CELEBRATING MORE THAN A CENTURY OF EXPERTISE, INTEGRITY, AND EXCELLENCE
Christopher D. Navarro
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Jennifer P. Henderson
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ayzia James, Skye Sherman
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Karin Belgrave, Randi Fair, Nell Hoving, Nick Mele, Jonathan Paul
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Rita Guarna
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Stephen Vitarbo
SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR Darius Amos
ASSISTANT EDITOR Kirsten Meehan
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Robert Beringela, Christen Fisher, Everett Potter, Donna Rolando
PUBLISHER
Lizette Chin
ADVERTISING/PRODUCTION SERVICES
Griff Dowden, Christopher Ferrante, Jacquelynn Fischer, Maria Martucci, Catherine Rosario
ACCOUNTING
Kasie Carleton, Urszula Janeczko, Steven Resnick
PUBLISHED BY Wainscot Media
CHAIRMAN
Carroll V. Dowden
PRESIDENT AND C.E.O.
Mark Dowden
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS
Edward R. Burns, Lizette Chin, Thomas Flannery, Rita Guarna
VICE PRESIDENTS
Nigel Edelshain, Noelle Heffernan, Maria Regan, Steven Resnick
AUSTIN BUTLER WEARS NAVITIMER
DEAR FRIENDS,
Welcome to the new issue of ACCENT magazine, for spring and summer 2025. This time of year always brings a feeling of renewal and growth, as we take the ideas and imaginings of the previous months and set them in optimistic motion.
Our founder, Irving Siegel, was a well-known proponent of the adage, “Less is more.” In 1981, he instructed a newly inducted Hank, “You will always achieve greater success from reinvesting in your existing locations and communities, rather than spreading yourself too thin.” So, the company has maintained a limited collection of stores to ensure our clients enjoy the most extraordinary shopping experiences and superior service with a well-trained, client-oriented team, in the most beautiful of surroundings.
We took Irving’s words to heart when we recently celebrated our 48th season in Palm Beach by unveiling a new look for our first store in the city. The Worth Avenue location received “a sophisticated glow-up,” to quote a noted industry media outlet, and what a glow-up it is: The light, bright interiors and open-concept layout have breathed new life into the space, and provided the ideal backdrop for us to showcase the fine jewelry and watches from the luxury designers we love. This reimagining represents one milestone moment among many in Hamilton’s long history, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to bring this dream to fruition in Palm Beach.
In the pages of this new issue, you’ll find other stories of places, spaces, and people who are investing in their communities and reimagining what is possible, too. Happy reading and we look forward to welcoming you soon in our Palm Beach and Princeton stores.
HANK B. SIEGEL, PRESIDENT AND C.E.O.
@HAMILTONCEO
SIEGEL,
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
@HAMILTONNEXTGEN
The newly renovated Hamilton Jewelers boutique, located at 215 Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Florida.
SCULPTED CABLE COLLECTION
HAMILTON HAPPENINGS
FROM PALM BEACH TO PRINCETON
A FESTIVE HOLIDAY FÊTE IN PRINCETON
On Friday, December 13, 2024, Hamilton bedecked its Nassau Street, Princeton, store in its festive best to usher in the official start to the holiday shopping season.
For three days, the Festive Fête event drew clients into the shop to experience the latest pieces from some of Hamilton’s most notable jewelry designers, including David Yurman, Goshwara, Repossi, Nouvel Heritage, Dinh Van, Temple St. Clair, Etho Maria, and Pomellato.
Attendees also indulged in seasonally inspired drinks from the Roving Bar and received personalized illustrations drawn by artist Deanna First.
THE MISSION:
CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITIES THAT SUPPORT US
When Irving Siegel opened Hamilton Jewelers in 1912, he established a foundation of honesty, integrity, and service to customers and community. We hold firm to that founding tenet today as we collaborate with the many charitable groups in all of the places we call “home.” One such organization is Princeton Nursery School, an educational preschool and childcare facility in Princeton, NJ. Executive director Leanna Jahnke is the current steward of the nonprofit school’s nearly 100-year legacy and its biggest advocate, working to highlight both “the unspoken history and present-day unspoken community challenges experienced right here in Princeton.” Here, she shares a few of the things that makes PNS so special—and so vital to the community.
THE PROGRAMMING:
“The mission of PNS is to empower children and families through exceptional early childhood education and supportive services that are affordable to all. Equity and accessibility are at the heart of our work. We provide quality and exceptional early childhood education and wraparound, equitable services that effectively support children and their families to break cycles of generational poverty and create paths toward generational wealth.”
THE HISTORY:
“PNS was founded in 1929, in the formerly segregated Witherspoon-Jackson district in Princeton. The founder [Margaret Matthews-Flinsch] was purposeful in ensuring school was accessible to Black mothers living in Witherspoon-Jackson who were forced to decide between providing financially for their families or providing childcare for their children. The impact went far beyond its segregated streets: Black mothers who now had access to safe, nurturing childcare, were able to work at Princeton University, in restaurants, in businesses, and in the homes of white families ‘uptown,’ ultimately enabling Princeton and the larger community to thrive. Our work [today] is very much still rooted in our historic desire to ensure access to quality childcare and early childhood education and equitable services to communities in need.”
GET INVOLVED. Approximately 90 percent of PNS families receive tuition assistance; thus, the school relies heavily on individual donors and charitable foundations (as well as government funding) and the support of community volunteers to make its work possible. To learn more, visit princetonnurseryschool.org.
“Our equitable enrichment education program is a truly unique aspect of the PNS experience. Our preschoolers participate in programming that uplifts the arts, bilingual education, and physical activity no matter their tuition rates. Wraparound services are an integral part of our mission to support the family unit, including initiatives to ensure food security, health and wellness programming and screenings, and social-service advocacy. In the upcoming years, they will expand to include adult education, career advancement, and rent and mortgage assistance.”
I got involved with PNS in 2017 through its Operation Elf program, which matches volunteers with a PNS family in need of holiday gifts. My children loved selecting the items, picking out wrapping paper, and dropping off (in secret) the gifts at the school. Over the years, we’ve continued to participate in the Elf program, attended the annual gala, and my kids have volunteered at the school, too. I was soon hooked on the school, the community and the PNS team, and I wanted to help in a more meaningful way. So, in 2022, I joined the board, and in 2023, I took over the role of development chair to help raise awareness and spearhead grants and fundraising. PNS is so crucial to the community, and I am honored to be a part of making sure its legacy is protected and continues.
Anne Russell, E.V.P. of Hamilton Jewelers
TIMEPIECES
TIME FOR EVERYTHING
HOW DOES RYAN SEACREST, “THE BUSIEST MAN IN HOLLYWOOD,” KEEP UP WITH ALL OF HIS OBLIGATIONS? THE WORLD’S FINEST TIMEPIECES CERTAINLY HELP
A full list of projects with 50-year-old Ryan Seacrest’s name on them would fill this page, and then some. Host. Creator. Executive producer. If you’ve caught any reality show on TV since 2005, you’ve seen his name. If you watched a live event, a New Year’s broadcast or a TV talent show in the last 20 years, you’ve probably seen his face. Listen to pop radio? His voice is a familiar friend.
Originally from Atlanta, Seacrest hosted his first radio show in his hometown at 16 during an internship. From there, his stock only went up. In his early 20s, he hosted L.A. radio programs, game shows, and reality television. In 2002, he landed the gig as host of American Idol, the mega-smash phenomenon—and Seacrest’s face was at the forefront of it all. Besides continuing to host American Idol and the yearly New Year’s Rockin’ Eve and radio show On Air with Ryan Seacrest, he’s collected executive-producer credits like they’re candy (including Keeping Up with the Kardashians), hosted daytime talk show Live with Kelly and Ryan, and recently taken over as the host of Wheel of Fortune He’s not the first to be called the “busiest man in Hollywood,” but he may be the first for whom that title isn’t hyperbole.
How does one keep up with a schedule that high-profile and jam-packed? With only the finest of timepieces, of course.
It’s no surprise that Seacrest seems to favor the Rolex Daytona models, forever celebrated for being precise and reliable. He’s appeared on several red carpets
and photo shoots with the Cosmograph Daytona “Big Red” 6263, a truly classy vintage piece with a white face, silver stick hour markers, a black acrylic bezel, and a red Daytona. It’s also perfect for Seacrest, as the 37-millimeter case makes it the ideal size to transition between casual wear and a more formal look. This is a watch that can carry someone from a producer’s room to the red carpet—and that’s a transition Seacrest has made more than once.
He showed off another vintage 6263 Daytona at the 2019 Golden Globes, this one boldly golden with a high-contrast black dial. Seacrest turned heads at that particular red carpet decked out in a deep purple velvet suit, and that gold popped exquisitely against it.
Even bolder? On the set of Live with Kelly and Ryan, Seacrest sported a Rolex GMT Master II. Coveted and eye-catching, the watch boasts a Cerachrom bezel insert in split red and blue ceramic, leading people to affectionately (and enviously) nickname it “the Pepsi bezel.” The GMT is also celebrated for its legibility and ease (the Jubilee bracelet is supple and super-comfortable), so it’s perfect for a man on the go—and if there’s one thing Seacrest embodies, it’s going.
No wonder, then, that Seacrest’s hands seem to drift toward Rolex again and again. He has an eye for the classics and an instinct for innovation that has led to a television empire—and a collection of timepieces that reflect the same ethos.
At left: Seacrest rocked this boldly gold and black Rolex Daytona 6263 at the 2019 Golden Globes, to perfectly complement a dark-purple velvet suit, pulling off a daring style combination with charisma and ease.
Center: A coveted vintage piece produced from 1971 to 1987, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Big Red” 6263 gets its nickname from the distinctive red lettering. Seacrest often sports the edition with a black acrylic bezel, white face and luminescent silver hour and minute hands.
Right: Seacrest frequently donned the Rolex GMT Master II on the set of his morning show Live with Kelly and Ryan With its bold “Pepsi” red-and-blue split bezel and soft Jubilee bracelet, the watch is eye-catching, high-impact, modern and endlessly wearable.
Spring has sprung, and what better way to make the most of the more temperate climes than to explore one of our favorite places: Princeton. Here, our recommendations for how to live and luxe like a local.
COFFEE AT THE GRADUATE
1 2 3 4
1. MARINA B A Trisolina Collection 18k yellow gold and pavé diamond “cuff” bracelet.
2. HAMILTON A pair of 14k yellow gold and diamond “double row” earrings.
3. HAMILTON A Mercer Collection 18k yellow gold and diamond ring.
4. HAMILTON A Duet Collection 18k yellow gold and diamond “Riviera” necklace.
Handbag by GUCCI
Blazer by GUCCI
Sunglasses by VENETA
COLD-PRESS JUICE AT ARLEE’S
4.
Shoes by GUCCI
Sunglasses by LOEWE Pants by FAITHFUL
Handbag by STAUD
1. FRED A Force 10 18k rose gold, pavé diamond, and navy cable bracelet.
2. HAMILTON A Private Reserve platinum, blue sapphire, and diamond ring.
3. HAMILTON
pair of Private Reserve platinum and cushion-cut diamond “stud” earrings.
HAMILTON
necklace.
MUSSELS FRITES AT KRISTINE’S
Shoes by JIMMY CHOO
1. DINH VAN
Maillon 18k yellow gold scuptural rings, with and without diamonds.
2. CHANEL A J12 18k yellow gold and black ceramic watch.
3. HAMILTON An 18k yellow gold and pavé diamond “wide” ring.
4. HAMILTON
necklace.
Handbag by CHLOÉ Vest and pants by SAINT LAURENT
GARDEN PARTY AT MORVEN
2. HAMILTON
yellow 3. GOSHWARA
Handbag by JIL SANDER
Shoes by MANOLO BLAHNIK
dinh van collection
Menottes
A STAR TURN AT McCARTER
1. HAMILTON An 18k white gold and pear-shape diamond “line” bracelet.
2. HAMILTON A pair of 18k white gold and emerald-cut diamond “in and out” earrings.
3. FRED A Force 10 18k white gold and diamond necklace.
4. HAMILTON A Radiance Collection platinum and diamond “halfway around” band.
Shoes by YVES SAINT LAURENT
Handbag by SAINT LAURENT Shirt by GUCCI
Skirt by GUCCI
JEWELRY
AS SEEN ON
ENTERTAINMENT’S MOST SOUGHT-AFTER CELEBRITIES PAIR SOME OF THEIR MOST UNFORGETTABLE FASHION WITH A GLAMOROUSLY GLITTERING ARRAY OF FINE DIAMOND JEWELRY
defy red-carpet gravity with the 97th Academy Awards in her alter ego’s signature deep green, gold, diamond, and emerald open-frame ring by Roberto Coin. The Oscar- and Golden Globe nominee also made a grand entrance at the 2025 Golden Globes (above) in another Elphaba-inspired dress by Louis Vuitton, and Roberto Coin’s glittering 18k white gold and diamond “Domino” curl earrings.
KAREN PITTMAN
On September 13, 2024, The Morning Show actor Karen Pittman served up stunning on her way into The Hollywood Reporter and SAG-AFTRA Emmy Nominees Night event, in West Hollywood, CA. The nominee for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama painted the town red in a vermillion dress by Magda Butrym, and topped off her traffic-stopping look with 14k white gold and diamond “stud” earrings and an 18k white gold and diamond “line” necklace by Hamilton Jewelers.
