Archive for September, 2009

More Marco Bicego Gemstone Designs for Fall

Monday, September 28th, 2009

marco-bicego-necklace.jpgMarco Bicego is one of our favorite and most successful jewelry brands here at Lussori.  In a very short time, this talented designer has climbed to the top of the fashion jewelry world with designs that are fun, vibrant and comfortable.  From his “Paradise” collection of multi-colored semi-precious gemstone beads to his “Marrakech” gold and diamond creations, Marco Bicego’s jewelry is superbly conceived and crafted.

Recent additions to our inventory highlight just how striking and gorgeous Mr. Bicego’s gemstone jewelry creations are. From the “Confetti” collection, we have glowing gemstone drop earrings with amethyst or yellow quartz, and an amethyst necklace to match. These cabochon gems radiate rich gemstone color which is perfectly complimented by the hand finished 18k gold mountings.

From the “Jaipur” collection we have a lovely necklace featuring bezel set gemstones.  Each gem is spaced from the next by a length of 18k gold chain and a hand-finished gold bead.  Along with this dazzling piece we have new “Paradise” collection designs which show off an assortment of multi-colored semi-precious gemstone beads and 18k gold beads.

Each of these beautiful pieces shows off Marco Bicego’s superb eye for color and design.  With prices starting at just $280, there is sure to be something to fit your budget and your wardrobe.

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New Marco Bicego Diamond Designs for Fall

Monday, September 28th, 2009

marco-bicego2.jpgMarco Bicego is a bonafide star of designer jewelry, and for good reason.  Despite the overabundance of Italian jewelry brands, this young artisan has managed to forge a style and image that is fresh, fashionable and very comfortable.  As one of our premiere jewelry brands, Marco Bicego is an essential component in our mix of designers.  Recent additions to our Marco Bicego inventory include some truly dazzling diamond and gold pieces in a wide range of styles and prices.

We have new designs from the “Siviglia”, “Goa”, “Teatro” and “Confetti” collections.  Many of these pieces displays glistening white diamonds set in hand finish 18k white and/or yellow gold.  For earrings, we have everything from innovative hoops and studs to drops and dangles.  To compliment these earring designs we also have elegant bracelets and necklaces, all with gorgeous hand-rendered finishes and superb materials.

Whether you are looking for white gold, yellow gold or two-tone, we have something perfect for you.  With prices starting at just $500, this collection represents an easy way to spice up your jewelry wardrobe without going broke.

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Audemars Piguet Montauk Highway Edition Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph

Monday, September 28th, 2009

audemars-piguet-montauk.jpgA highway might seem an unlikely source of inspiration for an ultra-luxury sports watch, but when it is one as famous as the Montauk–a picturesque strip of New York asphalt which traces a path through eastern Long Island and the prestigious Hamptons–it becomes a much easier thing to do.  At least that seems to be the thinking of Audemars Piguet, which recently debuted an eye-catching new edition/addition to the immensely popular Offshore Chronograph collection.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Montauk Highway Edition is definitely not for everyone, but those who love it will surely find the attraction strong.  While not as neutral and sartorially versatile as say, the classic AP Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph “Themes”, this special edition model has plenty of tasteful flair for the well-heeled collector–especially those already possessing an Offshore watch or two in their collection.  The signature brilliant light blue tachymeter scale and Arabic hour numbers are striking without being garish, and the rich chocolate chrono subdials create a pleasant contrast against the crisp white “grand tapestry” dial.  Then of course, there’s the amazing strap in chocolate brown hornback crocodile, which is almost as luxurious as the superbly finished case itself.  This beautiful (and costly) strap works wonders on many an Offshore Chronograph variant, including the Navy and the Safari, and it’s no less effective on the Montauk Highway Edition.  It buckles to the wrist via the famous “AP” folding clasp that artfully duplicates the brand’s insignia.

It’s amazing how many attractive guises the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore design can take on.  While some watch fans tire of the never-ending parade of limited editions from Audemars Piguet, even the most jaded must admit that many of these are really handsome, while demonstrating all the craftsmanship that has made AP a two-letter synonym for the best in high luxury sports timepieces.  The Montauk Highway Edition follows in that tradition, and gives the Audemars Piguet faithful another reason to continue their love affair with the legendary Offshore chronograph.   How many will be made, you ask?  Just 300.

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Jane Taylor Hot For Fall!

Monday, September 28th, 2009

jane-taylor-earrings.jpgJane Taylor’s luscious gemstone jewelry creations are wonders of craftsmanship and inspired design.  Amongst her broad and electrifying palette of colors are crystalline semi-precious gemstones often paired in vibrant and zesty combinations.  With recent creations that are dead on the mark for this year’s fall color trends, [tag]Jane Taylor[tag] is set to be one of the season’s hot jewelry designers.

