A TUFTS COMMUNICATIONS FINE JEWELRY PUBLICATION
MAGAZINE
Modern Chandeliers LIGHTER SLEEKER WEARABLE
BRILLIANT TIME Diamond watch celebration
GOLDEN HOUR Incredibly Classic
AUTUMN/HOLIDAY 2026 • ISSUE 5
STARBURST ON INDE NAVARRETTE
FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS
Chloe and Zoe have joined Tracy in the family business as the third generation.
From Our Family to Yours
the Gemological Institute of America and is working toward becoming a graduate gemologist, following in my footsteps. Having both Chloe and Zoe involved in the business means so much to me, and I couldn’t be prouder to see the next generation carry on our family’s passion for fine jewelry. As we look forward to the holidays, I also want to take a moment to thank you. Some of you have been visiting Rummele’s for decades, while others are just getting to know us. Every relationship matters, and we never take for granted the trust you’ve placed in our family.
The holiday season has always been one of my favorite times of year at Rummele’s. There’s something special about seeing familiar faces come through our doors, hearing about your families, and helping you choose gifts for the people you love. It’s a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do, and how fortunate we are to be part of this community. This year brings some especially happy news for our own family. My youngest daughter, Zoe, graduated from Arizona State University and has joined Rummele’s full-time. She has also begun her studies at
I hope you enjoy this year’s magazine, filled with beautiful jewelry, exceptional timepieces, and plenty of inspiration for the season ahead. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, finding something special for someone you love, or simply stopping in to say hello, we look forward to seeing you. From our family to yours, I wish you a wonderful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and time spent with those who matter most. Happy Holidays, Tracy
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RUMMELE’S JEWELERS MAGAZINE
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CONTENTS
8 WELCOME from Tracy Alpert
30 MIXED METAL MOODS The jewelry rule worth breaking
14 RUMMELE’S EVENTS Exclusive trunk shows
28
16 ROLEX Oyster story
40 BRILLIANT TIME A celebration of diamond-set watches 42 THE MAHJONG MOMENT The sweeping popularity of a classic game 44 THE VEIN OF LOVE How a Roman myth still shapes every proposal
20 THE ART OF FINISH Where brushed meets polished, dimension is born
32 BLUE SKIES AHEAD Cool, clear, and captivating
22 TENNIS EVERYONE The bracelet built for the court, worn everywhere else
34 MODERN CHANDELIERS Lighter, sleeker, and endlessly wearable
24
22
36 FOPE The Prima collection 38 CARTIER The Roadster returns
48 THE RISE OF INDIVIDUAL STYLE Redefining the modern engagement ring 50 WEDDING STORIES Celebrate with these amazing couples
24 ULTRA-LUXURY YACHTS Five-star living on the sea
38
26 SIMON G. A passion for the details
Africa Collection
28 GOLDEN HOUR Warm, saturated, and incredibly classic
Todd Tufts • Publisher/Creative Director Lori Roberts • Senior Editor Vence Vida • Production Manager/Designer Jackie Haldiman • Account Director Stephen Lewis • Lead Copy Editor Rummele’s Jewelers Magazine is published by Tufts Communications, 10012 Gulf Center Drive, Suite 5150 • Fort Myers, FL 33913 T: 765-819-2500 • E: todd@tuftscom.com © 2026, Tufts Communications. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
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events RUMMELE’S HAPPENINGS Exclusive Trunk Shows Featuring Roberto Coin and Simon G.
For years, we had envisioned bringing a special jewelry event to our seasonal Fish Creek location, and this summer, that vision became a reality. Over three days in July, we welcomed longtime clients and new friends to an exclusive trunk show featuring Simon G. and Roberto Coin. Both designers brought an extraordinary selection of new and one-of-a-kind pieces, including designs not typically available at Rummele’s. Guests had the opportunity to explore these collections up close, discover new pieces, and experience the artistry of each designer in the relaxed, intimate setting of Door County. Of course, a summer weekend in Door County calls for good food and wine, too. We partnered with Alexander’s, a beloved Door County supper club, to offer guests an artfully presented selection of charcuterie and small bites, while Stone’s Throw Winery provided wine for guests to enjoy as they shopped. It was a pleasure to spend three days sharing beautiful jewelry, good company, and a little Door County hospitality with everyone who joined us.
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TIME ZONE
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 jewelry and highly unreliable in terms of accuracy. Having overcome the challenge of precision, Rolex turned its attention to designing flawless armor to protect its movements.
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.
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”.
Oyster Story
It was born of Hans Wilsdorf’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.
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For example, a brushed or satin surface absorbs light into a soft matte glow, while a high-polished plane throws it straight back as a mirror. Set the two against each other on a single cuff or ring and the contrast carves out depth and texture that color alone could never supply. Woven and basket- worked designs take this further, interlacing matte and gleaming strands of warm saturated gold into something that resembles fabric more than metal, yet remains quietly architectural. R Run your thumb across a beautifully finished piece and you’ll feel the design before you fully appreciate it visually — the velvet drag of a brushed surface gives way to the cool glide of high polish. This interplay of finishes is one of the most sophisticated, yet understated, tools in a goldsmith’s repertoire. Long before a single gemstone is set, the finish is doing the quiet work of shaping how light moves across the metal, creating dimension that accentuates uniqueness.