JEWELRY
FRESHLY CUT
A BOUNTY OF BRILLIANTLY HUED JEWELRY IS IN FULL BLOOM THIS SPRING—AND READY TO COMPLEMENT THE SEASON’S CHICEST LOOKS
Photographs by NELL HOVING
From top:
An 18k white gold, multicolor sapphire, and diamond bracelet.
An 18k yellow gold, oval zircon, pink tourmaline, and diamond ring.
A platinum, sugar-loaf-cut tanzanite, pink sapphire, and diamond ring.
A platinum, rectangular-cut tanzanite, and diamond ring.
An 18k rose gold and emerald-cut diamond “line” bracelet. Prices
Clockwise, from left:
A Lisette Collection 18k white gold, tourmaline, and diamond “double halo” ring.
An 18k rose gold, emerald-cut pink tourmaline, and diamond ring.
A platinum, pink sapphire, and diamond ring.
An 18k rose gold, tourmaline, morganite, kunzite, and diamond “X-link” necklace.
Clockwise, from top left:
An 18k yellow gold, yellow sapphire, and diamond “stretch” bracelet.
An 18k rose gold, pink sapphire, and diamond “stretch” bracelet.
An 18k white gold, Cabochon sapphire, and diamond “five-row” bracelet.
An 18k yellow gold, emerald, and diamond bracelet.
A pair of 18k white gold, Paraiba tourmaline, and diamond “flower” rings.
An 18k white gold, green tsavorite, and diamond ring.
A platinum, emerald, and diamond floral-motif double ring.
A SMARTER WORKOUT?
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE HASN’T YET REPLACED PERSONAL TRAINING, BUT IT CAN MAKE KEEPING FIT EASIER
“Drop and give me 20.” If you heard that order in the past, you’d get down on the floor and do push-ups as best you could. The personal trainer who barked the command would be nearby, assessing your form and directing you to repeat any motion that missed the mark. The trainer was tough, but you knew that he or she would help along the way and correct wrong movements for optimal gains.
W ith the rise of at-home gyms and the recent success of virtual programs, fitness workouts these days look a little different. Technology has permeated the space, with Apple Watches and Fitbits telling their wearers to keep moving and virtual instructors leading prerecorded workouts from a screen. Now the industry—like so many—is making room for artificial intelligence (AI).
A I, in short, is the technology that enables computers to simulate human learning, problem solving, decision making, and creativity. You’ve likely seen it in action: Google searches use AI, so does Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri. But how does it work in a weight room or a yoga studio?
L ike other health wearables (e.g., workout trackers, heart-rate monitors, pedometers), AI is meant to be a tool in one’s overall fitness effort. To put it simply, anyone can log into a computer or smartphone applications and use its AI to generate a personalized workout. The workouts are specific: AI algorithms analyze the user’s data—vast amounts of it—to develop a training program. Want to lose love handles, strengthen core muscles, or regain mobility after a leg injury? Only have time for a 10-minute sweat session? AI will spew out a routine to fit all your needs.
“ These workouts are tailored to individual goals, preferences, and fitness levels,” Marty Miller, master instructor at the National Academy of Sports Medicine, a wellness education center for fitness professionals in Gilbert, Arizona, has noted. “It knows progress, and when you achieve a certain level it suggests that you move forward with more intense workouts.”
The computer-generated workouts also come out quickly. Apps such as the sleekinterfaced FitnessAI as well as JuggernautAI and GymBuddy can take just a few minutes to respond, whereas human trainers can spend hours or even days formulating an ideal exercise routine for a client.
On top of AI’s personalization and convenience, it also makes fitness highly accessible. ChatGPT bots, for instance, are available 24/7 and can be used anywhere and at any time to give general advice and explain fundamental concepts.
A n AI workout should be approached with a bit of caution, however. Many programs lack adaptability and rely solely on data. A client may have a special circumstance, a recent injury for example, that would prevent him or her from progressing or completing an exercise. The programs also lack human connection and personalized guidance. An app could tell you, “Drop and give me 20,” but it won’t hold you accountable if you break form, and it won’t cheer you on as you push through your last set.
Miller notes that AI in the fitness world is still in its infancy, and it’s not meant to replace trainers and coaches. “It’s here to stay, and the cool thing is it’s going to help us get to higher levels of fitness,” he says. “The main purpose of AI integration is to enhance the overall experience, personalization, and effectiveness of fitness routines and health management.”
THINKING ABOUT TRYING AI FITNESS?
Below, we’ve gathered some of the most popular AI fitness apps, so choose what you’ll use. And those muscles you’ll build, or that trim physique you’ll carve? Nothing “artificial” there!
FITBOD
This resistance-training app builds custom workouts, tracks progress and shares thousands of guides and videos.
Annual membership: $79
JUGGERNAUTAI
If you’re into strength training, this app is suitable for all skill levels. It offers access to hundreds of technique videos, a supportive community with more than 40,000 members and coaches, adjustable programs and more.
Annual membership: $279
FITNESSAI
This app has an easy-to-use interface and an algorithm powered by more than 5.9 million workouts and 40,000 fitness enthusiasts. It includes personalized workouts, AI coaching and progress tracking. Annual membership: Starting at $59
LIFESTYLE
THE NATURAL LIFE
As we shake off the cold of winter, what better way to usher in the sunny days ahead than to bring the glorious green of the outside in? Decorative houseplants do more than just enliven the look of a room; they’ve been proven to reduce stress, increase productivity, and improve the quality of the air, too. But when there are literally thousands of plants to choose from, where to begin? With a little help from our green-thumbed friends at Princeton’s Viburnum & Co., we culled together a list of low-maintenance plants—what we’ve affectionately dubbed “the unkillables”—that will inspire you to let nature be your interior-design guide this season.
AUDREY FICUS
• Ficus benghalensis
Striking, sage-green leaves and an elegant, tree-like shape are the verdant hallmarks of the Audrey Ficus. This forgiving plant only requires bright, indirect light and only occasional watering when the soil dries out, so it’s a breeze to maintain and a beautiful way to add a touch of sophistication to any room of your house. Pro tip: Tucking an Audrey into the corner of a larger room gives an instantly cozy feel to an oversize space.
ZZ
• Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Despite its flamboyant façade, the shiny, dark-green-leaved ZZ is a plant that requires little to no attention (its nickname: the “eternal plant”). Our go-to for bringing resilient, low-maintenance greenery indoors, the lush ZZ thrives in low light and has the unique ability to go weeks without water, making it ideal for those with busy schedules or less-than-green thumbs. Pro tip: If you’ve got pets, pop the ZZ up on an occasional table or shelf and out of the way— it’s toxic to animals.
MONSTERA PHILODENDRON
• Monstera deliciosa
The iconic, split-leaf design and bold, tropical vibe make the Monstera (also commonly known as the Swiss cheese plant) the most visually arresting of “green” conversation pieces. The Monstera has a laidback nature—indirect light and only occasional watering required—and a fast-growing habit that allow you to add a touch of jungle chic to any corner of your home. Pro tip: The Monstera is a favorite among interior designers for its statement-making looks and is a simple way to upgrade the elegance factor in a more formal space.
CHINESE EVERGREEN
(at left)
• Aglaonema
With its distinct, variegated-patterned leaves and ability to tolerate lower light conditions, the Chinese Evergreen is a standout in any indoor spot. An easy-care plant that only needs watering when the soil is dry to the touch, the Chinese Evergreen is perfect for the plant novices among us. Pro tip: Place this plant anywhere you want a natural boost of purification—Chinese Evergreen is known for its ability to filter out toxins from the air.
PRESERVED MOSS
• Dicranum scoparium
Look no further than preserved moss to add swathes of soothing and allergen-free green to your home without lifting a finger (or thumb). Easily integrated into any décor style—think terrariums, table centerpieces, picture frames, and wall art—preserved moss is the most hassle-free of the indoor botanical options. Because it’s preserved, it retains its vibrant hue and soft, organic texture without any special watering or lighting needed. Pro tip: Preserved moss installed in panels not only creates a chic work of original art for your walls, but also acts as a natural sound barrier for noise and echo reduction.
PRESERVED MOSS
CHINESE EVERGREEN
ZZ
MONSTERA PHILODENDRON
AUDREY FICUS
JEWELRY
An 18k yellow gold, oval zircon, pink tourmaline, and diamond ring.
A platinum, Paraiba tourmaline, and diamond “dragonfly” pendant necklace.
An 18k white gold, Paraiba tourmaline, and diamond “flower” ring.
Prices upon request
EN PLEIN AIR
THE MOST DAZZLING DIAMOND AND GEMSTONE DESIGNS ARE INSPIRED BY A VIBRANT WASH OF COLORS ONLY NATURE’S PALETTE COULD PROVIDE
Photographs by NELL HOVING
Clockwise, from top:
An 18k rose gold, tourmaline, morganite, kunzite, and diamond “X-link” necklace.
Prices upon request
Clockwise, from top:
A platinum, tsavorite, and diamond “dragonfly” pin.
An 18k white gold, multicolor tourmaline, garnet, and diamond floral-motif necklace.
A platinum, sugar-loaf-cut tanzanite, pink sapphire, and diamond ring.
LOVE IN VERONA
From top:
A pair of Colombian emerald and diamond leaf-motif earrings.
A platinum, emerald, and diamond floral-motif double ring.
A platinum, 18k gold, and multicolor diamond “butterfly” pin. Prices upon request
TIMEPIECES
LEARNING CURVES
FROM VINTAGE AND PRE-OWNED TO BRAND-NEW, THESE FINE TIMEPIECES ARE AN ELEGANT STUDY IN STREAMLINED DESIGN, BOLD AESTHETICS, AND EXCEPTIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
CARTIER
The Cartier Santos de Cartier watch in stainless steel with large, blue dial and silver bracelet. Price upon request
Photography by JONATHAN PAUL
Price upon request
JAEGER LECOULTRE
The Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface with a sunray-lacquered blue dial, and interchangeable blue calfskin and dual-material straps.
COLLECTION MOOD
ABOUT COLLECTABILITY
Hamilton Jewelers is thrilled to introduce an exclusive retail partnership with Collectability, the leading online retailer partner of vintage Patek Philippe timepieces. Founded by Patek Philippe expert John Reardon, Collectability hand-selects its vintage and pre-owned Patek Philippe watches with a driving tenet: to provide the knowledge collectors and enthusiasts need to make informed decisions as they buy, sell, and build their own collections.
VINTAGE PRE-OWNED PATEK PHILIPPE BY COLLECTABILITY
day, month, and date apertures.
and
The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar strap watch in 18k rose gold with moonphase,
Serviced
sealed papers, circa 2017.
The 38mm Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar watch in 18k rose gold with mechanical self-wind, ivory dial, brown crocodile strap featuring a rose-gold deployment buckle, circa 2014. Prices upon request
THE MAGIC OF LIGHT
LED LIGHT THERAPY SOUNDS LIKE A SCI-FI MARVEL, BUT IT PROMISES REAL BENEFITS FOR THE SKIN
Light is the fastest thing in the universe. It’s the reason humans can see anything at all. It covers a full spectrum of things we can’t see (including X-rays) and its presence and absence define our daily lives. It’s also one of the most common causes of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of skin aging— the sun’s ultraviolet rays pierce the skin’s outer barrier and damage skin cells. Would you believe that light may also be the key to banishing that same damage?
LED light therapy is the cutting edge of skin care, and the reason that your friends may be picking up masks that make them look like robots. These therapies take the same characteristic that makes the sun so damaging to the skin—its ability to pierce that all-important skin barrier and reach skin cells—and put it to a positive use.
The buzziest of these LED treatments is red-light therapy, which is becoming known for its anti-aging benefit. “LED red-light therapy is at a wavelength of 620 to 750 nanometers,” explains Debra Jaliman, M.D., a boardcertified dermatologist with a private practice in Manhattan. (A nanometer is a billionth of a meter.) At that wavelength, the light penetrates the skin barrier and stimulates the mitochondria of your skin cells. (Mitochondria are tiny “organelles”—that is, structures within individual cells—that provide chemical energy.) “It boosts mitochondrial activity, and the mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell,” explains Dr. Jaliman.
That stimulation encourages your skin cells to work faster, boosting new cell growth. The most important part? “It stimulates collagen production, so it can improve fine lines and wrinkles,” says the doctor. “It really does work.” Collagen, of course, gives skin its elasticity and structure—wrinkles are caused by a lack of it.
There are also other kinds of LED light treatment, allowing you to harness the rainbow for the betterment of your skin. Explains Dr. Jaliman: “Within LED therapy, there are different wavelengths. There’s blue-light therapy, at a wavelength of 400 to 495 nanometers. That’s used primarily for acne treatment, as it kills bacteria and reduces oil production. There’s also greenlight at a wavelength of 495 to 570 nanometers. That’s used for pigmentary problems. Yellow light, at a wavelength of 570 to 620 nanometers, helps decrease inflammation in the skin.”
For all these benefits, studies suggest that the risks of these treatments are low—only mild redness, itchy skin, and some blistering, which almost always occur when the therapy is being used incorrectly. Our doctor says: “Protective eye goggles need to be worn at all times [when using this treatment]. It is considered a safe and effective treatment when used as directed. You need to follow the manufacturers’ guidelines when using it at home—or, of course, have it applied in a dermatologist’s office under the care of a dermatologist.”
The difference between at-home treatments and the ones a doctor can give you is one of strength. “Professional devices emit stronger wavelengths that penetrate deeper, so the results are faster,” says Dr. Jaliman. “They are often combined with other treatment modalities.” Using red light in conjunction with a dermatologist-applied chemical peel or medicated cream can create a more effective overall treatment.
