RAPAPORT...  Mendis International, a spirits company, and gemologist Jean Luma are creating a fine jewelry collection under the brand name ML, standing for Mendis and Luma. Luma's design house, Luxe Coterie, will be creating customized jewelry under the ML name, according to its website. The jewelry will be paired with a limited run of Mendis Coconut Brandy, each bottle of which is signed by Chris Richardson, Mendis' founder.

Mendis created one bottle of coconut brandy for $1 million — the Mendis Million Dollar Bottle. The partners plan an exclusive second release of Mendis Coconut Brandy by Luxe Coterie, and will provide further information on May 14, 2009. The partnership is "a unique synergy between two luxury brands," according to their statement.





NC