Diamond Cellar Spring/Summer 2022

CHEERS TO 75 YEARS

A LOOK AT OUR HISTORY & WHERE WE'RE HEADED

PLUS

DIAMOND CELLAR

SPRING GIFTS THEY'LL LOVE & MORE

• SPRING/SUMMER 2022

LUXURYIN

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DIAMOND CELLAR CEO R. ANDREW JOHNSON PRESIDENT ALEX JOHNSON DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AARON SEITZ

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER COURTNEY LAUB MARKETING MANAGER MELISSA MCCOY PHOTOGRAPHER DANI WATTS CONTRIBUTING WRITER KRISTY ECKERT

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WAINSCOT MEDIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RITA GUARNA CREATIVE DIRECTOR STEPHEN VITARBO SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR DARIUS AMOS

LIFESTYLE EDITOR HALEY LONGMAN CONTRIBUTING EDITORS CHRISTEN FISHER, EVERETT POTTER PUBLISHING STAFF GROUP PUBLISHER LIZETTE CHIN

ADVERTISING SERVICES DIRECTOR JACQUELYNN FISCHER

PUBLISHED BY CHAIRMAN CARROLL V. DOWDEN

PRODUCTION ART ASSOCIATE CHRISTOPHER FERRANTE

PRESIDENT & CEO MARK DOWDEN

ACCOUNTING KASIE CARLETON, URSZULA JANECZKO, STEVEN RESNICK

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS RITA GUARNA, CARL OLSEN

VICE PRESIDENTS LIZETTE CHIN, NIGEL EDELSHAIN, THOMAS FLANNERY, COLEMAN MCCARTAN, MARIA REGAN, STEVEN RESNICK, DIANE VOJCANIN

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WHAT’S INSIDE

06 W E L C O M E L E T T E R 09 D C N E W S 13 B R I D A L C U S T O M E R S

22 C H E E R S T O 7 5 Y E A R S

28 I N S P I R E D B Y A U D A C I T Y 31 L U X U R Y I N B L O O M

41 V I V E L A F R A N C E !

42 D E S I G N E R S P O T L I G H T 47 E A G E R T O B U I L D

48 T I M E LY T R I O

50 M O R O C C A N R A M B L E 54 M E S S A G E I N A B O T T L E 56 B L I N G I T O N 58 N O T B A D , B R A D

60 F I N A L W O R D

Jewelry has been enlarged to show detail. Due to the fluctuating prices of diamonds, gold and platinum, prices are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on size, quality and availability. While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, we are not responsible for errors or omissions.

DIAMOND CELLAR MAGAZINE is published by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656, in association with Diamond Cellar. Copyright © 2022 by Wainscot Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Editorial contributions: Write to Editor, Diamond Cellar, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. The magazine is not responsible for the return or loss of unsolicited submissions. Subscription services: To change an address or request a subscription, write to Subscriptions, Diamond Cellar, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656, or by telephone at 201-573-5541. Advertising inquiries: Contact Lizette Chin at lizette.chin@wainscotmedia.com. Printed in The U.S.A. Volume 20, Issue 1. ©2022

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When I was a kid, I had a dream. I wanted to sell $2 million in jewelry. When I told my dad—who owned Diamond Cellar—he patted me on the head.

“If you can sell $2 million in jewelry in your lifetime,” he chuckled, “you can consider yourself a success.”

The thing is, everything is possible. It’s what I’ve always believed— especially if you operate with integrity.

It’s easy to not do that, by the way. Especially in jewelry. You’re working with thousands and thousands of stones, and even with the world’s most talented craftspeople, there’s always the opportunity to chip or break one while setting it. Most people could chip a stone, turn it, put it under the prong, and let it go. The customer would never notice. We refuse to do that.

Because doing the right thing is always the right thing. My dad taught us that, and I hope I’ve taught my sons the same. It seems to be working.

In 1947, my father opened Diamond Cellar as a humble jewelry repair shop. This year, we celebrate 75 years. We have evolved into one of the nation’s largest family-owned luxury jewelers, with over $1 billion in jewelry sales across the country. And Alex—our third generation, who has led our expansion to Nashville and is mapping big things to come—has even bigger dreams than mine.

This milestone, of course, is as much a celebration of you as it is of us.

Thank you for journeying with us. Thank you for allowing us the honor of being part of your celebratory moments—the proposals, the weddings, the promotions, the births of your children. Thank you for dreaming alongside of us.

Everything is, indeed, possible.

Dream on.

Cheers, Andy Johnson

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COLUMBUS

DC NEWS

C É L E ST E WOWS The Céleste boutique is now open inside Diamond Cellar’s Columbus flagship store. Céleste is Diamond Cellar’s exclusive line of luxury, laboratory-grown diamonds that are Earth-friendly and cost up to 40 percent less than mined diamonds. The boutique showcases fashion, bridal and high-end jewelry designed and made to order by in-house goldsmiths, as well as loose diamonds that can be included in custom pieces.

D C G I V E S B AC K Diamond Cellar continues investing in the community in myriad ways, including these highlights: Strike Out Mental Illness Softball Game: We sponsored the iHeartMedia charitable celebrity softball game featuring musicians from bands like Twenty One Pilots and Walk the Moon.

Watches, Whiskey & Mustaches for Movember: We teamed with Oris to host a fundraiser at High Bank Distillery to raise money for Movember, a movement working to change the face of men’s health by advocating for mental health and suicide prevention, as well as prostate cancer and testicular cancer awareness.

Sparkling Spruce at Columbus Zoo: We were the presenting sponsor of the iconic holiday tree—decorated in Diamond Cellar blue and snowflakes—at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s annual holiday light festival.

WEDDING BAND WEEKEND This summer, Diamond Cellar will once again host its bi-annual Wedding Band Weekend featuring buy one, get one wedding bands plus special pricing on engagement rings and loose diamonds. Follow us on socials for dates and details.

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NASHVILLE N O R E G R E TS LO U N G E O P E N S London designer Stephen Webster opened his No Regrets Lounge and Boutique with a sexy launch party in our Green Hills Diamond Cellar. Guests enjoyed live music, cocktails and entertainment as they shopped Webster’s artistic collection of jewelry and upscale bar accessories. Stop by for a peek and a sip. Cheers!

ROLEX THRIVES Our Rolex shop, which is adjacent to Diamond Cellar in Green Hills, includes an unrivaled collection of Rolex timepieces plus a dedicated Rolex team and a certified Rolex service center. Thank you, Nashville, for blowing us away with your support for this timeless luxury brand.

TULSA C H E R R Y S T R E E T E X PA N D S As Tulsa’s downtown district continues flourishing, our location on Cherry Street—which will officially evolve from Bruce G. Weber Diamond Cellar to, simply, Diamond Cellar—is expanding. We are thrilled to be part of this thriving neighborhood of delicious eats, toast-worthy drinks and more.

E M I LY A R M E N TA I M P R E S S E S We hosted jewelry designer Emily Armenta for an exclusive evening of cocktails and shopping.

Several VIPs enjoyed meeting and mingling with the popular artist known for her stackable rings and bracelets.

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CELESTEDIAMONDS.COM

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r ou to s cheer ! es l up newest co

MICHAEL & JESSICA AUGE Columbus, OH | Married December 4, 2021

THE ASK Michael planned a surprise trip to Charleston, South Carolina, where he coordinated a cruise on a sailing yacht and proposed at sunset.

