June 2015 - King Jewelers | Jewelry Store Nashville and Miami

Monday Mystery- The Regent Diamond

Posted on June 29, 2015 by Make Technology

Monday Mystery- The Regent Diamond

With great jewels comes great tragedy, or so some macabre legends and historical records suggest. We’ve had a Monday Mystery series in the past, detailing the history of some of the most beautiful “cursed” gems the world has ever seen. Luckily for us, there’s no shortage of so-called cursed gemstones in the world, and we’re investigating a doozy of a curse this week.
The Regent Diamond was discovered in India in the late 1600’s and it wasted no time establishing it’s dark reputation. The 426.00ct stone was said to have been discovered by a slave who stole it by hiding the large diamond in his body via a self-inflicted leg wound. The slave attempted to work out a deal with an English sea captain- passage out of India in exchange for some of the diamond’s profits- but the English captain drowned the slave and stole the diamond for himself.
English governor Thomas Pitt purchased the diamond and, modest as he was, named it after himself. Pitt had the diamond cut down to a more practical 140.64 carats, the size the diamond remains to this very day. After he had the stone cut, Pitt sold the diamond to French Regent Philippe II of Orleans. It is at this time that the diamond was renamed “The Regent”.
The Regent was used by the doomed Queen Marie Antoinette as decoration in elaborate hats and hairstyles a few short years before her French subjects cut off her head. In 1792, during one of the most bloodthirsty revolutions the world has ever seen, the French Crown Jewels, including The Hope and The Regent Diamonds, were brazenly stolen. Napoleon Bonaparte later recovered The Regent and had it set in the handle of his sword. Within two decades, Napolean was dead and over time the stone was re-purposed. Of the unlucky French kings who chose to set the stone in their crowns, Louis XVIII was exiled twice, Charles X abdicated the throne, and Napoleon III was exiled.

Nowadays, The Regent diamond rests in a Greek-style diadem for Empress Eugenie. Since 1887 the diamond crusted diadem has called The Louvre museum home, except for a brief time during WWII when the diamond was hidden to protect it from invading German forces. While it’s almost impossible to put a price on The Regent diamond given it’s impressive historical significance, some experts believe the stone is now worth as much as $74 million dollars.
Whether you believe the diamond itself is cursed, or that it has merely been witness to unfortunate circumstance, you have to admit that it’s fascinating when such beautiful stones have such sordid histories. Stay tuned for our next installment of Monday Mystery!

Breguet Celebrates Over 200 Years of Tourbillon Innovation

Posted on June 26, 2015 by Make Technology

More than 200 years after it was patented, the tourbillon complication is still impressive

This month, Swiss watchmaker Breguet celebrated 214 years since Abraham Louis Breguet first received the patent for the toubillon. Although the patent has long since dissolved, Breguet is still considered the leader in creating this most impressive complication.
The tourbillon, long regarded as the pinnacle of watchmaking, was originally an attempt to improve accuracy in pocket watches. Today, tourbilllons are symbol of status and make any watch face visually stimulating.

Explore Our Selection of Breguet Timepieces Now!

Tourbillon is French for “whirlwind” and the moniker is, at least to the naked eye, very accurate. A tourbillon is basically a balance wheel that rotates in one direction. The idea here is that by continuously moving it will counter the effects of gravity, and thus keep time more accurately. While modern advancements in watchmaking have revealed more cost effective and accurate means of improving a watch’s reliability, the tourbillon has endured as a worthy addition to any timepiece. Even if it is now mostly aesthetic, the tourbillon is still a beautiful and innovative complication.

See More Men’s Dress Watches Here!

The tourbillon complication is constantly being modified and improved upon by almost every major brand in the industry. Breguet’s current focus is on creating a tourbillon that is both extremely lightweight and durable. Zenith‘s latest creation, the Defy Xtreme Zero-G Tourbillon, features a free-moving tourbillon housing which always points down, regardless of what crazy position your wrist may be in. Harry Winston has revealed the newest member of the Histoire de Tourbillon family, the Histoire de Tourbillon 6, which features a prominent, fast-moving, triple-axis tourbillon along with a power reserve indicator and chronograph function. Both TAG Heuer and Raymond Weil have plans to release their own budget-friendly tourbillon-clad timepieces later this year.
All in all, more than 200 years after it was made, it’s clear this complication isn’t going anywhere. Regardless of it’s actual functionality, the tourbillon is both visually appealing and innovative; if nothing else, it is a great conversation piece for true watch aficionados.

