Bradley Gough Diamonds - The LX Magazine Fall/Winter 2014 by LX Publications

from the publisher

Welcome. The Holiday Season is a great time to create joyous memories with friends and loved ones to last a lifetime. It is with great joy that we bring you Bradley Gough Diamonds - The LX Magazine. This exciting issue features exquisite jewelry, artistic photography and captivating stories. For travel you’ll find one of the most distinctive, and fleeting destinations the planet affords. Each winter, a different group of artists creates Sweden’s ICEHOTEL from ice and snow—by hand. Christopher Hauser’s photographs brilliantly capture the essence of this singularly desirable experience. We have a great story on my friends at SweetCars, as well as an overview about one of the finest cars the world has ever known. On December 23, 1904, Frederick Henry Royce and Charles Stewart Rolls founded Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Specifically noted for their hand craftsmanship, these automobiles represent the ultimate vehicles in the automotive world. As an amateur wine maker, I realize not many things are more rewarding than experiencing the results of crafting wine and enjoying the fruits of ones labors with friends and family. Further, few possessions more completely express the specific tastes of a scrupulous individual than a fine wine collection. We’ll show you how to get one started. Every issue we shine a spotlight on a not for profit that truly changes the lives of individuals that are not as fortunate. Especially this time of year, if you are able, please join us in supporting the Kidney Foundation or any of the other truly deserving not for profit organizations in our area. As we enter this holiday season, know that you can count on us at Bradley Gough Diamonds to help you choose the perfect gift for that special someone. Whether you choose to commission a custom piece with our in-house jeweler or select from the collections of our marvelously talented designers, we’re here to assist you with all of the grace and joy of the holiday season. Enjoy this issue of Bradley Gough Diamonds - The LX Magazine. Warm wishes to you and yours, www.bradleygough.com

Brad Gough

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Balance between nature, form & art.

Famous Award Winning Designer

Mikhail Epelman

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inside

Features

Community 10 National Kidney Foundation of Indiana 60 SweetCars Jewelry 12 Michele Watches 27 The Roberto Coin Story 24 Pretty in Pearls 36 Gift Guide Photography 43 Behind the Lens of Christopher Hauser: ICEHOTEL

National Kidney Foundation of Indiana

Behind the Lens of Christopher Hauser: ICEHOTEL

of Caviar

43 Starting a Fine Wine Collection

Lifestyle 16 Treasure Discovered 19 The Story Behind the Rolls Royce 32 The Indisputable Pleasures

Libation 50 Starting a Fine Wine Collection Holiday 62 'Tis the Season of Noggin' 66 Sweet Mini Desserts

SweetCars

Bradley Gough Diamonds Gift Guide 7

cover on on thethe cover

Publisher BRADLEY GOUGH Associate Publisher ERIN LANE Editor JON ROBERTS Creative Director ANGIE HALTER

Photography: Jon Roberts • Model: Kristen Swan Jewelry: Earrings:18KT WG/YG 4.66CTTW Trillion Tanzanite with 1.02CTTW Diamond Dangle Earrings $15,500 Ring:18KT WG/YG 6.32CT Round Tanzanite with 1.02CTTW Diamond Ring $21,500 Pendant:18KT WG/YG 6.21CT Round Tanzanite with .29CTTW Diamond Pendant (chain sold separately) $14,450

Project Coordinators COURTNEY DRENTH MANDI HALVERSON

LX: a coffee table magazine Bradley Gough Diamonds - LX® Magazine is published by LX Publications, LLC, 524 North Main Avenue, Suite 110, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. LX® accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. LX® reserves the right to edit, rewrite, refuse or reuse material, is not responsible for errors or omissions and may feature the same content on lxmagazines. com, as well as other mediums for any and all purposes. Copyright © 2014 LX Publications LLC. All rights reserved. The entire contents of LX® are protected by copyright© and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of LX Publications, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part or storage in any data retrieval system or any transmission by any means therefrom without prior written permission is prohibited. LX® and LX® Magazine are trademarks™ of LX Publications, LLC. 8

“I just received a new kidney!” are the most exciting words a dialysis patient can ever share. Whether it’s five-year-old, Eli, born with kidney failure or thirty-nine year old Ty whose high blood pressure caused kidney failure, a kidney transplant is the most exciting news in their lives. The National Kidney Foundation of Indiana gives the entire kidney community, patients, doctors, and those at risk, a place to come together, raise awareness and support each other.

Five-year-old, Eli

Kidney Walk

Kidney Facts: 1 in 9 Hoosiers has kidney disease—and most don’t know it 1 in 3 Hoosiers are at risk due to diabetes and high blood pressure Kidney disease kills 90,000 Americans every year—more than breast and prostate cancer combined Because kidney disease often has no symptoms, it can go undetected until it is very advance and kidney dialysis or transplant is required Early detection and treatment can slow or prevent the progression of kidney disease Every 30 minutes, your kidneys filter all the blood in your body, removing waste and excess fluid Every day 14 people in America die waiting for a kidney transplant 7,000 Hoosiers are awaiting a kidney transplant (sources: www.cdc.gov www.usrds.org www.optn.transplant.hrsa.gov) 10

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The mission of the National Kidney Foundation of Indiana (NKFI) is to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation. NKFI does this through patient services, awareness programs and screenings. Financial contributions from individuals, companies and our fundraising events make these services possible. Kidney Camp is one of NKFI’s most popular programs. Every year children ages 8-18 who have kidney disease or are a kidney recipient attend a traditional week-long summer camp in Brookston, Indiana. Medical volunteers enable these children to experience the joy of outdoor adventure and being around other children who look like them and have the same medical challenges. Parents and caregivers are given a respite during this week as NKFI staff and volunteers host the camp. The National Kidney Foundation of Indiana offers awareness programs and screenings through-out Indiana. The Indiana Kidney Check is a free screening where blood and urine tests check Kidney Camp if participants’ kidneys are working properly and provide resources if a low GFR is detected (a glomerular filtration rate is a measure of kidney function). In Northeast Indiana the Indiana Kidney Check is offered twice a year, in fall and spring, to the entire community. Business partners of NKFI have the option of offering this screening program to their employees and vendors as well. The National Kidney Foundation of Indiana receives no state or federal tax dollars to support services and programs. Financial contributions from individuals and companies as well as fundraising events fund the NKFI mission. Under the leadership of businessman and philanthropist, Keith Busse, The National Kidney Foundation of Indiana-Steel Dynamics, Inc. Golf Classic is our highest grossing fundraising event raising over 1.5 million dollars since its inception. Mr. Busse’s leadership of the Golf Classic encourages other local, regional and national companies to join him and Steel Dynamics, Inc. in supporting the fundraising. The two-day golf event in June includes a sponsor thank you cocktail party at Mr. Busse’s home where he has the finest collection of Corvette Pace Cars on display. The annual golf classic has a waiting list of business leaders who want to support the event. NKFI thanks Mr. Busse for his continued leadership, as well as Steel Dynamics, Inc. The other large fundraiser in Northeast Indiana is the Kidney Walk. The Kidney Walk is an inspiring community fundraiser that calls attention to the prevention of kidney disease and the need for organ donation. The June 21, 2014 Kidney Walk had 400 walkers who raised over $55,000 to support the NKFI mission. Lutheran Health Network, Fresenius Medical Care, Raymond James, WANE-TV and Jersey Mike’s Subs are the top corporate partners for the annual Northeast Indiana Kidney Walk. The National Kidney Foundation of Indiana wants everyone to love their kidneys. If you are not a registered organ donor, please consider it today. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure talk to your doctor about your kidney health or attend a free NKFI screening. If you can financially support the NKFI mission we thank you. Kidneys may not be the most glamorous organ but they have more value than gold.

