Founded as recently as 1994, Pianegonda Jewelry is a newcomer to the world of luxury goods, but in its relatively short lifespan, it has most certainly made a lasting impression. Founder Franco Pianegonda has soaked up the history and atmosphere of Vicenza, Italy – one of the world’s major centers of luxury design – and used it as inspiration for his company’s exquisite products. From the glorious red highlights of their Silver Coral rings, to the vibrant turquoise splashes in their Oval and Square Earrings, Pianegonda’s jewelry always manages to successfully unite timeless luxury with modern flair. Are you stylish enough for these delectable luxuries?

Having grown up learning the tricks of the trade from his parents’ jewelry store, it’s no wonder Gregg Ruth went on to become one of the most popular jewelry designers in the world. By taking timeless designs and classic aesthetics and reinterpreting them according to his own flashy-yet-classy sense of style, Ruth creates jewelry that is simultaneously familiar and innovative. From his demure gold necklaces which are perfect for young ladies and businesswomen alike, to his colorful and vibrant diamond and gemstone set, jewelry pieces by Gregg Ruth never fail to help a woman make a good impression when she enters a room.

From the moment Enrico Damiani first began designing and manufacturing diamond jewelry in the Italian town of Valenza back in 1924, it was clear that something special was happening; several noble families in the area made frequent use of his services, and the Damiani Jewelry dynasty was born. In the ensuing decades, Damiani has captivated a worldwide audience of jewelry-lovers, including Hollywood stars like Milla Jovovich, Brad Pitt, and Jennifer Aniston. From the sparkling glamour of its diamond-encrusted necklaces to the smooth contours of its pristine diamond rings, Damiani combines expert European workmanship with a refined appreciation for beauty to produce the world’s most elegant jewelry pieces.

If one is looking for a new piece of jewelry to wear with a new outfit or to provide as a gift to a loved one, sometimes it helps to look in unconventional places. To this end, antique jewelry can be among the most beautiful – not to mention valuable – pieces available. Many pieces of antique jewelry have incredible stories behind them; it is not at all uncommon, for example, for a necklace to be passed down through the generations from mother to daughter, often on the day of her wedding. Still, other pieces of antique jewelry bear historical signifiance; legendary prizes like the Koh-i-Noor and the Jewels of the Nizams are infinitely more valuable on account of their incredible historical importance.

Bulgari started manufacturing luxury watches and jewelry in the end of 19^th century.  Till today masters at Bulgari are loyal to their traditions of designing elegant stylish and quality accessories.  Serpenti Watch became an extension to the collection dedicated to 125^th Bulgari’s anniversary. 

The distinctive feature of this collection is Tubogas snake bracelet, Bulgari has had a relationship with the snake since the 1940s, when the Italian jeweler introduced the Tubogas twist technology to its international clientele.

Each of these elegant pieces from this luxurious collection is adorned with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds and is created with such skill that it seems that it’s a real snake twisting around your wrist.  Swiss quarts mechanism as a rule is in the snake’s head.  Various models of this collection differ not only by its appearance but also by the number of twists around the wrist.  The longest “snake” twists 7 times around the wrist.

http://www.luxurybazaar.com/subcategories/subid_1458_Serpenti.html

In 1942, the Italian Government commissioned Ilvo to design a watch to be used by the pilots of the Navy.  He designed a professional watch which was large in size with a dial which was visible in any weather or lighting, and a crown located on the left hand side which allowed for more comfort and safety.  But the political situation of the time prevented this design to come alive.

And only in 2000, the grandson of Ilvo Fontana, Italo Fontana, whofrom the early childhood was creative and interested in modern technical novelties, inspired by his grandfather’s design created the current U Boat model we know today.  Italo combined his grandfather’s unique design with watch manufacturing techniques of 20^th and 21^st centuries.

The watch size and Italo’s love to sea, yacht and auto sports have prompted the name of the brand – “Your Boat”, which one step at a time was transformed to “Ur Boat”, and then eventually to “U-Boat”.

