In the July 17th Style section of the Wall Street Journal, we read a wonderful article by Christina Binkley on AKRIS, the Swiss clothing company.  It was particularly interesting as I love the clothes and this company is run by two brothers for the long term and for its customers, just as I hope we run CDBLTD.  AKRIS operates somewhat below the radar, although it quietly competes with the likes of Armani and Chanel and recently had a one million dollar day at a Bergdorf Goodman trunk show.  We do the same up on the fourth floor on Madison Avenue surrounded by jewelry stores.  We sell beautiful jewelry at fair prices, customers manage to find us and we get our share.  AKRIS is not raising prices this year, just accepting lower margins.  We do the same when necessary as we want our customers to have style and value.  IF I WERE STILL IN WALL STREET I'D WANT TO INVEST IN AKRIS, although the Kriemler brothers have shown no desire to sell the company.  If you want to read the article and can't get it on the web, we are glad to send you one.

Sometimes we feel we are a bit too low key so we will highlight a different aspect of our service each month.  This month it is engagement rings.  As many of you know, we have taken over the fifth floor and we have installed our Bridal Salon in this space to give clients more privacy.  See the following from Ashley.  We not only find/design the ring but later on when you get ready to upgrade, we will find that stone also.

ENGAGEMENT RING DESIGN (from Ashley)

We have a wonderful selection of engagement rings that range in style and design from the Edwardian period to present day and have been put on the finger of many a beaming lady.  We also offer a custom design service for clients that have a more specific idea. This service is quite incredible because it enables the client to design their ideal ring. 

We begin the design process by discussing what kind of stone the client would like, whether it is a diamond, sapphire, ruby or other colored stone.  The next step is to determine the shape of the stone whether it be emerald cut, round brilliant or oval to name just a few.  We then source the stones to give the client the best possible price and quality.  What is unique about this experience is that the client is being offered several stones, which allows them to compare brilliance, cut and shape and then ultimately choose the centerpiece of their ring.  The most important step in this whole process is for the client to fall in love with a stone, and we will continue to search until we have found the perfect one.  Not to mention it is incredibly fun to look at a tray of diamonds!

Once the stone has been chosen the true design process begins.  It is our job to translate the client’s wishes to our expert jewelers.  We have a wonderful artist who does mechanical renderings of the ring.  The drawing acts as a template for the ring and ensures that the client and the jeweler are all on the same page, literally.   The rendering also allows the client to visualize the final product and make any changes before it goes into production.  The design of the ring can vary from the very simple to the very complex and depending on the intricacy of the design can take about four to six weeks to finish.  The entire process is quite amazing because the end result is truly the creation of the client, a ring that will be worn and cherished forever.  We are truly lucky to be a small part of that intimate moment when two people become engaged.

If you are interested in us working on an engagement ring design or would like us to find a ring for you, email us at bridal@cdbltd.com.  To better assist you, please include any preferences and criteria you have:

• Stone preference:  Round Brilliant, Emerald Cut, Asscher Cut, Cushion Cut, Pear Shape, or Radiant (to name a few)
• Color & Clarity of center stone
• Style of ring:  Three Stone, Solitaire, Micro Pave
• Antique or Modern Ring
• Platinum or Gold
• Ring size
• Date needed

Ring design sample

WHAT'S HOT?

This summer it seemed as though editors and clients alike were looking for BOLD pieces—chunky bracelets, bangles and baubles in rich hues especially jewel tones like purples, oranges, royal blues and greens.  Carry this look into fall along with big drop earrings, which are very popular as well.

DO YOU WANT TO MAKE A STATEMENT?

These enormous lapis beads, decorated with gold and diamonds; look as if they should be Verdura or Sclumberger.  I like them on top of a big white linen button front jacket with the collar turned up and navy Akris linen pants.  I got the jacket from the Orvis catalogue for a bargain.  These beads tie the whole thing together.

Beautiful lapis necklace with gold and diamond earrings. The earring on the right is shown before it was tightened and I decided to show it as is because this is what a clip-on earring can look like if you put a post on and your hole is misplaced.  It is not a good look.   Gus says my hair looks terrible but we were in a rush.

"LUXE" BRACELETS

For that special occasion you can't go wrong with a Buccellati bracelet.  We were lucky enough to get three that can be worn together; two yellow gold with diamonds and one in white gold with diamonds.  They look pretty good by themselves also.

For a showstopper look, this wide bracelet with diamonds is spectacular.

CHUNKY BRACELET

This yellow and white gold link bracelet was made by Pomellato and retailed by Fred, Paris.  It is nice and heavy and feels good on the wrist.  Pomellato is now carried by Bergdorf Goodman and have their own store on Madison Avenue.

SUPER CHIC PINKIE RINGS

I would wear these rings on the "pinkie" finger for a super chic look.