Keith Busse

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MICHELE WATCHES

The Elegance and Beauty of Time

By Lyndon Conrad Bell

If one is to trace it all the way back to the source, the story of Michele watches actually starts in Belgium in 1946. Maurice Barouh, an exceptionally creative watchmaker, founded the brand based upon two guiding tenets—his timepieces would always mirror both quality and refinement. Barouh was of the conviction a watch was more than a timepiece. For him, the Michele watches were an expression of life. To this end, he crafted fashionable timepieces reflective of an ideal of excellence and style. Maurice eventually handed over the brand to his son, Jack. Based in Panama, and working in both the diamond and watch trades, Jack and his wife, Rita, proceeded to build a company around the timepieces. Some 54 years after the founding of Michele, Jack and Rita officially launched the Michele Watches brand in the United States in 2000. Then based in Miami, its first big hit was the MW Collection, of which its most noted piece was the CSX-Diamond Chronograph. The company’s earliest retail partners were Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom. From there, the brand also expanded into a number of fine jewelry retailers. Four years later, the Fossil group came calling and Michele became one of the brands underneath that conglomerate’s umbrella. Barouh stayed on as president of Michele and continues to run the company to this day. Even though it is part of the Fossil group, Michele operates as an independent company, responsible for its own day-to-day operations, product development and public relations. In addition to a fifty million dollar cash infusion, the association with Fossil improved Michele’s distribution network and ultimately served to help make the watches even more popular. Tahitian Jelly Beans

Elegant shapes, colorful bands, diamonds and glowing steel casings characterize today’s Michele watches. Expanding upon Maurice’s original philosophy, Jack has ensured Michele watches are today considered an expression of an individual’s place in life—keeping in mind one’s lifestyle, personality and level of sophistication are all broadcast by the instrument one chooses to measure time. To that end, the Michele timepiece is considered a statement of who one is today and where one will be tomorrow.

Signature CSX-36, Black Diamond Dial

...the Michele timepiece is considered a statement of who one is today and where one will be tomorrow. Currently offered in eight different styles, as well as a number of special and limited collections, Michele watches range in size from 24 to 42 millimeters. Among the hallmarks of the Michele watch are hand-set diamonds, mother of pearl faces, the signature red MW logo on the dial and crown, Swiss movements and a vast array of interchangeable fashion-driven straps and bracelets. Considered to be a limitless expression of accessory; it is said the wearer creates her Michele watch in a unique way—as she makes it her own. Positioned as a unique American luxury brand inspired by, designed by and created for women, the creative director at Michele is Sara Hinojosa. She and her team of designers take inspiration from their own personal experiences and travels, as well as art, fashion, culture and architecture. While fashion is definitely a consideration, quality and accuracy are important as well. To this end, Michele watches employ movements by the Swiss makers ETA, ISA and Ronda.

Signature Deco Diamond Diamond Dial

While Michele’s primary business is based on timepieces for women, there is also a line of men’s straps for Michele’s Large Sport Sail watches. Boldly masculine, it is a 42-millimeter chronograph with five complications, crafted in hearty steel with either a black or a white face and a highly technical appearance. With an array of 10 interchangeable men’s straps, complimented a stainless steel bracelet, the Large Sport Sail, when configured as a men’s watch, makes an exceptionally bold and definitive statement all its own. And yet, it remains recognizable as a member of the Michele family of timepieces.

Tahitian Jelly Bean Carousel Deco 16 Diamond Blue Diamond

No stranger to innovation, for its product introduction strategy, Michele follows the fashion accessories market and product lifecycle with four seasonal launches. However, evolution is also respected. Much of the Michele product line is built upon reinterpreting its hallmark styles, often through the imaginative use of color and stones. Within those parameters, on average, a brand new Michele watch is introduced once or twice a year, as driven by both inspiration and innovation. Looking to the future, Barouh intends to grow the brand within the United States; largely within his existing distribution network. He wants to be where women shop for themselves and where fashion and style motivate her to accessorize her life. Barouh is also expanding the company’s online business with eCommerce and fashion-based websites. Always looking to build brand awareness, he is additionally working to reach customers digitally through various social platforms and social-based content. As for the international marketplace, Barouh’s goal is to build Michele into a global luxury accessories brand. By all accounts, the company is well on its way to achieving all of these goals. Originally thought of as a “niche” product, the Michele watch is now firmly entrenched within the mainstream.

Serein Diamond Two Tone Gold

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Urban Mini Diamond Gold Diamond Dial

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TREASURE OF THE

SS CENTRAL AMERICA DISCOVERED Seemingly straight out of the imagination of Robert Louis Stevenson—author of the 1883 novel, Treasure Island—a 157 yearold shipwreck has been recovered off of the coast of South Carolina, boasting some 30,000 pounds of gold. First discovered in 1988, some 131 years after it sank on September 12, 1857, the SS Central America, a wooden-hulled copper-plated steamship was located 160 miles offshore. During the days of the California gold rush, the Central America routinely sailed between San Francisco and New York, rounding the Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of South America. Keep in mind; the Panama Canal wouldn’t open for another 57 years in 1914. Stricken by a vicious hurricane, the ship foundered and sank 7,200 feet in very heavy seas, carrying a cargo of freshly minted Double Eagle gold coins and gold ingots.

So much wealth was lost when the ship went down, a ripple in the economy of the United States occurred— which is reputed to have contributed to the financial panic of 1857. Divers from the Odyssey Marine Exploration Company’s Odyssey Explorer have recovered some 15,500 gold and silver coins, as well as approximately 45 gold bars from the Central America’s final resting place.

Gold bars recovered from the wreck of the SS Central America off the South Carolina coast.

Long referred to as the mythical “Ship Of Gold”, most people thought it would never be found. When the site was discovered back in 1988, an estimated five percent of the treasure it contained was excavated. Even then, it was one of the largest finds in history. More than just a treasure site, there are a significant amount of artifacts from the time—giving clues to what mid 19th century life on board the ship must have been like. Glass stemware, perfume bottles, clay pipes, bits of jewelry and even an old music box have been recovered from the wreck. For rare coin collectors, recovered were some of the most highly prized gold coins from the Pre-Civil War, Frontier Days including mint condition, 1857 $20 Liberty Gold pieces from the United States branch mint in San Francisco.

Below: Old illustration of SS Central America shipwreck while off Carolinas coast. Created by Berard, published on L’Illustration Journal Universel, Paris, 1857

the story behind the

Rolls-Royce By Lyndon Conrad Bell On December 23, 1904, two days before Christmas, Frederick Henry Royce and Charles Stewart Rolls inked a deal whereby Royce would design and build the cars, which Rolls would market. With the signing of this agreement, the legendary Rolls-Royce marque was born. With highly disparate backgrounds, the two men would create one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prestigious car companies.

Together, Rolls and Royce established a solid reputation for offering the finest cars the world had ever known.

prep school in Berkshire, followed by Eton College, Trinity College and Cambridge University. His fields of study were mechanical science and applied science. An early automotive enthusiast, Rolls bought the first car to be based in Cambridge—which was also one of the first three in all of Wales—at eighteen years of age. After completing his formal studies at Cambridge, Rolls soon discovered his true professional calling was in salesmanship. With a loan from his father, he started C.S. Rolls and Company—one of the first car dealerships in all of Great Britain.

Charles Rolls & Henry Royce

With but one year of formal education, Royce had to leave school at the age of nine to go to work to help support his family after his father died. His start in engineering came when an aunt helped Royce secure an apprenticeship with England’s Great Northern Railway in 1878. He spent three years working there, honing his mechanical skills. After the railroad, Royce found a situation at a tool making company in Leeds—before ultimately securing a maintenance position with the London Electric Light and Power Company.

