Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Winter 2014 - (Page 66)

jewelry By Brooke Magnaghi Left, from top: Zebra brooch, 1987; agate, diamonds, sapphire, silver and gold. Butterfly brooch, 1994; sapphires, fire opals, rubies, amethysts, garnets, diamonds, silver and gold. jewels by jar london's lost jewels julia Muggenburg The founder of Belmacz on whaT makes her collecTions so capTivaTing ➼ Tell us about your London shop. What was your inspiration? Art and jewels go hand in hand at Belmacz - all things benefit each other and are added in this mix to stimulate, entertain and intrigue friends and clients. ➼ How has your vision for Belmacz transformed the way we experience jewelry? In 1912, the single most important trove of Elizabethan jewelry was discovered buried in a cellar on Cheapside in London. Since then, the mystery and intrigue surrounding the provenance and ownership of this vast hoard of nearly 500 gems remain. A virtual time capsule from the 16th and 17th centuries, the collection lends insight into the craftsmanship of that period as well as clues to London's global position in the gem trade. According to jeweler Shaun Leane, "This is a really important collection as it shows us that London was a thriving hub of jewelry. Jewels were becoming really refined during this period with advancements in technology, stone-cutting and craftsmanship; it also contains the only example of preserved enameled chains from the Elizabethan period." The Museum of London presents the collection in its entirety through April 27. Left: The world's largest Crisscut emerald diamond, weighing 20.62 carats, christopherdesigns.com. Q&A As an artist jeweler, I feel the strong urge to get away from all pretense and show how there is glamour and mystery as well as the value of a unique piece. It's essential to celebrate nature, which gives us countless gemstones and materials and which I transform into treasure. ➼ For the Belmacz girl, what role does jewelry play in her life? Above: Gold pendant set with emeralds and pink sapphires with a spinel drop. All wearers of Belmacz jewels come back to tell me how indispensable their gems have become and how their every day is transformed. It's about being enchanted by the jewel you call your own and finding the perfect fit. A cut Above the Rest Brilliant, cushion and emerald are some of the most common cuts associated with diamonds, and while they may all shine like a beacon on your finger, there is one cut that boasts more brilliance and firepower. Enter Christopher Slowinski, founder of Christopher Designs who in 1998 invented the Crisscut, a fancy cut available in several shapes and featuring a higher number of facets in comparison to standard cuts. Last year, when Slowinski came across a sizable piece of rough, he pondered what to do with it . The result? The world's largest - and brightest - Crisscut emerald diamond, weighing in at 20.62 carats and set in an art deco-inspired design. Shades required. 66 w w w. r i t z c a r lt o n . c o m PhotograPh by Katharina Faerber; Courtesy oF Jar, Paris (butterFly and Zebra); MuseuM oF london (lost Jewels) Joel Arthur Rosenthal's much anticipated retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is on through March 9. More than 400 glittering masterpieces are on display showcasing the distinctive style, imagination and craftsmanship of this highly acclaimed jeweler. To accompany the exhibition, Rosenthal has designed a group of pieces available for sale exclusively at the exhibition shop. http://www.christopherdesigns.com http://WWW.RITZCARLTON.COM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Winter 2014

Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Winter 2014
Contents
Contributors
Editor’s Letter
President’s Letter
Falling in Love With ... Bangalore
Design
Shopping
Gifts
Beauty
Jewelry
Watches
Tradition
Behind the Scenes
Family
Local Knowledge
Outdoors

Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Winter 2014