A Meyers Jewelers Publication
MOR EN A BA CCA RI N F OR HEA RT S ON F I RE.
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from the publisher
Welcome.
With the holidays come expressions of love for those we revere through the joys of gift giving. It is with great joy that we bring you LX Columbus. 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. Working hand-in-hand with this feature is the “Gelé Château” (Frozen Castle) photo essay’s gorgeous collection of handcrafted gowns and fine jewelry. We have 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. One of the rewards of becoming a master winemaker is the sensory delight experienced when the results of your handicraft are enjoyed. Further, few possessions more completely express the specific tastes of a fastidious individual than a fine wine collection. We’ll show you how to get one started. The allure of the finest men’s fragrances is owed to humankind’s most gifted noses. Naturally, the best fragrances are all blended by hand. In “Scent Of The Man” you’ll gain insights into what it takes to create them.
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As we enter this holiday season, know that you can count on us at Meyers Jewelers to help you choose the perfect gift for that special someone. Whether you choose to create a custom piece with our in-house jewelers or select from the collections of our marvelously talented designers, we’re here to serve you with all of the grace and joy of the holiday season. As a customer, you are invited into our home with a welcoming spirit. Please enjoy this issue of LX Columbus. Warm wishes to you and yours, Meyer, Jeff and Scott
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MADE IN AMERICA WITH LOVE速 | WWW.ALEXANDANI.COM
$7,965
Features
inside
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Community 60 The Power of Family Values Jewelry 11 Long Live Le Vian 36 Gift Guide 64 Simon G. Photography 24 Gelé Château 43 Behind the Lens of Christopher Hauser: ICEHOTEL
The Story Behind the Rolls Royce
Lifestyle 19 The Story Behind the Rolls Royce 32 The Indisputable Pleasures of Caviar
56 Scent of a Man
Photo Feature: Gelé Château
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Starting a Fine Wine Collection
Libation 50 Starting a Fine Wine Collection Holiday 15 Sweet, Single Mini Desserts 62 Wise Holiday Giving
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56 Scent of a Man Meyers Jewelers Gift Guide 7
cover on on thethe cover
Publishers MEYER, JEFF AND SCOTT Editor JON ROBERTS Creative Director ANGIE HALTER Project Coordinators COURTNEY DRENTH MANDI HALVERSON Photography: Jon Roberts • Model: Kristen Swan
LX: a coffee table magazine 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
Light up THE NIGHT.
Sterling silver charms from $25
Introducing the new 2014 Winter Collection from PANDORA
1494 Stringtown Road • Grove City, OH 43123 614.594.0230 • meyersjewelers.com
Chocolatier
Only Le Vian速 Makes Jewelry With Chocolate Diamonds速 VANILLA DIAMONDS速 14K HONEY GOLDTM
Meyers Jewelers est. 1966
Experience the family difference!
Long Live Le Vian
®
A Family Legacy Comprising Five Centuries Of Elegance & Beauty By Lyndon Conrad Bell
The recorded history of the LeVian family goes all the way back to the 16th century. Known initially for hand carving, hand painting, gold- and silversmithing, a part of the history of the most famous diamond in the world—the 186-carat Koh-I-Noor diamond—is inextricably interwoven within the LeVian’s legacy. Jewelers to royalty, the LeVian family was commissioned by Nadir Shah—then ruler of Persia—to guard the Persian imperial treasury. When Shah captured the Koh-I-Noor from India, it was included among many treasures entrusted to the LeVian family for safekeeping. This diamond eventually became one of Great Britain’s crown jewels, ultimately adorning the crown of Queen Elizabeth II. Fast forward five hundred years, the family scion, Eddie LeVian, CEO and designer at the Le Vian® Corporation has transformed the ancient “family business” into a major multi-national concern. And still, the LeVian family adorns royalty, albeit royalty of a different nature. Celebrities Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry and Jada Pinkett-Smith are all aficionados of Le Vian® jewelry. Of course, while literally hundreds of celebrities have chosen Le Vian® for their red carpet appearances, movie premieres and international events, Le Vian® designs are also loved and collected by young couples buying first rings, as well as fashionistas who pick Le Vian® for its fashion forward style.
