region. Consider those reds for higher up positions where they can age. More ready-to-drink wines can then be stored at waist-to-eye level for easy access. Also, allow shelving to show off those incredible dead soldiers (empty bottles). Some are certainly worthy of keeping and will have wonderful stories behind them. ORIGINAL CASES If you look at the auction market, prices for full, unopened cases holding a dozen bottles are greater than what they would be for 12 loose bottles. Think of a toy still in its original packaging from 50 years ago: It’s more valuable because it’s been handled less. So it makes sense to keep the most collectible bottles in their original cases until they are ready to drink, if possible. ACCESSORIZE Time to button things up — to dot the “i” and cross the “t.” The right accessories add to the wine lover’s experience. With everything from stemware and corkscrews to aerators and charms, add some style and spice of your own to the flavor found within the bottles you’re breaking open. Nearly as important as the wine itself, a good wine glass will help you fully appreciate the flavor, depth, and aroma of your wine. A glass partially filled and held by the stem allows for the full experience of wine consumption, making the right glass the best accessory. Pick the right one for the job. For the ultimate connoisseur, a wine decanter will help wine shed its sediment and grow in flavor. To document your tastings, consider a wine album and record your notes on each wine’s taste and the food consumed with it.
ORGANIZED PRESENTATION One of the cool things about a wine room or cellar is the many ways they can be designed. If you’re into home decorating, a wine room offers a unique opportunity to create a mood or vibe. You can go modern or you can go more European and Tuscan. There are looks that fit the modern apartment and looks that make you feel as if you’re on a wine tasting tour in the hills of the Piedmont region in northern Italy. Some of the options are so visually stimulating that they are artistic wall displays popping with color and pattern and texture and beautiful lighting. It is all about the symmetrical organization of different colored bottles and labels or the way it is lit and set off from the surrounding area. When it comes to a cellar, the entire room can envelope you with aroma, texture, and ambiance. Larger rooms may even have a place to sit and enjoy a glass with close friends. Things you might consider are: • Wine racks, shelving, or custom cabinets. Six-bottle rectangular wooden bins are very attractive. • A wine glass caddy • A bar table and stools or some armchairs for serving and lounging • Good lighting that serves as both task lighting and ambiance • Barware like corkscrews, glass decanters, and other accessories • A wine refrigerator for champagne or fragile aged wine There is something special about wine that makes you want to show it off. It doesn’t belong behind closed cabinet doors. That is why you see so many incredible commercial wine coolers with glass doors making their way into homes. They are sometimes the size of a refrigerator, stand on their own, and always incredibly lit.
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BENEFITS OF A WINE CELLAR When wine is born, it’s really just some grape juice, water, yeast, and perhaps some exotic spices. But wonderful things happen when it ages and ferments in tanks and barrels for months or years, and is then bottled and shipped off to be enjoyed or stored for further aging and development. This last step is where a wine cellar can come in handy. Although this might sound pompous, once you have one, you may shudder at the thought of leaving that expensive bottle of wine on the kitchen counter (at 71 degrees) for even a day. What is possibly the most rewarding thing about a wine cellar? The answer lies in what is the most costly thing about most red wines — age. If you buy a bottle of good cabernet today, imagine the velvety richness you’ll be rewarded with 10 years from now. To parody an old famous commercial, “enjoy great wine the old- fashioned way…earn it.” That’s right. Through patience you will be rewarded. Nothing finer than that and your guests who did not participate in that will be equally rewarded and appreciative of your diligence. You can enjoy those fantastic openings alone or with a dearly loved one! The top of the bell curve can be elusive, so open a bottle a year until it reaches it’s peak, then finish the case or two off over the next 12 months. Wine is a living thing. It is born on the vine, squeezed in its youth, then gradually aged to perfection. But the wine cellar can be misused. The finest bottle of cabernet might have a 20-year lifecycle. Drink it at two years old it’s pretty good. However, you might really savor it on its 10th birthday. Then it might slide into an amber-colored, vinegar tasting death at 20. So when thinking about the proper size of your wine cellar or wine room, it is best to consider the amount of wine you like to consume over the course of time. The ratio of reds to whites is important to consider, as well. There are people who have 3,000 to 5,000 bottles or more in their collection. Impressive, but probably not so wise. Assuming all wines get better with age would be a huge mistake, and some collectors find themselves throwing out prized buys. Consider that a vintage port might be good for 50 years, while an Italian pinot grigio might be best at age 1 or 2. Your favorite sauvignon blanc? Drink it today as it won’t last a year. Owning a wine cellar allows you the huge benefit of providing yourself with a well-chosen selection of wines, ensuring you always have the right wine on hand for the right occasion. And for those who keep up on the new red vintage you can’t live without, a wine cellar allows you to stock up and hold onto those great bottles for years to come. Just don’t forget to tag them to remind you when they are best served. SOMETHING TO CONSIDER A true oenophile has to not only consider their cellar placement, temperature, and humidity, but security as well. Some collections can be quite valuable, and some kids can be quite curious. Lastly, if you’re building a cellar and have the space, consider a good sized counter or table for unloading wine. While the thought of enjoying wines in the cellar with friends is enticing, consider the 55-58 temperature as probably being less than ideally comfortable for a long stay.
