INSIDE
The Legacy of the Brand Signature Collections The Classics Everyday Luxury Bridal Monogram Timepieces Chairman’s Milestones Yesterday to Today
WE BELIEVE THAT A NAME IS A NAME, BUT A BRAND WITH HERITAGE, PROVENANCE, HISTORY AND A LEGACY OF TRUST IS A PROMISE.
THE LEG ACY OF THE BRAND
Welcome to Black, Starr & Frost, America’s First Jeweler Since 1810, the iconic American luxury brand that paved the way for the world of jewelry as we know it today. The firm’s vibrant history is the very inspiration for Black, Starr & Frost today, as we relaunch an icon with tremendous excitement for the next chapter with new looks and new collections. Founded just three decades after the country herself, the history of the firm is the history of America. The founders, Messrs. Black, Starr & Frost, were innovators and trailblazers and intended the firm to be known globally for superior quality and the finest craftsmanship. The firm was the first retailer on New York’s legendary Fifth Avenue, a mecca to luxury brands today; the first retailer to use plate glass windows to show merchandise to the outside, inspiring window shopping; and the inventor of the safe deposit box system, storing valuables for clients in both the North and South during the Civil War. Black, Starr & Frost designed the first class ring, the medal that ultimately inspired the Medal of Honor and is the oldest continually operating watchmaker in the United States. The firm served presidents, captains of industry and Hollywood’s elite. We honor that tradition today with an eye towards the next two centuries for this iconic brand. Our new collections are both modern and classic, and designed to make life’s celebrations memorable. With designs to fit every style and budget, who better to trust than Black, Starr & Frost to create the treasures you will enjoy for a lifetime.
BRI NG I N G B ACK A M E R I CA N L U X U RY
S I G NAT U R E CO L L E CT I O N S
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THE CLASSICS
We debut our new collection of The Classics. Five iconic pieces of jewelry—exquisite quality and timeless design—are the foundation of the sophisticated woman’s jewelry wardrobe: a stunning diamond opera-length strand, signature Black, Starr & Frost diamond studs, a tennis bracelet, a string of pearls and flirty hoops. Well-dressed ladies trust these staples each and every day for a lifetime and beyond.
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EVERY DAY LUXU RY
Does your style stack up? Our Everyday Luxury Collection of fashionable and wearable pieces is perfect for a splurge or for gifts to mark life’s celebrations. Stackables, chandeliers, diamond drops, earring jackets, cuffs and right-hand rings are modern expressions for the woman who appreciates style and fine quality.
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BRIDAL
It’s about commitment. Trust your most important jewelry investment to the legendary brand of Black, Starr & Frost. Six timeless, classic designs and undisputed quality are the hallmark of our firm. Extraordinary service, with expert counsel for each and every one of our clients is the experience we love to deliver with a ring that will surpass her greatest expectations.
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EXCEL L ENCE
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SIL K
THREE STONE
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ETERNITY
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“When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew.” —William Shakespeare
HAL O
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CHAIRMAN’S
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MOD ERN MEN’S
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TRAD ITIONAL MEN’S
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MONOG RAM
Initial this! The much-loved, historic Black, Starr & Frost monogram that first adorned the horse-drawn carriages used by the company in 1860 as the creator of the “carriage trade” has become a timeless, iconic mark today that serves as a fashionable, fun piece of history you can wear everyday.
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TIMEPIECES
It’s the Best Investment in Time. Our new Renaissance Collection of fine men’s timepieces are the first new timepiece designs to be created in the last three decades, and the first-ever dress chronograph watch with hidden pushers. The American-designed timepieces contain Swiss components including a modified Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement with 25 jewels. These limited-edition timepieces feature eight elegant variations, with only 25 timepieces per design available. This both modern and classic timepiece will impress even the most sophisticated watch connoisseur.
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CHAIRMAN’S COLLECTION
The Chairman of Black, Starr & Frost is not only one of the top gemologists in the world, but he has been called “the best eyes in the world of jewelry” for color and impeccable quality. His five decades of experience providing the most rare and exquisite gems to international clients, Hollywood celebrities and royal houses makes him an expert in the world of jewelry second to none. The Chairman’s Collection presents our finest, most magnificent, one-of-akind pieces the world is yet to see and is designed to embellish and adorn the beautiful features of a woman. These masterpieces are personally presented by the Chairman.
