OUR HOLIDAY SHOW
We invite you to our annual Holiday Show and Exhibition located in our showroom at
818 Madison Avenue
Fourth Floor
Wednesday December 1st — Saturday December 4th
11 am - 7 pm
Cocktails daily from 4 pm - 7 pm
We hope you will join us for a drink and a snack.
Glamour, September 2010
Elle, September 2010
Connecticut Cottages & Gardens, September 2010
InStyle, October 2010
Elle Decor, October 2010
Oprah, October 2010
Vanity Fair, October 2010
WSJ Magazine, October/November 2010
Oprah, November 2010
More, November 2010
Connecticut Cottages & Gardens, November 2010 (1) (2)
Town & Country, December 2010
Our major featured piece of jewelry this month is a drop-dead pair of Van Cleef and Arpels sapphire and diamond earrings in platinum. These pendant style earrings have oval shaped sapphires at the top with cushion shaped sapphire drops of about 7 carats each, all set with 17 carats of round and marquise diamonds. These earrings would definitely make for a Merry Christmas.
Another featured item is this lovely Van Cleef and Arpels necklace from the late 50's. It is made of little gold leaves with rubies and diamonds strewn about.
A featured item this month is this great gold bracelet from David Webb. It is a bangle with rubies, emeralds and diamonds, all set in platinum and 18k yellow gold.
Important diamond earrings on wires for the holidays. These old European cut diamond drop earrings hang from diamond set wires. Total diamond weight is approximately 5 carats. They were made by Neil Lane. Next we have a beautiful pair of old mine cut double drop earrings. The top stones total approximately 2.70 carats and the bottom drops total approximately 5.90 carats and are set in platinum. The diamond flowers are set in white gold.
We have three pairs of party earrings, made for us in platinum. The pearl and diamond drop circles. The long pearl and diamond drops. The long diamond tassel earrings.
We have four pairs of earrings that are very wearable. The first is a pair by Elizabeth Gage in 18 karat gold with a black enamel zigzag pattern, pearls and a cabochon ruby. They are classic Elizabeth Gage. Then we have a pair of hammered gold triple hoops. Next, we have two pairs of Angela Cummings in matte gold. The first pair are stylized X's. The second pair are hydrangeas.
These are two pairs of pretty earrings that can be dressy or not. The cabochon aquamarines are Seaman Scheppes and have a little diamond band separating the aquas. The little pearls are 12mm with a .20 carat diamond on each one. They are set in yellow gold for pierced ears and are a great look.
We've got two great wedding bands this month. The first has over 3 carats of diamonds. It is a size 5 1/2 set in platinum, but has a white gold insert that if removed would probably increase the size to 6 1/2 plus. We really bought this well. The second is a diamond and sapphire band by Tiffany with little shots inside that make it just under a size 5. Removing them is easy and would make it over a size 6. The ring has over 2 carats of sapphires and 1.50 carats of diamonds.
Gold and diamond jewelry is always popular. We got a great pair of gold and diamond earrings that curve into the face, which is very flattering. Then we have a dreamy tassel bracelet with an attachment in gold and diamonds (1.76 carats). Lastly, we have a pair of gold, diamond and hematite earrings (3.21 carats).
Also made for us in platinum, we have a holiday page of red, green and white.
The divine three stone ruby and diamond ring. The ruby and diamond line bracelet. The small pair of emerald and diamond earrings. The flower emerald and diamond ones. The ruby-framed diamond earrings.
We recently bought two bib, or scarf, necklaces, one signed and one not. The mesh one on the left with freshwater pearls is by Elsa Perretti for Tiffany. The other, with coral accents.
We have two rather delicate necklaces. The first was probably made in the last thirty years and is 18k gold with little diamond centered coral flowers. The other one is a long 18k gold antique chain that can be wrapped around three times.
We wanted to feature a page of Marcella's designs as they are quite chic and make great presents. The wooden cuff with the gold medallion with multicolored sapphires. The dark brown shagreen cuff has a Maltese cross in gold and cabochon garnet. The wooden earrings with little gold discs are on wires. The yellow Bakelite ring studded with multicolored sapphires is a size 6. The gray Bakelite ring is a size 6 ½ and is studded with diamonds to look like a fly.
