MAGAZINE
JEWELERS & GOLDSMITHS
ROLEX The harmony of contrasts JEWELRY TRENDS The hottest new look in accessories HOPE IN THE AIR Making a difference
ELENI KATINA Brent Miller designer collection
VENETIAN PRINCESS
BRENT MILLER MAGAZINE
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CONTENTS
7 WELCOME From the Brent Miller family
8 A NEW CHAPTER The new Brent Miller
29 A REVOLUTION IN ACCESSORIES The resurgence of jewelry for men 30 FANCY FINGERS Pomellato gemstones with color and style 32 MATERIAL MATTERS Cutting-edge horological innovations
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12 JEWELRY TRENDS The hottest new looks in accessories
16 ROLEX The harmony of contrasts
18 LUXURIOUS LUSTER The timeless appeal of Mikimoto pearls
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36 LUCID The Air Sapphire will bend your mind 38 ELENI KATINA COLLECTION Brent Miller designer collection 40 MONICA RICH KOSANN Jewelry should inspire you 42 RINGS THAT ENGAGE The knowledge you need to choose the perfect engagement ring 46 BRENT MILLER CUPCAKE COLLECTION Stylish, stackable, comfortable 48 LOVE STORES Celebrate with these Brent Miller couples
20 PASO ROBLES The new Napa
22 HOPE IN THE AIR Making a difference
26 GURHAN Designs that are never ordinary
28 THE DELIGHTFUL DESIGNS OF JANE TAYLOR JEWELRY Where technical savvy and Technicolor meet
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Brent Miller Magazine is published by Tufts Communications © 2024, Tufts Communications. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
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FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS
GRATEFUL FOR YOU
As we celebrate our 45th year, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible community for sharing your most special moments with us over the decades. Every Christmas Eve, our family gathers for dinner, taking a moment to reflect on the privilege of serving you.
Your love for your friends and family inspires us to create memorable experiences for you as well. Thank you for helping us make our dreams a reality. We are committed to continually improving our offerings, as we believe you deserve nothing less.
Ryan & Jo Miller
1600 Manheim Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 717-569-5450 • www. brentmiller.com
EXCITING NEWS
By Ryan Miller
A New Chapter
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As we proudly enter our 45th year serving the Lancaster, PA community, I am thrilled to introduce you to the new Brent Miller. Since our founding in 1980 on North Queen Street in beautiful downtown Lancaster, we have celebrated your most special occasions. Once moving to Chelsea Square on Manheim Pike in 2004, we expanded from 1,600 to 3,200 square feet. We have cherished every moment spent with you as we have continued to grow and expand. In 2014, we realized our long-held dream of establishing a standalone building on Manheim Pike—a place designed to serve you as you truly deserve, where our team could thrive. This vision has come to fruition, and we have worked diligently to enhance your experience, striving to meet your expectations with every visit.
One thing has remained constant since 1980: you receive the best of the Miller family whenever you step into Brent Miller. Now, we are excited to unveil a new chapter in our journey. In this revitalized environment, we aspire to deliver the finest shopping experience in America. This vision requires our unwavering energy and attention with each visit, it is realized only when you walk
through our doors and share your lives with us. It is in those moments that we can express our passion and dedication to serving you. We invite you to explore our exquisite environment and discover hand-selected treasures from around the globe. Our commitment to serving you in this extraordinary way is alive and well, and we look forward to celebrating with you at our new location, 1600 Manheim Pike.
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FROM JEANNE MILLER, WHO SHARED THE HEARTFELT NOTE BELOW WITH MY FATHER, BRENT. IN THE 1980S, OUR GENERATIONAL COMMITMENT TO SERVING YOU WAS BORN. JEANNE’S PASSION FOR TREATING PEOPLE WITH KINDNESS BEGAN IN THE 1950S AND WAS PASSED DOWN TO BRENT AND JO, INSPIRING US EVERY DAY TO CONTINUE THIS CHERISHED TRADITION.
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TRENDING
colored gems
THIS IS NO TIME TO BE SHY. SHOW YOUR TRUE COLORS AND BE PROUD ABOUT IT!
Remember those candy necklaces from when you were a kid? Think of colorful jewelry as the grown-up, way more fabulous version. Imagine your favorite outfit. Now add a splash of ruby red here, a twist of emerald green there, and bam! Plus, there are no rules here — mix, match, and own that color wheel. Whether you’re jazzing up a monochrome outfit or making a little black dress pop, colorful jewelry is your ticket to being the life of the party.