Quality Counts! A Spotlight on Mikimoto Pearls

Posted on June 24, 2015 by Make Technology

Pearls have been worn in wedding ceremonies since the time of the Ancient Greeks. The gem, which was believed to represent the purity of a couple’s love, supposedly kept the bride from crying on her big day and brought the couple marital bliss. Throughout history, iconic women such as Cleopatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Coco Chanel have all incorporated pearls into their wardrobes.

"La Peregrina" Pearl featured on the Cartier necklace commissioned by Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor — “La Peregrina” Pearl featured on the Cartier necklace commissioned by Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor, long known as a connoisseur of fine jewelry, received the “La Peregrina” pearl as a gift from Richard Burton. La Peregrina was originally a prominent feature of the Spanish Crown Jewels and has been worn most notably by Queen Mary I of England. The pearl was, at the time, one of the largest natural pearls ever discovered. It originally weighed about 56.0ct, roughly the size of a quail egg. Taylor and Burton asked Cartier to create a ruby and diamond necklace to hang the large pearl on, and the French jewelers certainly delivered. The necklace went to auction in 2011 and sold for a whopping $11.8 million, outselling the famous 33ct Krupp Diamond ring by almost 3 million dollars!

This classic Mikimoto cultured Akoya pearl strand is a perfect accessory for your wedding day. Learn more now! — This classic Mikimoto Akoya cultured pearl strand is the perfect accessory for your big day. Learn more here!

Pearls, like diamonds, are graded using various factors to determine their value. With diamonds we use the 4 C’s (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) but pearls are measured by five factors: color, size, shape, surface perfection, and luster. It is even more important to purchase a high quality pearl than it is to purchase a high quality diamond. Diamonds are one of the hardest substances in the world; as a result, they are fairly resistant to damage. Even if you purchase a mediocre diamond, it’s very rare to see it change over time. Pearls, by comparison, are more fragile- they’re organic gemstones which require proper care in order to maintain their resiliency and luster. The saying “Pearls want to be worn” is extremely true! Enjoying your pearls on a regular basis rather than keeping them locked up in a security box for extended periods of time will keep them from becoming dehydrated. A low quality pearl may lose it’s luster, or shine, over time. That is why it’s so important you buy pearls from Mikimoto, the industry leading brand with strict quality standards.

Mikimoto is the originator of the cultured pearl. Only 3-5 out of every 100 pearls harvested is deemed worthy to carry the Mikimoto name. Since 1893, Mikimoto has set the industry’s standard for high-quality pearls. The brand refuses to over-harvest their product, ensuring that each pearl has the proper amount of time to form a thick nacre shell. Kokichi Mikimoto once burned thousands of pearls deemed low quality to make a poignant public statement- his company would rather take low quality pearls out of the global market than sell them to consumers.

Explore Our Selection of Mikimoto Pearl Jewelry Now!

Mikimoto burns inferior pearls in a display designed to showcase the brand’s strict quality standards- 1932

With proper care, a high-quality pearl can last for generations. The pearl strand you wore while walking down the aisle can one day be passed down to your granddaughter for her wedding day. With Mikimoto, it’s even possible to match your grandmother’s old pearls with new ones to create perfectly matched pieces of jewelry. Pearls are timeless, elegant, and valuable gems which can be enjoyed and passed down for generations.

Ippolita Makes a Splash This Summer

Posted on June 19, 2015 by Make Technology

IPPOLITA Jewelery Serves as Perfect Complement to Your Summer Wardrobe

King Jewelers has carried Italian jewelry brand IPPOLITA for quite some time. The brand was so well received that select locations have expanded their IPPOLITA collection to showcase both 18K gold and sterling silver pieces. These gorgeous staple pieces are both exceptionally well made and perfectly affordable, giving our customers an extensive selection of great gifts for the women in their lives.
The latest pieces from the brand feature gemstones in bright, eye-catching hues. These flirty and fun pieces- from collections with names like “Rock Candy”, “Lollipop”, and “Glamazon”- are perfect accessories to anyone’s summer wardrobe.

This summer, chunky bohemian chic is right on trend. IPPOLITA has delivered with easily layered pieces in natural hues like turquoise, quartz, and mother-of-pearl.
Whether you’re layering bangle bracelets, small pendants, or stacking rings, these stylish summer trends look just as natural poolside as they do on a night on the town.

Discover IPPOLITA Jewelery Now!

