Franc Vila recently introduced a new timepiece to its successful “Cobra” collection, to celebrate Spain’s first World Cup win. Named “Estrella Roja” (Spanish for “red star”), this limited edition includes only 88 pieces, as is customary for the brand, and features the Spanish squad colors and a star commemorating its triumph.
“I am extremely happy with the achievement of the Spanish football squad in South Africa,” said the company’s founder and namesake, a native Spaniard. “This victory has been a dream for a long time in Spain and I am very proud of the football players that have made this dream a reality. I decided to create a special collection commemorating our first football championship with a star in place of the number one, and I hope to add more stars in the future.”
The “Cobra” collection from Franc Vila was specifically designed for aficionados of extreme sports. Built to be water-resistant up to 300 meters, these timepieces were created for intense water activities. The carbon fiber inserts help ensure the protection of the watch for even the most rigorous sports.
The latest addition to the collection, the FV EVOS 8, is both elegant and sporty. It features a blackened titanium “Esprit Unique” case and blackened steel and carbon-fiber elliptical and circular shaped bezel, along with a black crocodile leather strap with red and yellow stitching and a deployant buckle. A rubber sport strap is also included. It has automatic mechanical movement with chronograph functions and a “big date” with a double-window calendar, clearly displaying the date.
Franc Vila timepieces are available at King Jewelers in Nashville, TN and Aventura, FL. For more information, please visit http://www.francvila.com and http://www.kings1912.com
Month: July 2010
Tips for traveling with jewelry
When traveling for business or pleasure, the best advice when it comes to jewelry is to simply leave it at home. However, if a special occasion requires your finest pieces, check out some tips below to ensure that you’re not a moving target for thieves.
Before you leave home, make sure that your jewelry is insured. Typical homeowner’s insurance only covers a minimal amount and only for theft from the home, not disappearance when traveling. Check with your insurance agent to see what additional coverage is available and appropriate for you.
When you begin to pack, only plan to bring what you specifically need during the trip. Options are great to have, but when you’re traveling, the more jewelry you bring with you means the greater possibility of something happening to it.
If you are flying to your destination, remember that checked baggage is not handled lightly by air transportation workers. To avoid damage, pack your jewelry in a carry-on bag, individually wrapped or in its original box, surrounded by clothes. Wearing your jewelry while traveling through airports is not advised — not only does it make you a highly visible target, there is also a strong possibly of setting off detectors while going through security, delaying you from getting to your final destination. The same guidelines are applicable when traveling through other forms of public transportation, such as cruise lines.
Once you arrive, if you are staying in a hotel, find out the hotel’s policy in case something should happen to your jewelry. Also, make use of the hotel’s safe deposit box instead of leaving it in your room.
Finally, be aware of your surroundings. When wearing your fine jewelry, keep in mind that you could be a visible target for thieves when traveling to and from your special occasion.
If your travels bring you to Nashville, Tennessee or Aventura, Florida, please come visit King Jewelers at our retail locations. In the meantime, please visit our website at http://www.kings1912.com
Established in 1912, King Jewelers has proudly styled jewelry and timepiece aficionados from around the world. A pioneer among independent couture jewelers, King Jewelers has built an outstanding reputation steeped in quality, value and first-class customer service. King Jewelers features exclusive jewelry designers, offers in-house custom designs, private label jewelry collections, and is an authorized dealer for over forty luxury Swiss watch brands including Alpina, Bell & Ross, Bulgari, Breitling, Cartier, Chanel, Chopard, Concord, Dunhill, Ebel, Harry Winston, Hublot, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Jaquet Droz, Montblanc, Roger Dubuis, Swiss Army, TAG Heuer, and TechnoMarine. With two store locations in Aventura, FL and Nashville, TN, King Jewelers has won numerous awards as the Southeast’s top jewelry store and diamond wholesaler. With a diamond office located in Antwerp, Belgium since 1961, King Jewelers is able to offer Nashville and Miami custom diamond bridal designs and gem-quality loose diamonds at wholesale prices. King Jewelers is a member of the Jewelers of America, American Watch Guild, and the American Society of Appraisers. King Jewelers has GIA Certified Gemologists and offers expert jewelry and watch repairs.