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celestial scenes
MANY LOOK TO THE SKY FOR INSPIRATION, GUIDANCE, AND MEANING.
The otherworldly charm of the heavens makes for a special vibe in jewelry, conveying the magic and mystery of the night sky. Adding diamonds and gemstones creates a celestial glow that reminds us of the power of the universe. Our jewelry designers beautifully capture celestial themes.
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nature inspired A NOD TO THE LIVING AND BREATHING THINGS WE LOVE THAT LIVE OUTSIDE.
Gardens abundant in flowers, insects, ferns, and more are a rich source of inspiration for jewelry designers. Expect to see precious metal flowers perched on pendants and earring posts, including enameled styles for realistic coloring, beautiful bug designs sprawling across two-finger rings, and pavé-covered petal bracelets. Nature is a familiar muse for many, calling to mind happy days, birds in flight, and brightly colored flora. Then when winter calls, garden-themed jewels can remind wearers of warmer times. For perennial fans of spring and summer, garden jewels will lift the spirits when temperatures drop.
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TIME ZONE
NEW WATCHES 2024
THE HARMONY OF CONTRASTS With its latest creations, Rolex brings a fresh new look to some of its most iconic models. Thanks to the brand’s in-house mastery of watchmaking expertise, the new timepieces play with contrasts to achieve a harmonious balance of functionality and aesthetics, performance and preciousness, tradition and innovation.
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Offering unique harmonies of materials, colours and textures, the 2024 watches illustrate a desire to constantly reawaken watchmaking emotions, while demonstrating uncompromising quality down to the smallest detail.
OYSTER PERPETUAL GMT-MASTER II Echoing emotions
OYSTER PERPETUAL DAY-DATE Harmonious variations
For the first time, the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II in Oystersteel is presented with the Cerachrom bezel insert in grey and black ceramic introduced to the range in 2023. Its green 24-hour hand displays much more than just an alternative time zone. It points to another location that resonates with the wearer – a reminder of the emotions that accompany each traveller.
Dials that are ombré, coloured blue-green, or in pearlized white mother-of-pearl. Faceted, deconstructed Roman numerals and faceted hour markers. A bezel set with trapeze-cut diamonds. The new versions of the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date express the brand’s enduring desire for rare and wide-ranging expertise to be found in even the smallest details. Colours, materials, motifs, hour markers — each element contributes to the harmony of the new combinations.
PERPETUAL 1908 Elegance in movement
OYSTER PERPETUAL ROLEX DEEPSEA Bringing light to the deep
The Perpetual 1908 is now available in 950 platinum with an ice blue dial, a hue that is exclusively for Rolex watches in this prestigious metal. On this guilloché dial with a rice-grain motif, light bounces off the raised pattern, producing a variety of reflections with every movement of the wrist. A watch of rare distinction, the new 1908 is a visual masterpiece that affirms its unique identity with elegance and finesse.
OYSTER PERPETUAL SKY-DWELLER The symphony of reflections Sophisticated, technical and distinguished, the Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller in 18 k Everose or yellow gold is now available with a Jubilee bracelet. By alternating the size and finish of the links, the Jubilee bracelet in 18 k gold stands out for its wealth of reflec- tions and harmonious forms. Designed to enable tireless travellers to rapidly find their bearings, the Sky-Dweller reaffirms its ele- gance and is a delight to the senses. The first Rolex deep-sea divers’ watch in 18 k yellow gold, the new Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea is decked in blue on its dial, its bezel insert, and its compression ring — part of the Ringlock system. Made from blue ceramic — a technical innovation that is the result of a pioneering manufacturing process — this Cerachrom ring is decorated with a circular satin finish. Precious and technical. Majestic and innovative. A bright watch for the dark abyss. This new version of the Rolex Deepsea is engineered to shine into the ocean depths.
OYSTER PERPETUAL COSMOGRAPH DAYTONa An icon eternally revisited Rolex presents two new versions of the Oys- ter Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona whose dials contrast white and black natural moth- er-of-pearl and a bezel set with brilliant-cut diamonds. These reinterpretations of the iconic watch achieve the perfect balance of precision and preciousness. The watches, made from 18 k white gold, write another chapter in the legendary story of a model known for a wealth of variations, summon- ing the potential in each of us for perpetual reinvention.