Together, Rolls and Royce established a solid reputation for offering the finest cars the world had ever known. Because Royce spared no effort toward building the absolute best cars, in addition to being of very high quality, Rolls-Royce cars were extremely quiet, remarkably smooth running and exceptionally reliable. The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, launched in 1907, became their flagship. Completing a 14,371-mile drive—virtually non-stop—the Silver Ghost cemented its legendary status as being the best car in the world.

Essentially self-made, Royce ultimately saved enough money to go into business with a partner, Ernest Claremont. The two made electric fittings for homes, dynamos and electric cranes. Originally called F.H. Royce and company, the name was changed to Royce, Ltd. when the organization went public in 1899. The business ran nicely until the end of the second Boer War in 1902. Facing new competition from companies in Germany and the United States, Royce decided to build cars to diversify Royce Ltd’s revenue stream. In 1904, he completed the first three Royce 10 automobiles. One he kept for himself, one went to Claremont and the third was sold to Henry Edmunds, a member of the Royce Ltd. board of directors. When Edmunds showed the car to Charles Rolls, the seeds of Rolls-Royce were sown. Charles Stewart Rolls had been born into a wealthy London family. (His father was a Baron.) Rolls attended

Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost

Rolls was also an aviation pioneer. A founding member of England’s Royal Aero Club, he was the second Brit to get a pilot’s license from the organization. On June 2, 1910, he became the first to make a non-stop double-crossing of the English Channel. One month later, on July 12, 1910, Rolls was doing a flying show when the elevator on his airplane broke off in mid-flight. Consequently, Rolls also became the first Brit to be killed in an accident in a powered aircraft.

To honor his memory, the color of the Rolls-Royce logo was changed from red to black. Rolls-Royce models built before 1910 used red logos, those built after Rolls’ death in 1910 use black. Another change after 1910, was the introduction of “The Spirit of Ecstasy” radiator ornament. Adopted in 1911, the piece was sculpted by Charles Robinson Sykes, who had done a similar piece for Lord John Walter Edward Scott-Montagu to adorn his 1909 Silver Ghost. The model for the ornament is believed to be Eleanor Velasco Thornton, Lord Montagu’s secretary and secret lover for more than a decade. To help England mobilize for World War I, Rolls-Royce began producing aircraft engines. Ironically, Rolls had been trying to get Royce to do so for many years. The engines found tremendous success and eventually became the primary revenue stream for the company.

The Spirit of Ecstasy

Meanwhile, the Silver Ghost was proving so successful it was deemed necessary to open another factory—in the United States. Rolls-Royce of America was created in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1921. Some 1700 “Springfield Ghosts” were constructed before the Great Depression severely constricted demand. This ultimately caused the closure of the factory in 1931. The next significant model was the 1922 Rolls-Royce Twenty. Smaller and more affordable, the Twenty served as a bridge model between the Silver Ghost and the first Rolls-Royce Phantom, which was introduced in 1925. Initially, Rolls-Royce built only chassis, which were then shipped to coachbuilders to be completed to customer specifications. The first Rolls-Royce model to be completely built in house was the 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn. This was also the first model to come out of the company’s factory at Crewe. The Pressed Steel Company produced Silver Dawn bodies. In 1971, when the aviation side of the company encountered difficulties, the financial stability of the entire concern was jeopardized. Considered a strategic asset, the British government bought the company to preserve the manufacture of Rolls-Royce aircraft engines. In 1973, the government created Rolls-Royce Motors and separated the two concerns. Vickers plc bought Rolls-Royce Motors in 1980, then sold it in 1998. Both BMW and the Volkswagen Group vied for control of the company. Volkswagen ultimately out-bid BMW and won. Well, sort of. The deal Volkswagen made got them the then-current Rolls-Royce model range, the Spirit of Ecstasy ornament, and rights to the classic shape of the grille—but not the Rolls-Royce name, nor the RR logo. RollsRoyce plc, the aircraft engine company, had retained ownership of those elements when the British government broke up the company back in 1973. BMW subsequently worked out a deal with Rolls-Royce plc to use the name and the logo—which cost them considerably less than buying Rolls-Royce Motors would have. BMW then worked out a deal with Volkswagen to get the Flying Lady and the grille, before proceeding to build a whole new range of Rolls-Royce motorcars. Today, these include the Phantom sedan, coupe and drophead (convertible). There is a smaller “entry-level” sedan called the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, and a two-door fastback version of the Ghost Series II, called the Wraith.

Phantom Coupe

Wraith

Phantom Interior

Phantom 22

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One of the most exclusive lines of cars in existence, the Rolls-Royce Phantom family is characterized by outsized presence, overarching prestige, discerning craftsmanship and incomparable comfort. Comprised of four models: Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase, Phantom Coupé and Phantom Drophead; Phantom and Phantom Extended Wheelbase are designed to be chauffeur-driven, while the other two Phantom models are personal luxury cars with a driver orientation. Hand-built at Goodwood in England, it takes some 60 people to construct each Phantom motorcar. Powering the Phantom models is a 6.75-liter V12 engine producing 453 horsepower and 531 ft-lbs of torque. Top speed is limited to 150 miles per hour, while acceleration from zero to 60 is accomplished in just over five seconds. Ghost Series II is offered in two specifications, with two wheelbases (standard and extended). While some aspects of constructing the Ghost models are mechanized, the interior is crafted by hand. The leather for the seats is pre-shrunk and drum-dyed to ensure it never squeaks or cracks. Nine specially-selected hides go into upholstering each Ghost interior. Each Ghost’s hand polished wood veneers comes from one single tree to ensure the continuity of the grain pattern throughout the automobile. An eighteen-speaker audio system promises a reality of sound unrivalled by any other automobile. Power comes from a 6.6-liter V12 capable of producing 563 horsepower and 575 ft-lbs of torque. Top speed is limited to 155 miles per hour, while acceleration from zero to 60 is accomplished in just under five seconds. There is also a more performance-oriented version of the Ghost Series II, called the Ghost V-Specification. Also available in standard and long wheelbase iterations, Ghost V-Specification enjoys 593 horsepower and 575 ft-lbs of torque from the 6.6-liter V12. It also features a more performance oriented suspension calibration, which, while maintaining the smoothness of ride all Rolls-Royce models are known for, improves the cornering abilities of the V-Spec cars.

Ghost Interior

Wraith is the newest addition to the Rolls-Royce family lineage. The most powerful Rolls-Royce automobile ever offered; Wraith’s 6.6-liter V12 creamily generates an aweinspiring 624 horsepower and 590 ft-lbs of torque. With a curb weight of 5,380 pounds, the Wraith nonetheless accelerates to 60 from zero in just over four seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 155 miles per hour. As graciously luxurious as it is powerful, Wraith is lavished with all of the amazing craftsmanship and attention to detail as the rest of its stablemates. This is evident in details like the chrome bullet tips on the recessed piping in the seats, as well as the fiber optic headliner designed to mimic the night sky.

Pretty

IN PEARLS

The pearl has been coveted since long before recorded history. A perfectly matched strand of round natural pearls has seemingly forever been considered a treasure of nearly incomparable value. At the height of the Roman Empire, one general is reputed to have financed an entire military campaign from the sale of a single pearl earring.

