Reis Nichols Fall/Winter 2019

ACCENT • THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS • WINTER 2019/2020

ACCENT: THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS REIS-NICHOLS JEWELERS WINTER 2019/2020

100 ACTS OF KINDNESS FOR 100 YEARS IN BUSINESS TOP PICKS FROM BJ NICHOLS HOLIDAY SHOPPING: YOUR WISHLIST MADE EASY DESIGNERS: INSPIRED PIECES

FALL/WINTER 2019

INDIANAPOLIS

FASHION MALL COMMONS 317.255.4467

GREENWOOD

GREENDALE CENTRE 317.883.4467 REISNICHOLS.COM

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Rita Guarna CREATIVE DIRECTOR Stephen Vitarbo SENIOR EDITOR Daria Meoli SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR Darius Amos LIFESTYLE EDITOR Haley Longman EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Gianna Barone

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ART DIRECTOR Victoria Beall CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Christen Fisher, Everett Potter, Donna Rolando, Josh Sens

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PUBLISHING STAFF

2 BJ Nichols’ Top 5 Favorites

PUBLISHER Shae Marcus

4 100 Acts of Kindness

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6 One-of-a-Kind Wedding Story

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION AND CIRCULATION Susan Windrum

10 In Good Company 12 On the Run

ADVERTISING SERVICES DIRECTOR Jacquelynn Fischer

20 Cool and Collected: John Mayer

PRODUCTION ART ASSOCIATE Christopher Ferrante

24 Finely Tailored

GRAPHIC DESIGNER, AD SERVICES Violeta Mulaj

30 Inspired Pieces

ACCOUNTING Agnes Alves, Megan Frank, Randy Tashjian

36 Mixed Media 40 Extra, Extra!

PUBLISHED BY Wainscot Media

42 Holiday Wish List

CHAIRMAN Carroll V. Dowden

45 Bridal Bling

PRESIDENT & CEO Mark Dowden

50 His and Hers: The Gift of Time

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS Shae Marcus, Carl Olsen

54 Italy’s Showplace 62 Wines of Israel 4 Tour Grandly!

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ACCOUNT MANAGER Lisa Menghi

VICE PRESIDENTS Nigel Edelshain, Thomas Flannery, Rita Guarna

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Jewelry has been enlarged to show detail. Due to the fluctuating prices of diamonds, gold and platinum, prices are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on size, quality and availability. While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, we are not responsible for errors or omissions. ACCENT is published by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656, in association with Reis-Nichols. Copyright © 2019 by Wainscot Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Editorial Contributions: Write to Editor, Reis-Nichols, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. The magazine is not responsible for the return or loss of unsolicited submissions. Subscription Services: To change an address or request a subscription, write to Subscriptions, ACCENT, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge NJ 07656, or by telephone at 201.573.5541. Advertising Inquiries: Contact Shae Marcus at 856.797.2227 or shae.marcus@wainscotmedia.com Printed In The U.S.A. Volume 17, Issue 2. ©2019

NOW TRENDING

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Cartier, 18K yellow gold Tank Française watch, medium model, quartz movement, $22,200

BJ NICHOLS’

op 5 favorites

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Messika, 18K white gold Move 10th Anniversary diamond necklace, $9,900

1. The Cartier Tank watch is the epitome of an elegant timepiece and a marvel of fine watchmaking. Our 18K gold Tank represents one of the finest timepieces in history, and one of the most iconic.

2. Messika jewelry is the choice of celebrities around the world, from Lady Gaga to Julia Roberts. The Move 10th Anniversary necklace strikes a delicate balance between three diamonds in motion and beautiful white gold. It is a winning combination for the leading lady in your life.

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3. These earrings from Sloane Street are the perfect look for fall! The combination of turquoise and 18K gold embodies the timeless elegance of the modern woman.

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Sloane Street, 18K yellow gold marquis turquoise drop earrings, $3,050

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4. This amazing bracelet is not only stunning, it is filled with good wishes.

Roberto Coin’s magical signature is set inside with a small ruby surrounded by an antique halo of a legend.

5. This one-of-a-kind beauty will leave your one and only speechless! With a seven carat pear-shaped center diamond, this platinum ring is absolutely striking.

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Reis-Nichols Collection, platinum diamond engagement ring, $283,200

Roberto Coin, 18K yellow gold diamond Byzantine Barocco bangle, $12,500

100 ACTS OF KINDNESS

100 acts for 100 years

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COMPANY EMPLOYEES CELEBRATE MILESTONE IN BIG AND SMALL WAYS. When describing her work with Reis-Nichols Jewelers, Rebecca Coffey uses the words “goosebumps” and “uplifting.” It’s not surprising, as the certified jeweler works with one-of-a-kind gems, watches and settings every day. But it’s not the jewelry Coffey is talking about—it’s the atmosphere, culture and opportunities she’s experienced at Reis-Nichols that have her gushing.

As Reis-Nichols celebrates 100 years in business, the company is taking small business values and a passion for the community and paying it forward with its 100 Acts of Kindness program.

“I think it is unprecedented,” Coffey says of the program. “I thought I was proud to work for ReisNichols before, but now I’m more grateful than ever to be part of this, I think it’s wonderful. I have never worked for a company that gives back at this level and does it so joyfully. It gives me goosebumps.”