If you’re looking for an at-home option for red-light treatment, Dr. Jaliman calls the Omnilux Contour Face (which retails at $395) the best option for stimulating collagen.
When you think about it, doesn’t it stand to reason that a powerful thing like light would have a few tricks up its sleeve?
INDULGENCES
RUN WITH THE SUN
STOPPING FOR A CHARGE IS OPTIONAL WITH APTERA’S LUNA, A THREE-WHEELED RIDE DRIVEN BY SOLAR
Freedom is an open road, a full tank of gas and the rev of an engine. No matter what you’re riding—a Ducati, a Porsche, a Tesla—there’s nothing quite like knowing you can go anywhere you’d like. Even the most liberating rides, however, have their tethers. You’ll need to make sure that you’re near a gas station at some point, or a power plug if you’re riding electric.
L et’s cut that tether, shall we?
California-based vehicle startup Aptera imagines a world where swinging by a pump or a charging station is no longer mandatory, and you can ride for miles off solar power alone—meaning that you can travel a long way without letting anything but whim dictate your direction.
A ptera’s marquee vehicle, the Luna, is a solar-electric marvel with a sun-powered battery that promises to do away with the need to charge this ride for daily use. Its premium model’s solar panels can give it up to 40 miles of range per day, assuming it sits under direct sunlight. Those solar panels are shaped like diamonds with continuous charging in mind, and they give fully equipped vehicles almost 700 watts of continuous charging power—whether you’re driving or parked.
POWER
Craving a longer trip? The largest battery option, at 100 kilowatt-hours, will take you 1,000 miles, and you can also charge it at a standard EV charging station or anywhere with a 110V standard plug. And that energy efficiency doesn’t sacrifice speed or convenience. This ride can go from 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of over 100 mph, and all of that while offering 32.5 cubic feet of rear storage.
The Luna is much more than its engineering specs, though. It looks like the future itself. It’s sleek and curving, with two wheels in the front and one in the back. We can easily imagine it flying above a science-fiction city (we’re thinking Coruscant—any Star Wars fans in the room?). That’s on purpose, and the reason is twofold; its design was inspired by humankind’s fascination with space travel, and that curving undercarriage is shaped to reduce drag and give you the smoothest ride possible. The Luna is also almost impossibly light—it weighs 65 percent less than other electric vehicles on the market.
S o are you ready to take a road trip uninhibited by the need to refuel? Ready to follow the road wherever it takes you, and let the sun itself power you there?
Available for pre-order, the Aptera Luna starts at $31,000.
Compact Beauty. Club Sport neomatik 34 purple: the NOMOS sports watch for smaller wrists. With a diameter of only 34 millimeters, it suits strong color accents perfectly—such as here, in dark purple with an elegant sunburst finish. This automatic watch measures just 8.2 millimeters in height and is fitted with a comfortable metal strap, which holds it elegantly on the wrist. Nevertheless, this compact beauty is as robust as the rest of the models in the Club Sport series. It is water resistant to 20 atm and fitted with a screw-down crown featuring a red warning ring. Thanks to Superluminova that glows blue in low-light conditions, this version of Club Sport is also easily legible in the dark. The high-precision NOMOS automatic caliber DUW 3001 with the NOMOS swing system is at work inside. Also available in gold and rosé at selected retailers, for example Hamilton Jewelers. More online: hamiltonjewelers.com and nomos-glashuette.com
SPORTING
THE GAME AT ITS PUREST
OLD PETTY IN SCOTLAND, THE LAND OF GOLF’S BIRTH, IS A NEW COURSE WITH A VERY OLD SOUL
The origins of golf are a source of some dispute. But ample evidence suggests that the game was born in Scotland in the 1400s, when local shepherds would pass the idle hours by using sticks to knock rocks into rabbit holes. Clubs and balls have come a long way since. Courses too. But even in the modern era, golf in Scotland is a portal to the past. And for lovers of the game, a trip to the country is a kind of time travel, replete with historical reminders.
Consider, for instance, Cabot Highlands, a marquee resort where the old brushes up against the new. By Scottish golf standards, the place is very young. It started taking shape in 2009, when Mark Parsinen, a golf-mad American entrepreneur, teamed up with architect Gil Hanse to design Castle Stuart, a rustic links near the highlands city of Inverness, overlooking the Moray Firth. Named for a 400-year-old castle that looms beside it, the course was hailed as an instant classic and has remained a fixture on the Top 100 lists of every major golf publication. Amenities, meanwhile, have bloomed around it.
I n 2022, three years after Parsinen’s death, the property was acquired by Cabot, a Canadian-based golf development concern, which added smartly appointed accommodations, expanded the culinary offerings and is now getting ready to cut the ribbon on a second course. Like its older sibling, this new layout, Old Petty, takes its name from a local landmark, Old Petty Church, which has been around since 1839. Also like Castle Stuart, it is shaping up to be a stunner.
The architect behind Old Petty is Tom Doak, a veteran of the trade who is widely regarded as the greatest designer of his generation. His influence, at any rate, has been profound. In the early 1980s when Doak launched his career, many new courses were highly manufactured feats of engineering, imposed on sites ill-suited to golf and ornamented with such artificial features as cart paths, man-made lakes, and waterfalls. Doak’s work harkened to a bygone era, before the rise of bulldozers and backhoes, when architects let nature dictate their designs. They found great land for golf and altered it as little as they could, creating layouts that rolled with the untouched rumples of the terrain. The retro movement Doak helped champion, known as modern minimalism, has become the industry’s guiding light.
A nd Old Petty bears its distinctive traits. From its starting point high on a bluff, the course drops gently toward the water, moving harmoniously with the land. Its 1st and 18th fairways intersect, an idiosyncratic feature more commonly found on quirky, older courses, and its second hole skirts past the church—as good a place as any to pray for a good tee shot. On the third hole, the routing kisses up against the castle before shifting inland, rising and falling through the hilly folds, and then returning to the coastline for a rousing close. Along the way, the Moray Firth photobombs in the backdrop, and postcard-ready views abound.
Though “grand opening” celebrations at Old Petty won’t be held until 2026, the course will be finished well before then. And preview play will be available from August 1 to September 30 of 2025, at the height of summer in the highlands, when the sun doesn’t set until after 10 p.m.
The turf at Old Petty is fine fescue, the grass variety of traditional links golf, known for playing firm and fast. Balls don’t stick like darts. They bounce and roll, a feature that encourages creative shot making inspired by the contours of the ground. In another throwback flourish, the course is walkingonly. Fresh air, exercise and recreation, without the use of golf carts, just as those shepherds used to play.
This page, from top: Past meets present at Cabot Highlands, a marquee resort that, by golf standards, is still considered young; Old Petty moves harmoniously with the land, including the picturesque 14th hole; Old Petty architect Tom Doak with fellow architect Clyde Johnson.
Opposite page: Like the rest of the course at the new Old Petty in Scotland, the fifth hole plays firm and fast.
TIMELESS STORIES, TIMELESS JEWELS
DAVID AND SYBIL YURMAN’S STORY IS ONE OF BEAUTIFUL ART, LOVE AND JEWELRY—AND THEIR NEW BOOK OFFERS A DEEPER LOOK INTO ALL THREE
History offers endless examples of artistic pairs whose love stories deepened both their mythos and their art: Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe, Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas. Within that pantheon, David and Sybil Yurman slot neatly. Parts of their story seem plucked from a script. They were born only two months and a few miles apart in New York City, and independently came into their own as artists (he as a sculptor, she as a painter and ceramicist). When they met by chance in 1969, a creative and personal partnership to last a lifetime was sparked. Together, guided by the goal of making “beautifully designed objects to wear,” they created the David Yurman brand, and more than 50 years later that brand is one of the foremost in American luxury jewelry and one of the largest privately owned jewelers in the world.
Now, the duo—with the help of editor Thierry-Maxime Loriot—is showcasing their work as artists in Sybil and David Yurman: Artists and Jewelers (Phaidon, $69.95). This intimate biography examines the work and life of both Sybil and David through original artworks, family photographs, personal texts, and archival materials, many of which have never been
published. The text takes you deep into the brand’s story, offering striking jewelry portraits, original design sketches, behind-the-scenes images of global campaigns (featuring the likes of Kate Moss, Amber Valletta, Naomi Campbell, and Gisele Bundchen), Sybil’s and David’s own art and personal musings on their frequent partnerships with other artists.
Both a celebration of the brand’s past, from its earliest days in the underground art worlds of New York and California and through its emergence on the global stage, and a triumphant look to the future, with a conclusion section by the Yurmans’ son Evan, Sybil and David Yurman offers exclusive insight into one of the leading fine jewelry brands in the world. David Yurman himself says, “We’ve always chosen to bring the expression of our creations through the lens of art,” and the book certainly lives up to that promise. The cover design showcases one of Sybil’s paintings, while the title type is designed to resemble David’s welding in embossed gold foil. A luxury edition of the book is also available and comes tucked within a clamshell box, which is embossed with gold designs. Turn the pages and let yourself fall into a world of beauty, love—and the power of art itself.
FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY, HAMILTON HAS OFFERED ITS CLIENTS EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY, UNPARALLELED EXPERTISE, AND AN EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE WITH EACH AND EVERY VISIT.
CONCIERGE SERVICES
Hamilton is here whenever you need us, through virtual appointments, digital concierge services, shopping available 24/7 via our website, and easy curbside pickup.
REPAIRS & SERVICE
Maintaining your fine jewelry and timepieces is important to ensure a long life and optimal performance. Hamilton’s professionals can help keep your treasures in top form with a full range of assistance.
JEWELRY BUYING
From fine Swiss timepieces and antique and estate pieces, to diamonds, fine jewelry, and gold and platinum, you can confidently have your valuables appraised for sale with Hamilton—a name trusted in the industry for more than a century.
APPRAISALS
Hamilton offers comprehensive appraisal services by professionals who are highly trained in the areas of new, vintage, and antique jewelry and watches.
ENGRAVING
Put a personal touch on your items with our custom engraving service. Our in-house artists will produce a computerized rendering of your engraved design to allow you to envision your creation in its final form.
CUSTOM DESIGNS
Collaborate with our master jewelers to design or reimagine a piece of jewelry that is uniquely yours. The process begins with your ideas and inspiration, and our experts will see your creation through to completion.
TIMEPIECES
WHICH HUE ARE YOU?
TUDOR’S SELECTION OF FINE WATCHES OFFERS AN ARRAY OF EXPRESSIVE COLOR OPTIONS
By CHRISTEN FISHER
“The best color in the whole world,” said fashion designer and entrepreneur Coco Chanel, “is the one that looks good on you.” Whether bold or subtle, classic or avant-garde, the color you choose to wear is a very public, yet highly personal endeavor. It is a statement you make to the world about yourself. In this spirit of self-expression, Tudor has injected bold color into its collection with the release of the Black Bay Chrono in pink in addition to three watches in the brand’s iconic “Tudor Blue”: the Black Bay Chrono, the Black Bay Ceramic, and the Clair de Rose.
Pink is a celebration of audacity and fearlessness. Whether it’s the pink jersey in the Giro d’Italia, the uniforms of David Beckham’s Inter Miami CF, or actor-musician Jay Chou’s signature color, Tudor’s limited-edition Black Bay Chrono “Pink” is the embodiment of that daring spirit. Housed in a satin-brushed and polished 41-millimeter, 316L-grade, stainless-steel case with a fixed bezel featuring a black anodized aluminum insert, the Black Bay Chrono “Pink” boasts a pink domed dial with contrasting black sub-dials, a date aperture at 6 o’clock, and Tudor’s signature snowflake hands filled with Grade A, Swiss Super-LumiNova® luminescent material. Powered by the self-winding, automatic-caliber MT5813, the watch is accurate to a –2/+4-second variation and has a weekend-proof power reserve of 70 hours, meaning that the wearer can take the watch off Friday evening and put it back on Monday morning without having to wind it. Only a small number of these bold statement pieces will be produced; they will be presented on a five-link, stainless-steel bracelet.
I f pink is not your color, Tudor has also released several pieces in “Tudor Blue.” That is not a single shade, but an expression of the brand’s commitment to blue as a permanent feature of its core aesthetic. With technical specifications identical to the Black Bay Chrono “Pink,” Tudor offers the boutique-exclusive Black Bay Chrono “Blue,” which features a bezel with a deep blue anodized aluminum insert and a matching dial with contrasting silver sub-dials. A highly legible and accurate sports chronograph, the 41-millimeter Black Bay Chrono “Blue” is designed for those who prefer a striking, yet more classic, palette.
A nother “Tudor Blue” option is the Black Bay Ceramic “Blue.” With a dial in a shade of blue that matches the livery of the AA Visa Cash App RB Formula One team, this watch is a celebration of the brand’s return to motorsport. The Black Bay Ceramic “Blue” features a blue domed dial with applied hour markers and Tudor’s signature snowflake hands, both filled with Grade X1 Swiss, Super-LumiNova® luminescent material. The 41-millimeter case is matte black ceramic with a micro-blasted finish and monobloc middle case and features a unidirectional rotating bezel in black, PVD-treated, 316L steel with a sunray satin finish and engraved markings and numerals. It also boasts an open caseback revealing the self-winding automatic caliber MT5602-1U. With a 70-hour power reserve and waterproof to 200 meters (about 660 feet), there isn’t much this watch can’t stand up to. Presented on a hybrid leather and rubber strap with blue contrast stitching and black folding clasp, it also comes with an additional black fabric strap with a blue band. For ladies seeking a burst of color in the form of an elegant dress watch, Tudor presents the Clair de Rose in yet another rich shade of “Tudor Blue.”