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Rightly celebrated for glamorous and award winning collections, Le Vian® is considered the foremost trend forecaster in fine jewelry today. Its offerings combine the newest gourmet flavors of exotic gemstones and rare diamonds set within stunning haute couture designs. Their wide variety of precious stones are placed in findings rendered in lustrous proprietary colors of gold including Strawberry, Honey and Vanilla. Chocolate Diamonds® And yes, we did say gourmet flavors of gemstones. Chocolate Diamonds are a relatively recent development in the world of fine jewelry. Found in the same mines as yellow and pink diamonds, they have always been around, though their inherent beauty was overlooked. Previously relegated to industrial usage, the thought was they would not be appreciated as much as white and fancy colored diamonds. Eventually however, their unique beauty came to be acknowledged. Today, Chocolate Diamonds are poised to experience dramatic increases in both price and popularity. Le Vian®, with its extensive history, is currently the foremost jewelry designer working with the brown stones. Their limited edition couture collection of Chocolate Diamond jewelry is exceptionally prized. Le Vian® Chocolatier includes a stunning variety of the most stylish trendsetting designs with these stones. Le Vian®’s exclusive natural fancy color brown diamonds are found in the Argyle mine in Australia.
Raspberry Rhodolite® Vanilla Diamonds® and Strawberry Gold® Le Vian® Couture features award-winning one-of-a-kind creations, all imagined by master designer, Eddie LeVian himself. This uber-chic collection features handcrafted settings of platinum and 18K gold. Le Vian® Couture gemstones are selected from among the top one percent in terms of quality and include many rare and one-of-akinds such as natural fancy colored diamonds as well as the most exotic rare Neon Blue Paraiba Tourmalines and Santa Maria Aquamarines. Lovingly treasured by collectors, Le Vian® Couture pieces are considered irreplaceable. Le Vian® Exotics introduces an eye-arresting new palette of colored diamonds in bold primary hues. Cut and finished to bring out their natural beauty, Le Vian® Exotics inform the Le Vian® Candy Color trend forecast. Boundless in scope, Le Vian® Exotics is the storied jeweler’s gallery of diamond color with no limits. Sea Blue Aquamarine®
Blueberry Tanzanite®
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Le Vian® Bridal brings the matrimonial market into the world of high fashion for today’s most style-conscious brides. The multi-faceted Chocolate Weddings Collection features exclusive Chocolate Diamonds by Le Vian®. There is also the “Accidental Bridal” Collection of contoured bands; and the luxurious natural color diamond Couture Bridal Collection. The designs in each are shaped by a woman’s inherent desire for differentiation, featuring colorful gems, multiple hues of diamonds and a variety of stunning profiles and details. The intricate designs of Le Vian® Bridal rings include beading, diamond detailing and the trend setting Ocean Wave with its unique fluidly cresting curvaceous elements.
Sunny Yellow Diamonds® and Vanilla Diamonds®
Chocolate Diamonds® and Vanilla Diamonds®
The Le Vian® Red Carpet Collection is comprised of today’s hottest looks, as worn by celebrities on the red carpets of Hollywood, New York, Paris and London. The pieces routinely forecast the upcoming season and are set primarily in Le Vian®’s proprietary Strawberry Gold. Red Carpet features stackable bangles, big stone rings and dramatic dangling earrings. Gladiators, Fleurets and nature-inspired designs are also key elements of the Le Vian® Red Carpet Collection. Breathtakingly inspired designs in 14 and 18K gold, with precious and semi precious gemstones and handset diamonds mark the signature Le Vian® Collection. Proving past is prologue the hand-finished limited edition Le Vian® Collection reflects the jeweler’s richly storied past by incorporating innovative new techniques—with inspirations from earlier pieces. In so doing, the Le Vian® Collection masterfully foretells design trends. Blackberry Diamonds® and Vanilla Diamonds®
Le Vian® Time is comprised of hip, hot and trend-driven Swiss-made watches rendered in either stainless steel or 18K gold. Offered in numbered limited editions—the future collectable status of each timepiece is ensured. Characterized by bold, exotic shapes reflective of a classically sporty visage, the stylishly sophisticated timepieces are diamond encrusted with colorless diamonds, Le Vian®’s Blackberry Diamonds or natural fancy color pink and yellow diamonds. For the ultimate in flavor, the most delicious looks are found in Le Vian®’s extensive collection of Swiss Chocolate Diamond adorned timepieces. However, before you think Le Vian® Time is all about flash, Le Vian®’s multiple complication instruments represent the peak of timekeeping. The collection features exotic new skeletons, moon phases and other automatic movements. Versatility was considered as well; each timepiece is equipped with self-changing pins to simplify the substitution of straps and bracelets, as befits the wearer’s mood. Holding fast to the crafting of singularly definitive examples of the jeweler’s art, Le Vian® remains firmly on the cutting edges of quality, design and technology—while delivering the most beautiful jewelry and timepieces the world has ever known. Long live Le Vian®!