Giving back to the community is nothing new for the team at Reis-Nichols, but president BJ Nichols says celebrating a century in business was reason enough to take the company’s community service and philanthropy to another level.

Acts of kindness have ranged from small gestures like a flower truck outside the store for clients, to large initiatives, like working to build a home for a mother and daughter through the Indianapolis Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, each department within the company was challenged to find a cause or charity to serve. And if that wasn’t enough, each employee was given time to participate in a service project of their choosing during traditional work hours.

For Coffey and the rest of the jewelers, caring for those who care for others was their cause. Coffey says her department created care packages and goodie bags for nurses at St. Vincent Hospital. They focused on the NICU staff and even provided a dinner (or lunch) for nurses during both the day and night shifts.

“By doing this, kindness spreads out like ripples on a pond,” Coffey says.

“There’s a movie called Pay it Forward and I hope that what we’re doing for

our community has a similar impact. I’ve donated my time before, but to be in a place that does it too makes me feel wonderful. It is inspiring and uplifting. This is the way life should be.”

The reaction and outpouring of support and happiness from the employees even surprised BJ Nichols himself, who says he expected the staff to jump on board, but the reality was even better.

“It has been excellent, maybe even better than we expected,” Nichols says with a laugh.

“The project has been about giving back to the community, clients and employees—the people who have given us the opportunity to be in business over the last 100 years.”

Because people have the ability to order anything online at any time, setting themselves apart is imperative for Reis-Nichols. Nichols says the company’s mission to provide superior customer service with honesty and respect along with unparalleled merchandise and professionalism is even more important than ever to the success of the company. The family business focuses on the employees just as much as they do the customers, because, Nichols says, success starts with those representing the overall business.

“Giving back has always been something we do because it fits in with how I was raised,” he explains. “I think this project is having a huge impact because it is something that has connected with our employees. In the current market, attracting and retaining employees is a challenge and this project is a way we can build on our corporate culture.

We began to realize we needed to continue to put even more focus on being an ‘employee first’ company. In this competitive job market, we know that if you are going to find and retain the best employees you have to let them know that you care. You can see it really matters to them; you can teach people skills but you can’t teach them how to care.”

One mainstay of Reis-Nichols’ giving happens all year with the watch batteries initiative. Known throughout the Midwest for their Swiss

timepieces, Reis-Nichols never charges to replace a battery. Instead it is suggested that the customer make a monetary donation. At the end of each month, funds collected are donated to the company’s charity of choice.

Cassidy Wittrig, who works as a sales consultant, says she participated in the group’s Habitat for Humanity build, which left a lasting impression.

She adds through the 100 Acts of Kindness program, the company has given each employee the book, 1000+ Little Things Happy Successful People Do Differently, which she describes as an inspiring read. Wittrig also said the company surprised customers with free Starbucks, and is donating $100 to charities of each employee’s choice, along with other gestures big and small.

“This is more than just a job,” Wittrig says. “So many people go to their nine to five and they’re not doing anything and not moving forward. For us, we feel like we’re making a difference in the customers’ lives and the communities that we live in.”

PAYING IT FORWARD We’re celebrating 100 years with 100 Acts of Kindness to the people who have made it possible for us to get here. Pictured are some examples of acts for clients, employees and the community. Clockwise from top left: Hannah Nichols was with the Stems Flower truck, which came out on September 6 to surprise clients with bouquets as they left the store. The “Rock the House” crew from Reis-Nichols worked on siding a home for a deserving mom and her daughter. BJ Nichols and sister, Cindy Nichols, pictured with Make-a-Wish Kid, Rachel, when ReisNichols treated her and her mom to a day of pampering before she took her trip of a lifetime to South Korea. BJ Nichols took the stage at the JDRF Gala to give away a pair of Cartier watches.

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WEDDING STORY

one of a kind

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FALLING IN LOVE WITH A CUSTOM DESIGN.

Beth Jozwik can hardly go one day without someone commenting on her engagement ring. The newlywed proudly wears the unique and rare salt and pepper diamond in a custom setting from Reis-Nichols. The custom-made creation produces a “wow” factor, a shock value and lots of questions from admirers.

“Oh, my gosh, I have people that ask about my ring daily, and once they find out that it was custom made and designed people are in awe,” Beth says with a humble giggle.

The Indianapolis native was no stranger to Reis-Nichols when she became engaged to Chicago native Eric Jozwik. Living in Chicago, Beth says the couple had a million options on where to purchase a ring, but with a history and personal connection to Reis-Nichols, there was only one place the couple wanted to go and where they felt 100 percent comfortable.

Not only have Beth’s parents been longtime customers of Reis-Nichols while living in Indianapolis, but her sister, Anna Brookie, is a merchandising coordinator for the company.

“I have such an emotional attachment to this jewelry store, and I know that sounds so silly,” Beth says. “I feel lucky to have that connection, and it sounds so cheesy but they welcome everyone and make you feel part of a community. It’s got a small town feel.”

Never a big fan of traditional diamonds, Beth says as she and Eric moved closer to getting engaged, she knew he would have to lean on her sister Anna and the team at Reis-Nichols to create something one of a kind. With nearly a dozen in-house jewelers, each with years of experience, custommade jewelry doesn’t have to cost more than something mass produced.

Little did Beth know that while she was shopping for the perfect ring for her style, working on the custom-made piece was bringing the future sister and brother-in-law closer together as a family. Anna found the salt and pepper diamond, which is described as a unique stone with a “perfect mix of black and white speckles that tend to appear silky gray.” These diamonds

are not graded the same as traditional diamonds and usually are considered “raw.”