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It is believed the Chinese were the first to culture pearls, though the Japanese came to eventually dominate the industry. Ironically, the least expensive cultured pearl you’ll find today fully rivals the quality of the most expensive natural pearl ever found. While many think of those misshapen pearls resembling kernels of rice when the term “cultured freshwater pearl” is employed, today’s cultured freshwater pearl is virtually indistinguishable from its round natural saltwater counterpart. Timelessly beautiful and ever so elegant, from a simple solitare to a full strand, pearls work with every style of dress. Whether clad in jeans and a T-shirt, or elegantly attired for a black-tie gala, pearls always enhance your look with a singular touch of class. Favorite looks include twisted, layered, wrapped and knotted—depending upon the number and length of strands employed. Pearl necklaces have six standardized lengths. These are known as Collar, Choker, Princess, Matinee, Opera and Rope. The Collar is typically 12 to 13 inches and is comprised of three or more strands of pearls with a single clasp. A Choker runs 14 to 16 inches in length and consists of a single strand worn "tight" around the neck. Princess necklaces are generally 17 to 19 inches and are characterized by a single strand worn long enough to show a bit of throat—18 inches is considered the classic length for pearl necklaces. Matinee strands usually measure between 20 and 24 inches, and generally work best with lower necklines. The highly dramatic Opera strand runs 28 to 34 inches. This can be worn as either a single strand or doubled to serve as a two-strand Choker and Princess. Pearls are the chameleon of all gemstones, offering options in many colors. Still the most popular of all pearl colors is the white pearl. Akoya pearls are the classic white pearls with overtones of rose, cream and silver. White pearls from the akoya pearl oyster were the first to be commercially produced early in the 20th century by the Mikimoto pearl company. Black pearls are available in most pearl types, but they are rare and only occur naturally in Tahitian pearls. Most often Tahitian pearls have body colors of silver, grey and green with overtones ranging from pink to dark green. Produced mostly in the lakes and rivers of China, freshwater pearls offer a range of natural pastel colors rarely found in other types of pearls. Their colors range from a stark white, to a strong pink and deep lavender. The rarest of all freshwater pearl colors are often referred to as exotic, which include tones of green and gold. With Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines being the leading sources, South Sea pearls will vary from very light champagne to rich golden body colors with overtones of rose and silver that give them a very silky appearance. As the old saying “last on, first off ” goes, this too should apply to your pearls. As you get dressed, you should put on your pearls last and should also take them off first. Compared to other gems, pearls are somewhat fragile and should be handled with extra care to keep them looking lustrous and to keep you looking pretty in your pearls!

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The Story Journey to Vicenza, a city in the north east part of Italy, which is just about 37 miles from Venice and you will find beautiful palaces that were created by Andrea Palladio in the 16th century, as well as beautiful villas like the Basilica Palladiana and Villa Almerico Capra. The city is also known for its thriving industrial exchange and for its contribution to Italy’s jewelry industry. In fact, 1/5 of all of the jewelry that is created in Italy, comes from Vicenza and the city has been coined “The City of Gold”. Keep in mind that Italy is the birthplace of the Renaissance and has been a home to some of history’s most brilliant and renowned artists. With all of the beauty, art, culture and fine metals associated with the area—it’s no wonder that a young passionate entrepreneur (who was born in Venice) chose to make it the base for both his home and his jewelry enterprise, which bears his name, Roberto Coin.

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“According to Roberto, ‘Fashion should represent freedom, freedom for the person who wears jewelry and freedom for the person who creates it.’ ”

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“The Roberto Coin brand calls their signature inset ruby “a secret gift of good wishes to every woman lucky enough to wear one of his exclusive creations.” Before his jewelry company was realized, Roberto spent time in Switzerland learning the catering industry where he developed a keen eye for detail and the finer things in life. This aptitude earned him a diploma in management from L’Ecole Hotelier, a hospitality management school in Switzerland. Although he was successful in the hotel industry, at the age of 32 he decided to take a new career path. Jewelry design and manufacturing quickly became his passion. Early on in the jewelry venture he and his partner, Peter Webster, created jewelry for highend jewelry brands across Europe, which later grew into an international business that officially launched the Roberto Coin brand in 1994. Roberto was a forerunner for many imaginative and au courant concepts that had never been used in jewelry design up to that point. He was the first to use white gold in designs as well as use gold in two and three colors. He followed and created fashion trends and incorporated different cultures into his creations, which helped to quite quickly expand the company internationally. It is said that Roberto pours his personality into all of the artwork he creates. Lisa Ganch, former senior vice president of sales for the brand says, “The thing about Roberto is that you know he loves nature. He loves flowers. He loves animals; everything he loves really comes across in his jewelry. Everything that he does has a sense of who he is. I mean I’ve met a lot of people in my life, but when you spend time with Roberto you realize when you see his jewelry exactly why he does what he does. He is awesome.” And this passion as well as some thoughtful consideration of what jewelry should be has set the company apart from the crowd. According to Roberto, “Fashion should represent freedom, freedom for the person who wears jewelry and freedom for the person who creates it. Fashion should enhance the personality of everybody; it is an art, but the art of being different and should increase the ability of today’s women to feel more comfortable in their own role” Speaking of different, it is one thing that Roberto Coin jewelry definitely is. One of the eccentricities that makes it so unique is a signature ruby (conflict free) that is placed on the inside of every piece of Roberto Coin jewelry. The ruby, according to ancient belief, possesses magical powers that are bestowed upon the wearer when contact is made with the skin. These powers include, long life, happiness, health and the ability to create peace. The Roberto

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Coin brand calls their signature inset ruby “a secret gift of good wishes to every woman lucky enough to wear one of his exclusive creations.” Roberto truly believes that the jewelry he creates should be fashion forward. “This is the beginning of a new game, where fashion will clash with style. Where innovation will clash with tradition.” Roberto Coin is a brand that really loves everything about their jewelry and they go to great lengths to let other’s know. “It’s essential to us to really share our passion and have our clients really share our passion for Italian jewelry,” says Lisa. Each year they have a retailer’s summit where they bring some of their brightest and best jewelers to Italy to share what they do with them. “When we bring someone to Italy we can really share our roots with our key partners. We bring them to Vicenza and to Venice; we bring them into our factories and show them our manufacturing techniques. They see people in these factories sitting at tables putting pieces of jewelry together by hand. I think it really brings a new level to it, really focusing on the quality of our brand, so that they can see what we stand for, who we are. Being invited to the summit is quite an honor for retailers.The summit is a great way to ensure that US retailers can really see what Roberto Coin stands for, how the jewelry is created and the quality and detail that goes into each piece. It’s also a great way for those that have never experienced Italy to have some fun and gain appreciation for the region where the pieces are created. The experience consists of what Lisa calls “Literally the most important thing, how the jewelry is created.” She says, “You see the equipment and the people, and you see a piece being sketched on a piece of paper and then being created in front of you. I think it gives a new sense of really loving jewelry. The thing about Roberto Coin, what we really love is that Roberto’s very adamant about the jewelry being and feeling like fabric. To him if a woman has to wear it, it’s key that it feels great against the skin. We really want people to see the attention to detail of what goes into making a piece beautiful and feel that wonderful. When people spend four or five days with this man, I think they have a huge sense of who he is as a designer, who he is as a family man and really why this brand has been named one of the top brands in the world.

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LESLIE FERGUSON

REALTOR/Broker Recruiting & Relocation Liaison

KATHY HOWENSTINE

CATHY A. FITZGERALD

SON HUYNH

REALTOR/Broker Staging & Design Consultant

CHRISTINA HAY

REALTOR/Senior Broker

Showings Coordinator

JEAN KASTE

REALTOR/Broker

KYLE NEWCOMB

Office Manager

REALTOR/Broker

JAMES REECER Vice President/Managing Broker james@reecerproperties.com

260.415.7386 HEATHER REGAN REALTOR/Broker

Mission Statement “Helping real estate clients save time, money, and inconvenience by providing focused, creative, and proven services”.