THE RING With help from Jessica’s best friend, Michael chose the ring of Jessica’s dreams, designed by talented Diamond Cellar jeweler Dan Mikel.

SHE CAN’T WAIT TO BE WEARING HER RING WHEN...

We continue our travel adventures around the world and build a family.

CAROLINE HILTY PHOTOGRAPHY

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MATTHEW & MARY COOLEY Columbus, OH | Married January 6, 2022

THE ASK Matthew collaborated with a group of friends to set up the proposal at Schiller Park in German Village. On the park’s stage, they spelled out “marry me” with little hearts. On each heart was written a memory the couple had shared in their time together so far.

THE RINGS The couple chose to customize their bands. Matthew recreated his father’s ring to carry his memory into their future. Mary wanted an elaborate design unlike any other and was able to achieve that with help from Diamond Cellar.

THE MOMENT HE KNEW THIS WAS FOREVER Matthew: I knew our relationship would last forever when I realized how much we changed each other for the better. I’ve never had something I’ve wanted to work so hard for in my life until I met Mary. Our strengths work together in tandem, and when one of us falls short, the other is always there to keep us moving forward as one.

MATYUK PHOTOGRAPHY

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@JEANNINELOMBARDOPHOTOGRAPHY

RYAN BRASSIL & STEPHANIE MAGNANI Long Island, NY | Engaged October 23, 2021

THE ASK Ryan proposed at Overlook Beach in Babylon, New York, where the couple spends summers together on their boat. They were halfway down the boardwalk before Stephanie noticed a beautiful setup on the beach including roses, champagne and their future wedding song playing. To top it off, he had Stephanie’s sister flown in to surprise her and take photos as he got down on one knee.

THE RING With the help of Stephanie’s sister, Ryan chose the perfect ring—which Stephanie considers extra special since her sister and future husband went through the process together.

SHE CAN’T WAIT TO BE WEARING HER RING WHEN… Stephanie: We both love to travel, so I can think of a million places that I would love to be wearing my ring. However, my future husband is a Merchant Marine, so he is usually out to sea three months at a time. I love being able to wear my ring and look down when I miss him and think of him and all of the future adventures I have to look forward to when he gets home.

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BLAKE BARNHART & KIMBERLY ROSELER Columbus, OH | Married March 26, 2022

THE ASK The couple went on a long weekend to The Greenbrier—Kim’s family’s favorite getaway spot. Unbeknownst to Kim, Blake had planned a long hike ending at the south entrance, where a photographer would be casually taking pictures of the hotel. Blake got down on one knee and proposed with a Ring Pop (as they always joked about) and then followed up with the beautiful Diamond Cellar ring.

THE RING Kim and Blake both wanted a high-quality ring that wasn’t loud or dramatic. Most importantly, Blake wanted it to reflect Kim—simple, elegant and exceptionally bright. Working with Diamond Cellar, he was able to create a beautiful ring engraved with a personal inscription that reflects their love.

SHE CAN’T WAIT TO BE WEARING HER RING WHEN...

For all of the moments, big and small, from traveling to all seven continents together to enjoying reheated pizza while binge-watching Schitt’s Creek.

NINA MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY

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CHOYCE JANEILL SCHMITZ @CHOYCEJANEILL

RICK FENIMORE & MARCELLA DITTAMORE Tulsa, OK | Engaged December 17, 2021

THE ASK The setting was out of a dream atop The Mayo Hotel Rooftop.

They were surrounded by fog, making it seem like they were the only ones in existence.

THE RING Marcella: I always wanted an oval diamond but wanted something unique to me. This was the first I tried on, and it was my perfect size with no adjustments needed. It was everything I wanted my engagement ring to be.

THE MOMENT HE KNEW THIS WAS FOREVER Rick: We knew this was forever when we drove back from the lake on a summer day in June and started talking about life and what it would really look like with us. Our desires aligned, and that was the night we said I love you for the first time. It was a moment we’ll never forget.

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AUSTIN BINDER & DANIELLE BROWN

GABE SIMMS & JULIANNE NOGAR

KYLE DAVIS & JESSICA TURNER

ASHLEY HEWITT PHOTOGRAPHY ZAMICK PHOTOGRAPHY

STEVE & LYNN GREAVES

APERTURE PHOTOGRAPHY

DANIEL MICHAEL PHOTOGRAPHY

JOSH & KAILEE CARRIGER

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AUSTIN BAILEY & SYBIL ROBINSON Grandview, OH | Engaged December 24, 2021

THE ASK They are both family people, and Austin knew how special it would be for Sybil if she was surrounded by those she loved for the proposal. He pulled Sybil outside at her family Christmas party and got down on one knee to ask her to marry him, and they were soon surrounded by 30 of Sybil’s family members to celebrate.

THE RING Austin: With both of our families being longtime customers, Diamond Cellar was always my first choice for buying Sybil’s engagement ring. Knowing what style ring would catch her eye, I took members from both of our families to help pick out “the one.”

SHE CAN’T WAIT TO BE WEARING HER RING WHEN… Sybil: I can’t wait to be wearing this ring for all of our wonderful journeys in life together.

614 PHOTOGRAPHY

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RYAN & TRESHA ROSS Tulsa, OK | Married January 22, 2022

THE ASK Ryan: Once you catch your breath at 12,998 feet, looking down on the town of Breckenridge and Keystone’s trails in the distance, you realize, wow—I picked a really good spot.

But then you have to wait to get the oxygen back in your lungs so you can actually ask the question. Luckily she was patient—and said yes!

THE RING Ryan: My bride is all class. The cut and look of the ring is, like her, classy. It also didn’t hurt that I had two ladies I trust (my mom and Michelle from Bruce G. Weber Diamond Cellar) right there with me. Bottom line though—you just know when the ring matches the person.

THE MOMENT THEY KNEW THIS WAS FOREVER We laugh a lot about it, but we both walked away from our first date thinking the same thing: I truly believe that this was my last first date. What was meant to be a short date turned into hours of conversation. When you share backgrounds, have distinct beliefs about what makes the world turn and share a passion for your kids, it is really hard to imagine a more perfect beginning.

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CENTO COLLECTION

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Diamond Cellar began as a jewelry repair shop in Columbus, Ohio that has evolved into one of the nation’s largest family-owned luxury jewelers. As we celebrate 75 years, we look back at our origin story, our present and our future.

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1960s 1940s

As World War II veterans returned home heroes, Coast Guardsman Robert W. Johnson was among them. A fresh-faced 20-year-old with a passion for working with his hands, he asked jewelry repairman Curly Miller to teach him his craft. The apprenticeship became a partnership. In 1947, the duo opened jewelry repair shop Miller & Johnson in Downtown Columbus, Ohio.

“No one is going to try as hard as we do, and that’s what sets us apart.”

As America found its footing in the Space Race, Robert Johnson found his in business. He bought out his partner, moved the shop into the basement of a downtown building and started selling jewelry on top of repairing it. Robert challenged his staff to give the company a new name. One thoughtful craftsman won with an appropriate idea: Diamond Cellar.