SPECIAL SURFACES
By Jennifer Brugh
None of this happens by accident, though. Achieving that boundary between satin and polish demands a steady, practiced hand. It is slow, exacting craftsmanship, and it is precisely the kind of detail that separates the merely pretty from the genuinely fine. Because of this craft, you’re left with a piece that shifts with you through the day. Under office light, it appears understated and effortless; catch it in candlelight at dinner and the polish suddenly ignites, drawing attention from across the room. You’re not wearing one mood but several, layered into a single object. Consider it wearable art — proof that the most compelling drama in fine jewelry sometimes has nothing to do with the stones at all.
Finish WHERE BRUSHED MEETS POLISHED, DIMENSION IS BORN
THE FINISH IS DOING THE QUIET WORK OF SHAPING HOW LIGHT MOVES ACROSS THE METAL, CREATING DIMENSION THAT ACCENTUATES UNIQUENESS.
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GAME, SET, STYLE
By Jennifer Brugh
EACH DIAMOND IS MATCHED BY HAND SO THE WHOLE LINE CATCHES LIGHT AS ONE. T There's a reason the tennis bracelet earned its name honestly: it's built to keep up. But take it off the court and it stops being sporty at all. It's simply fine jewelry, as natural at a Tuesday desk as it is at a black-tie dinner. That's the trick of it. A player needs quick reflexes, a steady grip, and the discipline to repeat the same motion over and over. This bracelet was engineered with the same demands in mind. Each diamond is matched by hand so the whole line catches light as one, and every link bends with the wrist rather than resisting it. You're meant to put it on and stop noticing it's there, through a full day at work and dinner after. The style has evolved too. Round brilliants remain the reliable starting point, but the newer options run the gamut: sharp emerald cuts, ovals cut to look larger than they are, or marquise stones set end to end. Layer a few different cuts on one wrist and you get something closer to a display case than a single bracelet.
TENNIS, EVERYONE!
THE BRACELET BUILT FOR THE COURT, WORN EVERYWHERE ELSE
You don't need an actual match under your belt to wear one well. This is a piece equally at home on your wrist as a professional athlete's. Part grit, part sparkle, no trophy required.
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FLOATING HOTELS
By Micheal Korb
THE RISE OF Ultra- Lu x ury Yachts
When the yacht drops anchor, a transverse marina folds open on both sides of the hull, lowering a platform to the waterline for swimming, kayaking, and other water sports. Eleven restaurants and bars range from a Japanese omakase counter to a champagne-and-caviar room finished in hand-laid seashells. All that splendor comes priced to a philosophy. Four Seasons charges per suite (hotel-style), not per person, from roughly $20,000 for a week in a Seaview Suite to as much as $350,000 for the Funnel. Notably, the fare is not all-inclusive. Breakfast, water sports, and Wi-Fi are covered; lunch, dinner, fine wine, and shore excursions are not. It’s a deliberate bet that this traveler would rather dine ashore in Santorini than be herded to a buffet. “Today’s luxury traveler values time, trust, and authenticity above all,” says Ben Trodd, CEO of Marc- Henry Cruise Holdings, the venture’s joint operator. “With the confidence our guests place in Four Seasons comes an equally high expectation for excellence.” The category’s pioneer, the Ritz- Carlton Yacht Collection, launched in 2022 and now runs three vessels — Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara — on the opposite philosophy: all-inclusive (down to the
personal butler) with meals and drinks folded into a per-person fare that starts around $10,000 a week. Earlier this year Ilma became the first ship to be awarded a Five-Star rating by Forbes Travel Guide. The collection’s signature is the themed voyage. This summer saw 44 sailings across more than 90 ports, among them an oenophile passage from Lisbon to Portsmouth — with tastings threaded through Porto and Bordeaux — and a dedicated golf voyage that tees off on Scotland’s storied links before a private feast at an Edinburgh castle. Explora Journeys, the youngest of the group, refuses to call itself a cruise at all. Its newest ship launches this season with 461 ocean-facing suites, many with private terraces and plunge pools. The yacht runs on liquified natural gas (LNG), which may appeal to travelers looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Its look is pointedly European and residential, meaning less floating hotel and more a friend’s improbably large yacht. What unites these buoyant bluewater hotels is a shrewd calculation: having perfected guest loyalty on land, the great hotel brands have decided the next frontier floats. And where a brand has resorts ashore, the voyage can be bookended on land — a few nights at the Four Seasons in Florence before you sail — so the journey unfolds under one roof, even when the roof is moving. For centuries, the measure of a grand hotel was its address. Now, it seems, the best address is no address at all. Finally, luxury is underway.