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The Empress F R O M T H E H IST O R IC M INES IN THE MOG OK REG ION OF MYANMAR—
the historical mecca for the gem trade and the source of gemstones destined to be worn by royalty— The Empress necklace is befitting a Queen. The journey of these magnificent, rare cornflower blue Burmese sapphires speak volumes of a great adventure, and the collection of these fine gems and exceptional diamonds in one masterpiece makes The Empress a once-in-a-lifetime treasure. After decades of selective acquisition and nearly a year of meticulous craftsmanship by our award-winning master jewelers, this unforgettable necklace is a highly coveted work of art. 58
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This spectacular, Zambian emerald and diamond necklace set in platinum and 18-karat yellow gold features 216 marquise and round, brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 34.57 carats and 11 oval emeralds weighing 26.46 carats sure to make anyone green with envy.
This magnificent fancy intense yellow diamond and white diamond necklace was created by Black, Starr & Frost to showcase rarity. Yellow diamonds of this quality are rarely found in a singular occasion, but to create a necklace containing these imperial Asher cuts is truly a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. 61
Inspired by a cascading waterfall, this statement necklace features 75.85 carats of gorgeous, oval sapphires and 51.24 carats of round, brilliant diamonds ranging from E to F color all hand set in platinum. Paired with the waterfall earrings, this suite is red-carpet ready.
Known as the Cleopatra necklace, this stunner contains 60 oval Burmese rubies weighing 89.24 carats with an addition of 45.15 carats of diamonds.
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MILESTONES
1810
1833
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1851
Isaac Marquand originates the legacy of Black, Starr & Frost at 164 Broadway in New York.
Black, Starr & Frost is the first to use plate-glass windows to display merchandise to luxuryloving pedestrians, innovating the well-known New York City pastime of window shopping.
Black, Starr & Frost is the first firm to use the American Eagle as its logo. Clients knew the firm was “at the sign of the golden eagle.”
The company creates the first class ring for the United States Military Academy at West Point.
The company makes headlines at the London Crystal Palace Exhibition, displaying an exquisite four-piece tea service made of pure gold.
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The company builds the finest business structure and most famous shop of its time on Broadway and Prince Street, the first fireproof building in New York. It’s constructed of white marble, and in its vaults the modern safe deposit system is invented. Southern clients demonstrate the ultimate act of client trust by bringing their valuables to the store for safekeeping during the Civil War.
Black, Starr & Frost coined the phrase, the “Carriage Trade” as it’s known today.
The Gillmore Medal, created by Ball, Black & Co., is issued on October 28, 1863 by Major General Quincy A. Gillmore, Commander of Union troops. Given to those who served valiantly during the Fort Sumter battle, the medal was among the first to recognize honor on the battlefield. Only about 400 were issued.
The company creates the Kearny Cross for acts of valor in war.
MILESTONES
1865
1876
1881
1896
1911
Mary Todd Lincoln owed $64,000 to the firm at the time her husband was assassinated, which represents $11 million today.
Black, Starr & Frost builds the first apartment building and jewelry salon on 28th Street and Fifth Avenue.
Black, Starr & Frost designs and fabricates the first trophy for the U.S. Lawn Tennis Association Championship, known today as the U.S. Open.
Spencer Trask, grandson of Founder Isaac Marquand, saves The New York Times from bankruptcy, funds John Moody’s credit rating system and provides seed money to Thomas Edison for his invention of the light bulb and for Albert Einstein’s invention of the sonar, which was used as the targeting system for torpedoes.
Black, Starr & Frost creates the ceremonial key for the New York Public Library.
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1915
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1928
The C.T. Cook residence on Fifth Avenue and 48th Street is converted into the new home of Black, Starr & Frost. Not until the 1920’s do other jewelers and diamond dealers join Black, Starr & Frost in the part of the city, which is recognized worldwide today as New York City’s “Diamond District.” The cost of the building exceeds $1 million dollars.
The first auto-racing trophy, known as The Astor Cup, is created by Black, Starr & Frost.
