Touch of Gold Holiday Gift Guide 2017

Holiday

Gift

Guide

touchofgold.ca

Welcome

Happy Holidays!

Welcome to our Annual Gift Guide! As the Holiday season approaches it’s a time to celebrate and share with those we love. The tradition of gift giving is one that expresses love, appreciation and gratitude.

Touch of Gold has been privileged to be part of those expressions of love and gratitude since 1979.

The tradition of a Touch of Gold box, beautifully wrapped, is as much anticipated as the festive meal in many homes. This is a privilege we take seriously and we work hard to find the most beautiful and unique gifts for you.

We continue to expand our collection of Swiss timepieces from Rolex, Tudor, TAG Heuer and Frederique Constant. As well, our exquisite jewellery brands Mikimoto, Fope and SimonG offer timeless pieces that will suit any occasion; and fashion brands John Hardy and FreyWILLE are fun and make a statement.

This season we are excited to introduce Marco Bicego to the store. This Italian designer works from his studio outside Vincenzo, as his father has done since 1958, creating beautiful designs in 18kt gold with stunning coloured stone. It truly must be seen and worn to be appreciated.

We are proud to announce that we have brought Birks back to Nova Scotia. This Canadian jewellery institution was established in 1879 and has been part of our lives for generations. We’ve formed a special relationship with Birks that will have us carrying their beautiful designer jewellery collections.

And of course the “Birks Blue Box” will hold your special piece.

At Touch of Gold we have made it our business to understand the importance of your special occasions. We are proud of our staff who have been part of our family for decades. Susan, Don, Karen, Mary Beth, and Michelle are among the most knowledgeable and well trained in the country. Many of you have known them for years, and for those who are new to Touch of Gold, we invite you to come meet them. Thank you for choosing us to share in your special moments, we look forward to seeing you in the store during the coming weeks.

“Warmest holiday wishes.”

STORE INFORMATION

OUR BRANDS SWISS WATCHES: Frederique Constant Rolex Tag Heuer Tudor

5640 Spring Garden Road, Halifax (across from Starbucks) 902.423.5600 touchofgold.ca

HOLIDAY STORE HOURS DECEMBER 1-17 Mon-Wed 9:30am-6:00pm Thurs-Fri 9:30am-8:00pm Sat 9:30am-5:30pm Sun 12:00pm-5:00pm DECEMBER 18-24 Mon-Sat 9:30am-9:00pm Sun 9:30am-5:00pm Catalogue photography: Bruce Murray, VisionFire Cover image: Mikimoto

JEWELLERY: Birks Breuning Fope Freida Rothman FreyWILLE John Hardy Makur Marco Bicego Max Strauss Meira T Mikimoto Roberto Demeglio SimonG ENGAGEMENT: Crown Ring Max Strauss Noam Carver SimonG Touch of Gold Design

Holiday

Gift

Guide

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Choosing a gift for a loved one Some of Susan Outerbridge’s clients have been coming into Touch of Gold for years on gift-buying missions, and she’s gotten a sense of what their loved ones enjoy.

But even if she’s never met the gift-giver or recipient, she says it’s just a matter of asking the right questions.

“We want to find a piece of jewellery that suits them, so first we like to know their preferred colour of metals,” says Outerbridge. “You don’t want to suggest something in yellow gold when it’s for a lady who only ever wears white gold.”

She also likes to know the person’s jewellery style -whether they like pieces that are detailed and flowery, or very clean and simple. Do they have a favourite colour that would translate well to a pendant, bracelet or pair of earrings?

It’s also important to consider how frequently they like to change their jewellery.

“If attending lots of special occasions -- galas and formal dinners out -- is part of their lifestyle, then dressy pieces of jewellery are going to get worn and enjoyed,” says Outerbridge.

“But if they don’t have these occasions for dressing up, they’re going to get more use out of a day-to-day piece.”

Of course, Outerbridge says there are certain classics that are almost always a great choice.

“Diamond earrings are something every woman should have, or would probably like to have, in their wardrobe,” says Outerbridge. “We have a complete range of price points, from simple diamond studs to diamond set hoops.”

She says pearls are another classic wardrobe staple, whether you choose a full strand of white pearls, a simple pearl pendant or a unique piece made from Black South Sea pearls.

meaningful. Anniversaries, for example, are always the perfect excuse to buy jewellery -- but there’s one piece in particular that seems to mean the most.