LUXURY HOSPITALITY HAS LEFT LAND BEHIND AND TAKEN FIVE-STAR LIVING TO SEA
T
The world’s newest five-star hotels don’t have an address. They have a heading. From the Caribbean to the Greek Isles to the fjords of Norway, the world’s great hospitality names have taken to the water, launching a fleet of ultra-luxury yachts that blur the line between resort and ship. For the traveler who’s done the safari, the private island, and the palazzo, there is finally something new: a hotel that quietly relocates while you sleep. The most talked-about of the new fleet is the Four Seasons I, which took its maiden voyage out of Málaga this spring. The numbers behind it border on the absurd: a 679-foot vessel the size of a midsize cruise liner, built for €400 million, and yet it carries fewer than 200 guests and is tended by a crew of 180 (a near 1:1 ratio of staff to passenger). Each of the 95 suites opens onto a private terrace through floor-to-ceiling glass and contains the first transparent television ever installed at sea. But the showstopper is the four-level Funnel Suite, a nearly 10,000-square-foot work of art set within the ship’s glass funnel, featuring its own private elevator and outdoor gym.
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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
STAY IN TOUCH
WE’RE VERY SOCIAL.
A Passion INSIDE THE CRAFTSMANSHIP OF SIMON G. JEWELRY for the Details
S
Simon Ghanimian didn’t come to America planning to become a jewelry designer. He arrived from Armenia with just $200 in his pocket and a dream of going to college to be an engineer. When college proved too expensive, a relative working in New York’s Diamond District offered him a job setting diamonds and he quickly fell in love with the process. Before long, the money he had been saving for school was going toward jewelry-making materials instead. More than four decades later, that fascination with how jewelry is made remains at the heart of Simon G. The brand alloys its metals in-house and puts each piece through 10 separate quality-control stations. Diamonds are set by hand, and jewelry is polished from every angle, including the backs, interiors, and areas underneath the stones. It’s a level of attention that extends even to details the wearer may never see. That attention to detail carries through a wide range of designs, including new takes on familiar jewelry staples. This season, two-tone diamond hoops pair yellow and white gold, while a tennis bracelet mixes polished yellow- gold beads with bezel-set diamonds. There’s plenty of variety, but the common thread is the same one that first drew Simon to the jewelry bench: an appreciation for craftsmanship and a belief that the smallest details matter.
We want to share everything about Rummele’s with you! From styles, designers, proposals, and everything in between, you can find it on our Instagram and Facebook pages.
@rjgreenbay
Rummelesjewelers
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ENDLESS APPEAL
By Jennifer Brugh
GOLDEN
For years, cool metals held the spotlight. But yellow gold has fully reclaimed its place and it’s easy to see why. There’s a warmth to it that other metals don’t have, creating a honeyed glow against your skin. Yellow gold flatters nearly every complexion, the same way late- afternoon light flatters everything it touches. It carries history without feeling dated, and it dresses up an outfit without trying too hard. This season, the look leans bold and sculptural. A substantial chain or wide cuff can carry a look by itself. A domed ring, with enough curve and shine, turns a bare hand into something worth noticing. Any of these pieces hold up when worn alone; when stacked together, they start to feel like an actual outfit choice instead of an afterthought.
BEYOND ITS BEAUTY, YELLOW GOLD CARRIES LASTING VALUE.
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Beyond its beauty, yellow gold carries lasting value. It works just as well at dinner as it does at the office, and unlike a lot of things people spend money on, it holds up as an investment that’s both beautiful and wearable. Gold doesn't need much of a case made for it at this point. It's the most confident choice you can make, and it wears like a piece you'll still want ten years from now.
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By Jennifer Brugh
BETTER TOGETHER
Mixed
THE JEWELRY RULE WORTH BREAKING Metal MOODS
F
For years, the unspoken law in jewelry was that metals stayed in their lanes and you never mixed them. But that rule has been quietly, and joyfully, retired. The most modern way to wear fine jewelry now is to let warm yellow gold, cool white gold, and blush-toned rose mingle freely, whether on a single piece or layered together. The appeal is partly practical and entirely liberating. Mixed metals make an existing collection far more versatile. Suddenly, favorite pieces no longer have to compete simply because they were crafted in different gold tones. It also opens the door to experimenting with combinations, discovering unexpected pairings within your own jewelry box. That said, effortless rarely means accidental, and a few simple guidelines help mixed metals feel intentional rather than improvised.
Next, let each metal appear at least twice. Echo a rose gold band with rose gold studs, pair a yellow gold cuff with a matching chain, or complement a white gold tennis bracelet with a white gold eternity band. And if you’re hesitant to mix too freely, begin with two metals rather than three. Repetition, more than restraint, is what gives a mixed-metal look its sense of balance. Personal, a little playful, and endlessly versatile, a mixed-metal collection invites experimentation. New combinations emerge each time you open the jewelry box, which is precisely the point.
START WITH ONE PIECE THAT ALREADY MARRIES METALS, SUCH AS A TWO-TONE RING OR WATCH. IT ACTS AS A BRIDGE, MAKING EVERYTHING ELSE FEEL COHESIVE.
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JEWELRY TRENDS
By Jennifer Brugh
AQUAMARINE is the serene tone, effortlessly creating a glimmer of cool water at the wrist or neckline, adding rich color with subtlety. Often pale, transparent, and endlessly calming, its soft sea-glass clarity flatters nearly every skin tone. Historically linked to the mythical allure of mermaids, aquamarine is the stone for the woman who wants presence without intensity.
bl u e
skies ahead
LIGHT BLUE SAPPHIRE brings divine energy into your daily story. Ranging in color from pale morning sky to soft, glowing cornflower, these stones offer a sophisticated alternative to darker sapphires. With its superior hardness, the cool blue is made to be worn and handed down — this stone won’t flinch at a lifetime of daily wear. Where aquamarine whispers, the pale sapphire holds its line.