With the custom ring finished and having closed on a new house, the couple, who met while working as nurses in Chicago, drove straight to their new house to drop off a few boxes and celebrate the purchase of their first home. It was at that time that Eric proposed, with one “final box” that needed to be brought into the house.

“I had no idea it was coming, I thought, no way would he propose when we have so much else going on,” Beth recounts. “It was the most emotion I’ve ever felt… I was so flattered. With a custom-made ring, I felt like a celebrity because it was 100 percent personalized— you can’t ask for anything more in something you’re going to wear every day for the rest of your life.”

The couple married on May 4, 2019 and continue to reside in Chicago, both husband and wife working as nurses.

Regardless of where they live, Beth says they still frequent Reis-Nichols, and the custom ring and wedding bands are not the only purchase that has been made–or will be made in the future.

“There are so many options out there. Everywhere you look there’s a jewelry store, but the fact that Reis-Nichols has such a creative and unique ring selection and pieces that are so affordable, it’s more than you can ask,” she explains. “We’ll be Reis-Nichols customers for life. This was not Eric’s first purchase—he’s bought things there before, and there will be more, I’m sure. I bet there’s a Reis-Nichols box somewhere in our house right now.”

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GATHERINGS

in good company A FINE TIME IS HAD BY ALL WHEN WE GET TOGETHER. 23RD ANNUAL WATCH EVENT This year’s annual watch event was “geared” toward watch and race enthusiasts alike. We were joined

by IndyCar drivers Scott Dixon and Scott Goodyear for the “Watches & Wheels” themed VIP preview party to kick off the weekend of watches!

MIKIMOTO EVENT In September, guests were invited to a unique pearl experience hosted by Reis-Nichols and Mikimoto at Meridian Restaurant. Special one-of-a-kind jewelry was on display from the latest Mikimoto collection in Japan, along with a pearl strand that Marilyn Monroe received on her honeymoon with Joe DiMaggio in 1954. Guests enjoyed cocktails and dinner as well as the chance to view and wear the exclusive pieces.

ON THE RUN

NECKLINE STYLE:

cowl

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1. Sloane Street, 18K yellow gold, blue topaz and diamond ring, $7,140

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2. Marco Bicego, 18K yellow gold and diamond Petali three flower necklace, $5,480 3. Sloane Street, 18K yellow gold triple diamond drop briolette earrings, $4,215 4. Michele, 18K gold-plated and stainless steel Deco Park watch, $2,695 5. Roberto Coin, 18K yellow gold Princess diamond bracelet, $9,300

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Jonathan Simkhai

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ROMAN BAROCCO COLLECTION

ON THE RUN

NECKLINE STYLE:

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1. John Hardy, sterling silver spear bib necklace with graduating spikes, $2,395

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2. Penny Preville, 18K white gold Modern Deco drop earrings, $12,190 3. Messika, 18K white gold Move Noa diamond bangle, $12,030

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Givenchy

4. Jaeger LeCoultre, stainless steel Rendez-Vous Night & Day watch with diamond bezel, $14,600

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ON THE RUN

NECKLINE STYLE:

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1. David Yurman, 18K yellow gold Tides three-row diamond kick cuff bracelet, $10,500 2. Ippolita, 18K Classico crinkle petal cascade earrings, $2,250 3. Mizuki, graduated pearl duster earrings, $1,550 4. Marco Bicego, 18K yellow gold wide Lucia diamond ring, $4,600

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Frederick Anderson

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ON THE RUN

NECKLINE STYLE:

one shoulder 2

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1. Mikimoto, 18K white gold 36� strand with diamond shortener, $8,510/$3,800 2. Penny Preville, 18K white gold diamond draped bar necklace, $5,175

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3. David Yurman, sterling silver Stax diamond six-row ring, $1,200 4. Roberto Coin, 18K white gold and pavĂŠ diamond Pois Moi Luna small hoop earrings, $5,900 5. Ippolita, sterling silver Rock Candy Gelato bangle in Piazza with mother of pearl and hematite doublets with clear quartz, $995

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Versace

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SPOTLIGHT 20

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John Mayer is known around Hollywood for his beguiling ways and has used his charms to seduce his famous friends into becoming fellow watch collectors.

Andy Cohen, host of Watch What Happens Live, purchased a Rolex and Kevin O’Leary, entrepreneur and shark on Shark Tank, invested in pieces from Rolex and Patek Philippe after consultations with Mayer.

FACE TIME

cool and collected

John Mayer’s time on the road serves double duty: He performs for millions of fans and hunts for rare and vintage watches. Here, we did our own search for similarly gorgeous timepieces.

The rubber strap on his Patek Philippe Aquanaut is tough—and sexy—enough to wear while jamming all night long.

SINGER-SONGWRITER JOHN MAYER SAYS HIS VINTAGE WATCHES KEEP HIM SANE. NO NEED FOR THE REST OF US TO BE MAD WITH ENVY.

This unblinged-out version of Mayer’s Rolex Daytona Ref. 6269 is still quite Hollywood even without the diamonds.

Mayer’s prize Patek Philippe is similar to this Perpetual Calendar Chronograph 5970G.