“A diamond anniversary band to wear alongside her wedding band is a traditional and very well-received gift,” says Outerbridge. “You don’t need to wait for milestone anniversaries, either -- like 10th or 25th. Any year works because it just refreshes their existing bands.”

If you’re not sure about adding a third ring to their left-hand ring finger, Outerbridge says another option is purchasing a right-hand diamond band.

If you’re looking for a jewellery gift to commemorate a different momentous occasion -- like a graduation or the birth of a child -- she suggests stacking rings that can be added to over time.

“Some ladies will put on a piece of jewellery and wear it every day, and other ladies want to wear something different every day,” says Outerbridge.

One of the biggest factors is how a new piece of jewellery would fit into a loved one’s lifestyle, so Outerbridge says she likes to ask about their career and routines.

Bracelets are a popular gift, especially now that it’s the trend to stack several together.

“We call it ‘an arm party,’” says Outerbridge. “One is not enough, and you can stack link bracelets with bangle-style bracelets. You can’t have too many!”

She says it helps to know the occasion for the gift, too, because sometimes that unlocks different ideas that make it even more touchofgold.ca

“I have clients who stack righthand rings that represents each of their children -- and each ring has a slightly different setting, perhaps with the child’s birthstone,” says Outerbridge.

“They’re very meaningful, and they can be passed down to each child.”

Outerbridge says it’s the heirloom quality that makes jewellery such a special gift.

“Not only is it something you can wear for years and years; but you’re able to pass it down to family members and give them a piece of their past.”

BRAND PROFILES SimonG SimonG Jewelry has gained recognition as a leading brand in bridal jewellery and engagement rings. SimonG prides itself on producing some of the finest and most beautiful diamond rings and wedding bands in the industry.

Using quality materials and high clarity diamonds, he creates pieces that stand the test of time. What makes SimonG special lies not only in its stunning designs, but also in the careful attention to detail. Just like any relationship, it’s all the little things that add up to the big picture. When it comes to quality, we spare no expense.

Our jewellery is built to last a lifetime and beyond.

JOHN HARDY John Hardy is a luxury brand of handmade jewellery that reflects a synergy of designer and artisan to create objects of beauty in an environment of respect for people and for the natural world.

Established in Bali in 1975, John Hardy is dedicated to the creation of ultimate beauty through artisan hand-crafted jewellery. Our master artisans honour original craft through the perfection of modern design, creating timeless one-of-a-kind pieces that are brilliantly alive.

MIKIMOTO As the creator of the cultured pearl, Mikimoto is the foremost producer of the finest quality cultured pearls and a world leader in the design of exceptional jewellery.

Each beautiful piece reflects supreme dedication, passion and care. More than 20 years after Kokichi Mikimoto succeeded in cultivating the world’s first cultured pearl, he established his first Black South Sea pearl farm in 1914, thereby revolutionizing the pearl industry forever.

A woman’s Mikimoto pearls seem inseparable from the woman herself — perfectly suited for the lifestyle of luxury, beauty and grace that she cultivates.

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TAG HEUER TAG Heuer is one of the leading watch manufacturers in the world. Its company motto, “Swiss AvantGarde Since 1860,” characterizes the company’s spirit, which is the fascination with excellence in design and advanced technology.

By defying the time-honoured conventions of Swiss watchmaking, it has led it to ever higher levels of precision and performance. It makes its own rules, chooses its own path, never quits moving forward, never compromises and never cracks under pressure. TAG Heuer is a path maker and a time changer.

BRAND PROFILES MARCO BICEGO Marco Bicego “The inspiration behind the creation of my jewels is rooted in my Venetian origins and the natural settings surrounding my territory. I have always believed in quality and in the secrets of Italian jewelry. The Marco Bicego brand combines old world tradition with contemporary design and conveys the typical values and details of Made in Italy. The distinct uniqueness of my timeless jewels can be described through artisanal craftsmanship and imperfect shapes, always made in 18 karat gold.”

ROLEX

Pioneer of the wristwatch since 1905, Rolex is at the origin of landmark innovations in watchmaking, including the first waterproof wristwatch — the Oyster — and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism. For more than a century, Rolex watches have accompanied explorers and achievers around the world, from the top of the highest mountains to the deepest reaches of the ocean. A Rolex is always cherished, but it also transcends its material value and takes on a personal meaning. Whether it is an heirloom, a milestone of success or a gift, a Rolex watch frequently becomes an emotional symbol that brings to life exceptional moments.