S
COOL, CLEAR, AND CAPTIVATING — THE SEASON’S MOST REFRESHING PALETTE
BLUE TOPAZ is the extrovert of the three: open, vivid, and unabashedly luminous, ranging from soft sky to that electric, swimming-pool brilliance that stops a room. It offers the most saturation for the most generous presence, making it ideal for a statement cocktail ring or a pair of drop earrings begging to be noticed across a candlelit table.
Some colors give you chills in the best possible way. This year, the defining mood in fine jewelry is unmistakably cool blue. It’s the shade of glacier ice, of clear high-altitude sky, of tropical water so transparent it seems unreal. And the trend forecasters have noticed. Pinterest names Cool Blue among this year’s defining jewelry colors. Searches for icy blue tones are up by half, and glacier-inspired accessories are quietly climbing onto every mood board. After seasons of warm gold and earthy gems, cool blue lands like a clean breath of winter air. What makes the palette so compelling is its range. These are not interchangeable blues; each carries its own temperament, and half the excitement comes from choosing yours.
Set any of them in platinum or crisp white gold and the effect sharpens further, metal and stone agreeing on the same icy register. Against warm yellow gold, the same blue turns unexpectedly tender. Layer them or let one stand alone; either way, the cool blue palette feels modern, alluring, and quietly optimistic.
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REFINED MOVEMENT
By Becky Stone
MODERN CHANDELIERS
F From shimmering strands that catch the light with the toss of a head to fringe that flickers with each turn on the dance floor, there’s something glamorous about jewelry with movement. This dynamic, ever-shifting design that moves with its wearer is the foundation of the chandelier earring’s lasting appeal. Modern chandeliers are lighter and simpler than the elaborate designs of the past, making them suited to daily wear and dinner dates rather than formal, occasion-only jewelry. Today’s versions favor smaller scale and often introduce unexpected colors, shapes, and textures to keep the silhouette fresh.
Some of the most compelling modern chandeliers break with tradition entirely by playing with form. Instead of a trio of dangling drops, a pair of linear diamond earrings might feature a single swinging chain of gems on each side. The narrow silhouette is flattering and refined, while the movement still evokes classic glamour. Chandelier earrings can also take the form of stud earrings, with dainty drops anchored directly to the lobe, or ear climbers, arcing along the side of the ear in suspended metal swags that frame the face. Many of these styles are best suited to evening events, but chandeliers can work for daytime too. Look for a smaller design, or one that favors less opulent materials, like beaded tassels, semi-precious gemstone drops, or shimmering gold chain fringe, over dazzling diamonds.
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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
THE PRIMA COLLECTION FOPE
F FOPE has been synonymous with
Italian goldsmithing since 1929, when the brand was founded in Vicenza, the city that remains its home and the site of its entirely in-house production. That heritage lives on in the Novecento mesh, FOPE’s signature gold weave. Individual links are assembled by hand, without soldering, into a structure soft enough to move like fabric against the skin. Within FOPE’s collections, Prima represents that mesh in its lightest, most relaxed form, spanning bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings. Its signature stretch bracelet is built on FOPE’s patented Flex’it system, a network of microscopic 18-karat gold springs hidden within the mesh that gives it its elasticity, offered in white, yellow, and rose gold with a diamond pavé rondel. The collection’s diamond pavé lariat necklace, available in the same three gold tones, extends that same soft mesh into a fluid, tie-front silhouette that can be worn short and structured or long and draped. Understated by design, Prima reflects FOPE’s broader philosophy: luxury meant for everyday wear, worn with authenticity and ease. Its pieces are made to be worn alone or stacked and layered with other Prima styles, encouraging a personal, evolving look that appeals equally to men and women. It’s a fitting extension of a brand
built on the idea that fine jewelry should move with its wearer, day after day, without ever losing its polish.
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THE NEW CLASSIC
By Celine Simon
THE ROADSTER
REFLECTS THE
MORE THAN TWO DECADES LATER, THE ROADSTER RETURNS SHARPER, SLEEKER, AND UNMISTAKABLY CARTIER
CARTIER BROTHERS’
W When Cartier introduced the Roadster in 2002, it added a distinctly automotive personality to the maison’s long tradition of shaped watches. Inspired by classic sports cars, its tonneau-shaped case combined flowing curves with a speedometer-inspired dial, a prominent conical crown, and a magnified date window reminiscent of a headlight. Its powerful design reflected the Cartier brothers’ fascination with the mechanical world and technological advancement. Cartier has now revived the Roadster while preserving the elements that made the original so recognizable. The designers focused on refining its proportions, sharpening its lines, and
FASCINATION WITH THE
MECHANICAL WORLD
The Cartier Roadster RETURNS
AND TECHNOLOGICAL
ADVANCEMENT.
improving ergonomics without altering its signature silhouette. More than one hundred artisans contributed to the project, from designers and watchmakers to dial specialists, polishers, and stampers.