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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
Luxurious Luster THE TIMELESS APPEAL OF MIKIMOTO PEARLS
Offering the world’s finest selection of cultured pearl jewelry, Mikimoto is synonymous with unparalleled expertise and service at every stage. Since 1893, when founder Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl, Mikimoto jewelry has possessed a timeless quality —
a perfect balance of tradition and innovation, always appropriate, always in style . Absolute attention to every detail results in jewels admired around the world, for generations past and generations to come.
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Global Brand Ambassador, Dilraba
P R By Brittany VanDerBill 20 BRENT MILLER MAGAZINE
WINES ABOUND IN PASO, ALONG WITH EXCELLENT FOOD, CRAFT BEER, AND EVEN OLIVE OIL TASTINGS.
CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’
The New Napa Paso Robles R S Situated at the halfway point between L.A. and San Francisco, Paso Robles offers up a wine lover’s paradise. Paso Robles means “The Pass of the Oaks,” which is evident when you look around at the multitude of oak trees in the region. Locally, Paso Robles is often referred to as “Paso,” like an old friend. J. Lohr and Daou are among the 200 or so wineries here, both of which produce quality cabernet sauvignon, often found in various restaurants and liquor stores. But there’s more to the region than just wine. In an impressive display of tastes for every palate, the area is also home to a smattering of craft breweries, distilleries, and olive oil producers, some of whom have tasting rooms. Foodies will want to flock to Paso for its delicious mix of restaurants, ranging from In Bloom, featuring locally farmed items, to Six Test Kitchen, a Michelin one-star establishment with just twelve seats for an intimate experience. You have plenty of options to rest your head after wine tastings too. Luxury stays like the Hotel Cheval near the town square are plentiful, as are more rustic (yet still charming) stays at places BURSTING WITH WINERIES AND ALMOST 250 TASTING ROOMS, PASO ROBLES, CALIFORNIA, COULD BE THE NEW NAPA. 21 BRENT MILLER MAGAZINE
like the renovated, dog-friendly Farmhouse cottages. As with wine, Paso’s palate is beautifully varied. Opt for the lap of luxury with upscale hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, stay in a renovated cottage, tour a vineyard, or sip some suds at a craft brewery — Paso offers you the chance to design your own unique experience.
Photography courtesy of Travel Paso & Michelle Roller
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
By Rachel Duong
B
Brent Miller Jewelers has been a main sponsor of the HOPE In The AIR Foundation since its creation in 2017. As long-term customers of Brent Miller Jewelers since our days at the Chelsea Shopping center, Chris Miller and Sasha Wawrzyniak built a deep partnership with Ryan Miller (no relation) to help sponsor their admirable organization. In supporting the HOPE In The AIR Foundation, Brent Miller Jewelers has seen first hand how the organization achieves their goal of uplifting “causes that have a direct impact on people in
our community by sharing hope” and helping them “thrive well into the future” with “the transformative power of the programs they have championed.” In 2015, the artisans and craftsmen of Viocity Group, a family of companies, created metal butterflies which “quickly became recognized as a symbol of peace and hope,” Chris says. As the popularity of these butterflies grew, the company started to see that they had a larger purpose. Forming HOPE In The AIR in 2017, Chris and Sasha had
a mission to “bring the community together through stewardship and giving, providing valuable awareness and resources for causes creating a positive impact on Southeastern Pennsylvania.” In sharing this mission, Brent Miller’s team has worked with the foundation to design and craft custom-themed jewelry, that is then auctioned off during the annual HOPE In The AIR fundraiser gala, while also donating as a main sponsor.
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In 2024, the main item for auction was a gorgeous 14k rose gold butterfly pendant necklace with garnets and diamonds, which was designed by Brent Miller’s custom design coordinator, Candice Todd. Our in-house jewelers then hand set stones into the rose gold butterfly necklace. Five more plain sterling silver butterflies were also auctioned off to raise more money at the annual gala.