Hawthorne Park/NW 13202 Acadia Cove Fort Wayne, IN 46845 Offered at $489,900

DAVID WEIGAND

REALTOR/Broker - Listing Coordinator

PAM ZIELKE

Staging & Design Consultant

Please call if you are a licensed REALTOR ® interested in learning more about joining the Reecer Properties team.

www.reecerproperties.com 5750 Coventry Lane, B-1 • Fort Wayne, IN 46804 • 260.434.5750 184 N. Main Street • Roanoke, IN 46783 10685 N. Southshore Drive • Syracuse, IN 46567

Syracuse Lake/Lake Wawasee 1369 E. Northshore Drive Syracuse, IN 46567 Offered at $1,549,500

American Specialty Building 142 N. Main Street Roanoke, IN 46783 Offered at $2,900,000

The Vermilyea Estate/SW 13501 Redding Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46804 Sold in 15 days

The Indisputable Pleasures of

CAVIAR

By Linda I. Rogers

To those most familiar with the delicacy, the only true caviar is the saltcured eggs (roe) of wild sturgeon from the Caspian and Black seas. Neither red “caviar” nor Salmon roe is true caviar. Just as all cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is cognac, all caviar is roe, but not all roe is caviar. To be precise, there is a delicacy similar to caviar (decreed as substitutes of caviar by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Operation), which comes from other fish—including salmon, trout, whitefish and other species of sturgeon. There are four primary varieties of what is considered true caviar; these are Beluga, Sterlet, Osserta and Sevruga. By far, the most rare, most highly coveted, and the most expensive is derived from the prehistoric Beluga sturgeon native to the Caspian Sea. Large, soft eggs about the size of a pea characterize Beluga caviar, which ranges in color from silver to black. An extremely large fish, Sturgeon can take up to 20 years to mature and can weigh as much as 2000 pounds. The older the fish, the lighter the color of its caviar and the more prized it is. Best enjoyed alone on toast, the preferred method of handling caviar is with a spoon made of mother of pearl, bone, any other non-metallic material. Metallic flatware imparts an undesirable flavor to the delicacy. Thus, many

epicureans will only eat caviar alone, from the nook of their hands between the index finger and thumb. When serving, it is very important to keep in mind caviar’s affinity for both cold and crystal. Keeping caviar cold is key to maintaining its freshness and flavor. A crystal serving dish will contain the eggs without imparting an untoward taste to the delicacy. Thus, a cold crystal dish will ensure the absolute optimal flavor from the precious eggs. And, while most fish will benefit from the juice of a lemon, you’ll never want to expose caviar to lemon. Further, caviar should always be served raw. The delicacy, when fresh, should smell faintly of seaweed. If it smells fishy, something is wrong and the caviar shouldn’t be consumed. Also, while many people say caviar tastes salty, fine caviar should taste clean, buttery, and only mildly salty. If it’s heavily salted, there’s something wrong. In your mouth, the eggs should be fairly crisp, with a satisfying “pop” to them. Soupy or sticky caviar should be avoided as it is probably going bad. Caviar doesn’t like sticking around too long, once a tin is opened, you should consume it right away. At best, three days in the refrigerator after opening is as far as you should push it.

The most expensive Beluga should always be eaten alone. If you’re making appetizers and feel a need to pair caviar with something, use one of the more inexpensive varieties. These pair well with blini, plain bread or unsalted table water crackers. If you’re going with crackers, it might be a good idea to spread a small amount of sour cream on the bread or cracker to hold the eggs in place. Other pairing suggestions include a few crumbs of onion, and a hint of chopped egg. For libations, dry crisp cold champagne is ideal (think Brut). A nice dry vodka works well too. Once reserved only for the world’s most wealthy individuals, caviar today can be enjoyed by anyone of better than modest means. Further, a number of online purveyors will deliver it fresh, right to your doorstep. These include Petrossian Caviar at Petrossian.com; Seattle Caviar Company at Caviar.com; and The House of Caviar and Fine Foods at HouseOfCaviarAndFineFoods.com.

Bradley Gough Diamonds

KWIAT 18K White Gold .50CTTW Diamond Starry Night Pendant $2,850 18K White Gold 1.00CTTW Diamond Starry Night Earrings $5,150

MIKHAIL 14K White Gold 1.68CT Hot Pink Emerald Sapphire with 1.00CTTW Diamond Ring $9,550

DIADORI 18K White Gold .43CTTW Diamond Crossover Engagement Mounting $3,550 (center diamond sold separately)

MIKHAIL 14K White Gold .89CT Legacy Center Diamond with .44CTTW Diamond Three Stone Halo Ring $14,195

DIADORI 18K White and Rose Gold .22CTTW Natural Pink Diamonds .13CTTW White Diamonds Diamond Braided Engagement Mounting $4,150 (center diamond sold separately)

YAEL 18K White Gold/Yellow Gold 1.35CT Fancy Yellow Diamond with .85CTTW Side Diamond Ring $31,900

MIKHAIL 14K White Gold .62CT Emerald Cut Diamond with .77CTTW Diamond Ring $8,200

YAEL 18K White Gold/Yellow Gold .89CT Fancy Yellow Diamond With .76CTTW Side Diamond Ring $15,885

MIKHAIL 14K White Gold 2.70CT Round Amethyst with .30CTTW Diamond Ring $2,200

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CHATHAM 14K White Gold 5.25CTTW Chatham Ruby with .90CTTW Diamond Necklace $10,995

HEARTS ON FIRE Fulfillment Round Pendant starting at $1,490

HEARTS ON FIRE Fulfillment Round Earrings starting at $2,450

BASTIAN Sterling Silver Multi Blue Topaz Ring $145

HEARTS ON FIRE Charmed Horizontal Cross $1,275

ROBERTO COIN CHATHAM 14K White Gold 8.44CTTW Chatham Ruby with 1.61CTTW Diamond Cuff Bracelet $14,500

18K White Gold Inside/Out Diamond Hoop Earrings starting at $2,380

BASTIAN Sterling Silver Multi Blue Topaz Pendant Suspended on 35â&#x20AC;? Satin Cord $365

IDDEAL STAR 14K White Gold Stud Earrings starting at $1,750 www.bradleygough.com

TACORI 18K White Gold .77CTTW Diamond Halo Petite Crescent Engagement Ring $6,210 (center diamond sold separately)

TACORI 18K White Gold .43CTTW Diamond Petite Crescent Engagement Ring $4,210 (center diamond sold separately)

CHERIE DORI 14K Yellow Gold and White Gold .10CTTW Diamond Triple Oblong Dangle Earrings $1,695 14K Yellow Gold and White Gold .10CTTW

TACORI 18K White Gold .15CTTW Diamond Marquise Shaped Engagement Ring $1,960 (center diamond sold separately)

Diamond Triple Oblong Pendant $1,250

ROBERTO COIN 18K Yellow Gold/White Gold/Rose Gold Pois Moi Single Row Bangle Bracelet starting at $3,900 each

KABANA Rose Gold with Pink and Black MOP with Purple Spiny Oyster and .13CTTW Diamond Pendant with Rose Chain $4,695 Rose Gold with Pink and Black MOP with Purple Spiny Oyster and .02CTTW Diamond Ring $2,695

KABANA

ROBERTO COIN 18K Rose Gold/White Gold/Yellow Gold Pois Moi Single Row Ring starting at $980 each 38

Rose Gold with Pink and Black MOP with Purple Spiny Oyster and .69CTTW Diamond Ring $4,100

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CHERIE DORI 18K White Gold .73CTTW White Diamond and .82CTTW Black Diamond Earrings $6,750 18K White Gold .41CTTW White Diamond and .95CTTW Black Diamond Pendant (chain sold separately) $3,450

TACORI Sterling Silver & 18K Yellow Gold Oval Briolette Cut Black Onyx Link Dangle Earrings $430

TACORI Sterling Silver and 18K Yellow Gold Ivy Lane Graduated Link Necklace $450

TACORI Sterling Silver and 18K Yellow Gold Ivy Lane .33CTTW Diamond Stack Ring $790

BELLE ÉTOILE Interlocking CZ Earrings $240 Interlocking CZ Pendant $125 (Chain Sold Separately) Interlocking CZ Ring $150