The dial remains familiar, maintaining its circular striated pattern, Roman numerals, railroad minute track, and magnified date display. New decorative techniques create greater depth: an appliqué effect created by a stamping tool adds relief, while varnish applied to the indexes and railroad minute track enhances the dial’s detailing. The steel models are paired with blue or anthracite Super-LumiNova-coated sword hands, and four rivets added to the bezel further emphasize the automotive-inspired design. Available in stainless steel, two-tone steel and yellow gold, or full yellow gold, the Cartier Roadster collection is offered in both large and medium sizes. The larger models are powered by Cartier’s automatic Caliber 1847 MC, while the medium versions use the automatic Caliber 1899 MC.
Cartier also redesigned the integrated bracelet with shorter, more ergonomic links and a revised mix of polished and brushed surfaces. The QuickSwitch system remains, allowing owners to swap easily between the bracelet and the accompanying leather strap. More than two decades after its debut, the Roadster returns with updated proportions while remaining unmistakably one of Cartier’s most distinctive contemporary designs.
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TIME ZONE
By Celine Simon
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Date Ref. WBP231J.BA0618, 36 mm stainless steel case with black ceramic bezel, pink wave-patterned dial with diamond hour markers, automatic movement, stainless steel bracelet.
F Time BRILLI A NT A CELEBRATION OF DIAMOND-SET WATCHES
For centuries, diamonds have occupied a special place in watchmaking. Once reserved primarily for royalty and high society, these precious stones gradually became a defining feature of some of the industry’s most elegant and technically ambitious creations. Today, diamond-set watches can be found across virtually every category, from sporty everyday models to elaborate high-jewelry masterpieces. Part of their enduring appeal lies in their versatility. Diamonds can transform a watch in dramatically different ways depending on how they are used. A discreet row of stones set into a bezel can add just a dash of sparkle without overwhelming the design, while fully gem-set cases and bracelets create an unmistakable statement of craftsmanship and luxury. Some designs use diamonds as hour markers, while others incorporate hundreds of stones across the entire dial.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph Ref. WBP1314. BA0005, 34 mm stainless steel case with 18K yellow gold-plated diamond-set bezel, white mother-of-pearl dial with diamond hour markers, solar-powered quartz movement, stainless steel bracelet.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 100 Solargraph Ref. WBP141E. BA0049, 28 mm stainless steel case, blue sunray dial with 12 diamond hour markers, solar-powered quartz movement, stainless steel bracelet.
Breitling Chronomat Automatic 36 Ref.U10380591K1U1, 36 mm stainless steel and 18K red gold case, copper dial with diamond hour markers, diamond-set bezel, automatic movement, two-tone Rouleaux bracelet.
TAG Heuer Carrera Date Ref. WBN2319. BA0001, 36 mm stainless steel case, lilac snail- brushed dial with diamond hour markers, automatic movement, stainless steel bracelet.
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RECREATIONAL REVIVAL
By Andi Ingalls
MAHJONG MOMENT THE THE SWEEPING POPULARITY OF A CLASSIC GAME
M
For some, that space grows into something more elaborate. For others, it is simply an excuse to make an everyday afternoon feel special. The appeal extends beyond aesthetics. In a world dominated by screens and packed schedules, mahjong creates an opportunity to slow down and be present. The click of tiles, the cadence of turns, and the ease of conversation create a kind of gathering that feels rare and grounding. The competition is friendly, the pace unhurried, and the sense of belonging comes easily. “What keeps people coming back is the community,” Hemsell says. “I’ve had women tell me this game changed their lives. It brings people together in a way that feels meaningful. You’re focused, you’re in the moment, and you’re laughing. Between shuffling and hands, you catch up. It’s social, but it’s also good for your brain.” What was once seen as old fashioned now feels fresh, social, and surprisingly chic. Mahjong is not about winning every hand. It is about creating space for connection, returning week after week, and savoring the ritual as much as the game itself.
Mahjong is having a moment. Once associated with a much older generation, the centuries-old tile game is now drawing new players across the country, turning afternoons into standing weekly dates and homes into places designed for gathering. What began as a quiet rediscovery has quickly grown into a full-fledged social ritual. Originating in China in the 19th century, mahjong arrived in the United States in the early 20th century and evolved into what is now known as American Mahjong. The four-player game blends strategy, memory, and luck. Players build hands using numbered tiles, winds, dragons, and jokers, following a card that is updated annually, to keep game play fresh and evolving. The rules can feel complex at first, but once learned, the rhythm of play becomes intuitive and deeply engaging. For Louisville-based instructor Jennifer Hemsell, known to many of her students as Mahj-Jen, that learning curve is part of the appeal. “People are willing to invest the time because once you get through that first lesson or two, it becomes addictive,” she says. “You take what feels like chaos in your hand and start finding patterns. There are 71 different hands on the card, so every game is different. You look up thinking five minutes have passed and find that it’s been two hours.” That exciting sense of discovery has fueled the game’s resurgence. Instead of downloading an app or watching a video, new players are hiring instructors to teach small groups of friends in their homes. A lesson becomes a reason to gather, and gathering becomes a habit — phones are set aside. As conversation flows between turns, the game creates a structure for connection that feels natural and unforced. As interest has grown, so has the attention paid to where the game is played. Across the country, people are carving out dedicated mahjong rooms or thoughtfully adapting existing spaces. Tables are sized precisely for play. Chairs are upholstered for comfort during long sessions. Spaces are layered with pattern and texture, from floral wallpapers and striped walls to lacquered trays, monogrammed tile bags, and stacks of colorful cards. Lamps cast a warm glow, drinks sit nearby, and the hours tend to stretch longer than planned. Hemsell has seen it firsthand. “It doesn’t have to be an entire room,” she says. “It can be a charming little nook with a card table, a great tablecloth, a lamp in the center, and maybe a few candles. But people love creating a moment. They match their tiles to their mat, their racks, even their bag. It becomes this curated, personal space that reflects them.”