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Each year HOPE In The AIR selects emerging programs that are in their growth stage to raise awareness and financial support. Through HOPE In The AIR’s endowment funds, they are able to “lay the foundation for sustained impact, ensuring the programs they support continue to flourish.” In 2023, the recipients were Hospice & Community Care’s Sunflower Pediatric Program and the Penn State Health Children’s Hospital facility dog program, with a total of $148,297.80 raised for both causes and 100 percent of the proceeds going to the beneficiaries. Through the Hospice & Community Care’s Sunflower Pediatric Program, “children, teens and families in the community have access to personalized care and comfort at home, helping to enhance their quality of life and giving families time to be together.” The children served by this program have complex, chronic health needs, tend to live with their illness for several years, and require a coordinated support system of clinical professionals and caregivers. In addition, through
Penn State Health Children’s Hospital Facility Dog Program, service dogs are “professionally trained to work in health care and other settings as an important part of a child’s treatment plan.” Programs such as these rely solely on philanthropy. Brent Miller has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the programs HOPE In The AIR champions and, together, we are determined to see them thrive well into the future. Brent Miller Jewelers has always been proud to uphold our three core facets of: 1) Inclusivity & Diversity, 2) Community, and 3) Development & Growth. Therefore, partnering with and continuing to support local Lancaster organizations, such as HOPE In The AIR, has been a no-brainer and a true pleasure. We aim to continue supporting our local community and aiding these admirable foundations in their efforts to uplift the people of Lancaster. If you would like to learn more about HOPE In The AIR and how you can contribute to their cause, please visit: https://www.hopeintheair.org.
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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
Gurhan A QUARTER-CENTURY OF HAND CRAFTSMANSHIP
AND UNFORGETTABLE DESIGNS THAT ARE NEVER ORDINARY.
Inspired by the goldsmiths of past empires, Gurhan crafts hand- hammered 24k gold designs using tools reminiscent of the Anatolian and Byzantine eras. Each piece is unique and exquisite, handcrafted by skilled artisans personally trained by Gurhan Orhan himself. “From the start, it was my vision to reincarnate the craft of ancient goldsmiths by using the same pure gold they used and by staying true to their hand-hewn techniques,” says Gurhan.
Pure 24k gold bars are meticulously pressed into delicate sheets. The intricate hand- hammering process strengthens the gold and gives it the signature texture or fingerprints for which Gurhan jewelry is known. Each square inch of gold may bear over 1000 individual hammer strokes, showcasing their commitment to craftsmanship and detail. Passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the craft have made Gurhan a legacy. When you wear a Gurhan design, you don’t just wear jewelry; you wear a piece of history, a fragment of art, and a touch of elegance. Over the years, They have embraced the traditions of ancient goldsmiths while melding ancient techniques with contemporary refinements to create pieces that stand out in any era.
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Gurhan jewelry has graced red carpets and found its way into the personal collections of stars like Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, Oprah, Sandra Bullock, Megan Fox, and Hillary Clinton, highlighting its esteemed place in the world of high fashion.
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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
the Delightful Designs of
JANE TAYLOR JEWELRY
Jane Taylor Jewelry is where technical savvy meets Technicolor stones, sentiment meets style, and function meets form. Jane’s 35+ years in the industry can be felt from her unparalleled color combinations to the consideration she gives each and every millimeter of her designs. While her daughter
Cleo’s 13+ years act as a bridge from past to present, applying her passion for storytelling and technology to driving her mother’s vision forward. In an increasingly serious world filled with never-ending challenges, Jane Taylor creates jewelry to bring pure joy.
“GEMSTONES SHOULD ENVELOPE A PERSON. THE FANTASY AND THE TWINKLE HAVE ALWAYS CAPTURED ME. DIFFERENT COLORS MAKE JEWELRY FUN; I DON’T WANT THE JEWELRY TO BE SO SERIOUS.” – JANE TAYLOR
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ACCESSORIES FOR HIM
THE RESURGENCE OF JEWELRY FOR MEN
I of rank, and medieval knights donned signet rings for identification. During the Renaissance, jewelry became more ornate, reflecting artistic trends of the time. In the 19th and 20th centuries, men’s jewelry became more understated and included cufflinks and tie pins. Today, men’s jewelry is experiencing a resurgence, blending traditional styles with modern designs to express individuality and personal style. With the right touches, a few accessories can elevate almost any ensemble, taking it from ordinary to exceptional. A Revolution in Accessories If you ask the average man what accessories he has, his answer would probably include a watch, maybe some cufflinks, and a wedding band. While we tend to accept this as the norm, historically this wasn’t the case. Men have worn jewelry since ancient times. It signified status, power, and wealth. In early civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia, kings and warriors adorned themselves with elaborate pieces made from gold, silver, and gemstones. The Romans wore rings as symbols
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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
By Annie Davidson
F ancy Fingers
POMELLATO STACKS LUSCIOUS GEMSTONES WITH COLOR + STYLE
W
Wearing multiple rings isn’t an entirely new concept — different cultures around the world have long embraced it as a symbol of wealth, power, and social status — but the practice has evolved to become more about personal expression than anything else. The availability of rings with minimal jewels, perfect for matching and stacking, has fulfilled this individualistic inclination and made it more accessible than ever. Plus,
the desire to breathe new life into antique, vintage, or sentimental pieces has rendered the multi-finger ring trend even more popular, allowing wearers to blend the old and the new in a meaningful and fashion-forward way. Out of all of the ring styles, the pinky ring has arguably made the biggest comeback. Designers have experimented with the pinky ring as a canvas for many different styles, some as traditional signets or talismans and
others with the spotlight on gemstones or diamonds. There is a wide range of designs to suit every personal preference or sentiment. As an added bonus, the pinky ring carries no connotation of gender, so it’s widely embraced. With all of the possibilities when it comes to ring styling, wearing multiple rings makes the trend feel particularly personal, adaptable, and fresh — and one that’s here to stay.