U-Boat’s base collections are Classico, Flightdeck and Thousands of Feet.

Thousands of Feet collection was born when Italo was visiting USA, one of the known airplane hangars.  He was exploring airplanes from 1930’s with its various devices, which allowed these machines to create history once.  But the airplanes could only go up to 1000 feet above sea level.  Italo was inspired by this and thought of today’s technology which allows airplanes and submarines go thousands of feet above and below the sea level.  Right there and then the “Thousands of feet” design was born.

The other function of doing research on luxury goods before purchasing them is simply to educate oneself about refined culture. Imagine spending fifty thousand dollars on Frank Reed Whiteside’s Desert Trail but not being able to explain its impressionist style or thematic significance to houseguests who admire it… Not to mention that you yourself would not be able to fully appreciate it without an understanding of such things! By contrast, if you provide yourself with a strong education in luxury goods, you will be well-prepared to explain their meaning to guests and engage in debates with other sophisticates. Just as you would research a neighborhood before purchasing a house there, so too should you research fine goods.

Here are some articles that will provide you with some background and insight into various types of luxury goods, from jewelry to fine art:

How Rolf Schnyder Relaunched Ulysse Nardin (Posterous)

The Events Rolex Sponsors and How They Made the Company Who They Are (Blogger)

The 10 Commandments of Style (GQ)

Chopard’s Incredible Happy Diamonds Watch Collection (IdeaMarketers)

Chopard Jewelry Will Make the Perfect Gift (Amazines)

What Your Cuff Links Say About You (Esquire)

Your New Luxury Watch Will be an Ulysse Nardin (TinyArticle)

3 Places to Find Fine Art Online For Your Home (Luxury Real Estate Magazine)

Exquisite Jewelry Should Offer a Piece for Everybody

There is a Difference Between Graceful Subtlety and Brash Attention
Using only the finest elements available, each piece is lovingly crafted to uphold its beauty for as long as the Chopard name has – and even longer. Noted for a tradition of quality and excellence, Chopard jewelry strives to continuously live up to the high standards set it has maintained since 1860. Gold, diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and stainless steel: these are just a few of the materials used to construct timeless pieces. Just as there is a fine art to constructing the pieces themselves, so too is there an art in doing so in a way which draws sighs of admiration – never gasps of gaudiness.

What Ladies Love Most
“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” and so is Chopard jewelry. Ladies will adore the variety of items available to choose from. For every day and every activity, the perfect piece awaits. The whimsical lines occasionally created, are suitable for casual parties or moments of high-class delight. Classic timepieces create effortless elegance at the office. Exquisite necklaces and pendants are ideal for events that require a breathtaking touch, while selections of earrings finely accent the little black dress that will be worn for a night on the town. From dawn to dusk, and from routine to special event, there is never a reason to be without both lipstick or Chopard jewelry.

What Gentlemen Require
A gentleman need not announce that he is one, especially when Chopard can do it for him. For gentlemen accustomed to having the world at their fingertips, there is only one jeweler that can accommodate their refined tastes. More than mere jewelry, a gentleman’s timepiece can say much about his priorities. Quartz movement is a classic choice, whilst self-winding suits the innovator. Chronographs, perpetual calendars, and split second functions are a few of the features a man can have at the flick of his wrist. The only jeweler a man could ever need, Chopard will suit both the bachelor and the man seeking a ring for the one he will love forever.

Time Waits for No One, Which is Why Chopard Jewelry is Made to Be Timeless
Whether young or old, Chopard holds a place in everyone’s heart. From a young lady’s first pair of earrings to a young man’s first luxury watch, aficionados of every age can appreciate the obvious quality of such fine pieces. As children grow, their first piece remains – with style and investment fully intact – waiting to be passed on to future generations as a family heirloom. Grown up kids need the luxury of spoiling themselves once in a while, and those who give endlessly to their family deserve the gift of exquisite craftsmanship. Chopard will display the grace, class, power and love of a family for generations to come.