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Another highlight of Mayer’s timepiece treasure trove is the Patek Philippe Ref. 5004G in white gold with salmon dial and luminous hands, about which he says, “This watch has better taste than I do sometimes.”

Mayer admits that he has a special affection for the Daytona, yet he shows his individuality by wearing models that are not Paul Newman. For example, possibly for nights on the town, there’s the rare Rolex Daytona Ref. 6269 with almost 300 diamonds, or the 6263 in 18K yellow gold, also a collectible, which Mayer says just may be “the coolest gold Rolex ever made.”

During his interview with Hodinkee, Mayer explained why he doesn’t always follow the Hollywood crowd to the Paul Newman: “I remember seeing prices on the Paul Newman Daytonas skyrocket and thinking to myself that it was time to let go of those pieces and focus more on the plain Jane, non-PN versions.

I’m glad I did, for several reasons—the least of which is that I can wear them without any doubt that they’re unquestionably authentic.”

But no real watch collector can totally resist Paul Newmans, so Mayer’s wonderland does include a black bezel Paul Newman Daytona 6264 with a dial similar to the rare 6263 Oyster Paul Newman.

It’s true that the unmarried Mayer’s love life, which has included names like Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jessica Simpson and Katy Perry, is what tends to draw headlines. But what many also should know about him is the extent to which he gives back. When wildfire destroyed 12,000 acres in Paradise Valley, MT, where he lives, he was quick to help raise more than $100,000 for the firefighters. In 2002 he created the “Back to You” nonprofit to boost health care, education and, of course, the arts, and he auctioned off John Mayer items such as guitar picks and T-shirts in support of this work.

Maybe someday one of his coveted watches will be on the auction block, so start collecting pennies.

REIS-NICHOLS

Don’t be taken in by John Mayer’s ruse. Yeah, he puts up a good front as a purported singer, songwriter, guitarist, record producer and sometime comedian, columnist and blogger. And those seven Grammys make persuasive props. But as he confessed to Britain’s Daily Mail in 2010, that’s all just a cover. “It’s like being in the CIA,” he said. “It looks as if I’m touring the world playing gigs, but I’m really on the hunt for watches.”

In truth, no secret life seems beyond the capabilities of this multi-talented, 42-year-old musician. Fans the world over applaud his tunes—even his leadership of a Grateful Dead resurrection band. But there are also a goodly number who look to his wrist for inspiration. It’s a wrist The New York Times has called “a wonderland”—a nod to his single, “Your Body is a Wonderland,” just one of the hits credited to this often controversial Connecticut native with six studio albums so far.

Mayer has said his vintage watches keep him sane.

But he values his collection at “tens of millions,” and even Park Avenue psychiatrists don’t charge that.

Like the late movie superstar Paul Newman, known for his rare 1969 Rolex Daytona Reference 6241, and comedian Ellen DeGeneres, who is seldom without a great watch, Mayer has an insatiable mania for a quality timepiece—and a cultlike following eager to see his next choice. It is said that “Talking Watches,” a video interview Mayer did with the watch website Hodinkee, has been viewed almost 2 million times since its 2013 launch, and his collection is big enough for a sequel.

Variety is the spice of Mayer’s life, both in music (his genres range from pop to blues, even touching on country and soul) and in his watch collection. He recently wore the Rolex GMT-Master II “Batman,” so named for its black-and-blue color combo, on Watch What Happens Live—but is also proud to own the selfwinding Royal Oak Concept, the ultimate in high-tech watches from the luxe Swiss brand Audemars Piguet.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Breitling’s Superocean When the first Breitling Superocean models were launched in 1957, they made it clear that there was a major new player in the diver’s watch market.

These watches were distinguished by their exceptional performance, their quality, and their pure Breitling style. In the more than 60 years since, the family has remained a favorite, and a new Superocean Collection has been created to stand up to the rigors of the most challenging water sports.

With its new Superocean Collection, Breitling has updated and upgraded one of its best-loved and most successful watch families. Breitling Superocean watches have been highly regarded for their diving prowess for more than 60 years. While the members of the new collection reflect the brand’s deep-water DNA, they are certain to appeal to men and women with active lifestyles. With their clean, sporty design and impeccable performance, these new Superoceans will feel at home on any wrist and in any environment.

While the first Superocean watches were designed with divers in mind, the new models—which are absolutely equal to the challenges of the deep seas—have a broader mission. They are as fashionable as they are sporty and will attract not only watch enthusiasts who are ready to explore the oceans’ depths, but also those whose adventures are a little closer to the shore.

Dive with it, surf with it, swim with it. Or wear it when you are helping keep our oceans and beaches clean, all safe in the knowledge that, however you might want to spend the rest of the day, your Superocean will fit right in.

Breitling CEO Georges Kern points out that the watches reflect more than just the brand’s diver’s watch legacy: “Our Surfers Squad and our

partnerships with Outerknown and Ocean Conservancy speak volumes about our affection for the seas. With the new Superocean Collection, we have created watches for people who want to explore the oceans, whether they are active in water sports or in clean-up initiatives. And, of course, they will excite any fan of Breitling’s design values.”

At the heart of each member of the new Superocean Collection is the Breitling Caliber 17, a movement that offers a power reserve of around 38 hours. The watches—all of them COSC-certified chronometers—feature luminescent Super-LumiNova® numerals, indexes, and hands, ensuring excellent readability in any conditions.

The new Breitling Superocean Collection has been created in five different sizes, ensuring that there is an incredible diver’s watch ideally suited to every wrist.