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TIME ZONE
By Celine Simon
Material Matters
Aside from design, features, and movements, a big area watch brands focus on is materials. What a watch is made of is integral to how it fits, feels, and functions. In recent years, watch companies have invested heavily in alternative materials that go beyond traditional metals such as steel, gold, and platinum. We’re seeing more timepieces fashioned from
cutting-edge materials, such as carbon composites, ceramics, titanium, and even upcycled elements. What’s more, watchmakers are experimenting with creating alloys out of gold to produce new hues and tougher metals. Whether used on cases, bracelets, dials, or bezels, there are plenty of modern materials to discover among today’s watches.
Gold Alloys One way that some watch companies like to flaunt their material mastery is by developing secret formulas to create proprietary gold alloys. Mixing in other metals, such as copper, palladium, platinum, silver, zinc, and others, produces different colors and degrees of hardness. However, to remain 18 karat gold, the formula must consist of at least 75 percent pure gold.
Left: Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono “Cycling Edition”
Center: Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono
Right: Tudor Black Bay 58 in yellow gold
Carbon Composites Carbon fiber has long been a favorite material in the aerospace and automotive worlds, prized for its appealing combination of lightness, strength, and distinctive appearance. Watches are now incorporating carbon composite materials (a mix of carbon fiber with other materials), which not only results in tough and durable watches but striking designs too. Watch companies can use various methods to create carbon fiber-reinforced materials depending on the specific characteristics and overall look they’re trying to achieve
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grand-seiko.com
#SLGA021
Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive 5 Days
Ceramic Ceramics in watches does not refer to fragile clay- based pottery but rather high-tech materials that can be shaped and then hardened by heating to high temperatures. Although ceramic has been used in watches for decades, its popularity has picked up tremendously lately, due largely to advancements in manufacturing. High-tech ceramic is resistant to both scratching and fading, relatively lightweight, and hypoallergenic—all good things for watches. Plus, the sleek look of ceramic makes it ideal for components such as bezels, cases, and bracelets.
Top to bottom from top right: TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph in steel and ceramic Grand Seiko Sport Spring Drive GMT Breitling Chronomat B01 42 TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport
Titanium The use of titanium to make watches has increased significantly over the last few years thanks to its lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant properties. Titanium is both lighter and stronger than stainless steel, making it an ideal material to craft watches—particularly sporty ones that may be subject to harsher conditions.
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By Gary Wollenhaupt
ELECTRIC LUXURY
THE AIR SAPPHIRE
S
Sorry Elon, Lucid says their new Air Sapphire is the first electric-only luxury super-sports sedan in the world. It requires only 1.89 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, a time competitive with a Formula 1 race car, in a sedan with four doors and a 21-speaker sound system. Acceleration is so fast that early drivers say it messes with your mind if you dare push the pedal that far. The purported top end is 205 mph, driven by 1,234 hp from three electric motors. Fortunately, the track-tuned suspension, sport-seats, carbon-ceramic brakes, and the distinctive aerodynamic package also help manage all that power.
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This EV is about more than saving fossil fuels. It’s what the marketers call a “halo” car, which sheds a beautifying light on all the maker’s cars. The Corvette fills the same role for Chevrolet. Only a few people will have the joy of ownership, but even non-car people know what it is when it glides down the road.