EARLY 1970s

As political unrest grabbed headlines nationwide, Robert Johnson made waves of his own by publishing a list of diamonds and their prices in a newspaper ad. His fellow jewelers were shocked. Customers responded to the straightforward approach. He kept innovating on the marketing front. He purchased an armored car, painted it Diamond Cellar blue and parked in various spots around Downtown.

-ROBERT JOHNSON

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“It inspired me to dream bigger. And everybody thought I was flippin’ crazy. Probably was.”

MID 1970s EARLY LATE 1980s 1980s -ANDY JOHNSON ON VISITING BORSHEIM’S

As business boomed, Robert opened Diamond Cellar’s second location in the Columbus suburb of Upper Arlington. He tapped his son Andy—a 20-year-old college student working alongside his father to put himself through college—to run the store. Andy’s goal? $300 in daily sales. He was soon hitting $10,000.

Robert Johnson began selling the company to his sons.

It was an era of luxury: The world was enamored with Princess Di, and Diamond Cellar was thriving. It combined its two locations into one larger store. It also invested in its first global buying trips, sending Andy to Israel and Antwerp to purchase diamonds.

And Robert finished selling the company to his sons.

By the end of the decade, Andy traveled to Omaha, Nebraska to visit Borsheim’s—the nation’s largest jewelry store, now owned by Warren Buffett. Andy left as an inspired man on a mission.

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“Oftentimes what I make is a symbol of a lifetime of companionship. It is truly a great thing to be a part of.”

-DAN MIKEL DESIGNER GOLDSMITH

1990s

EARLY 2000s 2010s As Apple released the iPod and Facebook launched at Harvard, Andy opened another Diamond Cellar at an innovative outdoor concept across Columbus called Easton Town Center. He also acquired stores in Oklahoma and Texas, making Diamond Cellar one of the nation’s largest independently owned jewelers.

Everyone was going big, from London (where Prince William and Kate Middleton captured the globe’s attention with their decadent royal wedding) to Dubai (where the world’s tallest building opened). Diamond Cellar was no exception. Its team traveled everywhere from Switzerland to Hong Kong to Las Vegas to curate luxury jewelry. And talented, in-house goldsmiths crafted custom jewelry for a roster that would range from young brides to celebrity athletes.

West Coast minds were launching the World Wide Web, and Andy Johnson was dreaming big, too. He kicked off the decade by making his inaugural trip to Basel for the world’s largest watch and jewelry show. This, he realized, was the game. And he wanted in. By decade’s end, Diamond Cellar bought and renovated a new flagship store. It boasted 23,000 square feet to house its goldsmiths and showcase pieces by the world-class designers who were becoming Andy’s friends.

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2020s MID 2010s

As Baby Boomers downsized and younger people yearned for high fashion at lower costs, Andy and his son, Jesse, saw another opportunity. Diamond Cellar Holdings opened Store 5a—a boutique selling pre-owned luxury accessories, from watches to handbags. The concept expanded to a second location almost immediately. Two of Andy’s sons began working with him full time, becoming the third generation in the family-owned business.

Grounded by the same values and fueled by the same ambitious dreams as his father, Alex Johnson—who is poised to lead the company himself—mapped a plan to open a Diamond Cellar and expansive Rolex shop in Nashville.

Internationally celebrated jewelry designer Stephen Webster opened his No Regrets Lounge inside that Music City Diamond Cellar.

Jesse added a Store 5a there, too. The family moved and expanded the Tulsa store into a gleaming new space, renovated its Columbus flagship and purchased a majority interest in Diamond Banc, a nationwide jewelry buyer and equity lender.

FUTURE

Rolex. Chanel. Cartier. Gucci. Hermès.

Yurman. Webster. Diamond Cellar carries them all and then some. It curates and creates luxury jewelry in eight stores—three in Columbus, Ohio; three in Nashville, Tennessee; and two in Tulsa, Oklahoma. More expansion is in the works. Because even 75 years in, the dream continues growing. “I’m always thinking bigger,” Andy Johnson says.

“Always wondering, ‘What happens if we go there?’ Luckily, I am surrounded by people who want to go there, too.”

“When someone gives you jewelry, it has this magical ability to supersede reality.

In these really crazy times, people are searching for ways to share love and show significance.

Jewelry’s always been a way of doing that.”

-ALEX JOHNSON

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INSPIRED

BY AUDACITY FOR THE WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT, ROLEX’S LADY-DATEJUST COMBINES ELEGANCE WITH UNCOMPROMISING TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE. BY CHRISTEN FISHER Since long before “women’s liberation” there have been women of stunning accomplishment in many fields beyond the home, and Rolex has recognized them for almost a century. Beginning in 1927 with Mercedes Gleitze, the first Englishwoman to swim the English Channel and Rolex’s first Testimonee, the brand has long championed women with the audacity to strive for and achieve excellence.

Society’s perception of women’s role continued to evolve and broaden in the years after World War II. Inspired by icons like actress Audrey Hepburn, writer Francoise Sagan and equestrian Pat Smythe, more women began to follow their own priorities and chase their own successes. Rolex took note, and in 1957 the company unveiled a watch inspired by and created for assertive, independent women forging their own paths to success, the Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust. At just 28 millimeters, the Lady-Datejust was a technical and cultural achievement that put the reliability and precision of a men’s watch into a case sized for a woman.

Today, the Lady-Datejust continues to set the standard for uncompromising technical performance and timeless elegance, gracing the wrists of such accomplished women as marine biologist Sylvia Earle, golf champion Annika Sörenstam and pianist Yuja Wang. These women are at the top of their fields, breaking barriers and records as they strive for ever-higher levels of excellence, paving the way for the next generation.

Made for a woman on the move, the Lady-Datejust is equipped with caliber 2236, a self-winding mechanical movement exclusively developed and manufactured by Rolex. Its Perpetual rotor ensures continuous winding of the mainspring by harnessing the movements of the wrist to provide constant energy. And when the road gets bumpy, the watch is notably resistant to shocks, thanks to a unique balance wheel with variable inertia regulated via gold Microstella nuts and are held firmly in place by a height-adjustable traversing bridge and high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers. Its Syloxi hairspring in silicon renders it 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring. It also boasts a power reserve of 55 hours.

Because you never know where the road to success might lead, the LadyDatejust’s Oyster case is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 meters.

Its middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel or 18K gold.

The finely fluted caseback is hermetically screwed down, and its Twinlock winding crown is fitted with a double waterproofness system and screws down securely against the case. Its sapphire crystal with Cyclops date lens at 3 o’clock is virtually scratchproof.

Though classic and timeless in style, the Lady-Datejust honors each woman’s individuality through its myriad dial, bezel and bracelet offerings.

Multiple dial variations are available in a wealth of materials, colors, motifs and markers—indices, Roman or Arabic numerals—with numerous gemsetting options for the hour markers or the dial itself.

Domed, fluted or gem-set, the bezel of the Lady-Datejust is available in three different designs, each conferring its own distinctive aesthetic.

The Lady-Datejust is available in several metal alloys: Oystersteel, 18K yellow, white or Everose gold and in a Rolesor version (a combination of Oystersteel and yellow, white or Everose gold).

Depending on the version, the Lady-Datejust is available on a three-piece link Oyster bracelet with a folding Oysterclasp; on a five-piece link Jubilee bracelet with a Crownclasp; or on a three-piece link President bracelet with a Crownclasp. The Lady-Datejust’s Oyster bracelet also features the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by the brand, which allows the wearer to increase the bracelet length easily by approximately 5 millimeters, for additional comfort in any circumstance. The President bracelet, fitted on some 18K gold versions, includes ceramic inserts inside the links to enhance its flexibility and longevity.