Pictured here is a sassy pair of dangle earrings crafted in 18k rose gold and displaying smoky quartz with gorgeous rubellite tourmaline.  The fuchsia colored rubellite is perfectly balanced with the smoky brown hue of the quartz and the rose gold ties it all together seamlessly.  The elongated pear shaped quartz stones dangle freely allowing the gems to catch light and sparkle.  A truly awesome pair of gemstone dangles!

Another color trend that is ramping up this fall is yellow.  This playful lemon quartz ring is a fun and easy choice which represents a real value at $1,620.  The simple 18k gold prong setting allows this exceptional gemstone to take center-stage with dazzle.

With countless other gemstones to choose from, these Jane Taylor designs represent the tip of the iceberg with this exciting designer.  Browse our Jane Taylor Jewelry collection to see what other treasures await you, and if you don’t see what you’re looking for, let us know – chances are we can persuade Jane to make it for you.

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Jennifer Love Hewitt in H.Stern at Emmy Awards

Monday, September 28th, 2009

jennifer-love-hewitt-h-stern.jpgLast night’s 2009 Emmy Awards show was as much a showcase for dazzling jewelry as it was a display of Hollywood’s abundant acting talent.  Despite the usual mishmash of outfits that ran the gamut from elegant and sexy to frumpy and ridiculous, the jewelry was generally tasteful.  As countless glowing stars sauntered down the red carpet, the cameras were flashing and the diamonds sparkling.  Trends included drop and dangle earrings, cuff bracelets and cocktail rings.

As a perennial favorite of red carpet events, H.Stern was bound to pop up, and indeed the brand was not missing from the festivities.  Jennifer Love Hewitt, star of “Ghost Whisperer” wore a gorgeous suite of [tag]H.Stern[tag/] jewelry including Stern Brilliant earrings and a Nature collection ring.  Crafted in 18k rose gold the ring was bold and beautiful set with pave diamonds.  The stunning earrings were a chandelier triple dangle design with copious sizable round diamonds.

H.Stern is one of the world’s most revered and recognized designer jewelry brands. With a staggering roster of celebrity clients, this superlative jewelry house is impossible to miss at any of tinseltown’s high profile events.

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MB&F Horological Machine Watches Arrive At Lussori

Friday, September 18th, 2009

mb-f-watch.jpgThe recent news that Lussori would be an authorized agent for MB&F Horological Machines was pretty exciting, at least to this jaded watch nut.  For those who know and love these incredible luxury timepieces (if I can use that rather inadequate term), no explanation is required–for those who don’t…well, it’s best to spend some time at the very interesting MB&F website.  Unlike a lot of watch websites that are populated with irritating flash and redirects to everywhere but where you want to be, the MB&F site enables you to get an in-depth understanding of the creative process and technical specs behind each Horological Machine, the genesis behind the Maximilian Busser & Friends brand, and the various horologist-creatives that lend their talents to bring these wild and wonderful objects of watchmaking as three-dimensional kinetic sculpture to life.  I’d also humbly direct you to Lussori’s timepiece news section,
where you can find articles which summarize each of the three MB&F Horological Machines.

I’ve followed the Horological Machine series with great interest since I first heard about the Maximilian Busser & Friends brand back in 2005.  Considering what a legend MB&F founder Maximilian Busser is within the high luxury watch field, I knew the results from this daring new brand would surprise, provoke, and delight in equal measure.  Busser, of course, didn’t just wake up one day and decide to make crazy ultra-high end luxury watches: he was the influential Managing Director at Harry Winston Rare Timepieces during the period of years that that brand was unveiling its astonishing “Opus” watches–exclusive works of exceptional (and often avant garde)horological art involving such renowned independent masters as Francois-Paul Journe, Christophe Claret, Peter Speake-Marin, and Vianney Halter.

After he left Harry Winston, it was all but inevitable that Mr. Busser would end up doing similar projects “on his own”, and that is exactly what MB&F and its Horological Machine series is all about–extracting the utmost in creativity and design daring while applying the principles and techniques of haute de gamme mechanical watchmaking.  It’s a fantastic new frontier for collectors of high luxury timepieces!

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Harry Winston Ocean Chronograph Watch

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

harry-winston-oceans-chrono.jpgWith the abundance of fine chronograph watches in the luxury timepiece arena, it’s quite challenging to find one that really stands out from the pack.  Happily, the house of Harry Winston has really figured out how to deliver watch aficionados something truly special and yes–unique.  Witness the Harry Winston Ocean Chronograph watch, where elapsed chronograph time is not told via the ubiquitous round counters, but by a dazzling trio of retrograde hands.

As with the entire Harry Winston watch collection, detail of the Ocean Chrono both inside and out goes far beyond the standard of “just good enough”.  At first, the case looks deceptively simple–an apparent variation on the classic round shape.  Then, you look closer, and notice the superb borders on the lugs, the perfect finishing of every nuance and those distinctive crown guards whose arched shape evokes the famous entryway to Harry Winston’s boutique.  Its not easy to do, but the Ocean case manages to bridge the gap between sport and dress.