IPPOLITA designs come in a wide variety of color combinations and sizes, meaning there’s something for everyone within the line. Our luxury salons feature their stackable bangles predominately, with almost every color, size, and shape imaginable available so that you may create the perfect unique combination of bracelets. Many celebrities have been seen stacking multiple bracelets at once, so this is a trend that won’t be going away any time soon.

If stacking jewelry just isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry! IPPOLITA offers a wide variety of stand-alone pieces which make a statement! Think gorgeous bold pendants and classic earring styles with a modern twist- these Italian designs have quite simply never been better.
King Jewelers is proud to be an authorized dealer for the top Italian jewelry designers including IPPOLITA, Roberto Coin, and Marco Bicego. King Jewelers is also host to a multitude of the hottest jewelry designers from around the world including Forevermark, Hearts on Fire, Kwiat, Mikimoto, Scott Kay, and Sydney Evan, to name a few. Visit a King Jewelers luxury salon in Aventura, FL or Nashville, TN, or speak to a sales associate directly at (888) 995-6299

Chopard Congratulates Porsche on Victory at Le Mans

Posted on June 17, 2015 by Make Technology

Porsche Motorsport seals an historic 17th double victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2015

As Official Timing Partner, Chopard congratulates Porsche Motorsport for its victory

After celebrating a double podium at Spa Francorchamps, the three Porsche teams campaigned for victory at the legendary race of Le Mans. This year, Porsche reaffirmed its historic supremacy in motorsport and endurance racing 17 years after the last victory of the firm in Le Mans. The three LMP1 Porsche 919 Hybrid’s driven by Nico Hulkenberg, Mark Webber, and Romain Dumas started from the first three places on the grid. After clocking up 395 laps in a demanding 24 hours, they crossed the finish line first, second, and fifth, sealing an outstanding double victory for the team. On this occasion, Chopard unveiled a new, limited edition watch, the Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Jacky Ickx, dedicated to “Mr. Le Mans”, a driver with an impressive six victories record at Le Mans and a longstanding ambassador of Chopard and Porsche.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world’s oldest endurance sports car race, held annually since 1923 near the town of Le Mans, France. It is one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world and is often called the “Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency”. Amongst racing drivers it is considered to be one of the most challenging races to win during the season.
Racing teams have to balance speed with the cars’ ability to perform during 24 hours without mechanical damage or failure. The cars’ consumables, primarily fuel and tires, are constantly monitored and managed. Pit stops needs to be strategically planned and current regulations mandate that three drivers share each competing vehicle. Drivers frequently race for over three hours at a time with maximum speeds up to 340 km/h all through the night.

Le Mans 2015: An outstanding 17th victory for Porsche Motorsport using Hybrid technology

In the 83rd edition of Le Mans, Porsche sealed an historic 17th victory. The German manufacturer finished first, second, and fifth in front of 263,500 spectators. Driver Nico Hulkenberg became the first driver to win Le Mans overall at a first attempt since Laurent Aiello in 1998.
No other manufacturer than Porsche has managed to win the world’s toughest endurance race so many times and is so connected to the myth of Le Mans.
Chopard is extremely proud to be a partner of the Porsche Motorsport team! Mr. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard said: “As a Porsche enthusiast I am totally thrilled about this well-deserved victory achieved by an outstanding team!”

Porsche and Chopard Unveil a New Superfast Chronograph

For the second year, Chopard is proud to be the Official Timing Partner of Porsche Motorsport. Perfectly in line with the spirit of the Superfast watch collection, this prestigious partnership is an extension of Chopard’s longstanding commitment to automotive sports. In 2014 Chopard became “Official Timing Partner” of Porsche Motorsport for the German racing team’s grand comeback to endurance competition. That same year, in honor of this exclusive partnership, Chopard launched a Superfast chronograph inspired by the Porsche 919 Hybrid competing in the World Endurance Championship LMP1 category.
Chopard takes great pride in its partnership with Porsche during the FIA World Endurance Championship. As Karl-Friedrich Scheufele stated, “Porsche creates ultimate sports cars, successful in racing and exciting to drive on the road. Chopard shares this passion for performance and excellence. We are proud to accompany Porsche as official timing partner for their second Endurance racing season. This year, we are celebrating the long historical ambassador of Porsche and Chopard, Mr. Le Mans, Jacky Ickx, and the double victory of Porsche in Le Mans.”
This year, Chopard unveiled a new watch, the Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Jacky Ickx Edition, a 100-piece limited series dedicated to Jacky Ickx, a driver with an impressive track record and a longstanding ambassador of Chopard and Porsche. This model proudly bears the colors of the legendary champion and six-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Shop our Extensive Collection of Chopard Timepieces Now!