BELLE ÉTOILE Mod Black Rubber and CZ Ring $230 Cuff $750

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BULOVA ACCU·SWISS Men’s Stainless Steel and Rose Tone Automatic GMT Multiple Time Zone Watch $1,795

MAURICE LACROIX Masterpiece Tradition Worldtimer Silver/Blue Dial 42mm Case Gen. Alligator Strap $4,900

ORIS Artelier Translucent Skeleton 40.5 mm with Brown Leather Strap Watch $2,450

MAURICE LACROIX Pontos Tradition Chrono Silver/ Black Dial 43mm Case Gen. Alligator Strap $3,900

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Ladies Stainless Steel and Rose Tone White MOP Diamond Dial and Bezel Watch $1,395

DEBBIE BROOKS iPhone Blue Dragonfly Case $48

BULOVA ACCU路SWISS Ladies Stainless Steel Silver Dial and Diamond Case Watch $2,295

DEBBIE BROOKS iPhone Black And White Flower Case $48

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behind the lens of christopher hauser

photographing

ICEHOTEL

By Lyndon Conrad Bell photos ÂŠ Christopher Hauser

Frosty Forest Artists: Lilya Pobornikova & Viktor Tsarski www.lxmagazines.com

Every winter for the past 24 years there has existed in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden a singularly unique travel experience. Back in 1989, entrepreneur, Yngve Bergqvist, was looking for an intriguing way to use the most abundant resource in his town—ice. Inspired by Japanese ice sculpting, he invited two professional ice sculptors from that country to help him put on a workshop for a group of artists.

Pole Dancing Artists: Christine Close & Natalie Close

That workshop gave birth to ARTic Hall, an especially designed igloo, based on techniques the artists learned during the workshop. Originally intended to be a gallery of ice art, Bergqvist happily discovered people wanted to use it for other purposes as well. He and some associates opened a bar inside, ARTic Hall, and then tried sleeping in the gallery one night as well (no word on whether the two events were somewhat related—but we digress). Here, it is useful to understand the temperature inside the hall was a consistent 23 degrees Fahrenheit. The first party of overnight guests was a team of survival experts from the Swedish armed forces. The first commercial party was a corporate retreat for a group from the Versatel Corporation. Their exhilarated response to the experience was the catalyst for the founding of ICEHOTEL. Today some 50,000 people annually queue to spend the night in this remarkable place between December and April. Each year, ICEHOTEL is built from scratch, with each of its public spaces designed by a different ice-sculpting artist. Based in Munich, photographer Christopher Hauser visited ICEHOTEL as a 12-year old boy with his family. He still has images from that visit shot with his first digital camera. Fascinated by the idea of a hotel created from ice and snow, the memory stuck with him. When he grew up, he returned as a professional photographer to shoot for his portfolio. The ICEHOTEL management team liked his work and Hauser has photographed the hotel every subsequent year for the past four years.

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Whitewater Artists: Elin Julin & Ida M책ngsbo

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Main Hall – Secret Garden Artists: AnnaSofia Mååg & Alessandro Falca

Because ICEHOTEL is built differently every time—based upon the inspiration of the artists chosen to design each suite—the experience is different every time. In a recent interview, we spoke with Hauser about his work at ICEHOTEL. LX: What made you want to go back to the ICEHOTEL to shoot?

Christopher Hauser: I think it is

something extraordinary to design and build a new hotel, bar and church every year from scratch. The ICEHOTEL is a piece of art in itself. It’s an amazing experience to walk through the finished hotel for the first time. It is such a rich pool of creativity. Sometimes I think, WOW, what a room, there can’t be anything better than this and a year later I find something even more beautiful. For me, the ICEHOTEL is a fantastic mix of architecture, art and creativity. It is always an honor, lots of fun and it is very challenging.

Frozty Flower Artists: Shingo Saito & Natsuki Saito

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“For me, the ICEHOTEL is a fantastic mix of architecture, art and creativity.” - Christopher Hauser

Up There Artists: Luc Voisin & Mathieu Brison

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Tributary Tribute Artists: Arne Bergh, Åke Larsson, Sofi Ruotsalainen, Mikael “Nille” Nilsson, Janne Haglöf & Peter Sörwing 48

LX: What are some of the unique challenges of shooting in this environment?

CH: First, the most obvious one: It is cold, really cold. In addition to being hard on myself, it puts a lot of stress on my equipment, too. Batteries are not holding up very well when it’s that cold, so I carry around twice as many batteries as I would carry under normal temperatures.

Arktikos Artist: AnnaSofia Mååg

From a photographic standpoint, there is the space issue. Everything is quite small, so it is hard to get a good picture of a whole room or area. Ideally, you want to include as many details as possible in one photograph. I have tailored my gear to these special needs so I can work with these limitations very well. Still, it is always a challenge to find the best angle for every room.

Another challenge is the light, or rather the darkness. LED lighting is used to create mood lighting for the ICEHOTEL. You don’t want to bring in external lights, as this would destroy the mood and feeling of the hotel. Some rooms have a romantic feeling (more white, red, orange lights) others are more towards the cool tones. It is important to analyze the light to decide in each room specifically what mood is to be conveyed in the final photograph. LX: What is the foundation of your approach to your ICEHOTEL shoots?

CH: Rather than record a one hundred percent perfect replica of the actual scene in every geometric form and shape, I want to give the viewer the same feeling I had the moment I stood in that spot taking the photograph. I try to convey the stillness, the cold, and the beauty; but especially the effort every artist put into creating his or her unique room. LX: What gear do you use?

CH: For ICEHOTEL I have two different cameras. Most of the images are done in digital medium format. I use a Phase One

IQ180 back on an Arca Swiss Rm3Di. Combined with high quality lenses from Rodenstock and Schneider, this combination gives me great quality and all the options I need to realize my imagination. As a second camera, I use a Nikon D800 on a Roundshot VR Drive tripod head from Seitz. I use this when I have very limited space and can’t take the image with my other equipment. It helps me create very wide panoramic images. LX: Would you ever actually sleep in ICEHOTEL?

CH: (Laughs) Well, yes and no. When I’m working there, I’m already spending eight to 10 hours in the cold, so I do not fancy sleeping in the cold as well. There is nothing better than a hot shower and a cozy room after so much time in the cold. However, when I visited ICEHOTEL with my parents as a child, I did sleep in one of the rooms. It was quite a nice experience. I hope in one of the following years I will be able to stay a few extra days and spend a night in the cold once again.

130 Arctic Sunsets Elin Julin, Marjolein Von & Marinus Vroom

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STARTING A

Fine Wine Collection BUY WHAT YOU LIKE

By Lyndon Conrad Bell Despite the implied sophistication of the endeavor, starting a fine wine collection can be as simple or as complex as you choose to make it. Yes, there are some truly impressive multi-thousand-bottle collections out there, however there are more than a few 50 to 100-bottle collections in existence as well. It’s largely a function of personal preference. With that said, yes, of course there are fundamentals to keep in mind to ensure success. The very first thing to do is make sure you have the proper conditions on hand for storing wine for long periods of time. Depending upon how involved you want to get, it might make sense to construct a purpose-built cellar. In most cases though, a cool basement works quite well. Justin Lorenz, wine and beverage director at the New York Palace Hotel says; “Generally speaking, you want low temperature, low light, high humidity and security. Try to keep the wine at around 55 degrees F. Keep it dark, keep it humid (50 to 80 percent humidity so your corks don’t dry out) and above all, keep the wine’s temperature consistent.”