We just bought two Schlumberger pillboxes, which are rare, and were probably made in the sixties. One is silver with little gold balls, and the other is silver with little turquoise balls. Either would be an elegant Christmas present.
For Christmas we have bought exquisite little shagreen wallets, in coral, peridot green, charcoal and turquoise. One side holds credit cards and business cards, and the other side has compartments for bills and change. Our supply is limited. I have commandeered a green one myself.
We have beautiful stoles again for Christmas, in thin baby cashmere. Our featured item is a toile design based on an 18th century fabric in the designer’s collection. It is called the Four Elements: earth, fire, water and wind. We have them in different color combinations. My favorite is the lobster/mushroom. We also have crocodile and leopard prints in beautiful colors. All of these are 28" x 80". I have chosen these carefully and they are exquisite.
We have a great selection of pens by Roberto Cipullo, Aldo's brother, in silver plate and black. Call and speak to Jane for the particulars.
For the younger set we have these great snakeskin wrap bracelets with sterling silver toggle clasps in bunches of colors. Again, consult Jane on the details.
We have more of the natural water buffalo horn necklaces, bangles and cuffs. The chain link necklaces come in oval, round and square. Speak with Jane for the details. I wear my necklace all the time and get masses of compliments.
We have this fabulous natural ostrich wide bangle.
Following on the heels of our write-up about sapphires, Prince William proposed to longtime girlfriend Kate Middleton with his mother’s sapphire engagement ring. The ring has a cushion cut sapphire surrounded by diamonds, a design that was noted the world throughout as the Princess Diana ring. The ring became an iconic piece of jewelry and was linked exclusively to her. The actual cluster ring design has been around since the late 1800’s but Diana made the design notorious. When designing custom settings for clients, it is our goal to take a piece of jewelry and make it synonymous with the owner. One may think that diamonds can only be set in so many different ways, but Diana is the perfect example of a woman who took a understated design and made it unique to her.
I continue to try out cleansers from the drugstore, and recently secured three I like at Walgreens. First I tried a French brand, Roc, which is well known in better pharmacies in France. Roc's Pore Minimizing cream cleanser is $10.99 here and I quite like it. Neutrogena Clean and Shine Control at $7.99 is another good one. Walgreen's blackhead control Apricot Scrub at $3.99 is a real bargain.
I went to the Benefit brow bar at Bloomingdales. Elena, my facialist, has moved back to Lexington to the Roberto Rescu salon. I cannot go downstairs to see her, so I tried a more expensive salon which was fine, but they don't dye eyebrows. I went to Lisa Pentangelo who is there 5 days a week. She waxed and plucked and cut and I looked so much better. She says the other aestheticians are excellent as well. She also was kind enough to take me over to MAC which has a brow gel she likes. Please note, one may phone for an appointment (212 705 3483) or just pop in. Having your brows done is very important indeed.
For those of you who might be in Paris soon, I am adding a recommendation from my friend Carolyn Bush from Atlanta, one of my all-time shopping buddies. I had read about the new Hermes store in Paris and expected it to be wonderful and she says it is. By the way, my first trip to Paris was with Carolyn and I bought two Hermes scarves that I still have. Straight from Carolyn … "Newly opened Hermes store on Rue de Sevres (a few yards from Jet Set) is spectacular. More outstanding than St. Honore store. Three stories in a restored hammam (Turkish bath) fabulous and inventive restoration. Ground floor and walls all tiled with depressions around where the water would have run off. Around a central space to ceiling with 3 big basket-like structures, wide slats, thru which you view household goods, leather, china etc. You can walk in on ground floor. Of course the usual gorgeous foulards, big shawls, and wonderful fabrics on the men's and women's clothing. New feature at entrance is a flower shop- takes your breath away; smells divine. Great inspiration for arrangements. Personnel very accommodating. Store very busy and full; had the impression they were purchasing. Jewelry section had all tables taken with try-ons. There's a café on top level which is smallish."
David Adler showed me how to get free books on my Kindle. Most 19th century books are free and I decided to reread Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell (Mrs. Gaskell as she was known at the time, born 1810 and died in 1865). Many of you saw Cranford, written in 1953, dramatized on PBS last year. It was wonderful. My friend Linda Dennery reminded me that North and South, written in 1855, was on PBS a while back and I plan to rent it after I read it again. Right now I am rereading Lady Ludlow and it is just delicious.