BIRKS We are pleased to introduce Birks fine jewellery to Touch of Gold this fall. Birks was founded in 1879 and has become Canada’s premier designer of fine jewellery. Birks continues to be a leading national retailer and it continues to offer its beautiful designs in 18kt gold and diamond through carefully chosen retail partners. We offer a beautiful selection of Birks designer jewellery in store as well as the opportunity to order anything from these collections.

FreyWILLE The magic of FreyWILLE began in Vienna in 1951 and the design and production remain in the same building. All FreyWILLE’s enamel pieces are hand-made by masters who guard the secret process to guarantee the highest of quality. Each piece is distinctively designed and up to 100 steps are necessary to produce a delicate and colourintense fire enamel plate, which is then fixed to the mounting. The perfected technique and unique colours make the pieces shine with a stunning brilliance. touchofgold.ca

B I R K S P RO U D LY R E T U R N S T O H A L I FA X E XC LU S I V E LY AT T O U C H O F G O L D

BIRKS.COM

FreyWILLE 833-00315 Pendant & Chain $1425 825-00595 Ring $650 806-01064 Bracelet $1195 Beautiful hand applied enamels from Vienna

Tudor 500-00252 $3300

Frederique Constant

Frederique Constant

530-00169 $1995

530-00171 $995

Tudor 500-00255 $3970

Birks

Give

the Gift of

165-00044 Necklace $4395 150-00748 Earrings $3995 130-01002 Ring $4495 Birks signature collection Diamonds set in 18kt white gold

Give

the Gift of

SimonG 170-00077 $4695 18kt tri-colour gold and diamond bracelet

SimonG

SimonG

130-00953 $2450 18kt tri-coloured gold and diamond ring

150-00733 SimonG earrings set in 18kt rose and white gold with diamond accents $1250 165-00042 SimonG necklace set in 18kt rose and white gold with diamond accents $2995

Rolex 525-01110 $8550

Fope 826-01054 $6725 824-01787 $10,395 18kt white gold and diamonds, Hand crafted in Italy

Backes & Strauss 150-00677 Earrings $3995 165-00032 Pendant $2695 14kt white gold Diamond Bouquet collection

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Shopping for a diamond engagement ring Susan Outerbridge says there’s nothing like the thrill of shopping for a diamond engagement ring; you’re choosing something you’ll wear on your ring finger for a lifetime.

SOLITAIRE 100-00021 $1795 0.38ct Diamond solitaire ring

“It’s a careful thought process where you weigh current trends with your own sense of style and what’s going to work with your lifestyle,” says Outerbridge, a designer and buyer at Touch of Gold.

“We want everyone to play and experiment, and then they start getting a true sense of what makes them happy.”

She says white gold’s been a staple for the last 15-20 years, and the metal of choice for about 90 per cent of the engagement rings they sell at Touch of Gold.

But yellow gold’s making a strong comeback, and rose gold is quickly becoming a new favourite.

100-00052 $26,695 1.80ct Diamond solitaire ring

“Rose gold is a really beautiful colour against most skin tones,” says Outerbridge. “It’s a little softer and gentler colour than yellow gold, and a lot of brides want to branch out and choose something unique, so they go with rose.”

MODERN

When it comes to the ring’s style, Outerbridge says many brides-to-be are loving antique-inspired designs that are timeless and delicate.

100-00037 $3475 Rose gold bezel set diamond ring

“A halo is very popular right now -- a single center stone surrounded by smaller diamonds that enhance it,” says Outerbridge.

Round brilliant cut diamonds have always been the classic choice, but we are seeing more couples choosing diamonds of various shapes. Princess cut, cushion cut and radiant cut are some of the popular choices. But Outerbridge says oval and pear cuts seem to be the new favourite shapes.

“They’re really popular because they give a beautiful, long look to the finger,” explains Outerbridge. “Because the diamond is elongated, it appears larger -- giving you an excellent value for your money.”

Even if a couple chooses a classic solitaire ring with a smooth band, she says they’re likely to choose a wedding band set with diamonds for a bit of extra sparkle.

“Some brides actually choose two diamond bands, and one maybe has a unique pattern to the way the diamonds are set,” says Outerbridge.