Since 1884, Breitling has established a global reputation for high-precision timepieces, its pioneering role in the development of the wrist chronograph, and its uncompromising commitment to design excellence. With the brand’s storied association with aviation, Breitling has shared the finest moments in humankind’s conquest of the skies. Renowned for its spirit of innovation, it has also earned a place of privilege in the worlds of science, sport, and technology. Breitling manufactures its own movements in-house and the quality of every watch is confirmed by its status as a COSC-certified chronometer, made in Switzerland.

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The Breitling Cinema Squad Charlize Theron Brad Pitt Adam Driver

#SQUADONAMISSION

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YOU’LL BE BURSTING AT THE SEAMS WITH EXCITEMENT OVER THESE METICULOUSLY CRAFTED SPARKLERS.

Reis-Nichols Collection, 14K white gold diamond opera necklace, $32,300. JB Star, platinum diamond bypass pear ring, $22,990. JB Star, platinum pear diamond halo pendant, $31,990.

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Reis-Nichols Custom Collection, 18K white gold, fancy colored pink and yellow diamond station necklace and earring set, $135,000.

PRINCESS & VENETIAN PRINCESS COLLECTIONS

Reis-Nichols Collection, 18K white gold fancy yellow diamond ring, $79,200. ReisNichols Collection, platinum sapphire and diamond ring, $119,990. JB Star, platinum emerald and diamond ring, $119,990.

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DESIGNERS

FROM ARCHITECTURE TO ONE’S OWN SIGNATURE, INSPIRATION CAN COME FROM ANYWHERE. THE JEWELRY DESIGNERS TOOK THAT TO HEART WHEN PLANNING THESE COLLECTIONS.

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MIKIMOTO A Parisian Icon The Les Pétales Place Vendôme Collection was inspired by a view of rose petals carried by the breeze and descending onto the Place Vendôme in Paris.

The collection features petal shapes covered in diamonds that reflect the beauty of this iconic place, which houses the world’s top luxury brands. The backs of the fluttering petals are created by using the “umekomi” technique and mimics the flower pattern. While Les Pétales Place Vendôme was launched with the 2017 High Jewelry Collection, new items have been added this fall, making it a more comprehensive collection.

Clockwise from top left: All from the Les Pétales Place Vendôme Collection—white South Sea cultured pearl pendant with diamonds, set in 18K white gold; white South Sea cultured pearl station necklace with diamonds, set in 18K white gold; white South Sea cultured pearl ring with diamonds, set in 18K white gold; and white South Sea cultured pearl earrings with diamonds, set in 18K white gold.

DAVID YURMAN Signatures The David Yurman Stax Collection was inspired by the idea of unity and language. “There’s a beauty in forming a design language,” says David Yurman.

“Stax is a collage of those elements—a kind of artistic signature written over time.”

In yellow or tri-color gold, the mobile and drop earrings play with scale while remaining lightweight. Multi-row rings have the look and movement of several bands in a single expression—a mix of cabled, smooth, faceted and pavé-set metal with citrine, tanzanite and pink tourmaline.

Clockwise from top left: Stax Full Pavé Pendant Necklace in 18K white gold; Stax Mobile Drop Earrings in 18K yellow gold with diamonds; Stax Cable and Pavé Ring in 18K yellow gold; Stax Three-Row Chain Link Bracelet in 18K yellow gold with diamonds.

DESIGNERS

IPPOLITA Fantasy

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Inspired by illusion, alchemy and fantasy, Ippolita’s new Chimera Collection is named for the mythological fire-breathing hybrid creature. The Chimera has become a symbol of things that are illusory, fantastic and hoped for but unattainable. Ippolita brings this inspiration to life by combining two precious metals within a single piece.

Clockwise from top left: Chimera Jumbo Classico Jet Set earrings; Chimera 42.5" Classico Hammered Jet Set Link necklace; Chimera Small Classico Bypass ring; Chimera Cherish Snowman post earrings; Chimera Classico Super Thin Dual-texture bangle set.

DESIGNERS

MARCO BICEGO A Parent’s Love

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Marco Bicego’s Lucia Collection was inspired by the work of the designer’s father, a skilled goldsmith, and the tender embrace of his mother, Lucia.

Artisans hand engrave each link with a traditional Bulino tool, creating a silky, textured finish.

From top: Lucia 18K yellow gold and diamond lariat necklace; Lucia 18K yellow gold and diamond kissing ring; Lucia 18K yellow gold modern teardrop earrings; Lucia 18K yellow gold small link bracelet; Lucia 18K yellow gold and diamond small hoop earrings.

ROBERTO COIN Palazzo Ducale The delicate quatrefoils that adorn the Palazzo Ducale are mirrored in Roberto Coin’s newest collection, Palazzo Ducale. The Doge’s Palace in Venice, the designer’s hometown, inspired the use of geometric shapes and the layering of materials and colors found in this collection. Black and white diamonds with satin-etched rose gold mimic the differing colors and textures on the ornate palace.

Clockwise from top left: Palazzo Ducale necklace in 18K yellow gold with diamonds; Palazzo Ducale bracelet in 18K yellow gold with diamonds; Classic diamond bracelet in 18K yellow gold; Palazzo Ducale ring in 18K yellow gold with diamond; Palazzo Ducale wide ring in 18K yellow gold with diamonds.