(21R889) An 18k yellow and white gold and diamond ring.  The ring has a pave diamond triangle as the center with ribbed gold triangles on each side.  (19R962) These 18k gold and diamond seaweed rings by Mallory May are worn 3 together.    (22R405) This heavy gold ring was designed by someone called Fred Staggs, probably in the 60's as a "jacket" for a platinum and diamond marquise ring.  Designs like this prevailed, as this was a period when white was out and everyone wanted yellow gold.  However, I'd wear it as-is as a pinkie ring.  (20R521) Another great gypsy ring, this one has a .33 ct sapphire center with a .25 ct diamond on either side, set in 14k gold.

SPECIAL GOLD & DIAMOND EARRINGS

We have found two pairs of very special gold and diamond earrings this month. 

The left are shaped like wrapped cushions and have about 7 1/2 cts of diamonds.

The right pair are the "wings" that go up the ear, always flattering as they lift the eye, with about 6.46 cts of diamonds.

UNIQUE 40'S EARRINGS

Gus found these fabulous retro earrings recently and I was very excited as they remind me very much of my personal ones which, everybody always wants.  These are superbly made and will go with all of your retro brooches.

SEX & THE CITY NECKLACE

This gold fringe necklace is very similar to the one worn by Sara Jessica Parker in Sex and the City; Marcella spotted it and it was confirmed by Hobby.   Where was I?   The movie is a couple of hours of harmless fun with some very funny bits, i.e. Samantha's tirade at Miranda poolside in Mexico (if you've seen it you'll know what I mean and if not, be prepared).  Our necklace is 18k gold and is that all purpose filler.

THREE INCREDIBLY CHIC WATCHES

Baume and Mercier bracelet watch from the 70's is in 18k gold and lapis lazuli.

The Bulgari watch in 18k gold watch is no longer made by Bulgari and has "Bulgari" etched in gold on each side.  This is a watch I would like for the P.C. (Personal Collection).  The Jaeger-LeCoultre backwind, a very difficult model to find and the sort of watch that connoiseurs go ga-ga over.

WORK OF ART

This small compact is exquisitely beautiful.  While it can be used as a compact, I'd display it on a table just as one would with a small sculpture or porcelain.  This is a work of art and cheap at the price.  It was probably made around 1925.  This is the most beautiful one I've seen in a while.  It is a sterling silver and 18 karat yellow gold compact, signed Mellerio Madrid.  The box is designed as an engraved Parisian street scene with a yellow gold stage coach proceeding down the street with small square ruby “lanterns” and a small square cut sapphire “rear window”.

PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE FOR PRICING DETAILS

I recently spent a weekend in Brevard, N.C. with ten classmates and Pi Phi sorority sisters from Vanderbilt.  We have known each other since we were 17 and 18 and have remained friends and kept in touch.  The group included our gracious hostess, Winnie (Winter Park) Fran (Ft. Lauderdale), Judy (Franklin) Lynn and Phyllis (Atlanta), Susie (Columbia), AnneMarie (Nashville), Judy (St. Louis), Ann (Memphis) and me.

There have been 12 marriages and 5 divorces; this includes a few repeaters.  Currently, six are married, three divorced and one widowed.   There are 22 children and bunches of grandchildren.  There are two lawyers, two artists of note, Lynn, Ceruleanfineart.com, and Phyllis, retired teachers and school administrators and businesspeople.  Susie, Lynn and I came to New York and lived together for a year after Vanderbilt.  Various members travel together with and without spouses.  The most important to me is the annual pilgrimage to the NYT crossword puzzle tournament by Ann Marie, Susie and me.

Winnie's yardman is a talented chef and he and his wife fed us a glorious dinner on Friday night.  Saturday morning a group went to the top of the mountain for brunch and the mountain view, while another group went shopping and to a spa (you know which group I was in).   This included an expedition to Target where we got great white tee shirts, exercise clothes and thongs.   Saturday evening we watched Word Play in which Anne Marie has a tiny cameo.   We talked and laughed and just enjoyed the camaraderie.  Subjects ranged from husbands, children, grandchildren, daughters in law, men, botox, laser hair removal, facelifts, blood pressure, clothes, movies, books and politics.

A grand time was had by all and we hope to repeat it next year if Winnie will have us.

TO BUY

KEURIG COFFEE MAKER (from Jane)

I was recently introduced to my new favorite kitchen appliance by a friend of mine.   After dinner she asked what type of coffee I wanted and I followed her into the kitchen to find this big & beautiful coffee maker by Keurig.  I fell in love.  I knew I had to have it.  It was sleek and fabulous and had these mesmerizing beautiful blue lights everywhere. Just so happens my coffee maker was on the fritz, so I thought, hey! what better time!? My husband & I are coffee people so it was a perfect fit.   We got the Platinum B70 Model which brews 4 different brew sizes including tea cup, small coffee cup, large coffee cup & travel mug.   You can set the coffee maker to turn on and shut off at a desired time as well as the brew temperature which pleased my husband because he won't drink it if it doesn't scald his mouth!   We also purchased the K-Cup Carousel to put all of our "K-Cups" in & the reusable K Cup Filter so you can use your own gourmet ground coffee as well.   They sell all different types of K-Cups in regular and decaf as well as teas and hot chocolate, which my kids, of course, loved!   The coffee is hot and delicious every time, no more wasted pots of old coffee and the K-Cups are very reasonable considering a Starbucks cup of coffee can set you back $3-$4.   Run! …do not walk to get your Keurig…I promise you will not be disappointed!