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designer spotlight
SEIZE THE MOMENT LUVENTE
Life is full of memorable and defining
moments, and the jewelry you wear
encapsulates all the smiles, laughter, and
even tears of those moments. We celebrate
everything from marriages and births to
promotions and successes. And there’s
no better way to celebrate each of these
occasions than with the stunning and
vibrant designs from LŪVENTE.
In every L Ū VENTE collection, you’ll find symbolism of the stories, fashion, and diverse culture that seeps out of The Big Apple. Headquartered in New York City, NY, L Ū VENTE designs and handcrafts all their adornments, producing thousands of pieces that speak to the self-purchasing jewelry lover who wants the perfect piece for any moment. Mixing metals is an art and a must-have this fall. Any two-tone L Ū VENTE piece accentuates your other accessories, blending in perfectly with your style. It also draws the eye, but in a subtle way, making it a go-to for the modern woman who enjoys unconventional beauty. Indulge yourself in a new 14K white and yellow gold ring or to get caught up in the romance and elegance of 14K rose and white gold hoops.
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Sometimes, special moments call for classic and graceful adornments, L Ū VENTE 14K white diamond heart necklac- es dangle perfectly from the neckline. Yet, big- ger moments in life call for more. Nothing fits a marriage or milestone anniversary quite like a 14K white gold necklace featuring 3.38 cts of bril- liant round diamonds.
Of the many new collec- tions making their debut, none are more spectacular or timeless than the butter- fly jewelry pieces. Perfect for both casual or formal oc- casions and moments, but- terfly jewelry is delicate, yet playful. The butterfly man- ifests transformations and symbolizes new beginnings. So, what better way to com- memorate a new promo- tion or change in life than with L Ū VENTE whimsical butterfly?
Jewelry in floral forms can be considered a classic, but this season it’s trendier than ever.While the design itself is cute and flirty, these pieces add character and charm to your jewelry collection. Large floral rings showcasing colorful enamel or gemstones are also blooming this season, catching the eye of every young collector looking to seize the moment with L Ū VENTE.
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time
b y C A R O L B E S L E R
zone
TIME FORWOMEN A TIMELINE OF OUTSTANDING LADIES’ WATCHES FROM PATEK PHILIPPE
Patek Philippe is one of the world’s most prestigious watch brands. Its vintage masterpieces and newer cult models consistently command the highest prices at auction. Some references, such as the Nautilus, are so popular that they sell out the minute they hit stores, and because of limited production, only a lucky few can obtain them. Given the frenzy surrounding this quest for cult models, it’s easy to overlook the fact that Patek Philippe also makes watches for women, with equal attention to craftsmanship and engineering. The company has a long history of creating watches for women, beginning in 1839, the year it was founded. It was an era when personal timepieces were a luxury afforded only by the aristocracy. The fashion at the time among ladies
was to wear pendant watches, elaborately finished in enamel, miniature painting, and gemsetting. Patek sold three to Madame Goscinska. A few years later, in 1851, a pendant watch with diamond roses on blue enamel caught the eye of QueenVictoria at an exposition at the London Crystal Palace. Company archives — yes, they go back that far! — also reveal the sale of a key- wound secret watch set with diamonds to a Countess Koscowicz of Hungary in 1868. Some of these vintage pieces reside in the Patek Philippe museum in Geneva, on view as early examples of exquisite craftsmanship. But Patek’s ladies’ watches were never just decorative; they were also first-rate in the technical sense. One of the earliest complications on record is a ladies’ platinum watch with a five-
minute repeater movement, sold in 1916 via New York jeweler D.O. Wickham. The collections have also included ladies’ complications, including the classic ladies’ annual calendar, which reigned for many years during the quartz era, as the only complication of its kind for ladies. In 2009, Patek introduced its first in-house chronograph movement and decided to launch it in a ladies’ wristwatch (Ref. 7071). In 2011, it debuted the first series minute repeater for ladies, Ref. 7000, following up with a first-ever ladies’ split seconds chronograph, Ref. 7059, in the same year. More recently, Patek launched the smaller (ladies’) sized Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Ref. 7234G, reinforcing the ladies’ collections with a serious tool watch.