Hublot teams up with Manchester United for One Million Dollar “Goal for United for UNICEF Challenge”
At 4p.m. ET today, July 22, luxury watchmaker Hublot will team up with legendary soccer club Manchester United for a special event that will revive World Cup fever for a charitable cause.
The outdoor event will be open to the public and held in New York City between the iconic Flatiron and Empire State buildings on 23rd Street and Broadway. Professional players Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Nani, Darren Fletcher, Michael Owen, and the team manager Sir Alex Ferguson will attempt to hit a target concealed as a giant Hublot watch from 51 feet in the hopes of scoring a one million dollar goal for United for UNICEF. Regardless of the outcome, Hublot has promised to make a significant contribution, even if none of the players are able to hit the intended target.
“Our relationship with Manchester United is very special,” says Hublot CEO Jean-Claude Biver. “We love putting our creative hats on to organize unique experiences such as the Million Dollar Challenge to support United for UNICEF.”
In 2008, the relationship between Hublot and Manchester United began when Hublot designed the Manchester United Big Bang. Since then, they have worked together to raise awareness of the Manchester United Foundation, which aims to educate, motivate, and inspire young people to build a better life for themselves and their communities. Through the foundation, United for UNICEF was created, which has raised more than 2 million pounds in the past 10 years.
Hublot timepieces are available exclusively in the Central South at King Jewelers in Nashville, TN. For more information, please visit http://www.hublot.com and http://www.kings1912.com.
Frédérique Constant selected as Official Timekeeper for The Peking to Paris Motor Challenge
Frédérique Constant has been selected as the Official Timekeeper of The Peking to Paris Motor Challenge, which will be held September 10th through October 16th. The brand will also be the exclusive sponsor of the legendary classic car event, which first took place in 1907.
The origin of the race is from a challenge published in the Parisian newspaper “Le Matin” on January 31, 1907: “What needs to be proved today is that as long as a man has a car, he can do anything and go anywhere. Is there anyone who will undertake the challenge to travel from Peking to Paris by automobile?”
The 2010 edition of ‘The Ultimate Driving Adventure’ runs from the Great Wall in China, through Mongolia, then briefly into Russia before turning south west into Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and via Turkey, Greece and Italy into France to finish on the famous Place Vendôme in Paris. The trail follows the historic Silk Road and the participating drivers will have days off in famed cities such as Almaty and Samarkand.
One hundred sixty five classic and vintage cars, dating from the 1920s to 1960s, with more than 230 drivers and navigators will cover more than 9,000 miles over the course of approximately five weeks during the demanding road rally.
All of the participating cars will display the Frédérique Constant logo, and the winning team’s driver and navigator will receive an exclusive Frédérique Constant timepiece upon their celebrated arrival in Paris.
Frédérique Constant timepieces are available at King Jewelers in both Aventura, FL and Nashville, TN. For more information, please visit http://www.frederique-constant.com and http://www.kings1912.com.
King Jewelers featured in InStore magazine’s “America’s Coolest Stores”
In the recent July 2010 issue of InStore Magazine, both King Jewelers Nashville and King Jewelers Aventura were finalists as one of the top 5 “Big Cool Editors’ Picks” of websites for the upcoming 2010 America’s Coolest Stores contest.
“We liked King Jewelers’ site’s ease of navigation and sophisticated look, which is achieved without the bells and whistles of music and irritating intros to click through,” said the magazine’s editors. The final winners, chosen by a panel of industry-expert judges, will be announced in the August issue of InStore magazine.
Next week, King Jewelers will launch its e-commerce site, which will integrate the current site’s refined, simplistic design with the ability for customers to purchase products directly from the website.
For more information, please visit http://www.kings1912.com or visit King Jewelers’ retail locations in Aventura, FL and Nashville, TN.
Miami Swim Fashion Week – TechnoMarine Cruise Sport featured
TechnoMarine’s Cruise Sport watch is featured in the current Ocean Drive Magazine 2010 Swim Guide, which will be distributed during this week’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SWIM, held in Miami, Florida.