WHITE TEE-SHIRTS

I am a connoisseur of white tee-shirts and own ones from Walmart to Charvet in Paris.  I am always on the lookout for the perfect one and since I found Mossimo at Target, I can relax.  They are the best. The cotton knit is thin, thin, thin, and now also comes in a long sleeve, a layering style with longish short sleeves, and a cap sleeve, and they are cheap…$6 to $12.

NINA MCLEMORE

Nina McLemore's fall line is out and has some lovely jackets.  We'd also like to recommend her all purpose silk shells in many colors.  Contact her at 212.319.7700 for the brochure, where all the clothes are accessorized with our jewelry.

TO DINE

I went to a newish restaurant today that my friend Joan Halpern had been raving about. It is called Anthos (212.582.6900) and it deserves the good reviews it has gotten.  Located at 36 W 52nd Street, the food is Greek inspired and is delicious.  They have a selection of fun desserts like pomegranate and oregano, kalamata olive and burnt honey ice cream.

I was taken to lunch recently at an old favorite, L'Absinthe, at 227 E 67th Street.  You can choose a table near the front and almost be sitting outside.  The luncheon menu has many tempting dishes but I had a real winner.  They offer small pizzas called pizzettes, plenty for one with a bit left over.  I had one with figs, prosciutto and feta cheese with thin, thin crust that was worth every calorie.

Many of you often ask us where to lunch or have dinner when you're in our area and Le Charlot at 19 E 69th Street, just off Madison is another old reliable.  It can get very noisy at night but the moules a la Thai and the mahi mahi with grapefruit lime sauce are always delicious.  Sitting outside for lunch is wonderful; get the chicken salad or the lobster salad.

Newish restaurant in Nashville.  Our friend Nancy Peterson and her beau, Billy Ray Hearn, recommend this new restaurant, Andrew Chadwick's (615.254.8585), at 37 Rutledge Street, Nashville.  The cuisine is contemporary Californian and features organic produce and herbs from their own gardens.  Closed for lunch and Sunday and Monday.

TO READ

Since it is summer and maybe you have a bit more time to read, we've included some "regular" thrillers too. Simple Genius by David Baldacci came out in 2007 and I guess I bought it, didn't read, and left in Southampton. It was a welcome surprise on a dreary weekend weather wise, with two appealing ex secret service agents, Sean and Michelle trying to solve several murders while at the same time dealing with a childhood trauma of Michelle's.  This was a good read.

Another Swedish thriller from one of my favorite authors, Hakan Nesser, Mind's Eye, featuring Inspector Van Veeteren. A man wakes up with a fearsome hangover and no memory of the previous evening. Alas his wife is lying face down in the bathtub, dead. It seems obvious to all that he has killed her in a drunken rage, except something doesn't click to Inspector Van Veeteren, and the hunt is on.

What a delicious new book, Where Memories Lie, from Deborah Crombie and it even has a jewelry theme. Featuring Scotland Yard's Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James, this latest in the series is very good. Gemma's good friend, Erika, now in her eighties, and a refugee from Nazi Germany, lost her husband after the war in a mugging/suicide? in London that was never solved. When a piece of Art Deco jewelry designed by Erika's father comes up for auction at a famous London auction house, Erika asks Gemma to investigate as the piece was stolen from her during the war. A second suspicious death seems to be linked to David's death and also the brooch, so Duncan and Gemma get involved. This is an all-nighter so reader beware.

SHOPPING SAFARI (from Marcella)

I recently went on a shopping trip with Gus to the most amazing shopping outlet in Italy, called Serravalle outlet.  Serravalle is a tiny village in Piemonte which is 45 minutes by car from Milan, Tourin and Genoa.  If you don't have a car and you are in Milan there is a bus that goes to Serravalle for all of the day shoppers.   Unlike outlets here in the
United States, Serravalle carries current seasons, not items that are out of fashion or made just for the outlet stores.  The best time to visit and shop in Serravalle is in January and July for all of the big sales.  My favorite places to shop there are Etro for the beautiful fabrics (coats & clothing), Brioni for classic and chic clothing, Prada for shoes, Trussardi for handbags and Ferragamo for everything.  There is also a fabulous little shop there that not many people know about called Gilli where you can find very unusual handbags.

This is a must see on your next trip to Italy for all of you shoppers who love getting chic and fabulous clothing and accessories for a deal!

GET YOUR PHOTOGRAPH MADE NOW

Alix Smith is a very talented photographer with several shows under her belt, see her website www.alixsmith.com.  The New York Times has done several stories on her, notably of her Upper East Side friends in their natural habitats.  I think she is becoming very "collectible".  Recently she has begun to do portrait photography and I plan to have her photograph me soon.  If one looks at directories like the C200 one, most people, including me, use terribly outdated photos.  She already took a picture of me and Abba and I was very pleased, bad hair day not withstanding.  Call or email Alix and have a photograph made.  You won't be disappointed.  alix@alixsmith.com or 646.251.1609

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