An Unspoken Symbol
Evocative of a lifetime of skill and dedication, Chopard jewelry reflects the kinds of indivduals the pieces are designed for: unique, exceptional, and quietly impressive. Both a wise investment and a shameless indulgence, Chopard easily remains the pinnacle of success and the perfect marriage of business and frivolity. Never gaudy, always graceful, and as strong as the name a client has worked to build. Individuals will never feel the need to announce their importance and achievement through their dialogue or dress, when the perfect piece speaks volumes. Chopard jewelry: a perfect piece for every body.

In 2010 Richard Mille came out with a new super light Tourbillion RM 027, which Rafael Nadal, top world tennis player, tested during his tough matches. 

This model  has designated the beginning of Richard Mille entering the world of professional tennis.  Similarly, to Felipe Massa, who wears his watch during Grand Prix Formula 1, Rafael Nadal will be playing tennis.

The weight of this complex tourbillion including the strap is less than 20 grams (13 grams without the strap).  Probably the lightest luxury watch of its type ever. The size of the watch is 48 mm x 39.70 mm x 11.85 mm.  The case of RM 027 is made of composite of mostly carbon, the mechanism which weights less than 4 grams from titanium and LITAL® alloy of lithium, aluminum, copper, magnesium, and zirconium.  The exotic metal alloy is extremely light and used for some high-profile industrial or aeronautical uses, it is used to manufacture A380 Airbus, helicopters, rockets and satellites, and formula 1 race cars.  By using interesting materials that are light and strong, Richard Mille has succeeded in developing one of the most important luxury sport watches ever.  The retail price is $525,000 and is limited to 50 pieces. 

Richard Mille RM 035 Rafael Nadal Chronofiable

After Rafael Nadal won Roland Garros, Wimbledon and Flushing Meadows in 2010 wearing superlight RM 027, Richard Mille designed successor of this model, RM 035 Rafael Nadal Chronofiable, the movement of which weights 4.3 grams.  The face of the case is designed with 8 screws, made out of alloy called magnesium-aluminum with black ceramic covering.  The skeleton dial features hour indexes, where hours index points filled with approved luminous material. Minute flange in black carbon fiber.  

The manual winding, skeletonized caliber RMUL1 beating at the heart of the RM 035 represents the first manual winding movement in the Richard Mille collection to have Chronofiable® certification, which represents a new milestone in the conquest for long lasting performance in extreme conditions.  The Chronofiable® test, developed at the beginning of the 80’s by the CCF SA (centre de contrôle de la fiabilité de l’horlogerie Suisse, taken over in 1985 by the Laboratoire Dubois SA), was devised to expose timepieces to an accelerated ageing test simulating over 21 days, the equivalent of 6 months effective wear.

Even though, there are very few visual differences, the prices of these two models will make a difference on your bank account; this new toy will “only” cost you $95,000 better than the above $525,000.

http://www.luxurybazaar.com/categories/catid_112_Hearts_on_Fire.html

Luxury Bazaar is featuring a new brand of beautiful jewelry, Slane & Slane. Two sisters, Heath and Landon Slane launched their brand in 1995, initially the jewelry collection was designed mostly in sterling silver. Today Luxury Bazaar is presenting Slane & Slane collection in 18K gold. The unique finish characterizes this collection. Pick any of the pieces and you will not be disappointed with creativity and elegance. This jewelry is created by women for women. Ninety-percent of Slane & Slane designs are hand cast, hand assembled and hand finished in America.

http://www.luxurybazaar.com/categories/catid_108_Slane___Slane.html

Royal Oak Offshore started the trend of large-sized watches 20 years ago.  The new Royal Oak Offshore collection measures 44 millimeters.  Each new Royal Oak features different material: steel, forged carbon, and pink gold.  Audemars Piguet was the first watch manufacturer to introduce forged carbon, which was used in aeronautics field.  Ceramics is scratch resistant and hard material, and although, is widely used in watch industry, Audemars Piguet finishes with a special care.  The watch features octagonal shape, what Royal Oak Collection is known for and eight polished screws. The pushpiece-guards are connected to the case by four screws.  The whole visual of the case has been redesigned.  The dial suggests contemporary look.  The watch hands are in white and pink gold and are layered with luminescent substance.  The watch features transparent back, so you can appreciate the movement through sapphire crystal case-back. 