Left to right: Dial and decorated cover of Queen Victoria’s Patek Philippe pocket watch. A Patek Philippe ladies’ minute repeater made in 1916. The original Patek Philippe Twenty~4.
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Left to right: Patek Philippe’s first ladies’ wristwatch, made in 1868 for Countess Koscowicz. The Aquanaut Luce Ref. 5067A. The first ladies’ chronograph Ref. 7071R, introduced in 2009.
In its endeavor to bring mechanical excellence to the ladies’ selection, Patek did not shy away from quartz. In 1999, it launched the Twenty~4, a quartz piece that was one of the first steel watches on the market to be set with diamonds. It thus combined luxury with accessibility within a prestigious marque. The Twenty~4 is so named because it works in any setting, as a great day-to-night watch. The advertising for the original 1999 launch campaign bore the slogan “Who will you be in the next 24 hours?” shining the spotlight on the watch’s versatility. The Twenty~4 was
updated in 2018 to include automatic movements in a round case — the original was a manchette style, with a squared case and integrated bracelet — along with new variations of the original model, which remains one of the company’s most popular designs. Patek also uses quartz movements in the Aquanaut Luce line, with its signature diamond bezel and colorful rubber straps. Originally introduced in 2004, the collection was upgraded this year with new colors, a larger case size, a Travel Time version, and a first-ever white gold model.
Patek Philippe CEO Thierry Stern recently made a decision to discontinue the company’s cult-status Nautilus Ref. 5711 in steel with a blue dial. It had become so popular that it was threatening to define the brand. It was so in-demand that wait lists were approaching the 10- year mark. Stern’s reasoning was simple: he wanted to make the point that there is more to Patek Philippe than the Nautilus, which he feared would overshadow the rest. By the same token, there is more to Patek Philippe than its men’s models.
Left to right: Ref. 7000R, ladies, minute repeater. Ref. 7059R ladies’ split seconds chronograph. Ref. 7234G Calatrava Pilot Travel Time. The new round Patek Philippe Twenty~4.