Deciding on an engagement ring isn’t just a matter of which sparkly ring she likes best. Outerbridge says she talks to all of her brides-to-be (or their fiancés) about how they spend their time, and how different types of rings would fit into their lifestyle.

touchofgold.ca

100-00101 $3695 White gold bezel set diamond ring with shoulder diamonds

HALO 100-00061 $3450 0.33ct center Diamond with halo and side diamonds

100-00071 $15,750 14kt ring set with one 1.30ct Ideal cut center diamond with accent halo

One setting option for the active bride or one that works in the medical field is a low profile setting called a fraction bezel setting.

your budget, something as simple as choosing a different center stone can instantly change the total by thousands of dollars.

“It’s more so a lifestyle choice for people who want to be able to wear their diamond ring every day, but they can’t have it piercing through pairs of rubber gloves or catching on anything,” says Outerbridge.

Similar to the moment when you try on your dream wedding dress and know it’s “the one,” Outerbridge says finding the perfect diamond engagement ring gives customers a sense of joy and absolute confidence they’ve got a winner.

For partners who bravely venture into the store on a secret engagement ring mission, Outerbridge says it’s best to come armed with a few key facts.

“It’s good to know what colours of metal she likes to wear, and have some photos of rings she’s said she likes,” says Outerbridge.

She says it’s lovely when a couple comes in together to shop for an engagement ring, because then the bride gets the fun of trying on different possibilities.

“When you get a huge smile on your face, you just know it’s your ring.”

6-CLAW 100-00105 $3195 0.53ct 6-claw set diamond solitaire ring

“We can play around and have her try lots of different styles. It’s a lot of fun,” says Outerbridge. “Often, she’ll have an idea of what she wants, but sometimes that changes once she starts trying on different rings and discussing custom work.”

Customization can be key. Outerbridge says many of their engagement rings are designed from scratch according to a customer’s exact vision.

Sometimes it’s as simple as modifying a center stone or tweaking the band, and other times it’s designing a totally unique ring.

Outerbridge says it’s best to discuss budget up front, so you can focus your search on the right ring.

That’s not to say the price dictates the style.

Outerbridge says if the perfect ring doesn’t fit into

100-00008 $10,695 1.24ct Diamond solitaire 6-claw set ring

ALTERNATIVE 100-00056 $3295 Duet Diamond ring

FLORAL 130-00994 $3895 SimonG open floral diamond set band 100-00064 $3195 0.84ct total weight diamond ring Halo and vine detail setting

100-00123 $5995 1.16ct total weight diamond Flower petal ring

130-0100 $5995 SimonG trinity style Mosaic ring

100-00121 $5795 SimonG Pear shape Mosaic ring

touchofgold.ca

LP2379 / LR1174 / LE4391

Your life, Your style.

SIMONGJEWELRY.COM

BRAND PROFILES FOPE FOPE is an Italian goldsmith that since 1929 has been a symbol of elegance, artisanal skill and continuous experimentation. This fourth generation, family-owned company is focused on originality of design and material innovation.

The expertise of FOPE’s master goldsmiths is priceless: it’s what makes every piece highly distinctive, instantly recognizable and unique on the international jewellery scene.

NOAM CARVER/ CROWN RING Noam Carver is a Canadian sculptor, designer and goldsmith whose jewellery unites classic and contemporary motifs from around the world.

From concept through fabrication, each piece is meticulously hand-crafted with precious metals and rare, one-of-a-kind gemstones.

Noam’s designs have garnered numerous awards including MJSA, Canadian Jeweler, National Jeweler, National Jeweler “Best Of”, and the Centurian Designer Award. We have a beautiful selection of Noam’s rings in store. He will also work with you to custom design a ring of your dreams.

TUDOR Tudor was the brainchild of Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf, created as an economical alternative to its illustrious sister brand. He created an accessibly priced product that is cutting-edge, adventurously designed and scintillatingly contemporary. From a Tudor watch, expect precision and functionality in an intriguing design.

B&S MAX STRAUSS B&S Max Strauss have been masters of diamonds since 1789. With more than 200 years of experience, they know diamonds better than anyone else.