http://www.luxurybazaar.com/items/itemid_19496_Royal_Oak_Offshore_Chronograph_Carbon__Black_Ceramic__Black_Rubber_Strap.html

http://www.luxurybazaar.com/items/itemid_19497_Royal_Oak_Offshore_Chronograph_PG__Black_Ceramic__Black_Rubber_Strap.html

http://www.luxurybazaar.com/items/itemid_19495_Royal_Oak_Offshore_Chronograph_SS__Black_Ceramic__Black_Rubber_Strap.html

Movement

Self-winding Calibre 3126/3840

Total diameter: 29.92 mm (131/4 lignes)

Casing diameter: 26 mm

Thickness: 7.16 mm

59 jewels

365 parts

Up to 60-hour power reserve

Cadence of the balance: 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz)

Variable-inertia balance with eight inertia-blocks and flat balance-spring

Geneva-type mobile balance-spring stud-holder

Three-position winding stem

Finishing: all parts finely decorated; mainplate circular-grained; bridges rhodiumed, beveled, snailed and adorned with Côtes de Genève. Diamond-polished jewel sinks; diamond-polished countersinks and beveled wheel spokes; beveled screw rims

Partially open-worked 22-carat gold oscillating weight with anthracite galvanic treatment

Cases

Diameter: 44 mm

Thickness: 14.43 mm

Exhibition back with sapphire crystal pane and Royal Oak Offshore engraving

Dials

Exclusive “Méga Tapisserie” engraving

Applied faceted white or pink gold hour-markers with luminescent coating.

Straps

Black rubber, adorned with two grooves

Functions

Hours and minutes

Small seconds at 12 o’clock

Chronograph with central sweep-seconds hand, 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock and 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock.

Tachometric scale on the flange

Date

A Reputation Backed By History and Craftsmanship
Established in 1874 by Swiss watchmaker Georges Edouard Piaget, the company became a family business within two generations. It has since unfailingly adhered to the founder’s goal: to produce quite simply the best watch movements possible. Devoted to new levels of thinness in Swiss watches from the start, luxury watches of many brands still depend on internal Piaget parts for flawless operation.

From its earliest days, the company made movements for other fine watchmakers, earning the reputation of the “watchmakers’ watchmaker.” However, by 1943 its ultra-thin, high quality movements began to grace some of its own in-house models. Signed and sold as Piaget, they entered the world market in quantities never quite large enough to keep up with demand. Often distributed in limited editions, craftsmanship never sacrificed, they offer something more.

Not only seamlessly perfected to work with precision, Piaget watches combine the allure of fine jewelry with the watchmaker’s passion for excellence. The result is so outstanding that the sight of an authentic Piaget watch can be breathtaking. Styled for men and women, the brand epitomizes what is most desirable in luxury watches: flawless dependability and accuracy alongside uncompromising beauty of design.

Styles of Taste and Pure Class
A sport long associated with class and a rich lifestyle is polo. Whether it is the signature polo pony on a Ralph Lauren shirt or a Piaget Polo watch, the sport has influenced buyers and aficionados of the finer things in life. Not surprisingly, then, Piaget has devoted an entire line of watches to capturing the sport’s essence with its Polo collection, the first model born in 1979. A man’s Piaget Polo watch would hardly be fare for the sport’s stable hands, though. It sports over a thousand diamonds with an 18 ct. gold case and a bracelet with over 8 carats more of sparkling diamonds. The dial has its own diamonds amidst gold numerals. While some might consider its dazzle quite sporty, it can’t be denied that it is both elegant and eye-catching at once.