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Le Vian® Spinner Watch
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WE ARE AN AMERICAN COMPANY DEDICATED TO MAKING THINGS AGAIN IN AMERICA. THE RUNWELL FEATU R I NG A G R E E N DIAL WITH R E MOTE SECON D HAN D SWE E P I N A STAI N LESS STE E L CASE AN D DETROIT-B U I LT ARGON ITE 1069 MOVE M E NT.
Sweet... Single... and oh so ready to please! Miniature desserts have grown in popularity the last several years, and it’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
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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
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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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©2014 movado group, inc.
KERRY WASHINGTON, ACCLAIMED ACTOR. SAPPHIRE™ NEW WOMEN’S BRACELET DESIGN IN STAINLESS STEEL WITH MIRROR DIAL AND DIAMOND ACCENTS. MOVADO.COM
1494 Stringtown Road • Grove City, OH • 614-594-0230 • www.meyersjewelers.com
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 world’s most prestigious car companies.
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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
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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.
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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
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Wraith
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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.
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Photographer: Jon Roberts Photographer/Set Design: Jim Brummond Hair & Make Up: Angelique Verver Photo Retouching: Chelsie Roberts Models: Kristen Swan, Alyssa Anthony, Kasey Wamsher, Arquette & Associates, LLC Gowns by: The French Door
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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
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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; 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.
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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.
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HEARTS ON FIRE Diamond Horseshoe Necklace $2,500
HEARTS ON FIRE Euphoria Pave Engagement Ring starting at $7,950
HEARTS ON FIRE Aerial Eclipse Diamond Earrings $14,990
HEARTS ON FIRE Destiny Engagement Ring starting at $3,950
HEARTS ON FIRE Gracious Diamond Band starting at $7,250
HEARTS ON FIRE Temptation Three-prong Bracelet starting at $14,500
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HEARTS ON FIRE Illa Comet Pendant starting at $4,750
HEARTS ON FIRE Fulfillment Half Moon Pendant $2,990
HEARTS ON FIRE Mini Hoop Earrings starting at $4,490
HEARTS ON FIRE
HEARTS ON FIRE
Gracious Diamond Hoop Earrings $9,950
Aerial Diamond Drop Earrings $5,990
HEARTS ON FIRE Lorelei Floral Engagement Ring starting at $3,750
HEARTS ON FIRE HEARTS ON FIRE
Acclaim Engagement Ring starting at $5,490
Double Row Eternity Band starting at $7,500
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TACORI RoyalT 1.40cttw Diamond Engagement Ring $12,250*
TACORI
TACORI
Dantela 0.25cttw Diamond Engagement Ring $3,270*
Blooming Beauties 0.36cttw Diamond Engagement Ring $4,250*
TACORI
TACORI Blooming Beauties 0.61cttw Diamond Band $5,020
Dantela 0.25cttw Diamond Band $2,410
TACORI Dantela .62cttw Diamond Wedding Band $3,430
TACORI RoyalT .85cttw Diamond Wedding Band $8,890
TACORI Blooming Beauties 0.77cttw Diamond Engagement Ring $6,600*
TACORI Dantela .84cttw Diamond Engagement Ring $7,425*
TACORI Promise Bracelet in Sterling Silver and 18K Rose Gold $2,390
TACORI Blushing Rose Amethyst and .18cttw Diamond in Sterling Silver and Rose Gold $1,590
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*center diamond not included
TACORI City Lights Genuine Blue Stone Ring in Sterling Silver $550
TACORI Barbados Blue Sterling Silver and Turquoise Pendant $620
TACORI
GOTTLIEB & SONS 14K White Gold Engagement Ring Round Brilliant 0.48cttw $1,900
City Lights Red Stone Pendent Set in Sterling Silver $580