“To start your ideal collection, just buy a few bottles of what you like— it’s that simple.” - Herb Karlitz Your next consideration should be figuring out what you like enough to collect. According to Heather Hillman, fine wine consultant at Baroness Wines in Denver, “The best place to start is with what you enjoy. For example, if your passion is French wines, explore all of the wine regions of France to find wines fitting the profile of what you are looking for. Whatever your goals, start by building upon what you already like.” One of the nice things about having a collection is the opportunity it presents to “lay down” some bottles for aging. However, this brings up another important consideration. Jessica Certo, head sommelier at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House in New York City says; “If I were building a cellar primarily to age, I’d make sure at least 25 percent of my collection would be made up of younger “free game” wines in order to avoid the temptation of drinking bottles I wanted to age. If you often host events, or drink wine on a regular basis, you might want to devote as much as 50 percent of your collection to things you want to drink now in order to avoid the possibility of impulsively breaking into your future investment. If you do get into aging wines, keep in mind some varietals age better than others. Matt Kaner, 2013 Food and Wine sommelier of the year, and wine director at Bar Covell in Los Angeles says the three determinants for aging well are; acid, tannin and sweetness. As for specific regions, Kaner suggests Barolo (Italy), Barbaresco (Italy), Burgundy (France), Bordeaux (France), Loire Valley (France), Rioja (Spain), Clare Valley (Australia), Barossa Valley (Australia), McLaren Vale (Australia), Hunter Valley (Australia), Mosel-Saar-Rwar (Germany), Rheingau (Germany), Rheinhessen (Germany), Nahe (Germany), Wachau (Austria), Kremstal (Austria), Napa Valley (California), Porto (Portugal), Madeira (Portugal), Jerez (Spain), Chateauneuf-du-Pape (France) and Champagne (France). Regarding varietals best suited for aging, Kaner recommends Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Semillon, Viura, Chardonnay, Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Ultimately though, whether you’re collecting for enjoyment, aging or investing, it really comes down to your personal preferences. Says Herb Karlitz, an avid wine collector with over 2,000 bottles in his cellar; “There is no right and wrong. Forget the rules of what to drink with what foods. It’s all up to you. To start your ideal collection, just buy a few bottles of what you like—it’s that simple.”

Of course, if you have only a rudimentary idea of what you like, you’d do well to befriend a wine retailer to help you broaden your tastes. Each of the experts we consulted recommended learning as much as possible on your own—with the help of someone in the know.

“With so much to discover, the beauty of wine is...there is something for everyone.” - Heather Hillman

Hillman advises; “Some great books to help you get started include: Wine for Dummies, The Wine Bible, Wine Basics, Discovering Wine and my favorite book of all; The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia. Wine magazines such as Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Advocate and Wine & Spirits, usually focus on different regions, varietals and wine makers from around the world. These publications offer great tips on wines for collecting and wines for investment.” Hillman also suggests getting out and tasting as much as you can. While it seems obvious, it remains very valuable advice. She says; “There are many classes one can take at a local level, as well as tasting groups. Restaurants are also offering wine tastings/pairings. The best way to understand wine is to taste many different types, step out of your comfort zone, and discover new varietals by expanding upon what you already enjoy.”

Lorenz agrees; “Learn as much as you can on your own first if possible, it’s more fun that way. Taste wine often and figure out what moves you. Along the way, you’ll find some very helpful people at wine shops, restaurants and formal tasting events who can help you identify the things you like about the wines you gravitate toward.” Laughing, Lorenz says; “Some of those people might even be fun to talk to! I’d start by asking them for their advice.” Of equal importance is the stemware from which you enjoy your wines. While there are makers who offer a different type of glass for each varietal, all of our experts agree the main thing someone just starting out needs to focus on is the shape of the glass. For still wines, Kaner advises investing in two types of stems to get started—Burgundy and Bordeaux. The Burgundy shaped glass accentuates the femininity of a wine. The wines you’ll pour into this glass are more delicate and need help bringing the purity of the wine to the drinker’s nose and mouth. The Bordeaux glass focuses on wine. The kinds of wines you’ll pour into this glass are more masculine and bulky; wines requiring only flush delivery to the drinker’s mouth and nose. They also work quite well for white wines. Of course, if you enjoy sparkling wines, you’ll also need a set of champagne flutes. Regarding stemware, Lorenz goes on to offer a piece of what might at first be unintuitive advice which, actually makes a great deal of sense once you give it some thought. He says, “Leave your stemware dirty overnight: always clean it the next day. Never try to clean your stemware the night you’ve been drinking—you’ll find yourself having to re-invest in stemware more often.” Wine glasses are fragile, and if you’ve been enjoying your wines all evening, well…

flute

CHAMPAGNE

wine glass BORDEAUX

wine glass BURGUNDY

Depending upon the size of your collection, and the amount of wine you drink on a regular basis, buying by the case can make sense for a number of reasons. First is price; most retailers offer a discount of 10 to 15 percent when you purchase by the case. Second, buying cases may help ensure the wine was stored properly (although it isn’t a guarantee). The third reason is you can take advantage of the case discount while still introducing variety to your collection. Karlitz says; “Most retailers offer case discounts, regardless of whether the case is all the same or mixed.” Of course, before you buy a case of anything, always try one or two bottles to make sure you like it first. The worst thing you can do is rush to fill your cellar by indiscriminately purchasing cases of wine just so your collection “shows” well. If you’re into aging the wines in your collection, you can employ Karlitz’s tip to buy four different wines simultaneously, and benefit from another piece of Kaner’s advice. If you’re buying bottles to lay down, get at least three bottles at a time. People, by nature, are impatient. Everyone wants to know how the wine tastes right away. If you buy three, you can commit wine infanticide on one to see when it would best make sense to open the second and third bottles. Finally, make enjoyment your primary consideration. Hillman says, “Wine collecting should be fun, it should reflect who you are. As you learn more and explore different regions and varietals, your tastes and your palette will evolve. Just keep it fun and remain true to yourself. With so much to discover, the beauty of wine is...there is something for everyone.”

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introducing

the newest members of the squad

treble collection

, Bulova and Bulova Accu â&#x20AC;˘ Swiss are registered trademarks. ÂŠ 2014 Bulova Corporation. Left to Right: 63B189, 65B165, 63B195

A VA I L A B L E A T

By Jon Schafer Sweetwater Sound, founded by local entrepreneur Chuck Surack, was completely home-grown, born and bred right here in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It grew from its early days as a portable recording studio in a VW van to the third largest music retailer in the nation and becoming a major employer in the area. Chuck then turned his attention to other ventures. Over the course of a few years, Chuck branched out into areas that had always interested him, namely aviation and cars. Soon SweetCars and Sweet Aviation (a local flight school and aircraft rental service) were born, with Chuck also acquiring Corporate Aviation Insurance Group, All Pro Sound and even local optometry chain Longe Optical. When Chuck Surack opened SweetCars nearly four years ago, his goal was to make the experience of buying a car as enjoyable as the time you spend with it on the road. Striving to create a car-buying experience without parallel, SweetCars has a team where not a single person is a "traditional" car salesperson. More than a conventional dealership, SweetCars is uniquely committed to serving every aspect of your buying, selling and ownership experience. With amazing products, premium services and trusted personnel, they’re here to connect you with your perfect vehicle, help you care for it and even foster a vibrant community of passionate enthusiasts. When you visit SweetCars, you’re welcome to stay awhile and come back anytime—even if it’s for just a quick visit over the lunch hour to say hello. THE RIGHT CARS As an independent dealership, SweetCars is free to load up their lot with the kinds of cars you desire. From the finest in builtfor-speed exotics to high-line luxury to high-performance sports cars and all points in between, the typical SweetCars inventory is exactly what the discerning car enthusiast is looking for. Or, are you seeking to upgrade your daily driver or looking for a fun weekend car? SweetCars has those, too! The typical "SweetCar" is a late-model—often unique—low-milage car that's well kept and maintained. It can be anything from a Lamborghini Aventador to a hard-to-find 5,000-mile Audi A8L to a sporty little Mini Cooper S wrapped in fun graphics. While they appreciate cars of all makes and models, a quick cruise through the SweetCars inventory reveals that they favor cars of European descent. And, if you're looking for something specific, just let them know. Their experienced buyers will use personal contacts, technological resources and their vast network to connect you with your perfect vehicle. THE SWEETCARS DIFFERENCE Even though the Internet and the ability to see a wide variety of cars from virtually any dealership out there means that most customers come in with a broad knowledge base, the SweetCars team is determined to bring a personal touch back to the car-buying experience. Much of the SweetCars Difference is based around the way they go about doing business; it's all about the relationship. Bill Zielke, SweetCars General Manager, describes it this way: "SweetCars wants everybody who comes to the dealership to feel like a friend, and we want the initial visit to SweetCars to be the springboard to a lasting relationship. As a team of lifelong car lovers, we strive to make your buying experience the exciting event it should be." Their “Golden Rule” approach to doing business means they treat all of their guests with the same concierge-level treatment and professional service—whether you’re purchasing your first exotic automobile or just a new bottle of wheel cleaner.