WILL BEND YOUR MIND
THE AIR SAPPHIRE ADDRESSES RANGE ANXIETY WITH AN EPA-ESTIMATED 427 MILES OF RANGE FROM A SINGLE CHARGE. YOU CAN ADD 200 MILES OF CHARGE IN 15 MINUTES TO KEEP YOU ON SCHEDULE.
The interior is as performance oriented as the drive train. Massaging, ventilated, heated, 18-way front sport seats hold you in place with a deep bolster. You can select one of the four drive modes from the 34-inch glass cockpit infotainment system: Smooth, Swift, Sapphire, and Track. Each mode tweaks the behavior of the steering, brakes, suspension, torque vectoring, and peak power. Experience unprecedented steering control through the torque vectoring system. The two rear drive motors deliver power to the rear wheels to pivot the car’s back end for straight-line stability or agility during turning.
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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
By Jackie Beauchamp
T The Eleni Katina collection gains inspiration from the designer’s years of experience in the jewelry industry. The collection boasts its simplicity, minimalism, stackability, and timelessness. Every piece in this collection is designed to be stacked and layered, but shines on its own. The designer prides herself on the universality of this collection. Featuring 14k yellow gold metal, the JEWELRY FOR THE MODERN WOMAN’S LIFESTYLE
pieces in the collection mix together classic styles with pops of natural color, adding in unique cut gemstones. The designer makes pieces that are based on her own personal, redefined style, characterized by the unique ability to wear them in an endless possibility of ways. In the works for almost two decades, the Eleni Katina collection has finally come to life at Brent Miller in 2024.
As seen on the cover
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Eleni Fry is the designer and maker of the Eleni Katina collection. She has been part of the Brent Miller team for over 20 years. Her love for jewelry started from a very young age, as she remembers showing off a watch or buying jewelry ever since she was in middle school. She went to school for Jewelry Fabrication 19 years ago and would sporadically help the Goldsmiths, until about 8 years ago when she became a full-time Brent Miller Goldsmith. Since starting at Brent Miller, while working closely with her fellow Goldsmiths, her love for jewelry flourished. about the designer
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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
JEWELRY SHOULD NOT JUST BE BEAUTIFUL, IT SHOULD EMPOWER AND INSPIRE YOU Monica Rich Kosann
The Monica Rich Kosann collection of 18K gold and sterling silver fine jewelry is rooted in the idea that every woman has a story to tell. The Brand’s jewelry design process is driven by the question: “Are we creating styles to be a permanent part of lives for generations?” Monica says, “Living and cherishing stories is universal to us all. They are the stories that empower us and when captured in our jewelry can be our daily armor. A locket depicts a moment unique to the wearer. Our other Collections celebrate the story of each woman’s life. The styles one chooses uniquely capture our individual stories.”
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HAPPILY EVER AFTER
RINGS that engage
A
By Carol Besler
A diamond ring is beautiful no matter how you look at it, but not every diamond ring is the same. Changing the cut and shape of a diamond can make it beautiful in a whole new way. The 57-facet round-brilliant cut is the most popular form of diamond for rings because it produces the most pure white light return. It is defined according to specific mathematically calculated angles that are designed to make it reflect light from the inner facets. But it’s not the only choice, and it’s definitely not the only beautiful choice. There are many cuts and shapes to choose from, all of which have their own unique charms.
Fancy shapes such as pear, marquise (a long rectangle with pointed tips), emerald (a rectangular step cut with tapered corners), and ovals are popular alternatives to the round- brilliant. Oval-shaped center stones and solitaires have become particularly popular this year. Oval diamonds are not only a unique alternative to round, but visually they seem larger than round or square cut diamonds of the same size. Not only that, but the elongated style makes the fingers look longer. In fact, all long shaped stones like oval, pear, emerald, or marquise diamonds add the illusion of length to shorter fingers, as do tapered side stones, such as baguettes (a rectangular cut without beveled corners).