GOTTLIEB & SONS 14K White Gold Wedding Band Brilliant Diamonds 0.34cttw $1,350
TACORI
GOTTLIEB & SONS
City Lights Genuine Red Stone Set with 0.61cttw Diamonds in Sterling Silver $2,000
14K White Gold Engagement Ring Round Brilliant Diamonds 0.93cttw $3,200
GOTTLIEB & SONS 14K White Gold Engagement Ring Round Brilliant 0.65cttw $2,650
GOTTLIEB & SONS 14K White Gold Wedding Band Brilliant Diamonds 0.27cttw $1,100
GOTTLIEB & SONS 14K White Gold Wedding Band Brilliant Diamonds 0.21cttw $950
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BREITLING
BREITLING
Superocean 42 $3,730
Navitimer 01 Stainless Steel $9,120
BREITLING
BREITLING
Transocean Chrono in Yellow Gold $22,225
Super Avenger II All Steel $5,835
MOVADO BOLD Silver-Toned Dial with Yellow Gold-Toned Hands Two Tone Yellow Gold Ion-Plated Stainless Steel Link Bracelet with Clasp $595
MOVADO BOLD BREITLING Chronomat B01 18K Gold and Stainless Steel $13,420 40
Silver-Tone Dial with Rose Gold-Toned Hands Rose Steel Link Bracelet with Deployment Clasp $495
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SHINOLA SHINOLA The Runwell 47mm Men’s Black Watch $600
The Runwell 47mm White Watch with Brown Strap $600
SHINOLA The Runwell Contrast Chrono 47mm Men’s Black Chronograph Watch $825
WILLIAM HENRY Geneva Money Clip
WILLIAM HENRY Money Clip
WILLIAM HENRY Zinfandel Pen
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behind the lens of christopher hauser
photographing
ICEHOTEL
By Lyndon Conrad Bell photos Š Christopher Hauser
Frosty Forest Artists: Lilya Pobornikova & Viktor Tsarski www.lxmagazines.com
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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.
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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.”
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“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.”
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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…
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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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SCENT OF A MAN By Linda I. Rogers
While we as a species rely primarily upon our visual acuities, our olfactory glands have a substantial impact upon our emotional responses. Because of this, fragrances have played a significant role in our lives throughout history. Even as far back as 200 years before the birth of Christ, it is said the sixth Babylonian king Hammurabi decreed everyone in his kingdom wash in perfume. While Napoleon Bonaparte is reputed to have gone through an average of 54 bottles of cologne a month, silent film star Rudolph Valentino is credited with the proliferation of men’s fragrances in contemporary American society.
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Comprised primarily of alcohol, water and essential oils; colognes are distinguished by their “notes” of which there are basically three to each fragrance. The alcohol and water carry the oils to your skin and evaporate immediately. The oils then interact with your body heat and the air to emit the fragrance of the cologne. “Top notes” are typically citrus in nature, and diminish within ten minutes of application. The middle notes last up to an hour and are generally comprised of floral scents. The spicy base notes stick with you throughout the day. And yes, your individual body chemistry does come into play. The way a cologne smells can indeed vary on different people. One of the oldest fragrances around is Acqua di Parma’s Colonia. Introduced in 1916 to perfume the handkerchiefs of Italian men, Colonia is today worn by both women and men. Colonia’s top notes are evocative of warm citrus fruits, which then give way to lavender and rose middle notes. Base notes of vetiver, sandalwood and patchouli follow. Another classic fragrance is Guerlain’s Vetiver. Introduced back in 1959, Vetiver places the oil of its namesake root at its heart. Vetiver is also one of the key essential oils found in a number of fragrances. Guerlain’s Vetiver starts with top notes of bergamot, lemon, mandarin, neroli and coriander. It then transitions to vetiver and cedar before settling into tobacco, nutmeg, tonka bean and capsicum.