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By employing a relationship-based approach, SweetCars is able to relieve the pressure often felt when shopping for a car. Their sales staff spends time with the customer to really address that customer's particular needs. This friendly sales approach leads to the SweetCars staff doing a lot more asking than telling during your visit to the dealership. They know that every customer is different and they take the time to get to know exactly what you're looking for in a car. By addressing your specific needs in a non-pressure situation, The SweetCars staff will match you to your perfect vehicleâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;at the right price and in a friendly, respectful manner. And you go home not just a customer but a friend who we hope to see anytime you need anything from a tune up to a wash to a new vehicle. KEEPING YOUR CAR LOOKING INCREDIBLE After you've gotten your SweetCar home, you'll surely want to keep it looking its best. Inside the shop at SweetCars, there is a team of detailing experts that's ready, willing, and able to rehabilitate your car both inside and out. Unlike most detailing facilities, we don't use pre-defined detail packages. Rather, we cater the detailing to you and your car's needs. Is it your daily driver or a weekend show car that only hits the streets occasionally? Is the car used for business, pleasure, or both? How long do you plan to keep the car? All of these things factor into the detailing treatment we suggest for you. And your car doesn't just get detailed at SweetCars. It's being detailed by Master Detailer Mike Cardenas and his team. Deemed one of the top 20 detailers in the U.S. by duPont Registry, SweetCars is in an elite class of detailers who have spent years crafting and honing their skills. Car lovers and serious collectors from all across the country have their cars trucked in to spend time in the SweetCars detailing studio under the care of the SweetCars detailing team. Mike is currently the ONLY authorized 22ple (a glass coating) Master Installer in the US. This exclusive honor allows the SweetCars detailing team to test products that may not be available in the U.S. for another year or two. Many detailers will offer glass coating, but the SweetCars team knows that the real secret to a beautiful appearance is to do a professional paint correction prior to applying the protective coating. Otherwise, all you have done is put a protective coating on top of a blemished surface. Long story short, nobody in Fort Wayne can make your car look better than the detailing experts at SweetCars. KEEPING YOU SAFE ON THE ROAD The SweetCars service department is qualified to perform a wide range of mechanical and maintenance services to keep your car performing like new. From a routine tire swap or brake work to special performance enhancements, this team uses only the best parts and products. What's more, their highly trained technicians boast extensive experience in servicing high-end automobiles. You'll feel confident knowing your car is in the hands of professionals who truly understand its needs. A PLACE FOR CAR ENTHUSIASTS By being an active member in local and regional car communities, SweetCars is able to truly understand and cater to the market. Many local car clubs have hosted meetings at the SweetCars facility. Bimonthly breakfasts provide a venue for car enthusiasts to gather and talk all things cars. And detailing clinics hosted by the service and detailing teams show attendees tips and tricks they can use at home to keep their SweetCars looking great. The crew at SweetCars loves cars as much as you do, and wants you to stop in and share your passion.

Tis the season

of Noggin

Known as the drink for the holidays, the frothy traditional eggnog still remains a favorite for holiday parties. The basic recipe for eggnog has not changed over the years (eggs beaten with sugar, milk, cream, spices and some kind of spirit) but according to eggnogaholic.com, the largest eggnog recipe website, you can mix it up at your family gatherings or office holiday party by offering Orange Ale Eggnog* or Eggnog Coffee Punch*. By chance you are traveling for the holidays and still want to bring a touch of the eggnog tradition with you, consider a batch of Chocolate Eggnog Truffles*, Eggnog Snickerdoodles* or Eggnog Popcorn Balls*.

Basic Eggnog

6 eggs separated 1/2 cup sugar 2 tsp. vanilla 1/4 tsp. salt 2 cups milk 1/2 cup rum 2 cups heavy cream 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. cinnamon Whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, salt and vanilla until light yellow and creamy. Add rum and milk. Cover and refrigerate for several hours. Refrigerate the egg whites, as well. When you are ready to serve your eggnog, whip the heavy cream in one bowl and the egg whites in another bowl. Both should be beaten until stiff peaks form. Then alternate folding in egg whites and whipped cream to the eggnog mixture. This eggnog is rich, thick and delightfully creamy. You can use less whipped cream and more milk, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a matter of taste. Garnish with nutmeg and cinnamon.

Find this recipe and more at eggnogaholic.com.

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Sweet... Single... and oh so ready to please! Miniature desserts have grown in popularity the last several years, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not hard to figure out why. Bite-size Bundts, tiny tarts and other petite pastries give holiday partygoers the ability to sample a selection of delectables without

overindulging

single

item.

For dieters, these mini portions remove the guesswork of slicing an appropriate serving from the main dish especially if your eyes have a habit of making the stomach’s decisions for it. With a lower calorie count to boot, those watching their waistline can still indulge (at least a little) with a sample-size dessert—just enough to satify one’s own sweet tooth! Taken from traditional holiday favorites like cheesecakes and pies, many recipes for mini desserts are converted into smaller, cuter counterparts. However, new recipes for these small wonders emerge all the time including veggie-infused sweets. Who wouldn’t want to indulge in some mini sweet potato-carrot cakes dizzled in cinnamon and sugar or a maple syrup glaze? The surge in popularity to these bite-size sweets is partially due to the recent recession as well as weight loss trends. Nestlé Professional, a subset of the world’s largest food

and beverage company that specializes in developing foodservice solutions for chefs and restaurants, says, “It’s a confluence of several different developments, including price sensitivity, concern for portion size and holding the line on calories and sugar and just the plain old urge for fun.” Though chefs are now singing the mini dessert’s praise for breathing life into once-financially faltering dessert menus, single-portion pastries certainly have their place at the table at both elaborate holiday parties and small family gatherings. The petite portions allow your guests to serve themselves easily without the hassle of service ware and even eliminate the need for guests to use utensils; leaving a needed hand free to hold a flute of champagne or glass of wine. Salty and savory hor d’oeurves next to a plate of sweet tiny treats can complete the menu for any holiday party, and your guests will never have to lift a fork.

Mini Pecan Pie Tarts Makes 4 Dozen

Ingredients: 1 cup butter 6 ounces cream cheese, softened 2 cups all-purpose flour 4 eggs 3 cups packed brown sugar

Directions: Pastry: Cream butter or margarine and cream cheese. Add flour and mix well. Make into 48 balls; place one ball in each cup of a mini tart pan. Use your fingers or a tart tamper to press out into a tart shell.

4 tablespoons melted butter 1 pinch salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup chopped pecans

Filling: Break the eggs, but do not beat. Add sugar, melted butter, salt, vanilla and pecans. Mix well. Fill the tart shells. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes or until delicately browned.

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