RAPAPORT... Diamond jewelry house Daniel K introduced its new Prêt-à-Porter collection of diamond and 18-karat white, yellow or rose gold pieces, created by designer Daniel Koren. This new collection is a fashion- forward accompaniment to his classic platinum and diamond Couture collection. The new designs include gypsy hoop earrings and Tuxedo, which is a mix of black and white diamonds used in stacking rings, bangles and hoop earrings.
Throughout its history, Cartier has been heralded for its design innovation. Now author, art historian and fashion expert François Chaille captures the essence of the iconic retailer in the newly released book, Cartier: Innovation Through the 20th Century. Published by Flammarion, the 280-page, coffee-table book is packed with pictures that feature the best examples of Cartier’s craft and innovative designs, along with anecdotes that highlight the historical context of the pieces. An authority on Cartier, Chaille has written three other books on the renowned jewelry house for Flammarion.
Just in time for fall gift-giving, a new book, Masterpieces of Ancient Jewelry: Exquisite Objects from the Cradle of Civilization, will be released in September 2008. Penned by Judith Price, president of the National Jewelry Institute (NJI), the tome features more than 135 objects and accessories from the Ancient Near East, with archaeologists and scholars from around the world providing insights on these special pieces. According to Price, the book “offers a window into ancient life and society.” The book is the companion volume to the NJI exhibition “Treasures from the Garden of Eden: Masterpieces of Ancient Jewelry,”which opens at the Forbes Galleriesin New York City September 26.
Drawing inspiration from ancient cultures’ belief that jewelry was a path to spiritual enlightenment, EV Jewelry Design has created a line focusing on one-of-a-kind pieces. Master craftsmen Elias Vayas and Dimitri Mitsukos design and create pieces that are cast and set by hand using 18-karat gold, platinum, diamonds and colored gemstones meant to evoke the highest aesthetic and spiritual qualities of jewelry .
Luxury watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre has partnered with actor/activist Leonardo Di Caprio to create the “Time to Care” program to benefit the Leonardo Di Caprio Fund at the California Community Foundation. A limited series of watches that feature never-before-used technology will be devoted to the program, with 100 percent of the proceeds from the sales of these timepieces going to benefit the fund, which works with environmental programs worldwide. The watches will be available exclusively at the firm’s new boutiques in Boca Raton and Beverly Hills.
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - August 2008. To subscribe click here.