Beyond the Polo class of watches, Piaget has outdone itself with extra-thin, sleek models such as the popular Altiplano and unique Emperador with indicators of the moon’s phases illuminating its two-tone dial. Another Piaget symbol of creativeness can be found in its notable jewelry watch pieces. Notably, the Limelight Secret cuff style, conceals the actual timepiece under a cascade of gemstones. Diamonds, 235 brilliant-cut, 1680 baguette-cut, and 5 pear-cut, along with Piaget’s signature quartz movement, make it a piece that is unforgettable.

Not Only a Timepiece, Symbol of a Lifestyle
As with many finer possessions, Piaget styles are diverse and often limited in number. However, with names like Black Tie, Limelight, Polo Forty-Five, and Possession, there is no doubt to what market they cater. Wearers of Piaget watches are among the most discriminating buyers in the universe. For those who have achieved the highest pinnacles of success, what graces their wrist is more than a timepiece. It symbolizes a lifestyle celebrated for using time to its fullest, a daily tribute to making the most out of living. Ultimately, then, for those still climbing the ladder, wearing a Piaget will change your life with but a glance, a reminder that the passage of time itself is incentive for continuing the quest to achieve the best.

See other watches by de Grisogono here

When We first put our hand on this peice, we were simply speachless!

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Bernard ‘Ben’ Badura (1896 – 1986)

Bernard ‘Ben’ Badura lived and worked in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a community filled with artists because of its natural beauty and proximity to the major art markets of Philadelphia and New York. Badura studied art at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and was awarded several honors while there, including the Cresson European Traveling Scholarship in 1924. This scholarship took him to Paris where he met with a gilder for the first time and became intrigued with this obscure, yet time-honored craft. This chance meeting was to have a profound influence on the rest of his life.

Badura began to learn the techniques of frame making from another Bucks County artist, Frederick Harer. Badura, known as Ben, lived and worked with Harer for a year after he left the academy. Harer was a great influence on many artists in the area as he not only made and designed picture frames, but also was a printmaker who taught others the craft. Harer took a great deal of time to design, carve and gild using the traditional techniques. This was undoubtedly the basis for influencing Badura’s frames over the next 50 years.

Under the wing of Harer, Ben developed a sense of good frame design. Harer however, was quite secretive about many of the techniques he employed. Upon Harer’s death, it was Ben who took over, thereby creating his own legacy.

In 1932, during the depth of the depression when times were hard for a young artist, Badura established a picture frame business on Ferry Street in New Hope, Pennsylvania. He soon earned a reputation among artists and collectors alike as likely one of the most creative individuals in the business.

Although Badura was earning a reputation as a frame-maker, he remained more of a painter than a frame maker. While keeping his frame shop he continued his plein-air painting. However, economic pressures forced him to give up his precious painting time. More and more he became dependent on the consistent income from his steadily growing frame business. He continued producing frames for nearly half a century.

Badura worked in many mediums, including stained-glass. He produced a number of commissions for churches in Pennsylvania. He was a splendid painter who was included in important invitational and juried museum shows. His work was purchased for the permanent collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Allentown Museum of Art.

Bernard Badura was born in 1896 and died in 1986 in New Hope.

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Anthony Michael Autorino (1937 – present)

The son of Italian immigrants, Anthony Michael Autorino was born on September 29, 1937 in Montclair, New Jersey. As a teenager, Autorino enlisted in the United States Air force where he served an eight-year tour. His expertise in the field of cryptography landed him in Paris in the mid-1950s as an Air Force sergeant working at the United States Embassy.

While in Paris, Anthony became quite involved in the art community, which reinforced his desire to make painting his career focus. Upon returning to the United States in 1961, Autorino divided time painting between upstate New York and New England. By the mid-1960s, New York City had become the center of activity for the career of this highly regarded young artist.

By 1968, disillusioned by the hustle and bustle, Autorino made the decision to relocate. His passion for painting nature and the outdoors led him to the Delaware Valley. Charmed by the welcoming art community, New Hope would be the home of the new studio/gallery named “The Gallery” on Mechanic Street. In 1982, “The Gallery” was relocated across the river to neighboring Lambertville, New Jersey, where it remained for over twenty years.