The most beautiful objects in art and nature are often symmetrical, and so are these diamonds. Their diamond jewellery is known for quality and craftsmanship that has seen well-worn pieces become family heirlooms, handed down for generations.

touchofgold.ca

FOPE.COM

Tag Heuer

Tag Heuer

Tag Heuer

505-01124 $4700

505-01135 $5650

505-01141 $6500

Mikimoto 320-00134 South Sea Pearl and Diamond in 18kt white gold $8795 325-00566 Akoya pearl and Diamonds in 18kt rose gold $1995 320-00150 Akoya pearl in 18kt yellow gold $1095

Give

the Gift of

Marco Bicego Bracelet 440-01643 $5895 Necklace 165-00054 $2475 Earrings 210-00648 $1375 Italian hand crafted pieces in 18kt gold with diamonds and gemstones

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Give

Breuning 635-00339 $245 645-00141 $195 Sterling silver necklace and earring set

the Gift of

Breuning 150-00744 $2395 14kt gold and diamond earrings

Roberto Demeglio Breuning 130-00999 $2495 14kt yellow gold and diamond ring

826-01072 $1295 826-01075 $1775 826-01077 $625 Bracelets hand crafted in Italy of Black Ceramic and 18kt white gold set with diamonds

John Hardy 826-00937 $1985 829-01904 $495 Sterling silver earrings and bracelet accented with diamonds

John Hardy 825-00598 $3545 Sterling silver, 18kt gold and diamond ring

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Meira T 824-01559 $1350 824-01799 $1195 14kt gold and Diamond necklaces by NY designer MeiraT.

Give

Freida Rothman 824-01761 $895 824-01762 $1250 826-01848 $255 Sterling silver with 14kt gold and Black Rhodium finish.

the Gift of Crown Ring 14kt white gold band with 0.36ct total of diamonds $1585 14kt white gold band with 0.21ct total of diamonds $1695 14kt white gold band with 0.23ct total of diamonds $1345

John Hardy 826-01051 $1995 Naga bracelet in Sterling silver with Black Sapphire, Spinel and Blue Sapphire.

Makur 210-00642 $1195 235-00218 $1295 14kt rose and white gold set with Morganite and Diamonds.

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Performance and prestige now and in the future

There are watches, and then there are Rolexes.

Rolex watches are known for an impeccable style and quality that lasts for generations.

“Decades from now, the Rolex watch you buy will be just as fashionable and durable as it is today,” says Don Burke, who manages the watch department at Touch of Gold. “Their designs have proven to be timeless.”

He says these exquisite timepieces are heirlooms in the making -intended to be handed down to future generations of men and women.

“I used to sell Rolex to men and say ‘Your grandson will wear this someday,’ and now I sell Rolex to women who plan to pass them along to their granddaughters one day,” says Burke.

One customer was gifted his grandfather’s 50-year-old Rolex and brought it to Burke. They sent it off to be serviced, and now the young man proudly carries “a piece of his grandfather” on his wrist every day.

“You can be the one to start a wonderful tradition that continues long after you’re gone,” says Burke. “It just sends shivers down your spine.”

Rolex’s attention to quality is second to none. The company

designed and patented an 18-carat pink gold alloy cast called Everose Gold to preserve the beauty of their pink gold watches.

Also, they combined gold and steel to create “Rolesor” -- a two-tone watch that’s become one of the signature tones.

Burke says Touch of Gold sells an equal number of male and female models, and that women have “really embraced Rolex as a fashion brand” – wearing many different sizes and styles.

Touch of Gold associate Mary Beth Boyd says she loves the versatility of her Rolex.

“I wear a 36mm steel and gold watch that would have been considered a man’s watch 10 years ago, but now it’s a fashionable woman’s watch,” says Boyd. “I love how fashionable Rolex is.”

Every year, Rolex launches its newest models at Baselworld, the industry’s premier watch show in Basel, Switzerland. Burke says, “It’s our opportunity to be the first to see what’s being launched and choose the models that will work best for our market.”

“A big winner this year is the Sky-Dweller in both steel and

yellow gold, and steel and white gold,” says Burke. “It’s a 42mm multifunctional mechanical watch for the global traveller. It’s stunning.”

He says Rolex is fanatical about the quality of their timepieces – paying close attention to even the tiniest details. While many watch companies source parts from different suppliers, Rolex manufactures every part that goes into their watches -- starting with smelting the materials and designing the metals.

It all goes back to Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf’s determination to create a precise wristwatch that was “elegant, but also reliable.”

He designed the watches to make the same small, precise movements of a marine chronometer – making Rolex watches “synonymous with precision.”

While a Rolex is always cherished by its owner, Burke says the beautiful timepieces usually take on significant personal meaning – whether they’ve been passed down from a loved one, gifted to commemorate a special occasion, or personally purchased.

Every Rolex tells a story. Now it’s time to tell yours.

Rolex 525-01110 $8550

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