And for the woman whose success sparkles just a little brighter, Rolex recently introduced an entirely gem-set version in 18K yellow gold. The case is set with 158 brilliant-cut diamonds on the case sides and lugs, with the bezel featuring another 44 brilliant-cut diamonds. This new LadyDatejust is fitted on a President bracelet additionally set with 596 brilliantcut diamonds, and features a spectacular dial paved with an additional 291 brilliant-cut diamonds.

Inspired by the audacity of postwar women to achieve their own successes and sustained by the incredible women who carry on that legacy today, the Rolex Lady-Datejust is the face of modern femininity and a celebration of those who dared to lead the way.

The Rolex Lady-Datejust was a technical and cultural achievement that put the reliability and precision of a men’s watch into a case sized for a woman. Its modern iterations remain the face of femininity. Clockwise from top left: Lady-Datejust in an Everose Rolesor version, bezel set with 46 brilliant-cut diamonds, chocolate dial set with 10 diamonds; Lady-Datejust in 18 ct yellow gold, bezel set with 46 brilliant-cut diamonds, white mother-of-pearl dial set with 10 diamonds; The first Lady-Datejust, launched in 1957; Lady-Datejust in a white Rolesor version with a fluted bezel and a dark gray dial with Roman numerals.

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NAVARRA COLLECTION

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LUXURYIN

BLOOM Spring marks the special time of year where we are reminded of nature’s beauty through an awakening of color. The colors that surround us are often inspiration for the world’s greatest works of art. We believe jewelry is no different.

For 75 years, Diamond Cellar has created meaningful relationships with the world’s finest jewelry designers, enabling us to provide our customers with access to one-of-a-kind pieces of art. The art we curate isn’t something to be hung on a wall and enjoyed from a distance. Jewelry is created to be worn, to be cherished, to be loved. Join us as we explore springtime color through a beautiful collection of wearable art.

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LUXURY IN BLOOM

RED

The color of passion. Red’s intense hue signifies power and confidence. Be bold this season with a pop of red.

FROM TOP: OMI PRIVÉ RUBY DORE CHAIN, $4,000; DIAMOND CELLAR RUBY AND DIAMOND RING, $17,937; FERNANDO JORGE SMALL FLARE RING WITH RUBELLITES, $8,200; CARTIER BALLON BLEU DE CARTIER, $27,600; GUCCI G-TIMELESS, $1,200; PIRANESI CLASSIC FLOWER EARRINGS IN PINK SAPPHIRE, $7,600.

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LOEWE

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LUXURY IN BLOOM

YELLOW The color of happiness. Like a sun’s rays, yellow radiates a feeling of positive energy to everyone around you.

FROM TOP: STEPHEN WEBSTER CRYSTAL HAZE JITTERBUG RING, $6,500; GUCCI GG RUNNING NECKLACE, $2,200; NOMOS CLUB CAMPUS FUTURE ORANGE WATCH, $1,500; FERNANDO JORGE SMALL FLAME BRACELET, $6,500; CHANEL DIAMOND BOUTON DE CAMÉLIA EARRINGS, $10,800; ROBERTO COIN NAVARRA BANGLE, $10,500; DIAMOND CELLAR YELLOW SAPPHIRE DIAMOND RING, $38,899.

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CHRISTIAN DIOR

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LUXURY IN BLOOM

BLUE

The color of tranquility.

Feeling blue isn’t always a bad thing. Bring stability to your day with a calming dose of blue.

FROM TOP: PIRANESI BLUE SAPPHIRE DIAMOND FLOWER EARRINGS, $3,795; ROBERTO COIN ZODIAC LOVE IN VERONA LAPIS PENDANT ON PAPERCLIP CHAIN, $7,900; TUDOR PELAGOS FXD, $3,900; FERNANDO JORGE CHALCEDONY, MOONSTONE, WHITE OPAL, AND DIAMOND SIGNAL RING, $7,350; SLOANE STREET MULTI-SHAPE LONDON BLUE TOPAZ STACKER BAND, $1,090; GRAND SEIKO FOUR SEASONS FALL WATCH, $6,300; STEPHEN WEBSTER OPAL FLY BY NIGHT CRYSTAL HAZE RING, $4,500.

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SAINT LAURENT

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LUXURY IN BLOOM

VIO -LET The color of elegance.

Make an entrance with a touch of violet and show your distinguished side.

FROM TOP: DAVID YURMAN TANZANITE AND DIAMOND CHÂTELAINE NECKLACE, $1,850; HERMÈS MONTRE NANTUCKET MINI WATCH, $2,600; POMELLATO AMETHYST NUDO PETIT COLLECTION RING, $1,800; ELIZABETH LOCKE OVAL LAPIS LINK BRACELET, $8,250; LJ WEST 2.75CT AQUA GREEN AND DIAMOND RING, PRICE UPON REQUEST; MARCO BICEGO AMETHYST JAIPUR STUDS, $1,460.

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LANVIN

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VIVE LA FRANCE!

Don’t be surprised to hear a collective ‘oui oui’ when this classic and classy cocktail appears on the drink menu.

FRENCH 75 COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS 1 oz. gin ½ oz. simple syrup ½ oz. lemon juice, freshly squeezed ice cubes 3 oz. Champagne or sparkling wine

INSTRUCTIONS Combine gin, simple syrup and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker. Add in a few cubes of ice and shake until the shaker forms a frost. Strain into a Champagne flute or coupe. Top with Champagne and enjoy!

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MARCO BICEGO Swimming in the Mediterranean waters of the Sardinian coastline, Marco Bicego found inspiration in the chromatic and crystalline reflections of sunlight to design this young and whimsical collection. Shimmering rose and white quartz complement an infinitely elegant range of aqua blue and green semiprecious gemstones delicately paired with pearls. A joyous mix of delicate golden chains, tiny hand-engraved golden beads, and colorful gems join together to create another iconic collection.

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MARCO BICEGO 18K YELLOW GOLD PARADISE PEARL NECKLACE, $5,840; 3 STRAND BRACELET, $4,170; EARRINGS $1,340; LARIAT $4,510; BRACELET $1,580.

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DAVID YURMAN Iconic. Timeless. Classic. Such adjectives perfectly describe Cable, the pinnacle of David Yurman designs. The brand’s new collection, Cable Edge, brings a contemporary essence to this artistic technique in which one piece of metal is forged and torqued into the most perfect twist. These new pieces modernize Cable, but are reminiscent of some of Evan Yurman’s early forged metal works, crafted during his apprenticeship with a blacksmith. The unisex pieces in Cable Edge are crafted from recycled sterling silver or yellow gold and hand-set with diamonds. They can be worn individually—or all at once for a dramatic statement.

DAVID YURMAN CABLE EDGE 41MM CUFF BRACELET IN RECYCLED STERLING SILVER, $1,200; CABLE EDGE 5.5MM COLLAR NECKLACE IN 18K RECYCLED YELLOW GOLD, $9,500; CABLE EDGE 3.5MM HOOP EARRINGS IN 18K RECYCLED YELLOW GOLD WITH DIAMONDS, $2,400; CABLE EDGE 20MM SADDLE RING IN 18K RECYCLED YELLOW GOLD, $3,900; CABLE EDGE 4MM FULL PAVÉ BRACELET IN 18K RECYCLED YELLOW GOLD WITH DIAMONDS, $7,800.