In the 1980’s, he took up residence and studio in Buckingham, Pennsylvania, at the former home of renowned New Hope Impressionist, George Sotter.

Largely self-taught, Anthony exhibited at the National Academy of Design in New York City, the Salmagundi Club, the Allied Artists, the American Watercolor Society and the Philadelphia Sketch Club. He has received many awards and honors for his paintings, which are represented in numerous private, institutional and corporate collections internationally.

His preferred medium is oil, and he draws inspiration from his local predecessors, such as Edward Redfield, Daniel Garber, William Lathrop, George Sotter and Robert Spencer as well as “Hudson River School” great, George Inness.

Autorino’s work is unique in style and combines an early twentieth century feel with present-day subjects. His soft palette captures the mood of each individual setting from falling snow to nocturnal views of the Delaware River. Anthony’s work is clearly a continuing chapter in the story of “New Hope School” Impressionist painting.

SEE EXAMPLES OF HIS WORK

Junius Allen (1898 – 1962)

Known for his realistic and moody paintings depicting coastal landscapes and harbors of New Jersey, New York and New England, Junius Allen was one of New Jersey’s most promising artists of the twentieth century.

Junius Allen was born in Summit, New Jersey, in 1898. While a student at Kingsley Preparatory School, he was mentored by national academician, Arthur Woelfle, who encouraged him to hone his artistic skills. After many close calls in the First World War, Allen returned and took a job with a lithography firm in New York. While there, he studied at the New York School of Fine and Applied Art. At Woelfle’s urging, he decided to enroll at the National Academy of Design. He also studied under Charles Hawthorne, Francis Jones, George Maynard, Ivan Olinsky and George Elmer Browne. Woelf1e also encouraged Allen to become active in the Salmagundi Club where he eventually played a distinguished role.

He was an academician of the National Academy of Design (vice president and chairman of the School Committee), and a member of the Salmagundi Club (vice president, corresponding secretary and chairman of the Art Committee).

He exhibited at the New York World’s Fair (1939), the Audubon Artists, the New Rochelle Art Association (1952 prize), the American Artists Professional League, the Plainfield Art Association (1951 prize), the Montclair Art Association (1951 medal), the National Academy of Design (1933 prize, 1955 purchase award), the New Jersey Gallery in Newark (1934 prize), Allied Artists of America (1943,1949 prize) and the Salmagundi Club (1939, 1941, 1944), among others.

His work is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Montclair Art Museum, the Art Museum of the New Britain Institute, the State Teachers College of Trenton, New Jersey and in many private and institutional collections.

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AVAILBLE HERE

Clement Samuel Wilenchick (1900 – 1957)

Born in New York City, Clement Wilenchick was a painter in modernist style of figures; his subjects were often circus figures. He grew up in New York and attended public and elementary schools in New York City, in France, and in Wales. He went to a private high school in New York City called Ethical Cultural School. Wilenchick had a year at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and a few months at the Art Student College in New York City. He also attended Sargents Academy of Dramatic Art in New York City.

He exhibited with the San Francisco Art Association.

Some of his abstract work incorporated the mixed media gouache and pastel with subjects like steamboats, fishes and faces.

Clement Wilenchick was also an actor. By the 1930s, he was living in Hollywood. He acted under the stage name of Crane Whitley and made his first film appearance in 1938. Many of his roles were uncredited but other roles were in more notable movies like Hopalong Cassidy, The Desert Fox: The story of Rommel and Red Mountain. Between 1924 and 1936 he performed in over dozen Broadway Shows.

Clement Wilenchick also designed sets and costumes at the American Laboratory Theatre. He acted in “The House of Connelly” (1931) while part of the Theater

At one stage Clem Wilenchick was investigated for belonging to the Communist Party and for so-called “Un-American” activities.

He died in Los Angeles in 1957.

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