Offered in three sizes—26 millimeter, 30 millimeter, and 34 millimeter—the Clair de Rose features a brushed and polished steel case with screw-down winding crown adorned with a beautiful blue spinel cabochon. The finely wrought case houses either the caliber T601 (34 millimeters) or the T201 (26 or 30 millimeters) self-winding mechanical movement, each with a 38-hour power reserve. The Clair de Rose’s blue dial features delicate decorations in relief and is punctuated with a choice of Roman numerals or diamonds. Steel hour, minute and seconds hands, and a date window at 3 o’clock complete the look. Offered on a five-link, stainless-steel bracelet with folding clasp and safety catch, the Clair de Rose in “Tudor Blue” is waterproof to 100 meters. Tudor’s fine timepieces stand ready to help you follow Chanel’s advice and choose the color that looks best on you. Another gem from Coco? “Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside.” That one fits too.
This page, from top: The Black Bay Chrono “Blue” has a striking yet classic color palette; the timepiece is an expression of the brand’s commitment to the hue as an aesthetic feature.
Opposite page: Soccer star David Beckham shows off his Black Bay Chrono “Pink”; Tudor’s Black Bay Chrono “Pink” stands out with a pink domed dial and contrasting black sub-dials.
THE LOOK, THE FEEL, AND THE ROAR
MERCEDES-BENZ’S SL CLASS GETS THE INIMITABLE MAYBACH TOUCH IN A TWO-SEAT CONVERTIBLE WITH A RIDE THAT’S HEAVENLY SMOOTH
In an auto industry trending toward electric vehicles, hybrids and sport utilities, Mercedes-Benz’s uber-luxury division is going in a different direction—and it has our undivided attention. Mercedes Maybach, known for transforming “everyday” (using this word loosely) Mercedes models into chauffeur-worthy designs, has unveiled the breathtaking SL680 Monogram Series, and it’s a sports car that owners will want to drive themselves. In essence, the new Maybach is a beefed-up version of the already iconic Mercedes-AMG SL63 roadster. Beneath the hood is a twin-turbo V-8 that generates 577 horsepower and a 0-to-60 time of four seconds. Both are average numbers when compared with the top-tier, battery-charged EVs, but it’s muscle and power that still energize enthusiasts and the crowd that appreciates a roaring engine.
T hough the engine is the same, the drive is different. The SL680 is a premium grand tourer. It’s Maybach’s first two-seater and its only
convertible to date, and improvements to the SL63’s silhouette, such as a restyled front and rear, as well as a recalibrated suspension make the new model’s ride quieter and smoother, engineers say. Of course, the SL680 receives Maybach’s royal cosmetic treatment: There is a new front grille and 21-inch wheels, for starters, but the most notable change is the exclusive, two-tone paint scheme (either Red Ambience and black or White Ambience and black) and soft top. Both can be decked out with the unmistakable Maybach logo. The Maybach touch continues inside the SL680. Extra padding and Maybach badging are installed on the white, plush leather seats, and (if you’re looking for more) the luxury logo also appears on the gas and brake pedals. An industry-leading infotainment system is loaded with premium driver assistance, safety, and convenience packages.
T he Mercedes-Maybach SL680 starts around $250,000.
THE RING OF TRUTH
WHERE DO DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RINGS COME FROM? IN HER NEW BOOK, MARION FASEL EXPLAINS IT ALL COLORFULLY AND AUTHORITATIVELY
It is, for many of us, the ultimate symbol of romantic commitment (and therefore a powerful testament of love). Sparkling and sacred, with an unbreakable stone as its centerpiece, it’s the diamond engagement ring. If you’ve lived your life in the Western Hemisphere, you’ve likely seen them your whole life, on the fingers of mothers and grandmothers, in places of honor in jewelry shops, at every wedding you’ve ever been to. But have you ever wondered where the custom originated?
Marion Fasel, jewelry historian, asked that question, and her answers are immortalized in her new book, The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance. This 128-page volume contains more than 165 images of engagement rings, along with some serious historical detective work about where and how the tradition began. Fasel went into the project with the goal of debunking misconnections (including the myth that designer De Beers invented the concept after World War II). She found diamond engagement rings depicted in Renaissance art that predates the 1477 engagement of Mary of Burgundy to Archduke Maximilian (another legendary origin point), and that’s just the start.
B esides being a historical text, the book is also a love letter to the engagement ring as a form, containing diagrams, drawings, and reviews of famous pieces throughout history, including those of the 19th-century English poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning and contemporary singer-songwriter Beyoncé.
I nformative, beautiful, and filled with romance, this book deserves a spot on the shelves of history buffs and jewelry lovers alike—and, possibly, anyone who has ever been captivated by the glittering notion that love is eternal.
AMERICAN CLASSIC INTRA-MATIC
EXPLODING COLOR
DO THE BOLD HUES AND TEXTURES IN THE IMAGES OF PAINTER IVAN GIDEON MIJATOVIC HAVE A FIGURATIVE INTENT, OR DO THEY GO BEYOND THAT? GO FIGURE
“Look, but don’t touch,” commands the sign on a museum wall, and of course we must comply. But there’s something tactilely enticing (if also daunting) about the wildly colorful, richly textured paintings of 59-year-old Ivan Gideon Mijatovic. Based in the Netherlands, he hails originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and his media of choice are oil and acrylic, promising from the start for their weight and texture. Mijatovic applies paint to the canvas in thick, rich layers using a large brush and a palette knife, and sometimes adds other materials such as sand to create patterns your fingertips itch to explore. That’s likely what art historian Wietske Jansen Schoonhoven was alluding to when she described his work as “having little relationship to the figurative world.” The colors are grounded, tangible, and real; rather than connecting you to a faraway time or a specific feeling, they seem to be about the nature of color itself. Mijatovic describes his work as a “rational and intuitive play of freely expressed colors, blended with sincere emotions.”
The effect is even more eye-popping when added to the human form. Mijatovic’s portraits give their subjects depth and empathy without committing to strict realism. Those colors and textures imply hundreds of words about the person gazing off the canvas—a rich and varied inner life, as distinctive and unexpected as a real person might be. Across these next pages, you can browse a sample of Mijatovic’s work. And remember, should you happen to approach one of these paintings in person: Look, but don’t caress.
At left, and above: Netherlands-based fine artist Ivan Gideon Mijatovic uses a large brush, a palette knife and other materials (such as sand) to create highly textured and transportive abstract pieces. In his 2024 piece, Funky, color and lines explode from a central spot, suggesting the “Big Bang” concept from astrophysics: Light plays across the piece in both the brushstrokes and the color placement. Deep violets imply a depth and a shadow in the bottom right corner, contrasted by the joyful and airy yellows in the top left.
Opposite
This page: Though given a very human name, 2021’s Rafaello Santi holds no human figure within it. Instead, it’s a study in movement—the short, outward brushstrokes bring to mind something shooting very quickly to the edges.
page: Eyes fixed on something far beyond the canvas, Adele painted in 2024, urges you to follow her gaze. “The painting is meditative,” says the artist. “When I paint, I touch upon new spiritual dimensions.”
page:
Opposite page: Created in 2024, Helena creates a world of implications and pathos in one static image. Wreathed in bleeding reds and purples, she stares to the side, mouth parted as if she’s about to speak.
This
“I have a desire to convey positive energy,” says Mijatovic of his dynamic, abstract paintings. Avatar from 2022 unites deep, saturated colors within an ambiguous plane—it could be space as easily as it could be a dream.
HEAD OF THE CLASS
LOOKING TO LEVEL UP YOUR S.Q. (STYLE QUOTIENT) FOR SPRING? WELL, LOOK NO FURTHER: WITH HIGH-END FASHION BY PRINCETON’S PREMIER CLOTHING BOUTIQUE, ZOË, AND ACADEMIC AMBIENCE PROVIDED BY THE HALLOWED PRINCETON UNIVERSITY–INSPIRED HALLS OF THE GRADUATE HOTEL—ALONG WITH FINE JEWELRY FROM HAMILTON JEWELERS, OF COURSE— WE’VE DEVISED A FLAWLESS FORMULA FOR CHIC THAT’S SURE TO EARN YOU TOP MARKS IN STYLE AND SUBSTANCE THIS SEASON
Photographs by JONATHAN PAUL
This page: Diana blazer and Patti blouse by Nili Lotan from Zoë Boutique Princeton. An 18k rose gold and diamond “open flower” ring, an 18k rose gold and brilliant-cut diamond “bangle” bracelet, and an 18k rose gold “bangle” bracelet from the Hamilton Jewelers Fleur Collection; an 18k rose gold and diamond 18-inch pendant necklace from the Hamilton Jewelers Eternity Collection; and an 18k rose gold and brilliant-cut diamond 16-inch pendant necklace from the Hamilton Jewelers Mercer Collection.
Opposite page: Alisandra Trench Jacket by Malene Birger and Acadia blouse and jeans by Nili Lotan from Zoë Boutique Princeton. A pair of 18k yellow gold and diamond “hoop” earrings from the Hamilton Jewelers Duet Collection; an 18k white and yellow gold and diamond “crossover” necklace; an 18k rose gold and diamond “expandable” band; an 18k rose gold and diamond band, an 18k white gold and diamond band, an 18k yellow gold and diamond band, an 18k rose gold diamond “bangle” bracelet; and an 18k white gold and diamond “bangle” bracelet from the Hamilton Jewelers Duet Collection.
Object of Affection blouse by TWP and jeans by Nili Lotan from Zoë Boutique Princeton. Vintage Princeton Reunion 1979 jacket provided by the Graduate Hotel.
A pair of 18k yellow gold and micro-pavé diamond
“huggie hoop” earrings; 18k yellow gold 18-inch oval-link necklaces; an 18k yellow gold and brilliant-cut diamond ring, narrow band, bracelets, and ring from the Hamilton Jewelers Mercer Collection.
Acadia blouse by Nili Lotan and white pants by TWP from Zoë Boutique Princeton.
Vintage Princeton Reunion 1923 jacket provided by the Graduate Hotel. An 18k yellow gold 18-inch oval-link necklace; 18k yellow gold 28-inch oval-link necklace with detachable bracelet; tapered-gold ring; narrow band; and bracelets from the Hamilton Jewelers Mercer Collection.
This page: Ozara dress by Silvia Tcherassi from Zoë Boutique Princeton. A platinum, 18k yellow gold, and diamond “by the yard” necklace; an 18-inch necklace; an 18k white gold and diamond bracelet; a platinum and emerald-cut diamond “eternity” band; a platinum and cushion-cut and heart-shape diamond ring; an 18k white gold and diamond “link” bracelet.
Opposite page: Sonia dress by Staud from Zoë Boutique Princeton. A pair of 18k yellow gold and brilliant-cut diamond “Betsey” earrings; an 18k yellow gold and diamond ring from the Hamilton Jewelers Mercer Collection; an 18k rose gold and diamond “bangle” bracelet from the Hamilton Jewelers Duet Collection; an 18k yellow gold and diamond 16-inch necklace; a flex band; an 18k yellow gold and bezel-set brilliant-cut diamond “sculpture” ring; an 18k yellow gold and diamond “link” bracelet.
TIME WARP TO A LATIN BEAT
By EVERETT POTTER
VISIT YESTERYEAR IN CUBA, WHERE THE COLONIAL BUILDINGS ARE FADED BUT GRAND, THE 1950S FORDS AND CHEVYS SOMEHOW STILL RUN, AND PULSATING RHYTHMS POUR FROM OPEN WINDOWS
Is there anywhere more magical, tempting and mysterious than Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean? Lying a mere 90 miles south of Key West, this tropical nation blends Afro and Latin cultures against a stage set of magnificent but fading colonial architecture as waves crash over the boardwalk called the Malecón in Havana, a gathering place for locals and visiting fashionistas caught in a pose. Cuba is where every visitor wants to ride in one of the estimated 60,000 pre-1959 cars, those restored, candy-colored, shiny steel Chevys and Fords that have become the symbol of an island with one foot still firmly lodged in the past. Leave Havana’s bustle, chaos, and vibrancy, and you can encounter extraordinary nature preserves and hundreds of miles of beaches that are among the finest in the Caribbean.
My time spent in Havana left memories of shiny red Cadillacs, the pulsating rhythms of Cuban music coming from open windows and down alleyways, the smell of those fabled Cuban cigars—and nightlife that seemed to have an energy of its own, still redolent of some undetermined moment in the past. It can be the sounds of the Buena Vista Social Club and its offspring, or salsa dancers in the Casa de la Música Centro Habana. Havana has spacious plazas, Baroque churches, and colonial houses adorned with elaborate period ironwork. Soak up the Latin and Caribbean cultures before staking a beach chair on one of the hundreds of miles of pristine beaches. Going to Cuba is a little like visiting another world, one without the sleek resort hotels and perfected tourist havens on virtually every other island in the Caribbean.
This is a country where wealth was once based on tobacco and sugar plantations, and the monied class transformed the place into a destination for wealthy folks and partygoers who headed to Havana’s legendary casinos and nightlife in the 1950s. Those wild times ended with the takeover led by Fidel Castro’s revolutionaries in 1959.
More than 60 years later, this Communist-run country is still economically battered and beleaguered. Yet Cuba has survived and even thrived in some ways, thanks to the innate charm and warmth of its people, its deep cultural roots expressed in music and dance, and the archaic vestiges that make it one enticing time warp of a country.