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ROBERTO COIN Based in Vicenza, Italy and inspired by the art, love and architecture of the City of Gold, each Roberto Coin piece is timeless, innovative and unmistakably unique. Four of its signature collections include Navarra, featuring cross-cultural references inspired by this region in Spain; Love in Verona, the collection that is representative of the great love story of Romeo and Juliet and is a symbol of perfect love; Tassel, in which the decorative feature is complemented by precious stones and metals; and Obelisco, echoing the obelisk and intended for an elegant, confident woman. Each handmade piece in every Roberto Coin collection is cast with a tiny red ruby, the designer’s signature that sends a message of peace, prosperity and happiness to his wearer.

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ROBERTO COIN 18K YELLOW GOLD DIAMOND ZIPPER NECKLACE, $12,300; 18K YELLOW GOLD LOVE IN VERONA DIAMOND NECKLACE, $5,400; 18K YELLOW GOLD NAVARRA DIAMOND ACCENT RING, $2,100; 18K ROSE GOLD OBELISCO FLEXIBLE BANGLE WITH DIAMOND CENTER, $11,300; LOVE IN VERONA RAINBOW RING WITH SAPPHIRES, DIAMONDS AND MOTHER OF PEARL, $6,500.

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SLOANE STREET Award winning mother-daughter design duo Frances and Charlotte Gadbois joined forces in mid-2014 to form Sloane Street, a luxury fine jewelry brand that effortlessly mixes unique color combinations with their signature 18K gold texturing running through each hand-finished piece. This season’s designs were inspired by the current world climate by highlighting the individuality of each shape and uniting them to make one.

MICHAEL BONDANZA Michael Bondanza is a self-taught artisan whose work has a timeless sophistication that caters to a discerning clientele. His approach to jewelry making is one that centers on a high degree of craftsmanship, displaying a combination of modern and classic silhouettes, delicate, feminine styles as well as strong and architectural designs. This coin, featuring Athena the Goddess of Wisdom and Strategy, is arguably one of the most recognized in the world. According to myth, an owl sat on Athena’s blindside so she could see the whole truth.

SLOANE STREET 18K YELLOW GOLD LONDON BLUE TOPAZ 18IN CHAIN, $2,105; CLUSTER TAPERED RING, $4,335; OPEN MARQUISE EARRINGS, $5,570; FIVE STONE BAND, $1,410. MICHAEL BONDANZA OWL OF ATHENS COIN ON FACETED AQUAMARINE BEAD NECKLACE WITH 18K YELLOW GOLD, $19,195.

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HERMÈS GALOP D’HERMÈS PM, WATCH IN STEEL, BLACK BARENIA CALF STRAP, $3,525; GALOP D’HERMÈS WATCH IN DIAMOND-SET STEEL, SMOOTH RASPBERRY ALLIGATOR STRAP, $9,400; CAPE COD CHAINE D’ANCRE JOAILLIER WATCH IN DIAMONDSET STEEL, BLACK ALLIGATOR STRAP, $11,350.

GALOP D’HERMÈS The Galop d’Hermès watch created in 2019 embodies a singular creative approach. It revisits the equestrian codes of the Maison with its stirrup-inspired curve and appears in a new small-sized gold or steel interpretation.

Galop d’Hermès was born from the detailed observations of Californian designer Ini Archibong, who immersed himself in the Hermès Conservatory of Creations. Bits, stirrups, bridles, harnesses: he blends his distinctive, bright and pared-down style with the avant-gardism and functional simplicity of Hermès objects.

CAPE COD The new Cape Cod is a strong new link harbouring a daring style and taking femininity on board in a subtly mischievous manner. On this large steel model, the “anchor chain” motif imagined by Robert Dumas in 1938 diverts watchmaking traditions by charting a course with creativity as its compass.

The Cape Cod watch became a ‘square in a rectangle’ in the bold design sketched by Henri d’Origny in 1991.

Original and playful, rigorous and graphic, this stylish figurehead glides smoothly through the waves of time with the ease of an ageless icon. In 1998, it adopted the double tour strap, which proved an immediate success.

In 2016, it treated itself to dials in stone, lacquer and colorful new leather variations. A year later, it opted for a matte black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) case.

Successive styles set sail on free and fanciful breezes.

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EAGER TO BUILD A TOP JEWELRY BRAND’S NEW LEADER REVEALS HIS APPRECIATION OF ITS HERITAGE—AND ZEAL FOR ITS FUTURE.

BY RITA GUARNA

Last November, Evan Yurman was promoted to president of David Yurman Enterprises LLC, the jewelry design brand founded by his parents, David and Sybil, more than half a century ago.

The new president, now 40, has two decades of experience with the company, having served as chief creative officer and led its men’s, wedding, high and fine jewelry businesses. Evan also supervised the redesign of the flagship store on New York City’s 57th Street. In a brief recent chat, we inquired about his thoughts, on- and off-duty.

You’ve said that your vision for the business is “to build and sustain.” Tell us how you see the company evolving as you embrace your new role as president.

In 2022 and beyond, we are looking to continue to evolve our brand by honoring our heritage— craftsmanship, product, design and innovation— while also seeking to deepen our company’s roots in the visual arts and creative communities. Also, as with any business that hopes to sustain itself in growth, we must continue to focus on the employee experience and journey.

What are you proudest of, professionally and personally?

Growing up within the company has given me an appreciation for the incredible work that has gone into building it. My parents started this brand more than 50 years ago, and in many ways they were trailblazers in the industry. I’m excited to build on their legacy, and to continue to evolve and shape the future of the brand and what it stands

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for. I am most proud of our men’s business, which I created in 2005. A creative outlet for me, it has also been a driving force in our growth.

Tell us something that people would be surprised to learn about you.

I love to cook! It brings me great joy to be able to share this with friends and family. I love to build on my menu when I travel, taking great inspiration from the Far East and different regions of Europe, both coastal and inland. I also enjoy meeting the people who grow and care for ingredients with the same care as I do for my designs and products.

You’re paving your own way in the family business. What are your thoughts about one or more of your children following in your footsteps?

I love the idea of my children joining the business.

My oldest daughter, Cody, has already designed a few collections, and I couldn’t be prouder of her.

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TIMELY TRIO THREE NEW PRODUCTS FROM PATEK PHILIPPE ADD LUSTER TO THE TWO-CENTURY TRADITION OF THE CHRONOGRAPH. BY CHRISTEN FISHER Until nine years ago it was believed that the chronograph—derived from the Greek words “chronos” meaning time and “graphein” meaning to write—was invented by a man named Nicolas Mathieu Rieussec in 1821. Designed to time horse races and accurate to the second, Rieussec’s mechanism dropped a spot of ink on the dial to mark the interval, literally writing time as the name suggests.

However, in 2013 it was discovered by watch historians—including Arnaud Tellier, former head of the Patek Philippe Museum—that a watchmaker named Louis Moinet had, in fact, created a stopwatch mechanism five years earlier, in 1816. Intended to be used for astronomy, Moinet’s invention was accurate to 1/60th of a second. Much like modern chronographs, Moinet’s invention did not use ink. (Nor did it get much ink, as for a long time all the fame went to Rieussec’s as the first marketed chronograph.)