Our friend Maisie Houghton just sent me her new book, Pitch Uncertain, a tale of growing up in Boston in the mid 1950's. I have only just started it, but I love her writing style and it is a very fascinating time in the life of a very interesting family. I am loving it so far.
My new favorite show is Luther on BBCA Sunday night, about a Police Detective Inspector. The lead is played by an actor called Idris Elba (how could you not like someone with such a wonderful name?) He apparently was in The Wire, which I did not see and now must rent. All the cast is terrific and I am sure it will be repeated. The original is six episodes and this also is a must see. I think you can buy the six episodes and it would make a great present.
PBS is presenting the second group of Wallander, the series on Masterpiece Mystery based on the Henning Mankell books. Kenneth Branagh is perfect as Kurt Wallander and we urge you to watch this series.
Having long been a Law & Order addict, I was saddened by the news that Law & Order was being cancelled. Never fear, Law & Order UK is a worthy substitute. Same theme music, but the police and crown prosecutors (DA's) are fighting crime. Only difference with crown prosecutors is they wear wigs (as do the judges and defense lawyers). Two policemen, one quite a looker, and a female head of squad like Epatha in the U.S. It is on BBCA on Fridays 9pm EST and is very good.
I went to the movies to see The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, the dramatization of Steig Larson's third novel in the Millennium trilogy. I went with my movie buddy, Iris, as Jean only goes to the movies once a year with me. He saw Kite Runner and slept through it, and Up in the Air, which he thought was silly and slept for the second half. Iris and I enjoyed the Swedish movie very much but it helps to have seen the first two or read the books. Noomi Raspaci is fabulous as Salanger. It is in Swedish with subtitles. It was on the West Side and we had brunch beforehand at Bouley Bar on Broadway and 62nd and it's a winner. It is especially convenient if you are going to the movies down the street.
I didn't see It's Complicated with Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, and Steve Martin when it was in theatres so I TIVO-ed it this weekend on HBO. If you didn't see it be sure to get it from Netflix as this is a terrific movie, a real romantic comedy. Meryl Streep makes you laugh like crazy, and both Baldwin and Martin are fabulous. I saw this by myself and I laughed out loud. This is a must see movie, and I am not normally an Alec Baldwin fan.
At the urging of Patty Gorelick we recently saw Mao's Last Dancer which was playing at the Paris. If you miss it, you must rent it on Netflix. It is the story of a Chinese peasant who became a ballet dancer, then defected when he was performing with the Houston Ballet and the Chinese wanted him to go back. This is an exquisite movie.
I saw The King’s Speech this weekend and scurried to get it in the newsletter as I think Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush will both probably get Academy Award nominations. It is a splendid movie dealing with King George’s stammer, which was really a problem as he had to take over after his brother abdicated and Britain had to go to war with Germany. I urge you to see it.
Our friend Dennis has long raved about his favorite restaurant, an Italian one called Nica Trattoria. We dined there with him last week and loved it. It is located at 354 E. 84th Street just off of First Avenue. The telephone number is 212 472 5040 and Giuseppe, the owner/chef is quite charming. It is very small but the menu is very big and delicious. The restaurant does not accept credit cards.
I was taken to BLT Market in the Ritz Carlton a few weekends ago. The restaurant has an entrance on Central Park South and through the hotel at 1430 Avenue of the Americas. Telephone is 212 521 6125. It is quite good. I went back and Jose the waiter, remembered my name, what I ate and where I sat.
Tom Colicchio, one of the hosts of Top Chef, opened a new restaurant here in New York a few weeks ago. Since we are all big fans of Top Chef here at the office, I was dying to give it a try. The restaurant is called Riverpark and it is located at 450 East 29th Street, very close to the East River. We had a wonderful meal which started with swiss chard ravioli and squab mole. The ravioli were very light and absolutely delicious, and the squab mole was very earthy and complex. We followed with the aged strip steak for two. The steak was served with a fantastic pumpkin polenta which would be a perfect side dish for any holiday meal and easy to make at home! Riverpark has a large outdoor patio overlooking the river. It was closed when we were there as it was very chilly, but I am sure in the warmer months, it would be beautiful. It was a bit pricey, but I think Riverpark is a great place for a special evening out!
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