Photograph by Molly Miller
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Mine to Shine TM
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
By Andi Ingalls
v ein of Lo v e HOW A
ROMAN MYTH
STILL SHAPES
T There’s an old story about why the wedding ring lives on the left hand’s fourth finger, and it’s one of those legends too lovely to let go of. The Romans believed a vein ran straight from that finger to the heart, something they called the vena amoris , the vein of love. Slide a ring onto it, they thought, and you were wiring yourself, quite literally, to the person you loved. Modern anatomy says otherwise. There’s no hidden vein connecting that finger to the heart any more than the others. But the myth never faded. For over a thousand years, it has shaped how love gets sealed in the Western world: one ring, one finger, one imagined line to the heart. The ring finger has always been a kind of public secret, worn in plain sight yet somehow private. It’s also the only finger, in many cultures, reserved for nothing else. We don’t typically wear other jewelry there first. It’s kept open — waiting. EVERY PROPOSAL
Turns out the science was wrong, but the tradition stuck anyway. And now it’s your turn to be part of legend. Whether you’re drawn to something classic, modern, or entirely your own, here are a few of our most-loved styles.
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ONE RING, ONE FINGER, ONE IMAGINED LINE TO THE HEART.
SOLITAIRE The purest expression of love. One diamond, center stage, with nothing to compete with its beauty.
THREE-STONE Past, present, and future. Three diamonds that tell your story in one breathtaking gesture.
COLORED GEMS Colored gemstones, like blue sapphires, are vibrant alternatives to traditional diamonds. With high durability, these gems infuse personal meaning, style, and flair into any ring.
HALO A frame of smaller diamonds surrounds the center stone, amplifying brilliance and making every carat look like more.
BEZEL A sleek rim of metal cradles the diamond in a modern, low-profile setting that is as practical as it is polished.
VINTAGE Intricate and deeply romantic, inspired by the craftsmanship of another era and made to be cherished.
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HAPPILY EVER AFTER
By Annie Davidson Watson
The Rise Individual Style 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.
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.
NONTRADITIONAL CUTS, SETTINGS, AND STONES
ARE REDEFINING THE MODERN ENGAGEMENT RING.
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. Rose-cut diamonds, flat-
topped and softly faceted, trade brilliance for a softer candlelit glow, 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.
Color has become its own form of expression. Sapphires, emeralds, spinels, and champagne 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. None of this is about rejecting tradition. The most compelling rings are simply no longer the ones that follow it most closely. Today’s brides are choosing rings that feel unmistakably personal.
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RUMMELE’S COUPLES
HAILLEY REIFFERS & CHAZ GOEBEN A Decade in the Making
Wedding Stories
Back in 2016, a friend told me about this silly little dating app called Meet Me. It was basically the sketchy cousin of Tinder and came with plenty of strange interactions. It was slim pickings, but a diamond in the rough eventually appeared. Chaz messaged me and immediately asked for my Snapchat to “make sure I was real.” (Catfish had scarred us all back then—you could never be too sure!) What started as casual messages turned into long phone calls, and a few months later, we finally met in person—he was a little shy! The rest, as they say, is history. When did you get engaged? June 16, 2025 Tell us the proposal story. I had been waiting for that day for years. The constant (and not-so-subtle) hints and teasing from my family didn’t make him budge. But in classic Chaz fashion, he caught me completely off guard — on a random, rainy Monday in June. We were both off work, running errands around town, and stopped at 7Brew for some drinks. Chaz suggested we take a stroll through Josten Park, a place close to his heart because he grew up across the street and has so many fond childhood memories there. It’s also special to us as a couple — years ago, during the neighborhood’s annual garage sale weekend, we went on a “date” scavenging for good deals in his old stomping grounds. That was the day he realized he was in love with me — and there was no turning back. As we walked through the park, Chaz suddenly stopped and said he had a gift for me. He immediately warned me not to get my hopes up—this was not a ring. My heart sank as I reluctantly took the
MADELINE MCNEIL & ALEXANDER OSORIO A Match Made in Door County
We met during the summer of 2021 while working our summer jobs at Boathouse on the Bay in Sister Bay, Wisconsin. After an especially hot day and a 12-hour shift, a group of us headed to Sister Bay Beach for a late-night swim to cool off. The two of us swam out to the floating dock, where we ended up talking for what felt like hours under the stars. Little did we know that one late-night swim would be the beginning of our story. After just a month of working, living, and spending nearly every day together, we made it official. Now, five years later, we’re planning our wedding! When did you get engaged? January 17, 2026 Tell us the proposal story. We had planned a weekend trip to Sister Bay to celebrate my birthday with my family. It was a pretty low-key weekend, so I never suspected it would turn into the weekend! Before heading to dinner, my mom gathered everyone for pictures, which wasn’t out of the ordinary. After taking a few photos with my siblings, it was Alex and my turn for couple pictures. That’s when he got down on one knee and proposed! It was everything I could have hoped for — so special, intimate, and perfectly us. We continued celebrating over dinner at Barringer’s and later at Husby’s with all of our friends. It was truly the best night of our lives! Tell us about your ring. My ring is a classic white gold solitaire with a beautiful round brilliant-cut diamond. I’ve always loved classic, timeless, simple designs, so it’s a perfect reflection of my style.