CREATIVITY IN BOTH ART AND JEWELRY SOMETIMES CALLS FOR MIXING MATERIALS. YOU CAN WEAR TRUE WORKS OF ART THIS SEASON.

ARTISTRY REIS-NICHOLS 36

Just as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque combine paint, pencil, cloth, wood and other materials to produce masterpieces, contemporary jewelry designers create museum worthy pieces by mixing metals, stones, varying textures and scale. This gallery of unique earrings and necklaces includes baubles that are much more than just accessories, they are works of art.

Sloane Street, 18K yellow gold London blue topaz, turquoise and diamond earrings, $6,600.

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ARTISTRY

Left: John Hardy, sterling silver Legends Naga grey mother of pearl necklace, $2,495. Right: Ippolita, 18K yellow gold Nova large hinged oval earrings in gold-matrix turquoise, $3,995; Ippolita, 18K yellow gold Nova link six-station necklace in gold-matrix turquoise, $5,995.

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Opposite page: Reis-Nichols Collection, 18K rose gold pink sapphire and diamond earrings, $6,750.

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A TRUE BLUE CLASSIC

Canfield Chrono 43MM

HOLD THE PRESSES: BEFORE YOU CHOOSE ANOTHER WATCH, CHECK OUT THESE NEWSWORTHY NUMBERS.

FINISHING TOUCH

extra, extra!

From top: Patek Philippe Ref. 6006G; Shinola Bronze Monster; Rolex Datejust 41; Breitling Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43 and Longines Conquest Classic.

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HOLIDAY SHOPPING

REIS-NICHOLS’ PROFESSIONALS SHARE THEIR TOP PICKS.

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Andrew Pyke

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It’s hard to not want to buy everything that Andrew Pyke and Therese Lopshire are selling. The veteran employees at Reis-Nichols describe every piece of jewelry with knowledge, passion and excitement (plus, it doesn’t hurt that Pyke’s British accent makes everything sound elegant and super chic).

For more than 20 years the duo has been serving the customer base at Reis-Nichols; helping clients purchase everything including engagement rings, anniversary gifts, “push presents,” graduation gifts and more.

Basically, if there’s been a milestone in the lives of their clients, Pyke and Lopshire have been a part of it.

“That’s probably the most fun part of the job,” Pyke says with enthusiasm. “Sometimes it’s not about what they are buying, but for what occasion, who they’re buying for and what’s going on in their lives.”

The two longtime employees are so in-the-know that we’ve asked them to share their most favorite items and on-trend looks for the upcoming season.

One of the biggest misconceptions, Lopshire says, is that all purchases will break the bank, but it’s the exact opposite. Her picks for the season range in price and style.

“We have everything from $100 to the sky’s the

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Therese Lopshir e

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1. Reis-Nichols Collection, rose gold plated watch movement cufflinks, $160.

2. Roberto Coin, 18K yellow cold Classic Parisienne medium oval diamond pendant, $1,650.

3. IWC, stainless steel Pilot Chronograph Edition “Le Petit Prince” self-winding watch featuring a midnight blue index and Arabic date dial, $5,250.

4. Reis-Nichols Collection, 18K white gold and black rhodium tanzanite, ruby and diamond bracelet, $22,500.

5. Cartier, Ballon Bleu large 42mm with automatic winding, $6,550.

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6. Ippolita, sterling silver and 18K yellow gold Chimera bonded Cherish chain necklace, $2,995.

7. David Yurman, sterling silver blue topaz and diamond eight row bracelet, $2,400.

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limit,” she says. “At our store we can take care of you— we have the expertise, the inventory and the options.”

When thinking about great gifts for the holidays, Lopshire recommends hoop earrings. (“very on-trend right now, hoops are back in a big way,” she says). Twotoned items are a favorite as well. If you want to go with the classics, she suggests you can’t go wrong with a David Yurman bracelet or a Cartier watch in that famous red box.

Another trend within the last few years is stacking or layering. Pyke explains that bangles and even necklaces are being used to add dimension. Yellow gold, according to Pyke, is also something to look into; it’s not the yellow gold of the 1980s, but more fashion forward with eclectic elements.

“If you are looking for something unique,” he explains.

“We have a bracelet that is made with a rough cut tanzanite and pink combo—it is really different and has a somewhat Indian feel to it. It is away from the norm and gives the wearer a more unusual piece.”

Pyke also reminds customers not to forget about the men in their lives while at the store.

“One of the brands that I picked out in the store was IWC, which is a Swiss watch brand and it is beautiful and conservative, not flashy or shiny, and perfect for someone who doesn’t want a watch covered in diamonds,” he says before pausing and adding, “Although if you want something covered in diamonds we can help you with that too!”

The duo says other than their top picks, they encourage clients to start shopping now; the store is stocked and ready.

“Other than engagements, this is my favorite time of year,” Lopshire says. “Once fall and November roll around, we are ready with fall merchandise, we have such a great inventory that it’s really the best time. And who doesn’t like to get a nice piece of jewelry for the holidays?”

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COMPLETING YOUR WEDDING DAY LOOK

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Mother of Bride: Kwiat, 18K white gold Jasmine diamond cuff bangle, $18,700; Reis-Nichols Collection, 18K white gold three-row diamond band, $5,490; Beny Sofer, 14K white gold diamond necklace, $2,100. Bride: Penny Preville, 18K rose gold 36� moonstone and diamond lariat accompanied by a 18K rose gold 17.5� pearl and diamond necklace, $5,380/$2,490; Reis-Nichols Collection, 14K rose gold diamond earrings, $5,400; Roberto Coin, 18K rose gold two row diamond Portofino bangle, $11,500; Reis-Nichols Collection, 14K rose gold diamond engagement ring, $6,995.