“Guerlain’s Vétiver” is a fresh woody accord for a fragrance with authentic elegance.
Designer Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille is described as being reminiscent of an English gentlemen’s club—with spice. Middle notes of tonka bean, tobacco flower, vanilla and cacao follow top notes of tobacco leaf and aromatic spices. The fragrance finishes with a dry fruit accord enriched with sweet wood sap.
The Colonia formula has remained unchanged for nearly a hundred years. The elegant Art Deco bottle, with its distinct bakelite stopper has been an undisputed style icon since 1930.
Tom’s Ford’s affection for London, inspired “Tobacco Vanille”. A modern take on an old-world men’s club.
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Drawing upon the exclusivity of Bentley motorcars, Bentley fragrances capture the essence of the brand. Lalique for Bentley Crystal Edition is delivered in a crystal flacon featuring the winged Bentley hood ornament. The fragrance leads with top notes of white cedar wood and ores butter, followed by patchouli and papyrus, before finishing with musk and dry amber. Proudly proclaiming itself the world’s most expensive perfume—right on the bottle— Clive Christian No.1 for Men is the flagship fragrance from the Crown Perfumery, which dates back to 1872. With a price of $865 for a 1.6 ounce bottle, its top notes are bergamot, lime, Sicilian mandarin and cardamon; followed by lily of the valley, rose, jasmine and ylang ylang, before finishing with cedarwood, sandalwood, vetiver and ambery woods.
The “Lalique for Bentley Crystal Edition” is a limited special edition (a series of 999 pieces) available only through a small selection of Lalique retailers.
“No1” perfumes were created to be the absolute best in class and have been recognized by the Guinness World Records as The World’s Most Expensive Perfume.
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Meyers Jewelers THE POWER OF
FAMILY VALUES By Lyndon Conrad Bell The story of Meyers Jewelers began on the tail end of the Great Depression, back in 1941. The Meyer for whom the company is named was then a 14-year old boy, helping his family make ends meet by sweeping up in a Columbus, Ohio jewelry store after school. Following a stint in the Navy during World War II, that boy—now a man—returned to that jewelry store, as a salesperson. Steadily accruing responsibility over the ensuing years, by 1960, he was managing an entire chain of jewelry stores in the Columbus area. One day it struck him; most of the chain’s customers thought he was the owner. And further, many of them wanted to deal only with him. So, he decided to start his own store—with his wife Ann keeping the books. Building upon the attributes responsible for his advancement, as the owner of Meyers Jewelers, he continued his efforts to become the family jeweler to his customers, as opposed to just a guy owning a jewelry store. Eventually, the couple’s sons Scott and Jeff joined them in the business. Throughout decades of growth and adversity, prosperity and recession, one thing has remained a constant at Meyers Jewelers. The customer and the community are the most important aspects of the business equation. The reputation of Meyers Jewelers rests solidly upon a sincere consideration of the needs of the people it serves. Meyer embraced these values from the beginning and passed them on to his offspring. To this day, those “old-fashioned” principles are reflected in the way the current generation of the family conducts business. Scott and Jeff have steadfastly held true to the family-oriented principles with which their dad and mom built the company. Indeed, shopping at Meyers Jewelers is like visiting with old family friends. The store boasts generations of loyal customers from within the same family. Many a couple who originally purchased their wedding sets from Meyers have seen their sons and daughters, and in some cases, even their grandsons and granddaughters, return to purchase their wedding sets from Meyers. In between, the families’ Birthday, Graduation, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas and Valentine’s Day presents all came from Meyers Jewelers. More than a mere jewelry store, Meyers is a family jeweler. 60
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Here, it might be useful to explain the difference. A jewelry store is where one goes to purchase a ring, a necklace, a pendant, a watch or a bracelet. It’s staffed with people who show you the items you ask to see, and politely thank you for your business when you’ve made your selection. It’s generally pleasant, and you usually get what you want. But you may or may not go back—because no effort was made to foster a human connection with you. In contrast, the family jeweler makes an effort to learn your name and takes note of your preferences based upon the jewelry you’re wearing when you come in. The family jeweler listens carefully and pays attention to minor details—all in an endeavor to get to know you so they can help you get what you really need. In other words, the family jeweler makes a special effort to personalize the experience, provides you with