Though the chronograph’s origin story has changed, its name and its status as one of the most popular and useful watch complications live on. Patek’s long history of innovation in complicated watches has included the chronograph since 1902, the year of its patent for the first double chronograph pocket watch. In 1923 the company sold the first split-seconds chronograph, and since 2005 it has offered a complete range of chronograph movements, with and without additional functions, designed and crafted entirely within its workshops. Recently, the manufacturer expanded its collection by unveiling three new chronograph variations: (1) a split-seconds chronograph with a perpetual calendar (Reference 5204R-011); (2) a self-winding World Time flyback chronograph (Reference 5930P-001); and (3) a self-winding flyback chronograph with an annual calendar (Reference 5905/1A-001).

The newest version of the split-seconds chronograph with perpetual calendar Reference 5204 is designed to evoke a contemporary spirit with its handpolished rose gold case and matching slate gray dial and strap. Besides the chronograph function, the 5204 features Patek’s most advanced calendar function, the perpetual calendar. Considered a grand complication, the perpetual calendar accounts for all monthly variations including leap year and will not need to be manually adjusted until the year 2100 (the first century year not divisible by 400).

On the slate-gray sunburst dial, the day and month are displayed in two in-line apertures at 12 o’clock. The date hand at 6 o’clock incorporates the moon-phase aperture. Small seconds and the instantaneous 30-minute counter appear on two subdials at 9 and 3 o’clock. Two small round apertures display the leap-year cycle 48

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between 4 and 5 o’clock and the day/night indication between 7 and 8 o’clock. The new 5204 is available with interchangeable sapphire crystal and solid casebacks.

Patek’s second new release, Reference 5930P-001, combines two functions: a self-winding flyback chronograph and the iconic World Time. The 5930’s movement, caliber CH 28-520 HU, is equipped with a column wheel and the modern disk-type vertical clutch allowing the central hand to be used as a running seconds display. The 4 o’clock pusher enables instant restarting of the timing operation when the central hand is already performing an operation (“flyback” function) or is being used as a seconds display. The World Time function simultaneously displays the time in 24 time zones. When changing time zones, an exclusive patented mechanism enables correction of all displays by pressing the 10 o’clock pusher, without affecting the accuracy of the movement.

Originally launched in 2016 in a white gold version with a blue dial and matching strap, Patek’s newest iteration of the 5930 is sporty yet cosmopolitan, combining the brilliance of platinum with a green dial and strap. The 39.5-millimeter, hand-polished platinum case is set with a diamond at 6 o’clock and features “wing-type” lugs reminiscent of World Time watches of the 1940s and ’50s. The names of the cities are printed in green on the corresponding disk. The green dial center is hand-guilloched in a circular pattern. The new 5930 is presented on a bottle-green shiny alligator strap with a foldover clasp.

The maison’s third new release is a self-winding flyback chronograph with Annual Calendar, Reference 5905/1A-001, in the rarely used but highly desirable steel. First launched as a platinum model in 2015, then in rose gold in 2019, Reference 5905

combines two practical and easy-to-use complications: a self-winding flyback chronograph and a patented annual calendar. The annual calendar accounts for monthly variations and only requires adjustment once per year on March 1.

With a distinctively sporty feel, the new 5905 features a sunburst olive green dial with a central chronograph hand, a large 60-minute subdial at 6 o’clock and three day/date/month apertures arranged in an arc for instant reading of the Annual Calendar indications. The selfwinding mechanical movement Caliber CH 28 520 QA 24H also has a vertical disk-type clutch instead of toothed-wheel horizontal clutch, which allows the central chronograph seconds hand to be used as a running seconds display with virtually no wear and tear. The 42-millimeter polished steel case is equipped with a sapphire-crystal caseback and set on an integrated bracelet with contrasting polished and satin finishes.

Whether it is one of these three latest versions or another of the more than 20 variations in the current collection—including a chronograph made exclusively for women (Ref. 7150/250R-001)—the people at Patek Philippe believe you’re sure to find one of their chronographs that suits your needs and style.

Opposite page: Patek Philippe 5204 Grand Complications features a splitsecond chronograph and a perpetual calendar, as well as a slate gray sunburst dial, gold applied hour markers with luminescent coating and an 18K gold dial plate; Ref. 5905 self-winding flyback chronograph has a sunburst olive green dial and a handsome steel bracelet. This page: Ref. 5930 self-winding World Time flyback chronograph is available in a new version that combines a platinum case with a green dial and strap; Complication Ladies’ Ref. 7150 in 18K rose gold has a diamond bezel, sapphire crystal case back and a brown alligator leather strap.

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Dating back to at least the 5th century B.C., Essaouira is one of the oldest and most picturesque cities in Morocco. Director Orson Welles shot here in the 1950s, and musicians Jimi Hendrix, Cat Stevens and others spent time in the town.

MOROCCAN RAMBLE

ON A BICYCLE, ON CAMELBACK OR WITH BARE FEET GOING DEEP IN THE SAND, THIS INTOXICATING NORTH AFRICAN NATION IS A FEAST FOR THE SENSES. BY EVERETT POTTER Morocco is where the Middle Ages and the 21st century meet, from the exotic smells and sounds of the medina, or marketplace, of Marrakech to the undulating and seemingly endless sand dunes of the Sahara.

What’s the best way to get a taste of it? I chose to bike through the country, riding a hybrid with a group of compatriots, two guides and a couple of drivers in SUVs, who helped us reach further into the country than our twowheeled vehicles could.

We rendezvoused in Casablanca, a city that justifies its indelible romantic reputation. There was no riding here, but there was time for sightseeing at the Hassan II, one of the world’s largest mosques, and wandering through the old Art Deco quarters, redolent of the classic Bogart-and-Bergman movie that has made the city’s name a synonym for passion doomed by an endangered world.

The trip began in earnest with a flight to Ouarzazate in the High Atlas Mountains, the jumping-off point for our exploration of the Draa Valley. The striking architectural centerpiece of the city is Taourirt Kasbah, a 19th-century, earthen-walled terracotta palace. You may have never set foot in Ouarzazate but you’ve seen it many times, because it’s a favorite of Hollywood location

scouts. Its mountainous desert landscape is the home of Atlas Studios and has appeared in Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and Kundun, among many other films.

This first day of riding set the stage for much of the rest of the trip. We pedaled through a landscape of palm trees and villages, donkeys and goat herds. The simple houses were made of stone with ornately carved wooden doors, with veiled women and men in djellabas, the traditional hooded robes, watching our progress. Dusty plains gave way to a backdrop of arid, snowcapped mountains. Our route was punctuated by towns that were as vibrant and lively and exotic as any Hollywood screenwriter could have dreamed up, as if the rug merchants and the spice sellers and the street magicians came out of central casting. The riding could be hot and was very often dusty, but the distances were manageable.

When we arrived in Zagora, I saw a mural that announced “Tombouctou 52 days,” telling you that it would take 52 days to make the journey by camel to Timbuktu, Mali. We ate delicious tagine with chicken and lamb, and I awoke just before dawn with the call to prayer reverberating from loudspeakers in towering minarets.