The princess cut is another favorite choice for center stones. The face-up shape of the princess cut is square or rectangular, and the profile or side-view shape is similar to that of an inverted pyramid with four beveled sides. The cut is executed with a series of unique, chevron-shaped facets in the pavilion, which combine to give a unique cross-shaped reflection when the stone is viewed directly through the table. The cushion cut — so named for its softly rounded corners that resemble a pillow — is another favorite, one that feels a little bit vintage. The cut dates back 200 years and was once considered the favorite of royals. Today’s versions use modern cutting technology to imbue the cushion with impressive sparkle. There are also specialty cuts unique to certain manufacturers. One is the Asscher cut, originally created in the early 1900s by the Asscher Brothers of Holland’s Asscher Diamond Company (now the Royal Asscher Diamond Company). For decades, Asscher cuts were primarily found in vintage jewelry stores, but the shape surged in popularity again during the early 2000s. Asscher cuts look similar to emerald cuts, with the most obvious difference being that they are square instead of rectangular. This cut features large stepped facets and a tall crown that produces a very high brilliance. Although the Asscher cut is considered a square shape, it is actually somewhat octagonal, since all four corners are cropped. However, these cropped corners are not noticeable once the diamond is mounted into a four-prong setting. Another special cut is the Radiant, which is a square cut with a complete brilliant-cut facet pattern applied to both the crown and pavilion, creating a vibrant and lively square (or rectangular) diamond, with a total of 70 facets.
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BRENT MILLER BY
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
Metals make the ring Gold is the traditional material for wedding bands. This symbolic metal is available primarily in yellow, white, and rose, although other colors such as blackened and brown gold can be found. Gold can be finished in a variety of ways, from polished to matte. Since it is a softer metal, it can be scratched or dented, but it can be re-polished to its shimmering glory, and its softness allows for elaborate engraving or filigree patterns on the shank. Scrollwork, floral motifs, or an elegantly intertwined band can lend a subtle touch of elegance or harken back to bygone eras. Rose gold is gaining popularity, particularly in bridal, where it is seen as softer than yellow gold and with romantic, or vintage undertones. Platinum is also a popular choice for wedding bands. It is one of the most durable of the precious metals, with a beautiful grayish-white luster. Platinum is heavier and stronger than gold due to the density. It is also hypoallergenic — some people develop allergies from the alloys used in other metal bands. Palladium, part of the platinum group of metals, shares many of platinum’s attributes, such as its white color, strength, and durability. It is not quite as rare as platinum. It is also not as dense, making it a lighter weight metal. Like platinum, palladium is hypoallergenic.
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DELICIOUS DESIGNS
By Ryan Miller
1 2 46 why is it called cupcake?
Every stone on every ring features a “cup” of metal under it that mirrors it’s diameter, protecting the stones from hitting on other rings (your engagement ring or stacking bands). It also protects the stones from other objects that consistently come into contact with it during daily wear. The cup shape is round and very comfortable on the finger.
@cupcakering features very special prongs (or in this case, “sprinkles”). Where traditional prongs look like a circle or dot of metal and are often shared, meaning one prong is used to hold two stones, @cupcakering is different. A much longer piece of metal covers a substantial part of the stones, v-shaped prongs are used and each stone is held in by its own dedicated prong. The “sprinkles” (the longer pieces of metal) give over three times the security of traditional prongs, leading to a much less likely outcome of stones becoming loose, or worse, a stone falling out. The “sprinkles”are less likely to catch on a sweater or hair.
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The @cupcakering is a modern take on a classic eternity band designed specifically to be as beautiful as possible while being truly durable enough for everyday wear. In addition, this is the most comfortable eternity ring we have ever seen, rounded on the inside with no sharp prongs or points on the outside.
the cupcake promise
We stand behind every diamond and gemstone in these rings.
We will replace any damaged or missing stones and tighten all stones for the lifetime of the ring.
For all cupcake eternity rings, if your finger size ever changes, we will make you a new ring and you will only be charged if additional diamonds or gemstones are needed to make the ring larger (you will only pay for the additional stones, not any manufacturing work).
47 BRENT MILLER MAGAZINE
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
Kendra & Andrew
Megan & Drew
Hannah & Anthony
Kami & Tommy
LOVE STORIES
IT IS OUR PRIVILEGE TO HAVE PLAYED A ROLE IN YOUR BIGGEST MOMENTS
Alyssa & Parker
Mariah & Rich
Vanessa & Cody
48 BRENT MILLER MAGAZINE
Tracy & Craig
Amy & John
Alex & Caitlin
There is no remedy for love, but to love
April & Tripp
Erica & Kyle
more .
~THOREAU
Anna & Willie
49 BRENT MILLER MAGAZINE
50 BRENT MILLER MAGAZINE
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