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autumn classic
C R E A M Y S L OW - C O O K E R T OM A T O S O U P & G R I L L E D C H E E S E
SOUP
for the soul
A cold weather classic — a bowl of tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich — is a nostalgic meal, sure to bring back memories of coming in from playing in the snow to a warm kitchen, table, ears, and fingers tingling, and steam rising from the bowl. For many of us, the soup was from a can, with maybe some saltines crumbled on top, and the sandwich was the basic grilled cheese — two slices of processed white bread with a slice of cheddar between, buttered on the outside and fried on both sides until crisp. Sliced in half with gooey cheese leaking out, it was the perfect sandwich. Our tastes may have outgrown the canned soup and white bread of our youth, but that does not mean we must give up quick and easy tomato soup and grilled cheese on a cold day. With a slow cooker and a frying pan, we can have the same warm kitchen feeling of our childhoods. Ingredients: 2 tbsp. unsalted butter 1 onion, finely chopped 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour 2 28-oz. cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, 3-5 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Transfer to slow cooker. 2. Add tomatoes, broth, and 1/2 cup water to cooker. Stir, cover, and cook on low until tomatoes are very soft: 5 to 6 hours. Puree with an immersion blender or blend in batches in a stand-up blender before returning to slow cooker then stir in cream and cayenne. Season with salt and pepper and serve. You may wish to add croutons to your soup — either purchased or home-made. To make croutons: cube partially stale bread, sprinkle with melted butter or olive oil, and top with minced garlic and/or parmesan cheese. Bake for 5-10 minutes in a 375° oven, stirring once. The perfect pairing for the soup is, of course, grilled cheese. It’s a classic, and for many of us, the first thing we learned to cook for ourselves. The only way to have a bad grilled cheese is to is have a burnt grilled cheese or cheese that does not melt. Burning the sandwich can be avoided by ensuring that you have enough butter on the outside of the sandwich and that the heat is not too high. Some people swear by using mayonnaise rather than butter to coat the bread. Making sure that you are not using too much cheese (yes, there is such a thing!), or a type of cheese that does not melt well, will
ensure that you get the stretchy sandwich you desire. Parmesan, feta, or goat cheese, while delicious, would not be ideal choices for grilling. Do look for other cheeses than just cheddar or American. Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack can make a basic sandwich special. Try different breads: rye, pumpernickel, or a ciabatta. Experiment with different bread/cheese combinations. You may find surprising combos that you love. Try adding other ingredients to your sandwiches — technically making them a melt — but easy to make in your frying pan: Try tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil on a sourdough bread for a Caprese salad in a sandwich add crisp bacon and tomatoes to cheddar on crusty white bread. Thinly sliced ham, pear, and gouda with Dijon mustard on multi-grain bread is a filling sandwich that hits sweet, spicy, and salty notes. Comforting enough for a miserable rainy day and special enough to impress your guests, upgrading your tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich will allow your childhood favorite to grow up along with you.
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth 3/4 cup heavy cream, warmed 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper Salt and pepper Preparation:
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AWORTHY CAUSE The rewarding elements of supporting our local schools, charities, and foundations helps us grow as a community. Without a strong community, we wouldn’t be in business for as long as we have.
insider info
DIAMONDS THE DEFINITIVE BUYERS GUIDE
Y
ou’re celebrating a momentous occasion and decide that a diamond is the perfect
is that these things are, contrary to popular belief, measures of rarity not beauty. Just because something is deemed rare doesn’t make it pleasing to everyone’s eye. Color, for example, is the absence or presence of body color in a diamond. The scale that most people are familiar with starts with D (for diamond) and goes down the alphabet, D. E. F. G., etc. all the way to Z. There’s an assumption that D is the best. No, D is the rarest. God made fewer D, E, and F color diamonds than the other shades. It’s also a range of shades. Have you ever tried to buy white paint only to realize how many shades of white there are? Studies have shown that when looking at diamonds without being prejudiced by the grading of a diamond, many people prefer a diamond with a little body color or a little warmth. Many beautiful and lively diamonds are actually in the H to K range. How a stone is made or cut is truly what unleashes the fire and brilliance in the diamond. When a cutter is given a diamond to facet, he’s faced with a decision to either save weight or sacrifice weight to achieve ideal or near ideal proportions. When a diamond loses precious carat weight for the sake of ideal proportions, the price of the diamond is usually higher for the finished product, even though it eventually ends up weighing less.
way to symbolize that moment. It may be the first diamond you’ve ever purchased, or maybe you are upgrading to a larger diamond. You should be beaming with excitement, glowing with a smile so wide it hurts, but for some reason, you are anxious, sweaty, and twitchy. This is an important and costly purchase. You want to get it right — no room for error. What do you know about buying a diamond? Who do you trust? What do you believe? You’ve decided to swim in the sea of information on the internet but now, armed with more information, you are either more confident or even more confused. Now what? I’m here to tell you to stop, and just breathe. All will be right with the world if you take this simple piece of advice: Trust your own eye and heart. We’d like to unlock some of the mystery of the diamond, debunk some myths, and help you make an informed decision so that this eternal symbol of love, commitment, and achievement isn’t clouded by doubt and fear. Most people have heard of the 4 Cs — color, cut, clarity and carat — but what do these words really mean, and what’s the most important? I’m going to avoid the textbook descriptions and spell it out in everyday terms. The first thing you should know
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