WEDDING BLISS

bridal bling

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Reis-Nichols Collection, platinum pear shaped diamond pendant necklace, $296,900; Reis-Nichols Collection, 18K white gold diamond ear climbers, $9,600; Kwiat, 18K white gold diamond Eclipse bangle bracelet, $12,150; JB Star, platinum diamond ring, $239,990.

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Reis-Nichols Collection, 18K white gold South Sea pearls and diamond necklace, $76,500; Mikimoto, 18K white gold Akoya pearl bracelet with white South Sea pearl accent, $4,770; Kwiat, platinum three-stone Ashoka diamond engagement ring, $22,085.

Your Diamond Does Good in the World DIAMONDS, FORMED BILLIONS OF YEARS AGO, ARE IMPROVING THE PRESENT AND CREATING A SPARKLING FUTURE

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efore there was life, there were diamonds. In ancient Greece, they were known as “tears of the gods.” Created by rare natural conditions billions of years ago, they are the oldest thing a person will touch or own.

However, diamonds are not simply a connection to the distant past. Today, modern diamond mining supports the livelihoods of 10 million people around the world. Through skilled jobs, improved access to healthcare, and direct investments in local communities, diamonds strengthen communities across the globe as they travel from mine to jewelry box.

Kesego Jarona is one of the millions of people for whom diamonds tell a very personal, life-changing story. The first female electrical apprentice at the Debswana company in Botswana, Jarona saw first-hand that modern diamond mining offers opportunities for personal and community growth.

“Mining inspired me when I was a schoolkid growing up in the mining town of Selebi Phikwe,” she says. Mining jobs are often highly skilled and are supported by extensive investments in worker training and education.

The industry provided Jarona with educational opportunities that gave her control over her future. “I rose from being an artisan in a male-dominated field to become a fully-fledged mining engineer,” she says.

In addition to providing tens of thousands of safe, well-paying jobs that often become lifelong careers, modern diamond mining creates $292 million of benefits annually for social programs, such as funding local hospitals and education. And considering most diamonds are discovered in remote regions—from the edges of the Kalahari Desert to Canada’s far north—where sustainable development resources can be scarce, these opportunities are often vital to communities writing their next chapter.

Supporting the future of these communities also means aiding their children today. Around the world, families from remote regions often have to travel long distances to obtain the care their children require.

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“The diamond industry is not just a fixture in our community. It is a part of our lives. Diamonds to me represent more than natural beauty. For us, they symbolize a future of possibilities.”

DR. MOKGWEETSI E. K. MASISI, PRESIDENT OF BOTSWANA

In the Siberian city of Yakutsk, Russia’s ALROSA provided critical funding for the construction of a children’s rehabilitation center in 2014. The $12 million center now provides therapy for 3,000 children each year with a range of physical and psychiatric disorders. The center includes a hotel for those families that need to travel from other regions to receive care. For the mother of three-year-old Sasha, who has cerebral palsy and hardly walks or talks, the center is invaluable. “Today my son waved his hand to me for the first time in his life,” she said on a recent visit to the center.

“The diamond industry is not just a fixture in our community. It is a part of our lives,” explains Dr. Mokgweetsi E. K. Masisi, president of Botswana. “Diamonds to me represent more than natural beauty. For us, they symbolize a future of possibilities.”

For centuries, humanity has been captivated by diamonds. They connect us across centuries and nations; they communicate beyond language and between generations. Today, these links are stronger than ever, and are building a better future for all.

For more information on how your diamond does good, visit total-clarity.com.

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TIME TRAVEL

his and hers: the gift of A PATEK PHILIPPE CALATRAVA WATCH SPEAKS ELOQUENTLY ABOUT WHAT IS MOST PRECIOUS.

By Christen Fisher “Time for each other” is the No. 1 item on most couple’s gift list this holiday season. But in today’s frenetically paced world, when our cups brim over with obligations to work, family, friends and causes close to our hearts, this simple wish can feel like asking for the moon. Fortunately, Patek Philippe, the world’s premier Swiss watch manufacturer, has a long history of miraculous innovations involving time and offers a solution: Give each other the gift of time, with a timepiece so extraordinary it makes an irresistible plea for the true priority on your calendar—love.

Present the man in your life with a Calatrava 5227R. The Calatrava boasts an elegant ivory lacquered dial with gold-applied hour markers and features a center sweep second hand and a date aperture.

The watch’s self-winding 324 S C caliber movement is housed in a 39mm rose gold case with a sapphire crystal caseback protected by an invisibly hinged dust cover on a shiny dark chestnut alligator strap with square scales on a prong buckle. With its pure lines, the Calatrava is recognized as the very essence of the round wristwatch and one of the finest symbols of the Patek Philippe style. Supremely elegant, it charms each new generation of watch lovers with its timeless understated perfection. Priced at $35,160.