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THIS PAGE: Cyclists who endure the ups and downs of Morocco’s dusty and varied terrain are rewarded with breathtaking vistas—and delicious chicken, lamb and other food when they reach their destinations. After a long day of bike riding, unwinding with mint tea at Cafe Arabe in Marrakech is a treat. Once riders have dined, they can prop up their feet and enjoy luxurious accommodations offered at many first-rate resorts.

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The next day, we rode to the eastern edge of the country, where the Sahara begins, and swapped our hybrid bikes for camels. It was a good thing that we weren’t planning to spend the next 52 days heading to Timbuktu, because I was perched precariously atop the temperamental beast on a rough saddle made of wood and carpets. But as we set off, the promised magic and mystery of the desert revealed themselves quite quickly. We were invited to wrap our heads in the traditional Tuareg tagelmust, the headscarves that made us all resemble the supporting cast of Lawrence of Arabia. They did offer remarkable protection from the blazing desert sun as we rode through a landscape of rolling dunes and blue skies. There was a small oasis on the horizon, with a healthy stand of date palms, and we arrived at our desert camp for the night, with tents furnished with raised beds and Berber carpets. After a dinner, a million stars emerged, and I walked barefoot through the cold sand back to the tent.

In the morning, we drove back into the High Atlas and stopped in a high pass for an impromptu snowball fight, just for the bragging rights. Later on, we mounted our bikes and spent the night in the High Atlas at Kasbah Tamadot, settling into the lap of Moroccan luxury in this 28-room property owned by Sir Richard Branson.

We carried on the next morning on the road to Essaouira, riding our bikes past argan trees with thick, thorny branches on which goats perched. The sight is surreal, but the nimble goats climb up to eat the fruit of the trees, now aided and abetted by farmers eagerly seeking tips from passing tourists.

As the very hot day began to wane, we saw buildings on the horizon and got a scent of the ocean and realized that we had arrived in Essaouira. This was easily my favorite city on the trip, a place that dates to at least the 5th century B.C., with massive stone ramparts overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, narrow streets and alleyways, as well as a broad beach, that stretch far south of the city. In the 1950s, famed director Orson Welles shot his version of Othello here.

By the late 1960s, the place had become a hippie haven, and musicians such as Cat Stevens and Jimi Hendrix spent time there. As I walked the beach south of the city, I met a few wetsuit-clad surfers from France who had been coming for years to what they had nicknamed “Wind City Afrika,” as the Atlantic winds blow nonstop on this corner of the continent.

THIS PAGE: Marrakech is the soul of all things Moroccan. It’s filled with history, including the Koutoubia Mosque, as well as lively markets that feature carpets, teapots, pottery and more for sale. Opposite page: Moroccan design is a trend spotted around the world, and there’s no shortage of it in the country’s architecture. Examples shown here include the Tin Mal Mosque in the High Atlas Mountains, a palace in Fes and Ait-Ben-Haddou in Ouarzazate.

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Yet it was the city itself, with its densely packed stone buildings, crumbling palaces and a slightly ramshackle charm that was so evocative. Buildings are mostly white, the doors mostly blue, and the medina is jammed with spice sellers and wood-carving shops, diminutive cafés and fruit sellers. Little wonder that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Our final destination was Marrakech, which is the soul of all things Moroccan.

With the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains in the distance, it’s a hot, densely packed oasis, a paradise of lush gardens and a maze-like medina. It’s also a chic getaway for the Euro-fashion crowd, many of whom stay in converted riads, walled houses that have become stylish hotels in the heart of the city. We stayed in the most famous hotel in the country, La Mamounia, a near centuryold indulgence of luxury, boasting an Olympic-size pool surrounded by the most glamorous crowd this side of the French Riviera.

I wandered the labyrinth lanes of Marrakech, where Berber carpets, silver teapots, pottery and acres of rugs were for sale. I wandered through the dreamy Jardin Majorelle, a garden designed in the 1920s that was later bought and restored by the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.

For the final meal, we went to an elevated open-air restaurant that had been reserved for us. It overlooked the Jma el-Fna, the center of Marrakech, a vast open square that’s a remnant of the Middle Ages. It’s where snake charmers serenade cobras, touts carry monkeys on their shoulders and dancers do cartwheels. There are fortune tellers with henna-patterned hands, and the oft-photographed water sellers, dressed as court jesters. As one companion had her hand decorated in a henna tattoo, a fortune teller took my hand and offered to read my palm, telling me that I would have 13 children. As fortunes go, this one was wildly inaccurate, but it did nothing to diminish the magic of this remarkable country.

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ENEMIGO “00” EXTRA ANEJO TEQUILA Dubbed “zero-zero” as the first iteration was considered flawless, this exclusive spirit (less than 1,000 cases are released each year) is produced with a clean, environmentally friendly process that incorporates reused agave. Thus the multi-award-winning tequila is best sipped and savored. It has notes of agave and black pepper on the nose with balanced flavors of agave, green apple and toast on the palate. The extra-long finish leaves hints of vanilla and tobacco. An exquisite spirit should be paired with food that’s just as delicate: Try this one with Indian or Japanese cuisine.

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NOW HEAR THIS: MEXICO’S BEST-TASTING TEQUILAS AND MEZCALS—THESE SEVEN, FOR EXAMPLE—HAVE STEPPED UP TO THE FRONT RANK OF THE WORLD’S LIQUORS. BY DARIUS AMOS

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DON JULIO REAL TEQUILA

GRAN PATRON BURDEOS TEQUILA

SATRYNA LIMITED EDITION TEQUILA

The bottle can be saved as a collector’s item, but what’s inside is too good not to be experienced. One of the original luxury premium tequilas, Don Julio Real is made of Weber agave found in Jalisco, Mexico, and best sipped neat and at room temperature—the way one would savor fine Scotch or Cognac. It has a gentle citrus and honey nose, with flavor highlighted by caramel, chocolate and toffee. The long finish has a slight hint of wood. Don Julio Real pairs well with sauces used in Mexican cuisine such as rich mole.

Long considered one of the world’s finest tequilas for sipping (and cocktails), this spirit is made from Weber blue agave and aged in American and French oak barrels in Jalisco. Its color is dark amber, and its aroma recalls fine Bordeaux wine with a taste of oak wood, vanilla and raisins. With a velvety finish and unique smokiness, Gran Patron Burdeos is a fantastic sip for those dining on barbecued meats such as grilled chicken, or a companion to desserts made with rich chocolate.

The maker of this exclusive tequila hand-crafts its spirits using steamed blue Weber agave from fields near Guadalajara. Its limited-edition blanco is produced in small batches and bottled in a French decanter that pays tribute to the Day of the Dead. Its fragrance has notes of fresh herbs and lemon, while its smooth and subtle taste is of sweet honey agave with hints of spice. A smooth vanilla finish offers a clean and dry aftertaste. Try a sip with a sweet chili shrimp appetizer for a wonderful sweet-and-spicy combo.

THE LOST EXPLORER MEZCAL

CLASE AZUL MEZCAL GUERRERO

This company has made an immediate impact since its founding in 2020, and its Tobalá variety is already a leader of the agave-based spirits world. With each sip of the agave, aged 10 years, one detects aromas of dry tobacco and cocoa before the taste of vanilla with hints of leather hits the senses. The spirit’s finish is smooth with a touch of citrus and fresh grass. Handcrafted in Oaxaca as are all Lost Explorer mezcals, Tobalá spent much of 2021 racking up accolades, including silver at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a silver with 94 points at the International Wine and Spirits Competition. Try it while enjoying chocolate with caramel sea salt.