little pouch from him. Inside was a charm for my Pandora bracelet, the same bracelet he’d given me when we first started dating and added to every year on our anniversary. Chaz said this would be the last charm he’d ever get me. When I looked closer, I saw it was a gold heart engraved with “Chaz + Hailley” on one side and “Will You Marry Me?” on the other. I completely blacked out as he dropped to one knee and pulled out the ring—a moment a decade in the making. Tell us about your ring. Rummele’s was the first place he visited, and the ring he ended up choosing was the very first one that caught his eye. Madeline helped him every step of the way, making sure every detail and the center stone were absolutely right. My ring is a stunning 1-carat round center diamond from the A.Jaffe collection, set in 18K yellow gold. The band is lined with two rows of sparkling diamonds, accented by a graceful twist of diamonds that climb up the prongs. Beneath the center stone sits a hidden halo that adds an eye-catching pop of brilliance. Inside the band, a quilted texture brings a unique, elegant touch to an already beautiful ring. Months later, I am still in awe every time I look down at my left hand.
Photos by: Victoria Danielle
JOSIE VAN REMORTEL & HUNTER OLSON Right There All Along
Hunter and I go way back to Kindergarten when we were 5 years old in the same class. We instantly clicked and have remained friends ever since. We have now been friends for over 20 years. However, we started dating at the start of my senior year of college. When he was trying to win me over, he would conveniently be “driving in the area” and would stop to bring me to dinner or just say hello when I was away at college. We all knew what his motives were and they eventually worked! When did you get engaged? April 15, 2026 Tell us the proposal story.
MADISON VINCENT & CONNOR BELL Our Golden Hour
We met many years ago, however, it was a few short years ago when we truly began to see each other again. Our families had been friends for years and they thought it would be a good idea to start playing matchmaker, and well, it worked! When did you get engaged? March 26, 2026 Tell us the proposal story. We were on vacation in Marco Island when Connor told me that we were going down to the beach for sunset. I honestly did not believe that this would be the moment, but nonetheless, we got ready and walked down to the beach where he had a photographer ready to capture the most perfect yes moment! Tell us about your ring. My engagement ring is an oval-cut diamond set on a gold band that features diamonds cascading down both sides with a hidden halo beneath. I knew I wanted an oval shape, but did not know that I would absolutely fall in love with the band I have. It is elegant and incredibly breathtaking with every look.
We were on a family vacation in Fort Myers, FL to celebrate Hunter’s dad’s 50th birthday. They told me we were going out for a nice dinner and to get dressed up so that we could take pictures on the beach beforehand. When we got there, I was told to go find Hunter on the beach, so I walked down to the water where he was waiting to pop the big question. The surprise didn’t end there because Hunter hired a photographer and got my whole family to fly down to watch the proposal and celebrate, which was so special! Tell us about your ring. My ring is an elongated cushion-cut with a diamond band. I wanted my ring to feel timeless yet bold, and I think we captured that! Hunter and I picked out the initial idea of the ring together, and then with the amazing help of Chloe at Rummele’s, the two of them made the final selections! I could not have asked for a better person or jeweler to help us pick the ring I will wear and cherish forever.
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EMILY NAPOLI & MORRISON MIRER We met in high school! When did you get engaged? July 3, 2026 Tell us the proposal story.
VANIA PIMENTEL & MASON HANUS A Love, Passed Down
Mason and I first met in fifth grade. By our first date, there was already such an ease between us. I remember thinking he might be the one, not only because the conversation felt effortless, but because he arrived in a pink collared shirt under a denim jacket. It was a striking choice, and somehow, it made me love him even more. We spent the next two years long distance between Milwaukee and Green Bay before I eventually moved home to build a life together. I love that our story wasn’t love at first sight — it was friendship first, followed by the wonderful realization that we had found something worth choosing for the rest of our lives. When did you get engaged? December 19, 2024 Tell us the proposal story.
He took me on a walk behind Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in San Diego, California, up a trail to a waterfall, where he surprised me with flowers and chocolates. It was such a sweet, private, and special moment. Afterward, we celebrated with a beautiful lunch together at Rancho Valencia, just the two of us. Tell us about your ring.