King Jewelers and Roger Dubuis Expand Their Partnership

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Make Technology

King_Jewelers_Roger_Dubuis_Dinner — Pictured (L-R): Jorge Puentes, Scott King, Maxine King, Jono King

King Jewelers Announces Roger Dubuis Expansion Via Collector’s Dinner at Quality Meats, Miami

Watchmaker Roger Dubuis was in Miami this past week to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the founding of the Geneva-based watchmaking company that bears his name with south Florida’s leading authorized watch dealer, King Jewelers, Aventura.
The renowned watchmaker visited exclusively with King Jewelers watch collectors as they premiered King’s expansion in Miami. He discussed his role as the “soul” of Roger Dubuis within the company today offering advice as he presented some of the world’s finest horology timepieces and his latest collection. Dubuis simply relates that he had decades of experience (much of it with Patek Philippe) before he started his eponymous firm.
“I have two objectives tonight,” said Mr. Dubuis, “To represent the brand, to transmit my knowledge, life-long passion, and craftsmanship to our valued King Jewelers collectors. I enjoy sharing my work with them and love seeing clients wearing my works of art.”

Pictured (L-R): Roger Dubuis, Jorge Puentes, Scott King

“King Jewelers continues to be the authorized dealer of the finest horology collections in south Florida, including the original boutique in the U.S. Our long standing partnership with Roger Dubuis continues with recent expansion within our 7,500 sq. ft. Miami salon” says Scott King.

Hommage & Velvet

When Roger Dubuis began creating his first design for his then-new company 20 years ago, he immediately wanted to honor all those watchmakers from whom he learned his craft.
“I created Hommage as the first collection of the manufacture to honor all the people along the way who had taught me, given me inspiration and advice.” Dubuis cites Hommage and the firm’s Velvet collection, for the ladies, as two of his favorite recent designs.

“I can say that the Velvet design is one of my favorites because it’s one of the most incredible cases for us. It’s a timepiece that brings much emotion to me in part because of the tonneau/round shape and also because there is much that can be done with the shape. Its proportions are fantastic, it’s very feminine, the geometry of the case in a ladies watch can be constraining, so when a designer comes up with one that works, you have to stop into King Jewelers store and look at it. It means you have succeeded.” -Roger Dubuis

Explore Our Selection of Roger Dubuis Timepieces Now!

Last year Roger Dubuis re-imagined the earlier Hommage collection with a series of new Hommage timepieces brimming with classic Genevan designs, but also added a modernistic deep guilloche on the dial-side movement of certain models.

Roger Dubuis Hommage Minute Repeater Tourbillon Automatic

The newest addition to the Hommage family, the Hommage Minute Repeater Tourbillon Automatic, serves as the peak of the collection. This week the stunning timepiece was found on the wrist of Jorge Puentes, brand president of Roger Dubuis North America. The watch’s sapphire crystal caseback features Mr. Dubuis’ signature in pink gold. It’s issued in a twenty-piece limited edition to commemorate the firm’s anniversary.
Jono King, Vice President of Sales, King Jewelers, said, “Today Roger Dubuis pioneers contemporary Haute Horlogerie and is perhaps best known for tourbillons and double tourbillons, with skeletonized models at the fore of its most recent designs. And as Dubuis himself demanded from the outset two decades ago, his firm remains 100% certified with the Poinçon de Genève (Geneva Seal).”

Schedule a Personal Shopping Appointment in Aventura

For more information, visit us in our Aventura luxury salon or call (305) 935-4900.

About King Jewelers

King Jewelers, South Florida’s premier jeweler of integrity since 1912, is proud to be in business 103 years in South Florida. For five generations, the King family has owned and operated King Jewelers while building an outstanding reputation steeped in quality, value, and first-class service. From one hundred to one million dollars, at King Jewelers you will always find the “best of the best.” Offering a magnificent selection of fine jewelry collections including the hottest Italian designs, estate jewelry, colored gemstones and fancy-colored diamonds, as well as luxury Swiss timepieces, King Jewelers prides itself on being one step ahead of the trend. The luxurious Aventura showroom is home to Chopard, Breguet, Harry Winston, Roberto Coin, Marco Bicego, Roger Dubuis, Zenith, Chanel, Montblanc, Jaquet Droz, Forevermark, Tacori, and Breitling, to name a few. King Jewelers is a member of the Jewelers of America, American Watch Guild, Jewelers Board of Trade, and the American Society of Appraisers, and has among its staff GIA Certified Gemologists.