Dials possess a similar sense of order, beauty and flare for design that really bring those leaping chronograph hands to life.  One bit of minutiae I particularly love–and I know I’m not alone here–is the unique small seconds display.  Look closely at the lower part of the Ocean Chronograph dial, directly above the “Harry Winston” signature–instead of a hand, you’ll see a little blued steel shuriken (throwing star) that rotates continually so long as the watch is running.  It’s a beautiful, mesmerizing little addition that adds charm to the Ocean Chronograph, as well as a touch of practicality.

Beyond its beautiful exterior and tastefully exotic design, the Harry Winston Ocean Chronograph watch is a substantial example of haute horlogerie excellence.  The movement inside–which you can view through the sapphire back–is based upon the exquisite Frederic Piguet 1185, a caliber which two decades after its debut, still endures as the world’s thinnest column-wheel controlled, fully integrated, automatic winding chronograph movement.  Other great chronograph movements have come onto the scene since this one made its debut two decades ago, but arguably none have surpassed its combination of innovative construction and elegant workmanship.  Harry Winston’s brilliant triple retrograde displays merely make it that much more fascinating and prestigious.  Without any exaggeration, it is pure pleasure to observe these chronograph hands as they travel through their paces–a captivating marvel of Swiss watchmaking from Harry Winston Rare Timepieces!

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Gurhan Offers Attractive Alterantives to Modern Bridal

Friday, September 11th, 2009

gurhan-engagement.jpgThe world of bridal jewelry is a contradictory universe which is vast and yet at times can seem relentlessly homogeneous.  There are countless jewelry designers offering their own bridal line, and all too often, it’s nearly impossible to tell them apart.  Meanwhile, many women are looking for something truly unique and, hidden rubies notwithstanding, it can be a difficult search.

Once again, Gurhan Orhan has come to the rescue with a breathtaking engagement ring design, featured in the Fall 2009 issue of Instyle Weddings.  The ring is crafted in hand-hammered platinum and features a rose cut center diamond.  The mounting is a “split-shank” style with the center diamond set in a chunky bezel.  The .60 carat rose cut diamond and hand crafted mounting are in keeping with Gurhan’s inimitable style, which is so evocative of ancient jewelry craftsmanship.

As with all of his jewelry designs, Gurhan Orhan has created a singluar piece which represents the finest in modern design.  The magic of Gurhan lies in his ability to create sensational designs which reflect reverence for the artistry of the past while remaining fresh and innovative.  If you’re looking for an unique engagement ring, this may just be the one.

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Piaget Polo FortyFive Chronograph: Piaget’s Seductive Song To Hip Luxury Watch Buyers

Friday, September 4th, 2009

piaget-polo-45-watch.jpgThe Piaget Polo watch collection has long been a symbol of exceptional luxury, fabled Swiss quality, and exclusivity.  However, it has not often been the first elite luxury watch a well-heeled younger buyer (say, under 40) might consider–something like an Audemars Piguet Offshore or a Hublot Big Bang would probably get that initial interest.  With the recent introduction of the fantastic Polo FortyFive watches, and the FortyFive Chronograph in particular, Piaget is making serious strides to pull those same “hip” buyers back into their corner.  Those obsessed with exceptionally fine mechanical watches–regardless of age demographic–would do well to have a very close look at this beautiful new timepiece from Piaget.  It is extremely sophisticated as an example of haute horlogerie, but it is also fresh, extremely stylish and yes–considerably larger in size than previous Polo watches.

The first thing that sets the Piaget Polo FortyFive apart from any Polo timepiece that has come before, is its bold 45mm case (if there was any curiosity over the watch’s name).  It looks great on all but the smallest wrists, and is a wonderful canvas for the exquisite brushed finish with its contrasting polished godrons.  The dial radiates superb detail that strikes an excellent balance between vintage and contemporary elements; the dauphine hands capture the essence of 1950s era watches, but the faceted, tapered hour markers and intricate framed subdials are as modern as tomorrow.  A superb custom fit is obtainable, thanks to a supple rubber strap with a three-part titanium folding clasp.

The Piaget Polo FortyFive Chronograph watch is so much more than beautiful craftsmanship and stylish design.  It is equally distinguished by an exquisite in-house Piaget movement.  The 880P is one of Piaget’s newest calibers, but it looks very promising.  Like other prestigious automatic chronograph movements such as Patek Philippe’s 28-520C or the Rolex 4130, Piaget’s 880P boasts a fully integrated non-modular mechanism, and its operations are controlled by a traditional column wheel.  The Piaget 880P is also a fine sight to see through the exhibition sapphire back, displaying circular Cotes de Geneve bridge decorations, blued screws, and PVD-finished rotor bearing the Piaget coat of arms.

Functionality is all that can be asked. The chronograph has a flyback function–a great feature that really excels over a standard chronograph which MUST be stopped between timing sequences–and if that’s not enough, you also have a date display and a 24-hour indicator for a second time zone.  This extremely useful travel complication can be instantly advanced by the push-button on the upper left side of the Polo FortyFive watch case.

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