specific knowledge and insights so you can make informed decisions, keeps track of your past purchases to ensure your future purchases fit into your existing collection, and above all, makes every effort to demonstrate—through their actions—they care about you as a person. Which is exactly what it’s like to shop at Meyers Jewelers. Like the neighborhood bar depicted in the classic sitcom Cheers, at Meyers, you feel you’re in a place where everybody knows your name—and they’re always glad you came. It starts with the feel of the store. Warm, inviting, and tastefully stocked with a delightful array of beautiful treasures, Meyers is at once elegant, approachable, and comfortable. It continues with a selection of the most exquisite pieces of jewelry you’ll ever find. Meyers features the creations of a cadre of some of the most noted jewelry makers currently practicing the craft. Works by the likes of Tacori, Hearts On Fire, Le Vian, Pandora, Alex and Ani, Simon G, Fana, Gabriel & Co. and Gottlieb and Sons, are proudly represented—along with timepieces by Breitling, Movado, Shinola, Philip Stein and many others. Then, there’s the broad variety of services offered; these include in-store repairs, pearl stringing, appraisals, jewelry cleaning, and custom designs to ensure everyone has an opportunity to fulfill their heart’s desires. And yet, as wonderful as all of this is, what really makes Meyers work (and yes, we know this seems clichéd—but it’s also the truth) is the people. First and foremost, Meyers is a family business, and customers are considered members of the extended family. Further, Meyers warmly embraces social responsibility. Actively involved within the community, Meyers Jewelers contributes generously to a broad range of charities and foundations benefitting both Columbus and the nation as a whole. Three such organizations include Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, and Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Meyers supports a broad array of local schools and religious centers with both gift cards and products for silent auctions, in addition to local educational activities and team sports. This is the difference between a family jeweler and a mere jewelry store. Yes, both are businesses, and businesses do need to make money to survive and prosper. However, Meyers operates with the philosophy it is possible to do so while holding on to generosity and concern for society as cherished family values. In other words, Meyers is more than just a place where people buy; Meyers gives too. At Meyers Jewelers, trust and integrity are more than mere words. The same is true for the words philanthropy, community involvement, and personal attention. At the end of the Meyers advertisements, they always say; “Experience the family difference, experience Meyers Jewelers.” More than just a tagline, they truly believe family takes care of one another; and that’s how they live.
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Wise Holiday Giving By Linda I. Rogers
With the holiday season rapidly approaching, the time is right to consider charitable institutions in need of your generosity before the end of the year. One thing to look for when considering giving to an organization is how much of each dollar of donations will go to supporting programs directly related to accomplishing the charity’s mission. Yes, charities have administrators, advertising and other activities to support, however, a well-run charity should be capable of accomplishing them with 25 percent or less of the money donated. Which, of course raises the question, how can you find out if a charity meets this benchmark? The I.R.S requires charities to file Form 990, providing information on the organization’s income, spending, mission and executive salaries. These can be reviewed at the GuideStar.org website for free. GuideStar can also provide additional financial analysis, as well as information regarding an association’s contractors.
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It should be noted however; the GuideStar site is a neutral environment. Rather than evaluations, the site simply serves up the facts and leaves interpretation to the individual. For specific evaluations, the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance will tell you if a charity meets the 20 benchmarks it has established for pronouncing a charity a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. Among the benchmarks considered are governance, oversight, and effectiveness. Another site doing similar work is CharityNavigator. org. This website can be used to gain insights to a charity’s financial health, accountability and transparency. It also looks to see how much of donations are spent on the actual mission and how much is spent on administration and fund raising. While neither of these resources make actual organization recommendations, they do make it easy for you to do a back of the napkin evaluation to determine if a charity you’re considering rates a further look—and perhaps your generosity.
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Meyers Jewelers est. 1966
Experience the family difference!