W hile there are multiple daily flights to Havana from Miami and other cities such as Houston and Newark, decades of strife and disagreement between the United States and Cuba means that visiting as an American requires an application. You must qualify as a visitor by fulfilling one of a dozen authorized travel categories established by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. They include “support of the Cuban people,” the easiest one to prove. You can travel as an individual or with a group, the latter a popular choice among those who want to leave the paperwork, planning and potential hassles to professionals.
Be warned, however: U.S. credit and debit cards are not valid in Cuba. American travelers can only spend dollars supporting private businesses in Cuba, not with companies that are governmentowned or -operated. The latter rule eliminates staying at many of the large beachfront hotels that have arisen in the past few decades in Cuba, as they tend to be state-owned.
I f you’re an independent traveler, you can stay with Cubans in their homes, known as casas particulares, which are like small bed-and-breakfast establishments. You can eat in private restaurants called paladares I can testify that the food, never a strong suit in Cuba, is markedly better in these small eateries than in state-owned restaurants, even though you may be eating in someone’s living room. These small establishments also offer one-to-one situations with Cubans, something no state-run hotel or restaurant can provide.
Yet over the past few years, privately owned, design-forward boutique hotels have begun to offer a higher level of accommodation. They include places in Havana such as Estancia Bohemia, nine luxury suites in a former 18th-century plaza. Tribe Caribe is in the Cayo Hueso district of central Havana, and it is an 11-room boutique hotel.
W here to go? Start in energetic Havana, and the two square miles that make up Old Havana, a pastiche of restoration and ruin in the Spanish colonial heart designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I love to wander here and marvel at the colonial architecture that’s adjacent to classic Art Deco buildings, reminders of when Havana gave Miami a run for its money in the 1930s and 1940s. Stroll along the famous Malecón from La Habana Vieja and head toward the legendary Hotel Nacional in Vedado.
This page: Wherever one stays in Havana, feasting on ropa vieja—a traditional shredded beef dish—is a must; pristine Playa Varadero is a popular Cuban resort and hangout, and one of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean.
Opposite page: Visitors staying in one of the luxury suites at the Cayo Guillermo Resort enjoy five-star accommodations and the beachfront hotel’s access to the crystal-clear water; there’s no shortage of entertainment throughout Cuba, and musicians and performers (including professional conga drum players) showcase their talents day and night for locals and visitors.
Visit the Baroque Catedral de San Cristóbal, one of the city’s most striking sites, and then move on to the Museo de la Ciudad, housed in the former Palacio de los Capitanes Generales and filled with colonial-era artifacts. To get a more contemporary taste of the country, I recommend spending an hour in the Museum of the Revolution, which explains the Cuban slant on the revolution. In tandem with that visit, check out the Monumento Ernesto Che Guevara, which has a sculpture of this hero of the revolution and exhibits on his life.
My favorite activity in Havana is retracing the steps of Ernest Hemingway, who lived, wrote and drank here for his final 20 years. Finca Vigía, his home, is preserved as a museum with furnishings, books, artwork, and trophies. And since we’re speaking of Hemingway, we’re speaking of bars as well. Floridita, with its fantastic vintage neon sign, was Hemingway’s preferred spot to sip a daiquiri, while La Bodeguita del Medio, the alleged birthplace of the mojito, was also on his schedule.
To get a taste of pre-Castro Cuba, I strongly recommend an evening at the Tropicana, which opened in 1939, at the height of Havana’s decadent decades. It’s Cuba’s original cabaret show, a time-warp entertainment with barely costumed dancers and a kitschy, Vegas-style feel to the show, where mambo and the rumba à la Desi Arnaz are still the musical styles. For a higher level of culture, book a performance of the famed Cuban National Ballet at Gran Teatro de la Habana as a counterpoint.
I f you’ve got beaches in mind, head outside Havana to Varadero, Cuba’s most famous beachfront resort area, where a daiquiri and the sparkling Caribbean seem to cure all ills. Playa Pilar is further afield—there you’ll find the Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski. The first non-all-inclusive resort on the island, it’s worth the seven-plus-hour drive from Havana if you want to experience Cuba’s most luxurious privately owned hotel.
Beyond the sands, I’d recommend visiting Trinidad, one of the most striking colonial towns in all the Americas. A compact array of pastel-colored palaces and homes dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, it’s an enchanting place where horse-drawn carts vie for space with vintage Buicks. And it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the 1980s.
My other favorite excursion from Havana is to the historic city of Camagüey, with narrow colonial streets lined with 16th-, 17th- and 18th-century churches and houses. Known as the City of the Baroque, it was also given the nod by UNESCO in 2008 as a World Heritage Site. In the opposite direction from Havana lies Viñales National Park, filled with limestone mounds rising like islands from the bottom of the valley. They’re called mogotes, and they’re a mecca for the adventure travel crowd who are now coming to the country on organized tours for biking, hiking, and rock climbing.
I f all of this planning strikes you as just too much, major organized tour companies such as Abercombie & Kent and Tauck Tours offer a variety of well-planned, week-long trips to the island, with all the details taken care of. So do adventure travel companies like Classic Journeys and Backroads, with the added perks of seeing the wilder side of this extraordinarily beautiful country.
A t a time when slow travel is considered the most desirable way to see the world, there is no country better suited for it than Cuba, where the past is present, and the future is arriving at a snail’s pace.
This page: When visiting Havana, it’s not unusual to partake in two of Cuba’s pastimes: playing dominoes and rolling cigars—and even if one isn’t participating, watching others is just as exciting.
Opposite page: Bicycle taxis are a convenient way to get around Havana; the taxi pictured here makes its way along El Paseo del Prado, near the Grand Theater of Havana.
CONTRASTS A STUDY IN
FASHION OFTEN INFORMS THE FLOW OF INTERIOR DESIGN’S SHADES AND SILHOUETTES—BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE FORM LEADS THE FASHION? HERE, THE UNEXPECTED HARMONIES OF BOLD COLOR, DRAMATIC LINES, AND UNCONVENTIONAL TEXTURES INSPIRE THE HAUTEST DÉCOR AND COUTURE, TOO
by
I C K M E L E
Hair and makeup by
V I R G I N I A L E F A Y
Additional photographs by
E L L H O V I N G
Photographs
N
N
QUIET LUXURY
Dress by Carolina Herrera. Platinum and emerald-cut diamond “statement” rings by Hamilton Jewelers Private Reserve Collection.
TROPICAL TONES
Dress by Carolina Herrera.
A pair of 18k white, yellow gold, pear-shape and fancy yellow diamond “hoop” earrings; and an 18k yellow gold and fancy yellow mixed-shape diamond necklace by Hamilton Jewelers Private Reserve Collection.
MOODY HUES
An
“statement” necklace; a pair of 18k yellow
“spiral”
and an 18k
Dress by Proenza Schouler from Saks Fifth Avenue Palm Beach.
18k yellow gold, green tourmaline, multicolor gemstone, and diamond
gold, tsavorite, and diamond
earrings;
yellow gold, green tourmaline, blue sapphire, and diamond ring by Hamilton Jewelers Private Reserve Collection.
LOVE STORIES
B y J ENNIFER P. HEND ER S O N
WHETHER IT TOOK SEVEN YEARS OR SEVEN MONTHS FOR THESE DUOS TO REACH THEIR FINAL MATRIMONIAL DESTINATION, EACH PAIR MARKED THEIR “I DOS” WITH A BEAUTIFUL SYMBOL OF THEIR LIFELONG DEVOTION
Some say love at first sight is a myth, nothing more than a fleeting infatuation when one is drawn to someone across a proverbially crowded room. The theme of love at first sight, however, is one that does have hundreds of years of history behind it—it’s been dissected, discussed, and described by poets, writers, critics, and paramours since the days of the Ancient Greeks. From Dante and Chaucer to Shakespeare and Austen to Rodgers and Hammerstein and Maroon 5, love is a many splendored thing that can and does strike without warning. And so it goes for each of the “Love Stories” couples featured on the following pages, too.
“I was definitely the first to say, ‘I love you,’ but I know for a fact we both felt it almost immediately,” says Jen Canace Laccardi, director of operations for a talent solutions company, who first crossed paths with her husband, Michael, an automotive entrepreneur, when she was in college. Jim Woodard, Air Force officer and C.O.O. and co-founder of a software company, says, “Claudia and I dated for seven months before I popped the question.” Claudia, an international marketing compliance specialist, quips, “Let’s just say we didn’t waste any time!” And finally Nia Alleyne, co-owner of a consulting agency, who met her economist husband, Ryan, at a Halloween party when he was in costume (and she wasn’t) notes, “It was just love at first sight.”
NIA & RYAN
UPPER MONTCLAIR, NJ
ENGAGED: APRIL 2023
MARRIED: SEPTEMBER 2024
Their Backstory:
“I grew up in Newtown, Pennsylvania, and attended Holy Ghost Preparatory School in Bensalem, PA, followed by Union College, in Schenectady, NY, where I studied economics. Nia grew up in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, went to Saddle River Day School, and then headed to Parsons School of Design in Manhattan, where she studied fashion consumerism and marketing. I’m an economist and Nia co-owns a consulting agency.”
Their Meet Cute:
“My best friend, Danielle, from Saddle River Day, went to Union College with Ryan. She introduced us at a Halloween party where Ryan was in costume— and I was not. It was love at first sight.”
Her Favorite Things:
“Ryan’s silliness, kindness, and patience. Also, his smile and his height (he’s 6'1" and I’m 5'3").”
His Favorite Things:
“I love Nia’s confidence, her humor, her authenticity, and her ability to dream.”
Their Q.T.:
“We love to try new restaurants and travel together.”
Their Soundtrack:
“You’re All I Need to Get By,” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell (our first dance); “Imagine,” by Ariana Grande; “Best Part,” by Daniel Caesar and H.E.R.; “You Send Me,” by Sam Cooke; “You Rock My World,” by Michael Jackson; “Call Out My Name,” by The Weeknd; “Turning Page,” by Sleeping at Last
The Proposal:
“I asked Nia at the Mark Hotel over dinner. We had a standing reservation at the Mark every Friday, so she was not expecting me to propose when I did. No one else was involved as I knew she wouldn’t want that; she’d want the moment between us, in her favorite hotel, with her favorite person.”
The Rings:
“I picked out my own engagement ring, but we picked out our wedding bands together at Hamilton Jewelers. We’d purchased jewelry from Hamilton previously, and we loved the connection of buying our jewelry close to where we were getting married.”
The Fashion:
“I’ve always been inspired by Bella Swan’s wedding dress in Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1, so I knew my dress would be similar: traditional, lace, and long-sleeved by Ines Di Santo. Ryan went classic Italian from head to toe in a Canali tuxedo and Giorgio Armani tuxedo shoes.”
The Planning:
“Even with a full-time planner, managing stress was a challenge. However, all the stress was worth it. We wouldn’t change a thing.”
The Big Day:
“We married in early September at Trinity Church, in Princeton, and had our reception at the Nassau Inn. Princeton has always held a special place in our hearts—Ryan was born and raised in Princeton as a young child, and when we first moved in together, we lived in Princeton. We loved that Trinity Church and the Nassau Inn are in the downtown Princeton area where our guests could enjoy the beauty of Princeton and all it has to offer.”
The Ceremony:
“Ryan and I went classic with our vows, and then shared private vows on our honeymoon. But our favorite thing about the ceremony was my uncle, Senior Pastor Scot C. Moore, officiated and blessed the beginning of our marriage.”
The Gifts:
“Ryan gave me a tennis bracelet, and I gifted him a watch from Hamilton Jewelers.”
The Vibe:
“We went a more nontraditional route, and avoided using white throughout our décor. We wanted our reception to feel moody, and a little sexy—almost like a jazz club.”
The Menu:
“We had a little bit of everything. From sushi and steak to risotto and halibut to chicken and bite-size cheesesteaks, we made sure there was something for everyone. But our favorite thing about the reception was eating our wedding cake. It was delicious: vanilla pound cake with layers of raspberry and chocolate mousse, and vanilla buttercream.”
Their Greatest Lessons:
“I learned how to dream from Nia.” | “Ryan taught me how to be the best version of myself.”
Their First Anniversary:
“Back at the Mark Hotel. We’ll spend the night and have dinner just like we used to.”
Their Future:
“To be happy and healthy, and to continue to spend the rest of our lives with each other, however we please and laughing along the way.”
CLAUDIA & JAMES
NORTH PALM BEACH, FL
ENGAGED: JULY 2023
MARRIED: MAY 2024
Their Backstory:
“I grew up in Western New York with a younger brother. My childhood was filled with sports, and I also worked as a pizza chef at the best Italian pizzeria, Pontillo’s. My father kept us busy on the weekends, traveling to shoot competitive trap and skeet, or taking us to Buffalo Bills games. He worked as a manufacturing plant executive, and my mother worked at Home Video, the only VHS rental store in my town.” | “I grew up in the city of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil, as the middle child of three sisters. I have fond memories of weekends at the family ranch, enjoying Sunday BBQs with Polish heritage traditions from my dad’s side of the family. Summers were often spent vacationing in Florianopolis.”
Their Meet Cute:
“Our story began at a December Toys for Tots charity event in Delray Beach. My best friend, Roberta, was dating Jim’s best friend, Jon Paul, and fate decided it was our time to meet. Little did we know, life had already been aligning our paths: We’d unknowingly attended the same Metallica concert and Miami Heat game, and even stayed at the same resort over one Memorial Day weekend (which eventually became the date for our wedding).”