Chris Pratt Wears Chopard to Jurassic World Premiere

Posted on June 10, 2015 by Make Technology

Chris Pratt Chooses Chopard for Highly Anticipated Jurassic World Premiere!

On Tuesday June 9th, 2015, Chris Pratt arrived to the Jurassic World premiere in Los Angeles sporting a Chopard timepiece.
The premiere offered great exposure for Chopard. Jurassic World is meant to take place some 22 years after the events in the first Jurassic Park film. Although it was released over 20 years ago, Jurassic Park is a classic that has stood the test of time. Since news of the new film in the franchise first broke, fans have been eager for any news regarding the reboot. Interest only skyrocketed when funnyman Chris Pratt, now best known for his roles in Parks and Rec. and Guardians of the Galaxy, was cast as the male lead opposite Bryce Dallas Howard.

View image | gettyimages.com

All eyes were on Pratt as he emerged at the premiere and his style did not disappoint! The actor chose a piece from the “Classic” collection- a 40mm 18K rose gold timepiece featuring a blue dial and 1.09ct diamond bezel.

Explore our collection of Chopard timepieces now!

The Chopard Watch Chris Pratt wore to the Jurassic World premiere — Chris Pratt wore this Chopard to the Jurassic World premiere

Over the past 150 years Swiss jewelry and timepiece Maison, Chopard, has become a global reference for its unique designs, exceptional craftsmanship, spectacular stones, and commitment to sustainable luxury. Admired for its original and refined creations that enhance natural beauty, Chopard is well accustomed to the paparazzi’s flashes on the red carpet. From the Cannes Film Festival, with which Chopard has been an Official Partner for 16 years, to the Cesars, BAFTA’s, Golden Globes, Oscars, and Emmys, an ever-increasing number of legendary stars and promising young talent trust Chopard to make them shine.

View image | gettyimages.com

A Tribute to Frank Sinatra- Raymond Weil's Latest Maestro

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Make Technology

Raymond Weil Honors Frank Sinatra with Limited Edition Timepiece

December 12th, 2015 marks what would have been Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday. To celebrate this centennial, Raymond Weil has partnered with the Sinatra family to produce a timepiece in honor of “Ol’ Blue Eyes.”
Elie Bernheim, CEO of Raymond Weil is thrilled to have formed this new relationship with the Sinatra family, saying “It is a great honor to have partnered with the Frank Sinatra Enterprises to create a design that celebrates this special occasion. Frank Sinatra was a charismatic character who left an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of many generations; he embodied an era, a style, and a tradition, and was above all a passionate man of extraordinary talent. As a music-loving family company, it is perfectly fitting that we pay tribute to this undisputed maestro of music with a limited edition piece in our maestro collection.”

The Limited Edition Frank Sinatra Maestro has a mechanical automatic movement contained within a 39.5mm stainless steel case. The silver dial features blue hands and indicators, a reference to Frank Sinatra’s “Ol’ Blue Eyes” moniker. In a nod to the legendary entertainer’s birthday, December 12th, the 12 marker is highlighted as the only Roman numeral. The watch also features a date display window at the 3 o’clock position.
It is covered by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and features a sapphire crystal case back. Featured most predominately on the transparent case back is a special Sinatra Centennial engraving.

Learn More About This Limited Edition Frank Sinatra Timepiece Here

The brown calfskin leather strap has a stainless steel tang buckle. The watch is water resistant up to 50m. In another nod to the singer’s 12-12 birthday, this piece will be limited to just 1,212 pieces.

Explore More Raymond Weil Timepieces Now

Frank Sinatra, Jr. seemed to explain the relationship best when he said “Frank Sinatra understood the vital importance of time and when preparing his music he employed what he had named ‘the heartbeat tempo.’ For that reason, he insisted that his wristwatch would have the utmost mechanical integrity and construction to guarantee many years of faithful and accurate service. Master of horology, Raymond Weil has steadfastly maintained this degree of excellence and in the centennial celebration of the birth of Frank Sinatra, I am proud to see my father’s name associated with this magnificent timepiece.
At just $1,395 this timepiece is truly an exceptional purchase. The timepiece will be released to us this June, just in time for Father’s Day. To schedule a private showing of this limited edition timepiece, please contact an associate at either our Nashville, TN or Aventura, FL salon.

FAVORITES

Month: June 2015

Monday Mystery- The Regent Diamond

Monday Mystery- The Regent Diamond

Breguet Celebrates Over 200 Years of Tourbillon Innovation

More than 200 years after it was patented, the tourbillon complication is still impressive