The Columbus Blue Jackets thank Meyers Jewelers for their support. As the Exclusive Jeweler of the Blue Jackets since 2010, we’re proud to partner with such a strong, family-owned Central Ohio business.
the beauty & detail of
Unique and cutting-edge, yet at the same time evocative of old-world elegance, Simon G. jewelry designs are best suited for those who desire a specific degree of individuality. Simon Ghanimian, who established the eponymous Simon G. company in 1981, is considered one of the most creative jewelers working today. Well noted for routinely crafting beautifully detailed pieces, Simon Ghanimian works only with the most precious of materials. While the signature usage of literally hundreds of micro-set pavé diamonds infuses a piece of Simon G. jewelry with an aura of iridescence, it is a meticulous attention to detail from which the overriding brilliance of the work is truly derived. While most jewelry artisans would consider a certain grade of diamond “good enough” for the smaller stones in the pavé settings, Ghanimian insists upon high quality diamonds throughout the piece. Smaller stones that are its equal in clarity and color will always accompany a large center stone in his work. Ghanimian’s Armenian heritage and traditions contribute strongly to his underpinning philosophies. The enduring value of hard work, and a high regard for fine artisanal skills separate Simon G. jewelry from all others. These values drive Ghanimian to strive to ensure each piece of jewelry his firm creates is infused with the same passion he’d put into it were he to create it for himself—or someone he loves. This, in combination with the intention of creating an heirloom whose beauty will transcend time and the whims of fashion, means a Simon G. piece will be treasured by succeeding generations. To make this happen, Ghanimian places a great deal of emphasis on the fundamentals. Rather than settling for common standards of quality, Simon alloys his own metals, working in 18k platinum and palladium or platinum and iridium. This gives pieces greater durability and longevity, and is also ideal for the complicated beadwork, filigree and engravings required to achieve the Simon G. look. It also helps him accomplish goals other artisans skirt. For example, if he’s working in white gold, Ghanimian alloys it with palladium to minimize the potential for allergic reactions to white gold—while simultaneously ensuring it will stay white longer.
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In addition to his signature platinum, Ghanimian is known for employing 18-karat yellow gold, white gold, and even rose gold in ways strikingly complementary to the precious stones embedded in a piece. Ghanimian insists all Simon G. micro-set diamonds are hand set and inspected by a trusted experienced artisan—using a microscope. The intention here is to ensure each stone reflects light brilliantly, and is solidly set. Ghanimian insists the wearer should be free from the worry of losing even a single stone. Interestingly, within each specialty within his studio are specialists within specialists. Certain master diamond-setters work on pavé settings exclusively, while others are dedicated to channel-settings, and still others are masters with prong settings. In a similar fashion, their colleagues doing the filigree, beading mil grain and engravings also specialize and work by hand. Thus, each detail is sharper and every piece has its own unique look and feel. So exacting are the standards under which these craftspeople work, the interior surfaces of Simon G. pieces are just as polished and detailed as the exterior surfaces are. After this excruciatingly detailed effort, the finished piece is subjected to hand-machine polishing and then must pass the critical eyes of the Simon G. quality control team before it can be offered to be worn. While all of this may seem an obsessively lengthy process, Ghanimian believes making an heirloom should involve more effort than is paid to a piece of fashion jewelry that will appear dated in a couple of years. When you’re looking at a Simon G. piece, you can be assured you’re also looking at the finest gemstones available. Known for exceptional pavé settings, Ghanimian typically uses G-H color, SI1 clarity diamonds in a variety of cuts—including round and kite brilliant cuts in his pavé designs. Aside from his affinity for sparkling white diamonds; natural colored diamonds and other gemstones are signature aspects of Ghanimian’s works of art. The elaborate details of Simon G. engagement rings effortlessly radiate the look of an antique, when they are actually uniquely fashion-forward. In other words, Ghanimian creates jewelry for women who have a clear idea of who they are and what they want. Rather than chasing trends, these are women of substance who prefer styles reflective of their own specific individuality.
The elaborate details of Simon G. engagement rings effortlessly radiate the look of an antique, when they are actually uniquely fashion-forward.
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Light up THE NIGHT.
Sterling silver charms from $25
Introducing the new 2014 Winter Collection from PANDORA
1494 Stringtown Road Grove City, OH 43123 614.594.0230 www.meyersjewelers.com
A VA I L A B L E A T