Her Favorite Things:
“Jim’s gentlemanly charm, quick wit, and intelligence. I adore how caring and fun he is; there’s never a dull moment. As someone deeply family oriented, my heart swells seeing what an incredible dad he is to his two k ids—it lights up my world.”
His Favorite Things:
“From the night we met, it was easy to see Claudia’s kindness and selflessness, and how much she truly cares for everyone around her. She’s the kindest person I have ever met, and always goes out of her way to help others. Both of my children are completely in love with Claudia, as well.”
Their Q.T.:
“We love traveling and exploring new cultures, especially through food; staying in to cook and watch movies and enjoying activities with his kids are some of our happiest moments. He also likes to drag me to Buffalo Bills games.”
The Proposal:
“I asked Claudia on the Fourth of July at the Boca Raton Club, under the fireworks. I had asked two of our friends to join us that night and they were in on the act to capture the moment. We had previously talked about marriage and had looked at rings—I needed to know Claudia’s preferences because it’s not easy to pick a ring for a girl whose family had owned jewelry stores—but it was a surprise when I asked Claudia that night.” | “As fireworks lit up the sky, I noticed Jim fidgeting and not paying much attention. Suddenly, there he was on one knee, with the most beautiful ring in hand, and fireworks bursting behind him. It was magical, unforgettable, and pure perfection.”
The Ring:
“After visiting a few stores and deliberating on the perfect cut, we went to Hamilton Jewelers, in the Palm Beach Gardens Mall. He had a lot of help and guidance from Rich Telesco, who presented us with a stunning 3.4-carat round-cut solitaire in white gold. It’s timeless, elegant, and everything I ever dreamed of.”
The Fashion:
“I wore a strapless, draped satin, A-line skirt with an extended cathedral-length train on a white wedding dress from Boca Raton Bridal, paired with Jimmy Choo heels. Jim looked impeccable in a custom Tom Ford tuxedo.”
The Big Day:
“We said ‘I do’ at the Jupiter Beach Resort over Memorial Day weekend. With its breathtaking ocean views and gardens, the venue was exactly what we had envisioned for our dream day. The event was meaningful for us as it was very close to our home and a location that was easy to travel to for all our friends and family.”
The Bands:
“Claudia’s wedding band was chosen with the help of Rich at Hamilton, and mine was chosen at a jeweler factory in Claudia’s hometown in Brazil where she used to pick up and exchange jewelry for her parents’ store when she was a child.”
The Vibe:
“Classic elegance. White roses, orchids, gold accents, and candles transformed the space into a fairytale. Jim’s business partner, best man, and our officiant brought humor and heartfelt words to the ceremony, and when Jim’s daughter played the violin during the reception it brought tears of joy to our eyes.”
Their Greatest Lesson:
“We’ve learned that as long as we stay true to ourselves, remain kind, and a lways strive to do the right thing, everything will work out exactly as it’s meant to.”
Their First Anniversary:
“We’re dreaming of a trip to Switzerland, complete with a train ride through the Swiss Alps.”
Their Future:
“We’re most excited about building a future together as a united team, embracing each other’s perspectives and unique strengths, and ultimately expanding our family into a happy, united, and loving bond that lasts forever.”
JEN & MICHAEL
SHORT HILLS, NJ
ENGAGED: OCTOBER 2022
MARRIED: SEPTEMBER 2024
Their Meet Cute:
“The first time we met wasn’t actually the first time we’d crossed paths. One summer, I was spending time down the shore with a group of high school friends, one of which was Mike’s cousin. She took us to her grandparents’ house, which I’d actually been to many years ago as a child. While visiting with her grandma, we ran into Mike, who was getting ready for a night out. We were all flustered at how attractive he was (the second we left, we dubbed him ‘the hot cousin’). A month later, I was at a yoga studio before heading back to college, George Washington University, in DC and in walks ‘the hot cousin.’ We were reintroduced briefly, and I spent the entire class hoping there’d be a reason for us to connect further. Mike clearly felt the same, and once the class ended, he asked me to dinner the next day. Of course, I said yes. The way conversation just flowed seamlessly between us, the spark was immediate.”
Their Q.T.:
“We love having a Friday night meal at the bar of one of our favorite local Italian restaurants, working out, grabbing overpriced but delicious lattes from coffee shops in town, traveling to different countries, going to Giants games with friends, and spending time at home with family.”
The Proposal:
“We got engaged on our trip to Italy in October 2022. We’d been dating for seven years, so I had a feeling this could be the trip where Mike proposed, but I really didn’t expect it. Once we made it to Florence, we didn’t want to waste a moment, and we saw so much of the city that day. Then Mike encouraged us to head back to our hotel. We planned to have drinks in the garden, and as soon as we pulled up, I saw musicians, roses, and champagne. Mike got down on one knee and proposed. It was perfect! Afterwards, we shared a meal at one of the most special restaurants in Florence, La Giostra. It was a dinner of pure bliss, knowing there would be so many more beautiful moments ahead for us—and the Bistecca Fiorentina wasn’t half bad, either!”
The Ring:
“I knew Jen loved an emerald-cut diamond. Outside of that, I had no idea what to do and so I worked closely with Karen and Terri at Hamilton Jewelers over the course of a year, to exploring cuts, sizes, and styles of rings. We were able to identify the ideal style (solitaire) and match the perfect stone to the setting, and we built an absolutely breathtaking engagement ring for Jen.”
The Fashion:
“The dress I selected was one of the first I tried on. You can see it in my face in the photos that day how perfect it felt—that Ines Di Santo gown was exactly what I was looking for. Mike wore a stunning custom tuxedo from Brunello Cucinelli.”
The Big Day:
“We were married at the San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Resort, in Taormina, Sicily. We both knew we wanted to do a destination wedding. We got engaged in Italy and both have Italian roots, admire the culture greatly, and wanted our families to have the chance to travel there together. We were referred to Sicily by a friend, and loved the idea of somewhere less traveled to.”
The Vibe:
“We really wanted to lean into the feeling of Sicily: romantic, bold colors, pinecones, the Winged Head of Medusa, the town’s amphitheater. We wanted our guests to feel immersed in Taormina and have our wedding encapsulate that feeling.”
The Menu:
“The menu for our wedding was impeccable: four courses by a Michelin star chef at the Four Seasons. And we did a cannoli tower instead of a cake! It was so fun and really embraced the Sicilian culture.”
The Big Day:
“We began the ceremony with ‘Love Theme’ from The Godfather, which was a little cheeky. I walked down the aisle to Elvis’s ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love,’ and then we exited to ‘Somewhere Only We Know,’ by Keane. All of the songs were played by a string quartet.”
Their Greatest Lesson:
“One thing we’ve learned from being together almost 10 years is that relationships are not just great on their own—it takes a willingness to communicate, to care and trust, to love and forgive and to deliberately choose to make things great together. There will be moments of pure bliss and happiness, but there will also be moments when things are hard. We’ve learned to embrace a blind, positive regard for each other through those moments and face challenges hand in hand.”
Their Future:
“To not waste any time, and to make the most of the days together. To really see and hear each other, to listen to each other, and have a genuine partnership and love for each other. To always, always have each other’s back and best interests at heart. To start a family together that embraces all of these things, and to continue to enjoy life, grow old, and look back feeling fulfilled that we did everything we dreamed of doing together.”
“WE WANT TO CONTINUE TO ENJOY LIFE, GROW OLD, AND LOOK BACK FEELING FULFILLED THAT WE DID EVERYTHING WE DREAMED OF DOING TOGETHER.”
DENNY’S KITCHEN
BAKING IS MORE THAN JUST A PASTIME FOR ACCENT’ S RESIDENT CHEF AND FORMER HAMILTON STYLIST AND DESIGNER DENNY SIEGEL—IT’S A CALLING. HERE, SHE SHARES THE CAN’T-MISS COOKIE RECIPES THAT HAVE HELPED HER CULTIVATE HER SWEETEST EXPRESSIONS OF LOVE FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
By DENNY SIEGEL
Photographs by KARIN BELGRAVE
Food styling by GINA MUKHERJEE
“COOKIES
HAVE BECOME MY LOVE LANGUAGE WITH
FAMILY AND FRIENDS.”
Denny and her 18-month-old miniature poodle, Cookie, who is the author’s faithful companion, especially when she’s baking in the kitchen.
The ritual of baking has always given me so much enjoyment, and I would never call it a labor, because it is one of my favorite pastimes. However, over the years, as I’ve found cakes and pies to be overly time-consuming, cookies have emerged as the simplest and most delicious way to show I care. Cookies are the most requested of my dishes by my children and grandchildren (and one day, hopefully, my great-grandchildren will love them, too), and have truly become my love language with family and friends.
With cookies, the sky’s the limit as far as how creative you can be. Cookies make a welcome contribution to any party or gathering, and also have the unique ability to brighten just about anyone’s day when served simply with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. I love baking cookies so much (and so frequently), in fact, that my 10-year-old granddaughter, Abigail, won a recent contest to help me name my new dog with her suggestion of— what else?—Cookie. Now when I bake, Cookie the dog is at my feet, keeping me company and waiting for a few cookie crumbs.
The cookie recipes in the following pages are just a few of my favorites. And while each cookie satisfies a different taste palate and sweet tooth, one component they do have in common is they all freeze beautifully. I always like to have everyone’s favorites on hand, so I regularly make more cookies than needed so I can freeze them. Freezing cookies is something I’m so well known for that my family knows to make a beeline for the freezer in the garage where they are certain to find a treasure trove of cookies tucked away in plastic-wrap-lined empty shoe boxes, a wonderful idea passed onto me by a dear friend many years ago, that works marvelously well to this day.
TRIPLE-THREAT CHOCOLATE COOKIES
Makes about 3½ dozen
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup pecan halves (3 oz.)
• 1 cup walnut halves (3 oz.)
• 8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 3 oz. unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 6 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 2½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
• ¹/ ³ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp. baking powder
• ¼ t sp. salt
• 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips (9 oz.)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
2. L ine several cookie sheets with parchment paper. Spread the pecans and walnuts on a r immed baking sheet and bake for about 8 minutes, or until lightly browned and f ragrant. Let cool completely then coarsely chop the nuts.
3. I n a saucepan, melt the bittersweet and unsweetened chocolate with the butter over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from t he heat and let cool.
4. I n a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar until fluffy. Add the vanilla and melted chocolate and beat until t hick and glossy. In a small bowl, whisk the f lour with the baking powder and salt; add to the chocolate mixture and beat until blended (do not overbeat the dough). Fold in the nuts and chocolate chips. L et the dough rest for 20 minutes.
5. S coop up 2 tablespoons of the dough per cookie and mound 3 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Lightly moisten your hands a nd flatten the mounds slightly. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are slightly f irm and the tops are cracked and glossy.
6. Slide the paper onto racks and let the cookies cool for 10 minutes. Remove the cookies from t he paper and let cool completely on the racks. R epeat with the remaining cookie dough, reusing the parchment paper.
SUGAR COOKIES
Makes about 16 large cookies
INGREDIENTS:
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• ½ lb. unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 4 cups sifted all purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• Royal icing (see recipe below)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
2. Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. Add flour mixture and mix on low speed until thoroughly combined. Wrap dough in plastic; chill for about 30 minutes.
4. Heat oven to 325° F.
5. On a well-floured board, roll out dough to 1/8-inch thick. Cut into desired shapes. Transfer to baking sheets lined with parchment and chill until firm, about 15 minutes.
6. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges start to brown lightly. Cool on wire racks and decorate with Royal icing.
ROYAL ICING
Makes about 2½ cups
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 large egg whites
• 2 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• ½ tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 Tbs. room temperature water
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Using stand mixer with whisk attachment, beat ingredients on low speed for 1 minute. Increase speed to medium until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes. If icing is too thick, add more water. If it is too thin, add more sugar.
CHOCOLATE SHORTBREAD
Makes 24 round cookies
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1½ tsp. vanilla extract
• ¼ cup Dutch processed cocoa powder
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ t sp. kosher salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Cream the butter and sugar with a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
3. Add the vanilla and cocoa powder. S crape the sides of the bowl.
4. Add the flour and kosher salt, a nd mix until just incorporated.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly f loured counter. Carefully form the dough into a log, then wrap in plastic. Chill the dough for at least an hour.
6. Slice the log into ¼ inch slices. Place on a cookie sheet, at least t wo inches apart to leave space for t he cookies to expand.
7. Ba ke for 14 to 16 minutes.
DENNY’S FAVORITE RUGELACH
FROM I NA GARTEN’S BAREFOOT CONTESSA PARTIES!
Makes 4 dozen
INGREDIENTS:
• 8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
• ½ lb. unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ¼ cup granulated sugar, plus 9 Tbs.
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup raisins
• 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• ½ cup apricot preserves, pureed in food processor
• 1 egg beaten with 1 Tbs. milk, for egg wash
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Cream the cheese and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until light.
2. Add ¼ cup granulated sugar, the salt, and vanilla. Mix to blend.
3. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour and mix until just combined.
4. Place the dough out onto a well-floured board and roll it into a ball. Cut the ball in quarters, wrap each piece in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
5. To make the filling, combine 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar, the brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, the raisins, and walnuts.