It’s to die for — my dream ring! I haven’t seen all of the paperwork yet, but it’s a platinum band with a medium thickness and the most gorgeous round, incredibly sparkly diamond. It has six prongs because I’m known for accidentally hitting my hands on things (yes, I’m a little aggressive), so it was designed to be extra secure. It’s absolutely perfect, and knowing that Tracy and Mo designed it together makes it even more special. I was completely surprised.
I knew I wanted to propose to Vania at home. We had already built so much of our life there, and I wanted the moment to feel private and ours. I told her we were going out for a date night, but I conveniently “forgot” my wallet and needed to stop back at the house. When we pulled into the driveway, she could see the lights through the windows, and I think she knew that something was up. I had everything waiting for her, and in the home we had made together, I asked her to marry me. Tell us about your ring. My ring began with a piece of Mason’s family history. The original band belonged to his grandmother, Grandma Long, and was purchased for her by his grandfather at Rummele’s many years ago. Mason and I chose the diamond together and worked with Madeline at Rummele’s to give the ring a new life while preserving the piece that had been in his family for generations. I never had the opportunity to meet Grandma Long, which makes wearing something that was once hers feel especially meaningful. I love that my ring holds both stories at once: the love that came before us and the one we’re creating now. And knowing that both began with the same ring, at the same jeweler, makes it feel beautifully full circle.
RYLEIGH HAWKINS & NIKOLAS TALLEY Nik and Ryleigh began dating on August 6, 2021. Nik was attending James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, while Ryleigh was studying at the University of Washington in Seattle. Despite the distance, they made it work, traveling whenever they could. In the summers of 2022 and 2023, Nik moved to Seattle to spend the summers with Ryleigh, where they worked together at Woodmark Waterfront Adventures, renting boats and jet skis on the water. Those summers were some of their favorite memories, finally getting to spend everyday life together without the long-distance flights. After graduating from college, Nik and Ryleigh packed up and made the cross-country drive to Richmond, Virginia, to start their life together. When did you get engaged? December 30, 2025 Tell us the proposal story. During a family vacation in Jupiter, Florida, Nik asked Ryleigh to marry him on the beach just before sunset, pretending they were taking family photos, so everyone would be dressed up for the occasion. While Ryleigh had her suspicions, she was still completely surprised when Nik got down on one knee. Their families watched from a distance, and Nik’s sister captured the entire moment on camera. Tell us about your ring. The ring is an oval with a hidden halo. It has a gold pavé band with a platinum setting.
KATE KOLOCHESKI & MAXWELL FORD We met through mutual friends my first week of college. We stayed friends for the first couple years. Eventually, I agreed to a date and the rest is history. When did you get engaged? December 4 2025 Tell us the proposal story. We took a weekend trip to Florida to visit where we spent the previous year living. Max planned a walk on the beach to watch the sunset. It was romantic and intimate with just the two of us, and I couldn’t have been more happy & surprised. Tell us about your ring. My ring is really special to me. I had never seen something like it before and didn’t know it was possible. Max, however, with the help from Rummele’s, created it perfectly.
KAITLYN ESSER AND SAM VIRTUES The Best Walk We Ever Took
PAIGE ANDERSON & SAM KOSS A Hometown Love Story
We met through mutual friends while I was in college. Sam came to UW-La Crosse with his best friend, who happened to be dating my roommate at the time. The first night we met, Sam and I both leaned into our goofy energy and started chatting at the bar together. When did you get engaged? June 28, 2026 Tell us the proposal story. We went for a walk on a trail close to our house. We have been walking on this trail many times over the summer, so I did not think anything different that day. After making it 3 miles and almost back to the car, Sam picked a spot right by the bridge to get down on one knee. I had no idea this was coming, so at first I was speechless and all I could say was “it’s beautiful.” Little did Sam know that I was not only talking about the ring that he picked out, but the future that we will share together. Formal engagement photos were taken by E&L Studios
We met in quintessential Wisconsin fashion: watching a Packer game with mutual friends at Stadium View. The Packers were down 17-0 in the fourth quarter against the Saints, but Paige confidently declared they would still win. Somehow, the Packers put up 18 points in the 4th quarter and won the game. With all the luck that was in the air that day, it was only right that we would meet! When did you get engaged? December 13 2025 Tell us the proposal story. We got engaged outside of our favorite romantic restaurant in Chicago, A’ Tavola. It was at this restaurant two years earlier that we both had the “when you know, you know” moment, so it was the perfect place to create another special memory. Tell us about your ring. We designed the ring together, which was such a fun experience. I knew I loved the elegance and classic luxury of a natural emerald-cut diamond and the unique look of cascading baguettes framing it. With Alex’s help, we found a gorgeous elongated emerald-cut diamond to place in a cascading baguette yellow gold setting from Simon G. It turned out even more beautiful than I imagined!
Tell us about your ring. Sam spent some time picking out the perfect ring, stopping into Rummele’s six times before finding the one. The ring he picked is a gorgeous oval ring set on a gold band, with a delicate bridge of diamonds. I was especially proud that he picked such a stunning ring all on his own, of course with the help of the wonderful salesperson.
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