World-renowned for its luxury tequila, this company last year honored a lesser-known region of Mexico with the release of Clase Azul Mezcal Guerrero. Its artisan decanter is surpassed only by the unique flavor of the mezcal, made from 10 percent Papalote agave, which is specific to Guerrero. One takes in grapefruit, rosemary and hints of daisy on the nose while tasting seaweed, lemon juice, pepper and notes of tobacco on the palate.

This spirit pairs well with seafood cooked with lemon and butter and sweet treats such as white chocolate with jam.

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AGUA MÁGICA Founded by a Mexican team based in New York and Oaxaca, this ultra-premium brand launched a smallbatch mezcal in 2021, paying tribute to the traditional process of using more than one agave type to make the spirit. Known as Ensamble, Agua Mágica is a blend of Espadín aged seven years and 15-year-old Tobalá.

It starts with a light sugar cane juice on the nose and has a pronounced smoky taste like many mezcals—but not overpowering. One detects hints of grapefruit and roasted nuts before enjoying a lavender finish. In addition to making great-tasting mezcal, Agua Mágica supports an “Empowering Mezcaleros” program, which assists family-run palenques (distilleries) with the certification process to sell their mezcal.

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BLING IT ON

DANIELE VENTURELLI /GETTY IMAGES ENTERTAINMENT

STEFANIE KEENAN/GETTY IMAGES ENTERTAINMENT

WHEN RED-CARPET EVENTS MADE A COMEBACK IN ’21, WELL-BEDECKED CELEBS SET A SHINING EXAMPLE.

LEFT: Unorthodox nominee Shira Haas wore head-totoe Chanel to the 2021 Golden Globes, including a Chanel Fine Jewelry choker featuring a lion, a classic symbol of Coco Chanel.

RIGHT: To the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, actress Kat Graham wore a rose gold choker from Pomellato’s Iconica Collection, a matching wraparound bracelet in rose gold and diamonds, two iconic Nudo Collection diamond rings and a pair of rose gold dangle earrings.

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VITTORIO ZUNINO CELOTTO/GETTY IMAGES ENTERTAINMENT

MARCUS MAM/ GETTY IMAGES ENTERTAINMENT

LEFT: To honor her first-ever nomination, for Mank, Amanda Seyfried wore $1 million worth of Forevermark diamonds to the 2021 Golden Globes. The pieces were the diamond yellow-drop earrings set in platinum and 18K yellow gold, and the Rahaminov diamond choker set in 18K white gold.

RIGHT: Model Candice Swanepoel opted for Pomellato’s La Gioia High Jewelry Collection at Cannes 2021, specifically the Catene necklace in white gold and matching earrings set with 564 diamonds.

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Seemingly agedefying actor Brad Pitt hasn’t conquered time, but he sure knows how to track it. His luxury watch collection includes a bevy of Patek Philippe, Rolex and Breitling pieces, like this Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Norton.

NOT BAD,

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3/17/22 2:13 PM

Hollywood’s handsome William Bradley Pitt has a watch collection almost as imposing as his résumé.

BY HALEY LONGMAN

Brad Pitt is everyone’s type. He’s classically handsome, confusingly age-defying (at 58) and instantly recognizable both by name and by face. And just in case his three decades of achievement in glamorous Hollywood don’t make us jealous enough, this multi-talented dude has a diverse collection of luxury timepieces that just won’t quit.

Early in his career, Pitt was spotted wearing classic luxury watches both in everyday life and at swanky events—the handsome and versatile Rolex Explorer and Breitling Emergency were his go-tos. Breitling launched the Emergency in 1995 as a backup transmitter for downed pilots or lost adventurers, fitting for a globetrotting actor-turned-producer-director who travels more than he sits still.

Perhaps his choice in watches then was foreshadowing, because in 2019, Pitt’s Oscar-winning Once Upon a Time…In Hollywood year, he became the handsome face of the Swiss brand Breitling. He’s also one of three actors in the “Breitling Cinema Squad,” an ad campaign and social initiative established in 2018 featuring the best-of-the-best in their field (the other two are Charlize Theron and Adam Driver). The Super Chronomat B01 and Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Norton are among Pitt’s faves from Breitling, the latter a collaboration with the British motorcycle manufacturer. (Pitt is a keen motorcyclist, a hobby he shares with son Pax.) But first, in 2005 (coincidentally the year in which he met his future wife Angelina Jolie on the set of their film, Mr. and Mrs. Smith) the Oklahoma native was tapped as TAG Heuer’s spokesmodel. He owns a TAG Heuer

Carrera Calibre 16 Automatic Chronograph, and his character in 2011’s Moneyball famously sported the TAG Heuer Kirium, which the film’s prop master presented to the actor as an option after finding it on a crew member’s wrist. This particular watch has a midnight blue dial, Mercedes-style hands, a unidirectional rotating dive bezel and a classic case build.

One of Pitt’s most famous wristwatches is the iconic Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711. Rumored to be an engagement gift from Jolie, Pitt’s Nautilus has a dark dial and a stainless-steel case and bracelet and is water-resistant to 120 meters.

And don’t quote us on this, but surely Pitt was given a Rolex or two by his other ex-wife, Jennifer Aniston, who herself has an impressive watch collection. Pitt owns a Rolex GMT Master II, a Rolex Daytona in stainless steel with a white dial, a Day-Date, a Submariner and a yellow gold Yacht-Master, among others.

Arguably the pinnacle of Pitt’s vault is the minimalistic Cartier Tank à Guichet in 18K gold, an unusual selection that proves that this guy is no novice collector. Instead of a dial, the Tank à Guichet has a “jump-hour” mechanism, in which the hour and minutes are revealed behind tiny little windows on the metal face. It’s a limited-edition piece that debuted to celebrate Cartier’s 150th anniversary, and it is in fact a reiteration of the original Tank à Guichet from 1928. Only 100 of these have been produced globally.

Clearly then, this dad-of-six picks his wristwatches as he picks his projects— thoughtfully, informedly and with concern for how each will affect his legacy.

His 2022 ventures thus far include an as-yet-untitled Formula One film, along with an unexpected foray into the music industry, where he is reopening Miraval Studios, the legendary recording facility located at Château Miraval in France.

As for the long-term future? It’s hard to picture Pitt ever getting old, but of course he hasn’t defeated time; he only tracks it magnificently. In any case, it’s a sure bet he’ll always be watchable.

FACE TIME The Big Short of it—Brad Pitt’s collection of luxury timepieces is as illustrious as his career. Here are a few worth ogling:

Since 2018, Pitt has been a member of the “Breitling Cinema Squad,” an ad campaign in which he shows off pieces such as this Breitling Super Chronomat B01.

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Pitt reportedly purchased this rare Patek Philippe Ref 5016A with a Calatrava-style case at an auction in Geneva in 2015. The price? $6.7 million.

In addition to his Rolex President, Day-Date, Submariner and Yacht-Master, Pitt also owns this stainless-steel Rolex Explorer with a black dial.

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- ALEX JOHNSON

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