6. On a well-floured board, roll each ball of dough into a 9-inch circle. Spread the dough with 2 tablespoons apricot preserves and sprinkle with a ½ cup of the filling. Press the filling lightly into the dough. Cut the circle into 12 equal wedges, cutting the whole circle in quarters, then each quarter into thirds. Starting with the wide edge, roll up each wedge. Place the cookies, points tucked under, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill for 30 minutes.
7. Heat the oven to 350° F.
8. Br ush each cookie with the egg wash. Combine 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle on the cookies. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until lightly browned.
9. Remove to a wire rack and let cool. Remove them from oven. Let them cool slightly before serving.
CHOCOLATE-DIPPED MARMALADE
SANDWICH COOKIES
Makes 2 dozen
INGREDIENTS:
• 10 Tbs. unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ½ cup superfine sugar
• 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 t sp. lemon zest
• ¹/4 tsp. salt
• 1½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• ½ cup apricot marmalade
• 12 oz. semisweet chocolate, finely chopped, divided
I NSTRUCTIONS:
1. I n a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat butter until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually add sugar. Beat until creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
2. Add the yolks, lemon zest and salt until combined. Scrape down sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. On low speed add the flour until the dough comes together.
3. Turn dough out on lightly floured counter and gently form a ball. R oll the dough into a 14-inch log. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 350° F.
5. L ine two cookie sheets with parchment. Cut the log into ¹/4 -thick rounds. Place rounds 1 inch apart, and bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly brown.
6. Once cookies have cooled, move them into pairs of two, and turn them over so the underside is up. Spread ½ teaspoon of marmalade on one side of each pair and then put the sandwich together. Move to the refrigerator to set for 15 minutes.
7. Tempering the chocolate: Using a double boiler, melt 8 ounces of chocolate by stirring it in a heatproof bowl. Once it hits 115° F, stir in t he remaining 4 ounces of chocolate, stirring vigorously, until the temperature is back down to 81° F. Finally, reheat the chocolate to between 88° and 90° F, making sure it never rises above 92° F.
8. Dip each cookie in the chocolate and place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet to set.
A NAME ALL HIS OWN
FOR DESIGNER GIORGIO BULGARI, CREATING HIGH-CONCEPT FINE JEWELRY MIGHT BE IN HIS BLOOD— BUT THE STANDOUT PIECES COMPRISING HIS COLLECTIONS ARE DECIDEDLY A REFLECTION OF THE MAKER’S OWN BOLDLY INNOVATIVE ITALIAN SPIRIT
“I STRIVE TO DESIGN JEWELRY THAT IS BOTH EXCEPTIONAL IN CRAFTSMANSHIP AND DISTINGUISHABLE BY ITS DESIGN.”
You’ve no doubt heard the Bulgari name. The highly esteemed Rome-based fashion house known for its luxurious line of jewelry, watches, fragrances, accessories, and leather goods was founded in 1884 by Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari and remains an illustrious brand today.
But New York–born Giorgio Bulgari—and great-grandson of Sotirio—doesn’t rest on the reputation of the high-end, high-fashion name that precedes him. Instead the designer, entrepreneur, founder, and creative director launched his own line of fine and bespoke jewels in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2017, and called it, simply, Giorgio B.
Giorgio’s path to founding his own brand was not a straight line: Initially, he studied advertising and art history at Boston University, and then worked in finance in New York and Miami before venturing into watches and jewelry. After collaborating with his father on a watch project and several jewelry collections, including a pioneering modular line of jewelry, Giorgio became the creative director of Marina B (the jewelry brand started by his late aunt, Marina Bulgari) before eventually setting out on his own.
Giorgio’s influences and inspiration encompass a range of personal interests, from 20th-century industrial design to 1930s Streamline Moderne to the edginess of the 1980s,
as well as the formative years he spent watching the work of his father, Gianni, the former C.E.O. of Bulgari, and marveling at the Modernist furniture and futurist paintings that adorned the family home in Rome. Giorgio’s jewelry can best be characterized as exquisitely distinctive and dazzlingly one-of-a-kind, set apart by his bold, sculptural designs and the superior craftsmanship—all pieces are made by master artisans in either Italy or Switzerland.
Giorgio is best known for his Palma collection, a line inspired by a 19th-century book of botanical palm leaf prints from London’s Kew Gardens, while his Goccia line sports a retro-meets-the-future feel. He also creates bespoke pieces for private clients, typically pairing distinguished gemstones with less common high-jewelry materials like bronze, ceramic, and titanium.
Most recently, the Giorgio B line arrived at Hamilton Jewelers’s newly renovated Worth Avenue boutique, in Palm Beach, where the brand made its exclusive U.S. debut, and the family-owned shop became its exclusive retail partner in Florida. ACCENT caught up with the inventive founder for some insight into his influences, inspiration, and creative process, along with what might be next for the burgeoning high jewelry brand.
“MY JEWELRY IS SCULPTURAL YET SENSUAL. IT’S BOLD, ARCHITECTURAL, AND RECOGNIZABLE.”
ACCENT: You had an early career in finance. How did that experience shape the jeweler you are today?
Giorgio Bulgari: Finance taught me a lot about myself and continues to help me manage my company today. It also gave me a deep understanding of currency fluctuations, hedging, and the impact of fluctuating metal pricing.
ACCENT: Another early influence was your talented family and upbringing. Is there a formative memory or lesson that you still implement in your work today?
G.B.: Visiting my father on Via Gregoriana, at Bulgari’s distribution office, I saw designs come to life—from jewelry to automobile dashboards and watches. That moment was an epiphany for me.
ACCENT: How do you work to honor your distinguished lineage?
G.B.: I strive to design jewelry that is both exceptional in craftsmanship and distinguishable by its design.
ACCENT: How does your Italian heritage show up in your work?
G.B.: Growing up in Rome until I was 17 shaped my aesthetic sensibilities. Everything I was exposed to influenced how I develop my designs.
ACCENT: In your opinion, what are some distinctive characteristics that define a Giorgio B piece? How do you set your work apart?
G.B.: My jewelry is sculptural yet sensual. The design itself is what sets it apart: It’s bold, architectural, and recognizable.
ACCENT: What one creation do you consider a signature Giorgio B piece?
G.B.: The Palma rings, specifically our Unique Palma rings. My current favorite is the one that features a stunning 13.36-carat mint tourmaline. It’s currently in the Hamilton Jewelers boutique on Worth Avenue.
ACCENT: How does the influence of the 1980s play into your design aesthetic?
G.B.: The 1980s were my first real introduction to the industry. That was when Bulgari started producing modular jewelry, watches, and accessories to complement one-of-a-kind pieces, which had a profound impact on me.
ACCENT: Twentieth-century industrial design is another major inspiration for you. What’s behind your captivation with 1920s machine-age style?
G.B.: Streamlined design from the late 1920s and 1930s is always at the forefront of my mind. It was a disruptive movement that continues to influence me profoundly.
ACCENT: How can people see this interest translated into your work? Can you provide an example?
G.B.: I often describe my jewelry as “streamlined.” The Palma ring, for example, features seven graduated blades—reminiscent of 1930s design. It is a piece I believe could have been made then, in terms of style and design, but came to life a bit late.
ACCENT: Which design from your most recent collection are you particularly proud of?
G.B.: I am particularly proud of the Unique Palma rings. They stand out because the prongs aren’t just functional—they’re an intrinsic element of the design rather than being intruders. It’s a seamless evolution from my Palma collection into the unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. Classic yet contemporary, without being overly ornate.
ACCENT: What has been a career highlight?
G.B.: Seeing Sharon Stone wear my earrings at the 2023 Oscars. That was a breakthrough moment—an actress I admire wearing one of my creations on such a big stage.
ACCENT: What have been some memorable Giorgio B collaborations?
G.B.: Last year’s collaboration with Aquazzura. My friend Edgardo Osorio and I designed a collection of shoes, evening bags, and jewelry inspired by sea anemones.
ACCENT: The new relationship between Giorgio B and Hamilton Jewelers feels like a natural fit. How do the two brands complement each other?
G.B.: Hamilton Jewelers is an institution in Palm Beach. Being represented by them places Giorgio B in a thriving market. They offer classic jewelry with heritage; I bring a contemporary, disruptive edge. Together, we create a compelling balance.
ACCENT: What do you feel has been a key to your success?
G.B.: Thank you for considering me successful. Maybe it’s because my designs stand out—boldness resonates, and people have responded well to that. I would say the key has been following my instincts.
ACCENT: You work with private clients to create one-of-a-kind jewels. What are some of the questions you ask to bring their vision to life?
G.B.: Every client has a different level of jewelry knowledge. I gauge that first, then bring my expertise to the table. It’s about understanding their passions, but ultimately, they come to me because they trust me.
ACCENT: Are there any words or guiding principles you live by?
G.B.: “Less is more.” Mies van der Rohe said that, and I believe it.
ACCENT: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
G.B.: Stay true to yourself.
ACCENT: Where is your “happy place”?
G.B.: The clear waters of Sardinia.
ACCENT: What are your personal favorite jewelry pieces to wear?
G.B.: I only wear my watch—many were gifts from my wife—and fabric bracelets my daughter makes for me.
ACCENT: What’s next for Giorgio B?
G.B.: That’s a secret, for now
Sharon Stone in Giorgio B Palma earrings at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
9“I DO” TO SAY WAYS
COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD AGREE THAT GETTING MARRIED IS A BIG DEAL. BUT THEIR CUSTOMS FOR CELEBRATING THAT MOMENT VARY WIDELY—AND BEAUTIFULLY
Wedding traditions differ dramatically among nations, though certain constants remain. No culture, for example, guarantees that the mom of the bride will remain dry-eyed. For the traveler, however, familiarity with the colorful and divergent ways the proverbial knot is tied from place to place can be a mark of sophistication and enlightenment. Boning up on the following nine countries will provide a good start.
By KIRSTEN MEEHAN
JAPAN: WEARING A WHITE TSUNOKAKUSHI
A staple at Shinto weddings, this traditional headdress has a name that literally translates as “horn hider” in English. Folklore says this refers to a bride putting on her most virtuous face for the groom and hiding away negative feelings of anger and jealousy for this new phase of her life. Made of white silk to match the bride’s formal kimono, the cloth is folded and wrapped elegantly around the bride’s head, partially covering and framing her styled hair, sometimes also adorned with flowers or ornaments. A Shinto wedding ceremony is typically small and limited to the families of the bride and groom only; a larger reception is held afterwards and open to a wider circle of friends.
HUNGARY: MENYECSKE RUHA
Many U.S. weddings incorporate a mid-evening dress change into a dress more suitable for the reception, but the bride’s changing her dress at a Hungarian wedding has important symbolic meaning. Tradition dictates that the bride swaps her outfit at the stroke of midnight—into a “menyecske ruha,” or a “new-wife dress.” The new garment typically has some red in it, whether it’s a mixture of red and white or a full saturation in the bright color. This represents the bride saying goodbye to her old life and embracing her future with her husband.
GREECE: SHAVING THE GROOM
A symbol of deep trust between the groom and his best man (called a “koumbaro,” and usually much more involved in the wedding prep than his U.S. counterpart is in American ceremonies), a Greek wedding day always includes this moment of assisted grooming. Getting ready is a full-party affair—the groom’s friends may also tie his bow tie and help him into his jacket (while, elsewhere, the bride’s wedding party is helping her into her dress and shoes). But the shave is specific to the koumbaro, as he affirms their friendship and ensures that his best friend looks perfect on the most important day of his life.
NIGER: DOING THE CAMEL DANCE
In this West African nation, the Sahara Desert blankets almost 80 percent of the land. It only makes sense that some of the wedding traditions embrace the animal emblematic of that desert.
A wedding ceremony for the Tuareg people of Niger takes place on the night of a full moon, often outside and in the Sahara. Afterwards, as part of the festivities, people gather around a trained camel as it moves and stomps to the beat of a traditional tendé drum. Guests, of course, often dance along with it.
MEXICO: LAZO
This Hispanic custom is often part of a traditional Catholic wedding ceremony, and it adds a whole new meaning to the phrase “tying the knot.” Literally “lasso” in English, this tradition involves looping a rope around both the bride and groom after their vows are exchanged. Their respective godparents (called madrinas and padrinos in Spanish) will loop the rope around the happy couple’s shoulders in a figure-eight pattern, representing infinite love and new beginnings. This “lasso” is often a large, beaded rosary, but a silk cord or flower garland is sometimes used instead.
CUBA: MONEY DANCE
Formal dances are a tradition in many Western weddings; Cuban culture puts its own twist on it. As the ceremony ends and the reception begins, men who wish to dance with the bride may pin money to the bride’s dress—or, sometimes, slip bills into a purse or an apron donned for this reason. The money is meant to help the new couple establish their new life together, or to help finance their honeymoon. It also gives the bride a chance to take the dance floor and share a moment with many of her friends and family members.
CHINA: PICKING UP THE BRIDE
Traditional Chinese weddings are elaborate, multi-step, and deeply codified undertakings. Each part of the process, from the proposal to the date chosen to the hair-combing ceremony the night before, has hundreds of years of history behind it—and that includes the journey to the wedding itself. To pick up the bride for her big day, the groom leads a loud and lively procession to her home, his friends and family lighting fireworks and playing instruments as they go. At the head of this parade is a child, symbolizing the family the couple will build together.
PHILIPPINES: RELEASING WHITE DOVES
This tradition has spread to other parts of the world as well, but it originated in the Philippines. During the reception, the bride and groom open a cage or basket together, often by pulling a decorative ribbon, and release two doves into the sky to symbolize a future filled with harmony and peace. The guest who catches the doves is invited to take them as pets. It also adds an extra touch of romance—ideally these doves are a mated pair.