Coinciding with the swimwear industry’s largest trade show, the five-day event is invitation-only and provides a runway platform for designers’ swimwear and resort collections with exposure to national and international media, style setters and fashionistas. Fashion, beauty, supermodels and celebrities come together in South Beach to celebrate the sexiest swimwear designs in the world.
The special swim promotion from Ocean Guide being distributed during the event includes a “Beach Bag Essentials” guide, highlighting a variety of accessories, including sunglasses, shoes, and bags. The only watch featured in the section is the TechnoMarine Cruise Sport.
TechnoMarine timepieces are available at King Jewelers in Aventura, FL and Nashville, TN. For more information, please visit http://www.technomarine.com and http://www.kings1912.com
Girard-Perregaux releases steel version of ww.tc
The world wide time control (ww.tc) collection was created by Girard-Perregaux in 2000 and it quickly became one of the brand’s iconic lines. Combining watchmaking expertise with refined style, the new ww.tc is available in steel with an entirely satin-finished 43mm case and its “world time” function simultaneously displays all 24 time zones on its dial.
The 24-hour ring has been redesigned with new baton-style hands indicating the hours and minutes and two arrows showing the direction of its rotation. The exclusive system features a coupling mechanism used for driving a ring displaying the time for 24 time zones, represented by the same number of cities. The hour ring has a day/night contrast function which makes it easier to read.
With ergonomics is mind, this timepiece comes with a matte black alligator strap and a deploying buckle, guaranteeing ideal comfort. A steel bracelet with a full satin finish is also available.
Technical specifications
Steel case
Diameter: 43.00 mm
Height: 13.40 mm
Case-back: sapphire crystal, secured by 6 screws
Water resistance: 50 metres
Girard-Perregaux GP033C0 self-winding mechanical movement
Calibre: 13”’
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations/hour (4 Hz)
Jewels: 63
Power reserve: minimum 46 hours
Functions: hours, minutes, small second, world time with day/night indicator, chronograph, date
Girard-Perregaux timepieces are available at King Jewelers in Aventura, FL and Nashville, TN. For more information, please visit http://www.girard-perregaux.com and http://www.kings1912.com
The 24-hour ring has been redesigned with new baton-style hands indicating the hours and minutes and two arrows showing the direction of its rotation. The exclusive system features a coupling mechanism used for driving a ring displaying the time for 24 time zones, represented by the same number of cities. The hour ring has a day/night contrast function which makes it easier to read.
With ergonomics is mind, this timepiece comes with a matte black alligator strap and a deploying buckle, guaranteeing ideal comfort. A steel bracelet with a full satin finish is also available.
Technical specifications
Steel case
Diameter: 43.00 mm
Height: 13.40 mm
Case-back: sapphire crystal, secured by 6 screws
Water resistance: 50 metres
Girard-Perregaux GP033C0 self-winding mechanical movement
Calibre: 13”’
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations/hour (4 Hz)
Jewels: 63
Power reserve: minimum 46 hours
Functions: hours, minutes, small second, world time with day/night indicator, chronograph, date
Girard-Perregaux timepieces are available at King Jewelers in Aventura, FL and Nashville, TN. For more information, please visit http://www.girard-perregaux.com and http://www.kings1912.com
Bulgari Commemorates 10th Anniversary of Iconic 'B.zero1' Collection
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Bulgari’s B.zero1 collection, sculptor Anish Kapoor re-interpreted and rejuvenated its best-selling ring, a style launched in 2000 with over 1,000,000 units sold to date.
Kapoor’s interpretation merged tradition and contemporary innovation by including the original combination of pink gold and reflecting steel surfaces, as well as curved forms and mirror-like surfaces, which are characteristic of his artwork. This blended design is not only symbolic of the collection’s re-birth, but also representative of the contemporary Bulgari style.
This special edition ring is also available in two ceramic variations (in either black or white). Bulgari continues to offer other versions of the ring in pave diamonds, white gold and yellow gold.
