We hope you are all having a good summer.  Thank goodness it has cooled off a bit.  We are here, and business is actually quite brisk.

CHEAP & CHEERFUL

In our original newsletters, we always had a "cheap & cheerful" page, and here is our 2006 version.  These are two pairs of very wearable retro earrings.  First, alternating pink and yellow 18 karat gold swirl earrings.  Then the slightly pinkish 14 karat gold, 3 bars, going up the ears, lifting the eye.

THE "HOBBY" EARRING

Our lovely Hobby designed these South Sea baroque pearl earrings and they were featured in New York Magazine.  It can be higher if the pearls are larger.  These are also available in grey or gold.

"WOW" PIECE

We always need a "wow" piece and here's my choice for this month.  A bonsai tree brooch having carved nephrite flowers with diamond collet centers in a carved coral jardiniere with a diamond pedestal, set in platinum, c. 1930.  We like this bonsai because it's a bit bigger than usual, and really makes a statement.  The last one we had was at least five years ago, and it now resides in Nashville.

UNUSUAL NECKLACES

We are featuring a very unusual necklace in three versions, all in 18 karat yellow gold.  We call it the "drum"; it has diamonds or colored sapphires in the drum (about 7 to 9 carats), moving loosely around.  On the left, white diamonds, in the middle, colored sapphires, and on the right, brown diamonds.  Gus recently was able to purchase stones at a great price, and that is why we are offering this special.  Similar necklaces can be found at Barneys for much more.  We can also make it in white gold.

MAJOR DAVID WEBB NECKLACE

This necklace was a special order by David Webb in the late 60's.  We got very excited recently as it almost made the cover of Essence Magazine on Beyonce, but alas it didn't.

PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE FOR PRICING DETAILS

MISCELLANEOUS

Many of you who come to our offices admire the plants and flowers.  The gorgeous display is the work of Gus, who mainly uses “Funny Farm” in New Jersey (201.587.0666) as his main supplier.  They deliver in New York so call Charlie and get your lovely orchids or custom designed displays.  If you want to send a plant or flowers to someone in New York, their prices and service can’t be beat.

Another restaurant to add to the list.  We had been to Circus some years ago when it was on Lexington Avenue.  It is now at a new location, 132 East 61st Street (212-223-2965) and is very charming indeed.  The circus theme is highlighted by tons of circus pictures on the walls.  The food is Brazilian and is excellent and well priced.  They have a wonderful sidewalk seating area as well for the summer!  This is another one recommended by Joan Helpern and my friend Ilyse Wilpon and I checked it out the other night and we quite enjoyed ourselves.

I saw a movie recently that blew me away.  It is called Water, set in India in 1938, and deals with the plight of widows, in particular a small 7 year old girl.  It is so beautiful you think about it for days afterward.  It is directed by an extraordinary woman called Deepa Mehta, whose two earlier films are called Earth (I've seen it too and loved also) and Fire (I'm in the queue), available on Netflix (my other new passion).  I urge you to see this film, playing in NY on the West Side at Clearview (62nd & Broadway).  In the latest New York Observer (July 24th) Andrew Sarris reviews it and says "quite possibly the best picture of the year thus far".  I feel like I did after reading the Kite Runner three years ago.  You must see this film.

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