INDIA: HENNA
Also known as mehndi, henna is a paste used for body painting that is associated with positive spirits and good luck across India. It is also integral to many Indian wedding customs, Hindu and Sikh alike. The night before a wedding, the bride’s friends and female relatives gather together for a mehndi ceremony. Intricate henna designs are painted onto the bride’s hands and feet. The goal is to calm, soothe and center her as she prepares for her big day, surrounded by her loved ones. The henna then gently stains her skin, becoming a beautiful adornment for the day of the wedding.
THE TERHUNE TOP FIVE
AS TERHUNE ORCHARDS MARKS ITS 50-YEAR ANNIVERSARY, WE TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT MAKES THE FAMILY-OWNED AND -OPERATED FARM AND WINERY SO VERY SPECIAL
New Jersey is famous for its wealth of organic riches— it’s not called the “Garden State” for nothing—and the area in and around Princeton is no exception. There are a bevy of wonderful farms in the Princeton area, but none so beloved as Terhune Orchards. Owned and operated by the Mount Family, who purchased it in 1975, Terhune is known for its thriving pick-yourown scene, but the farm offers so much more than an impressive array of seasonal crops. With a farm store, winery, and garden that attract thousands of visitors every year, Terhune is a veritable treasure trove of deliciousness. In honor of the farm’s 50th anniversary in 2025, we’ve come up with the five things you need to know about Terhune Orchards that will make your first (or 15th) trip to the farm the best day ever.
Terhune maintains a year-round slate of events and activities to entertain kids and grown-ups alike, from seasonal festivals to educational programs to live music series. And mark your calendars: On August 16, Terhune will officially celebrate its 50th anniversary with a day of fun, games, and entertainment. For more information, visit terhuneorchards.com
PLANTS, HERBS, & FLOWERS, OH MY
A BUSHEL AND A PECK
If there’s one thing that puts Terhune on the map, it’s the apples—more than 35 varieties, including Gala, Empire, Honeycrisp, Macoun, and Fuji, if you’re counting. The farm debuted its pick-your-own apple orchard in 1985, began making its legendary apple-cider donuts in 1989, and has since transformed the humble fruit into everything from pies and crisps to jellies and sauces to cold-pressed cider (available yearround) and slushies, which might be the summer’s most delicious frozen treat. Hidden gem: Keep your eyes peeled (pun intended) for the elusive apple-cider donut holes, which are compulsively eatable so buying two boxes is a must.
At Terhune, the pick-your-own fun continues on the picturesque farm and grounds with flowers, plants, herbs, and holiday adornments, too. The greenhouse keeps a variety of flowers on hand from late winter into early spring, and in the warmer months, you can stroll through and select from acres of florals, like dahlias and zinnias. Gourmands will marvel at the multitude of fresh herbs on offer, from basil and chives to spearmint and lemon verbena. For the horticulturists, early spring brings a bevy of flowering annuals and bedding plants, as well as an array of organic vegetable plants for the home garden. And during the holidays, fall mums and fresh-cut trees and wreaths are available to help you deck your halls. Hidden gem: Terhune’s cache of blooming spring bulbs and flowering-plant baskets and planters make excellent (and easy) housewarming gifts.
AND THEN THERE’S WINE
In 2005, Terhune planted 12 varieties of grapes and bottled its first vintage five years later. Today, Terhune operates a vineyard, winery, and tasting room where it hosts events year-round to showcase a collection of red, white, and fruit-forward wines crafted from the spoils of its own vineyards and orchards, including the smooth and dry Farmhouse White, the brightly crisp and refreshing Rosé, and the medium-bodied Chambourcin red. Hidden gem: The lightly sweet Terhune Sangria has an apple wine base with hints of peach and strawberry, and is the perfect summer afternoon beverage served chilled or in a pitcher of ice with fresh-cut peaches, berries, oranges, and apples.
FOODIES TAKE NOTE
As a family-owned and -operated farm, Terhune is committed to sourcing and supporting its local food community, too. Alongside the cornucopia of fruits and vegetables, and Terhune-made items—have we mentioned the abundant array of baked goods including pies, cookies, and breads?—the farm store is a veritable high-end gourmet food market, featuring products made by area brands. Stroll the narrow aisles and you’ll find locally sourced specialty items, such as Nicola’s Pasta ravioli, Nutty Novelties peanut butter, Born to Hula hot sauces, Small World Coffee, Wilson Honey, and Arctic ice cream. Hidden gem: Grab a frozen Griggstown Farm chicken pot pie and a bag of Terhune’s finest mixed greens, along with a bottle of salad dressing, and you’ll have a simple and delicious dinner any night of the week.
TAKE YOUR PICK, LITERALLY
From April through October, Terhune is awash with visitors who have come to wander the orchards and hand-select their own produce. Terhune grows more than 50 different crops on its 250-acre expanse, and the offerings rotate depending on the season: Asparagus kicks off the pick-your-own fun in April; the strawberries ripen in May; the sweet and sour cherries, and blueberries are available in June; followed by the blackberries in July. September ushers in the aforementioned apple season, and October, of course, brings the pumpkins. Hidden gem: The farm store offers a full bounty of Terhune-grown produce, including peaches and pears, and every seasonal vegetable under the sun from carrots and corn to tomatoes and squash (check the website for the full crop schedule).
LOVE AND HAIGHT
A
SAN FRANCISCO NEIGHBORHOOD WITH A VIBRANT PAST COMES TO LIFE IN A HOME REIMAGINED BY DESIGNER NICOLE HOLLIS
Complete trust between homeowner and designer? That just may be the Holy Grail of interior design. For San Francisco-based designer Nicole Hollis, the bond between her and her clients is just as important as the work itself. “Their trust in my ability is humbling, their willingness to commit and agree to go on a journey where the vision will take time to be drawn out, and that’s how it should be,” she says in her newest book, Nicole Hollis: Artistry of Home (Rizzoli New York, 2024).
W hen homeowners in the Bay Area’s Haight-Ashbury district asked her to reimagine their residence, they trusted Hollis would retain the building’s historic charm, give nods to the community’s psychedelic past (the Grateful Dead and Steve Miller Band once jammed in the neighborhood), and inject modern craftsmanship. The result, seen on the following pages, showcases both the client’s and designer’s desire for a home that’s modern and cozy, unique and arresting.
At left: Designer Nicole Hollis combines vintage pieces with artisan furnishings to recreate a home in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district. Comfortable seating in the living room includes vintage lounge chairs by Guillerme et Chambron and Pierre Paulin, a sofa by India Mahdavi and Les Lalanne’s “Crocoseat.” On the walls are Nancy Lorenz’s Landscape Poem and a “Looker T. Washington” mirror by the Haas Brothers.
This page: Hollis traveled the world with the music-loving homeowners for inspiration. From the U.K., Beatles Portfolio: John Lennon, Ringo Starr, George Harrison and Paul McCartney by Richard Avedon hangs above a sitting-room fireplace. The Fab Four isn’t the room’s only artisan piece. The heart-chain chandelier is by Goossens Paris, the chairs are from Dimorestudio, the coffee table is by Sam Orlando Miller and the rug by Beauvais. A pair of parquetry armchairs are antiques from Syria circa 1900.
Opposite page: As sunlight passes through magenta-tinted glass, a pendant by famed Italian brand Venini sparkles in a full spectrum of color.
This page: This dining room will give you the blues—in a good way. The main lacquer table, from the interior designer’s own studio, is flanked by blue Mattia Bonetti chairs and sits atop a rug by Shiir. Lighting here also is dramatic, with sconces by Mattia Bonetti and Olafur Eliasson’s “No Symmetry in the Ocean” asymmetrical light fixture.
Opposite page: A 1966 portrait of Jerry Garcia by Herb Greene pays tribute to one of the neighborhood’s icons. The image complements an antique Turkish chandelier, chairs by Vladimir Kagan and Pierre Frey wall covers.
Images are reprinted with permission from Nicole Hollis: Artistry of Home (Rizzoli New York, 2024) by Nicole Hollis; photographs by Douglas Friedman.
COCKTAIL HOUR
JEWELS OF LOWER PYNE
THE GRADUATE HOTEL’S BUBBLY AND LIGHT VARIATION ON A COSMO HAS A TART KICK OF CRANBERRY— ALONG WITH A NOD TO AN ICONIC PRINCETON LANDMARK
Serves 1
INGREDIENTS:
• 1.5 oz. infused vodka
• .25 oz. St. Germain elderflower
• .5 oz. spiced cranberry syrup
• .5 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 1 oz. cranberry juice
• 4 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
I NSTRUCTIONS:
1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
2. Shake and strain into a coupe or martini glass.
3. Top with a splash of Prosecco, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Pro tip: Bartender Henry Bartman says, “It’s optional, but we like to briefly burn the rosemary to give the cocktail a really nice aroma.”
THE BACKSTORY:
Built in 1896, the Upper and Lower Pyne buildings are located at the northeast corner of Princeton’s Nassau and Witherspoon streets. The pair were gifts from Moses Taylor Pyne, in 1877, and designed by Raleigh C. Gildersleeve in the likeness of 16th-century Chester, England architecture to accommodate storefronts at street level and undergraduate dormitories above. Today, only the Lower Pyne building remains, where it is home to Hamilton Jewelers.
As a vintage consultant for H1912, what does Miles Franklin love most about his job? “Nerding out. I love nothing more than discovering a maker who is new to me, or seeing a piece that sends me down a research route hitherto unexplored.” Before coming to Hamilton a year ago, Miles cultivated an early interest in collecting out-of-print books on famous jewelers and jewelry wearers, which led to a brief stint writing about historic jewels and contemporary makers, and then a turn at a New York auction house where he honed his expertise in rare jewels. “This is the kind of job that allows me to marry commerce with intellectual exploration, which I find absolutely essential.”
VINTAGE BULGARI PARENTESI 18K GOLD AND STEEL NECKLACE
“Everything I’ve selected here has been chosen because it introduced something new to the vocabulary of the world of fine jewelry. For example, this vintage Bulgari Parentesi necklace in 18k gold and sterling silver invented a system of standardized but beautiful brackets that can be endlessly interchanged.”
STYLE EDIT: HJ
18K YELLOW GOLD ROMAN COIN BROOCH
MILES HIGHLIGHTS HIS FAVORITES FROM THE H1912
VINTAGE JEWELRY AND WATCH COLLECTION
VINTAGE 18K YELLOW GOLD BREGUET CLASSIQUE
“Vintage jewelry and particularly watches —like this 18k yellow gold Classique from Breguet—really inspire me because of their individuality, hand-finished quality, and tangible substantiality, which in today’s world truly feels like an almost humorous, anachronistic aperture into a much sweeter time.”
In my role at H1912, I make efforts to translate for clients the artistic qualities of the rare and coveted jewels of a bygone era. Although this piece was made in the 1980s, this exquisite vintage 18k yellow gold Roman coin brooch featuring 22 round brilliant diamonds and two cabochon rubies has an extraordinary history: the featured coin is of Roman emperor Constantine the Great, from 307-337 A.D.”
“The style of necklace exemplified by this Porcelain Magic Alhambra necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels played a pivotal role in the creation of what was termed ‘day-to-night’ jewels in the 1970s. This piece really expanded the horizons of what was possible.”
A PROUD LINEAGE
WITH THE HAMILTON JEWELERS HALLMARKS OF INTRICATE MILGRAIN AND HAND-ENGRAVED DETAIL WORK, THE HERITAGE COLLECTION IS INSPIRED BY THE PAST, WITH A NOD TO PERIOD VOGUE, AND REFINED FOR A BRILLIANT FUTURE
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Prices upon request
Phot
Clockwise, from top left:
A platinum and diamond 36-inch “station” necklace.
A pair of 18k white gold and diamond “fan” earrings.
An 18k rose gold and diamond bracelet.
An 18k white gold and diamond “bangle” bracelet
variety
18k white, rose, and yellow gold and diamond bands.
JEWELRY
FROM THE HAMILTON ARCHIVES
In 1976, after more than five decades in the fine jewelry and watch business, Irving Siegel retired to his beloved winter home in Palm Beach, FL. Retirement, however, wasn’t exactly Irving’s cup of tea, and it wasn’t long before the boredom that accompanied not meeting-andgreeting his clients every day compelled him to create a new extension of the Hamilton brand: a shop on the tony Palm Beach shopping destination, Worth Avenue.
W hen Irving and his son, Martin, opened the doors to the new boutique in April 1977, they established the Hamilton Jewelers name in a community Irving had long called a second home. The following summer René Dentan—then president of Rolex USA—paid a visit to Irving and Martin at the new boutique (Rolex was a frequent sponsor of the renowned Wellington polo matches). At the time, Rolex did not have representation on Worth Avenue, and Dentan was determined to find a way to present the discriminating Palm Beach clientele with a more diverse selection of Rolex watches, including a rare yellow gold Datejust with genuine lapis lazuli dial (now a coveted collector’s item), and a unique yellow gold Oyster Cosmograph Daytona, which then sold for $3,000, but today would fetch approximately $75,000.
Dentan wrote what would become the first order to open a Rolex account at the new Hamilton store, and in the years since, Rolex executives frequently make the same pilgrimage to Palm Beach to collaborate with Hamilton at one of their two stores: a shop in the Palm Beach Gardens Mall, which opened in 1988, and the 215 Worth Avenue locale, which received a sophisticated renovation in late 2024.