The Kapoor-designed ring will also serve as inspiration for a sculpture that the architect will create to be auctioned next spring, with all proceeds benefiting Save the Children‘s Rewrite the Future Campaign.
Bulgari luxury jewelry is available at King Jewelers in Nashville, TN and Aventura, FL. For more information, please visit http://www.bulgari.com and http://www.kings1912.com
Man-gagement rings
The tradition of the female engagement ring has existed for many years, but the idea of the “man-gagement ring” in the United States is a recent trend on the rise. Luxury jewelry designers such as Scott Kay have taken notice and created unique, versatile, and long-lasting pieces symbolizing the couple’s commitment, while still reflecting the groom-to-be’s unique personality. Using materials such as steel, rubber, and cobalt, these male engagement rings are considerably more durable than traditional gold bands, with a wide variety of designs to match the groom-to-be’s personality.
The tradition of his and hers engagement rings dates from the 15th century, with some European couples exchanging gold bands prior to the actual ceremony. The trend has gradually migrated to the United States: a poll on brides.com reveals that 45 percent of women would buy their fiances engagement bands. A recent celebrity example of this was when Jennifer Hudson gave her then-boyfriend a $15,000 ring to seal the deal.
There are several theories as to why this trend has developed, including extended engagement periods (due to the rising costs of weddings), more women proposing to men, and the emerging concept of a male engagement ring symbolizing greater gender quality.
A growing number of men are beginning to take the lead and instead of being “dragged into” a jewelry store, they are going in with their fiances to choose the design and features that best reflect their personality.
Brands such as Scott Kay offer a wide variety of male engagement bands from classic and subtle, to bold and contemporary designs.
Scott Kay luxury jewelry for both men and women is available at King Jewelers in Nashville, TN and Aventura, FL. For more information, please visit http://www.scottkay.com and http://www.kings1912.com
Chopard introduces Happy Sport XL, available exclusively at King Jewelers
The Happy Sport XL is the latest addition to Chopard’s Happy Sport collection, known for its appeal to those with a taste for contemporary, daring timepieces for the past 20 years.
The latest newcomer to the collection takes a further step towards modernity and originality, while remaining faithful to the very essence of Happy Sport models: a decisively casual chic appearance illuminated by the presence of its famous moving diamonds.
This trendy new monochrome watch comes in brightly colored versions inspired by water and aquatic life: coral red, pool blue, or almond green, with an impressive 42 mm diameter case.
The extremely realistic motives of the dial recreate an incredible underwater vision. The entire watch is draped in a single color: the steel bezel, pearly lacquered dial, rhodium hands, and rubber strap are all in the same hue. The moving diamonds emulate the rays of the sun and accentuate the sparkling radiance of the Happy Sport collection.
Chopard timepieces, including the Happy Sport collection, are available at King Jewelers in Nashville, TN and Aventura, FL. For more information, please visit http://www.Chopard.com and http://www.kings1912.com
Established in 1912, King Jewelers has proudly styled jewelry and timepiece aficionados from around the world. A pioneer among independent couture jewelers, King Jewelers has built an outstanding reputation steeped in quality, value and first-class customer service. King Jewelers features exclusive jewelry designers, offers in-house custom designs, private label jewelry collections, and is an authorized dealer for over forty luxury Swiss watch brands including Alpina, Bell & Ross, Bulgari, Breitling, Cartier, Chanel, Chopard, Concord, Dunhill, Ebel, Harry Winston, Hublot, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Jaquet Droz, Montblanc, Roger Dubuis, Swiss Army, Tag Heuer, and TechnoMarine. With two store locations in Aventura, FL and Nashville, TN, King Jewelers has won numerous awards as the Southeast’s top jewelry store and diamond wholesaler. With a diamond office located in Antwerp, Belgium since 1961, King Jewelers is able to offer Nashville and Miami custom diamond bridal designs and gem-quality loose diamonds at wholesale prices. King Jewelers is a member of the Jewelers of America, American Watch Guild, and the American Society of Appraisers. King Jewelers has GIA Certified Gemologists and offers expert jewelry and watch repairs.