Black, Starr & Frost designs and produces the silver platter for The Davis Cup, which was kept within its vaults for decades.
Peggy Hopkins-Joyce, the first Ziegfeld girl turned socialite, acquires the Black, Starr & Frost Diamond, largest blue diamond in the world at the time, known today as The Portuguese Diamond. Now on display at The Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. the near-flawless 127.01-carat gemstone is the largest faceted diamond in The National Gem Collection. She paid $373,000.
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MILESTONES
1929 The Frost family lost its fortune in the great stock market crash and Gorham became the majority interest holder of the firm.
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1939
Black, Starr & Frost acquires the jewels of America’s legendary financier and philanthropist “Diamond Jim” Brady.
Robert Clifford Black, president of Black, Starr & Frost, acquires the “Lucky Baldwin Ruby.” The ruby was purchased from Harry Winston, a gemstone broker. It is believed that Mr. Winston used the proceeds of the sale to open the Harry Winston store in 1932. Mr. Black publicly announces that the purchase of the Lucky Baldwin Ruby for $100,000 exhibiting his commitment and belief in the future appreciation of fine gems.
Two unique, jewel encrusted “mystery clocks” crafted by Black, Starr & Frost are displayed at the World’s Fair.
Published: December 4, 1962 Copyright © The New York Times
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Carol Channing plays legendary Lorelei Lee, inspired by Peggy Hopkins Joyce, on Broadway and is the first to sing “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.”
Marilyn Monroe is selected to play Lorelei Lee on the big screen in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” and famously sings “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” with the unforgettable verse “Tiffany, Cartier, Black, Starr, Frost, Gorham, talk to me Harry Winston, tell me all about it.”
Black, Starr & Frost creates the “Princeton Mace,” utilized at Princeton University for key observances at the school. The Princeton Mace is an integral element of the regalia of Princeton University.
A group of investors purchased the storied firm and returned it to its famed name of Black, Starr & Frost.
The Black, Starr & Frost group acquires the New York Cartier store. The corporate race begins to expand the brand nationally.
MILESTONES
1986
1991
2006
2011
New York’s famous The Plaza Hotel becomes home to another Black, Starr & Frost jewelry salon.
By this time, the company was represented by 33 locations in notable cities across the country.
International Jeweler Alfredo J. Molina acquires the last remaining Black, Starr & Frost store at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California, with the vision to lead the historic brand into a new era of prominence.
Black, Starr & Frost moves from South Coast Plaza to a magnificent waterfront salon located at 341 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, California.
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2014
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2015
2015
Black, Starr & Frost sells the Archduke Joseph Diamond, a 76-carat, D-color, internally flawless diamond, the largest D color internally flawless Golconda diamond in the world for $21.5 million at Christie’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels auction, setting three world records for the sale of a colorless diamond.
Chairman Alfredo J. Molina brings life to a quest consisting of eight years of research when Black, Starr & Frost publishes 1810: Celebrating Two Centuries of American Luxury. This striking coffee table book is a rich and stunning account of the company’s priceless history.
Black, Starr & Frost launched its new Everyday Luxury Collection.
Black, Starr & Frost, the oldest continually operating watchmaker in the United States, debuts The Renaissance Collection, its first luxury timepieces in three decades.
Black, Starr & Frost opens its second salon at 32nd Street & Camelback Road in Phoenix, Arizona in the fall of 2015.
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Y ESTERDAY TO TODAY
Black, Starr & Frost, America’s First Jeweler Since 1810, boasts a bevy of fantastic stories and historical firsts. The founders, Messrs.’ Black, Starr & Frost imagined this iconic luxury brand as a trailblazer and innovator, and that legacy stands today as Black, Starr & Frost enters the next century of service, sophistication and style. The founders proudly recounted the brand’s important past in a small and beautiful historical book that we found after years of searching. Today, our Chairman Alfredo J. Molina is proud to share more than two centuries of history in 1810: Celebrating Two Centuries of American Luxury, a beautiful, colorful coffee table book that is presented with great pride as our gift to clients of Black, Starr & Frost.
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BLACKSTARRFROST.COM
3140 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 602.529.1810