Reciprocate her generosity with a Ladies’ Calatrava 7200R. Equally elegant yet suited to her sensibilities, the 7200R has an ultra-thin, selfwinding mechanical movement, Caliber 240. In delicate rose gold on a

matte pearly beige alligator strap with square scales and prong buckle, the 7200R is a ladies’ wristwatch fully focused on hours and minutes. It indicates not seconds, nor the date, nor other extras—only the time in its most unhurried manifestation. Designed for women who methodically devote their attention to the essence of things, it epitomizes timelessness in classic, feminine perfection. Priced at $28,240.

For the couple who feels pulled in a million different directions all over the world, consider the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time, available as reference 5524R for gentlemen and 7234R for ladies. Both versions are powered by a caliber 324 S C FUS mechanical, self-winding movement, and feature a second time zone and local-time date to help the two of you connect even when you’re on opposite sides of the globe. Both have a brown sunburst, black gradated dial with gold applied numerals and luminescent coating and are housed in a rose gold case fitted to a vintage brown calfskin strap with clevis prong buckle. The 5524R is 42mm, while the 7234R is 37.5mm. In either size, the Calatrava Pilot Time Travel is an inimitable timepiece whose dashing aeronautical style is perfect for the couple deeply devoted to each other but always on the go. Priced at $49,560 and $44,790, respectively.

If you love him to the moon and back and if she’s your happily ever after, let a treasure speak for you about the hours you treasure most.

You don’t have forever, but you’ve got time.

REIS-NICHOLS

Exchanging trinkets is a sweet holiday tradition, but truly discerning couples make a chic statement by gifting his and hers Patek Philippe Calatrava timepieces.

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PEOPLE ARE THE KEY TO YOUR COMPANY’S SUCCESS. SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION FOR WORK WELL DONE, MOTIVATE YOUR TEAM TO ACHIEVE, OR THANK A SPECIAL CLIENT WITH A UNIQUE GIFT FROM REIS-NICHOLS JEWELERS.

FOR FIVE CENTURIES LAKE COMO HAS BEEN A PLAYGROUND OF THE UBER-FAMOUS, BUT ITS AZURE BEAUTY CAN STILL SURPRISE.

By Everett Potter

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If Lake Como were nothing more than an exceptionally beautiful lake in northern Italy, it would still count as one of the country’s stellar attractions. In one of the most dramatic settings in the world, it’s a 29-mile-long inverted Y, flanked by steep, thickly wooded mountainsides. To the north lie the Alps, which are snow-dusted for much of the year, while along the lakeshore are palm trees next to ornate villas, some of which have origins as early as the 16th century. It is a

The village of Bellagio is referred to as “the pearl of Lake Como.” Visitors soak in the splendor as they stroll down the waterfront promenade or trek to the peninsula’s end at Punta Spartivento.

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veritable stage set of villas, hamlets and garden follies, on a 1,400-footdeep body of water that seems more a fjord than a lake.

But Lake Como’s very name has come to mean much more in the 21st century—it’s a catchphrase that automatically connotes glamour and wealth. Part of that is due to the proximity of Milan, less than an hour away, and the patronage of the fashion crowd. But much of the buzz is because of George Clooney, who bought a lakeside villa here nearly two decades ago. He brought along Hollywood pals Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and Matt Damon, who enhanced the glamour and myth of the lake with their comings and goings. But, truth be told, Como’s history long predates the latest iteration of an LA bro-pack.

Celtic tribes once lived along these shores, until the Romans drove them away, and Julius Caesar ordered 5,000 of his men to literally drain the swamp at the end of the lake and set up a Roman town at what is now the city of Como. In time, it was the wealthy Lombards of nearby Milan who came in the 16th century, finding a place where imported Chinese silkworms thrived on the lake’s native mulberry trees. They built fortunes based on their silk empire, and the industry thrives to this day, as Versace, Hermés, Ralph Lauren and countless others continue to source their silk here.

The wealthy Milanese merchants built villas, and then, in the fashion of the day, became patrons of the arts. You can’t visit Como without hearing a lot of cultural name-dropping: how Leonardo painted here, how Verdi composed part of La Traviata there, how Bellini worked on his opera Norma and how writers as diverse as Wordsworth, Longfellow

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Left: The medieval village of Torno has well-preserved architecture and luxury accommodations. Below: With the catch of the day on its way to the dinner plate, boats dock in the lake’s azure water.

Above: The lakeside botanical gardens at Villa Melzi are a must-see. Right: Enjoy house wine alfresco at Osteria del Beuc.

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and Hesse wrote poetry extolling the lake’s singular virtues.

I am lucky to travel to Lake Como two or three times every summer.

Every season is different, and every time I visit I see things I did not see before. The perfect time to go? I like early summer, when there are still waterfalls fed by the high mountain snows and a fringe of snow-capped peaks to the north.

Regardless of the season, an ideal day on Lake Como is spent on the water, looking at the villas, stopping at those that can be visited, having lunch, taking a swim. If your budget allows, the boat trip should be in a sleek wooden Riva speedboat heading up the lake to meet friends for lunch in a restaurant on Isola Comacina, the lake’s only island. Or perhaps in Varenna, where a jumble of ochre-colored buildings form the backdrop for café life and the slow sipping of prosecco. For those who don’t have access to a private boat, the ferry system will do, as it crisscrosses that lake and provides access to the bustling waterfront and narrow, shop-filled lanes of Bellagio. It allows you to explore quiet fishing villages, such as Pescallo, and drops you at Tremezzo to see the gardens and artwork at one of the lake’s masterpieces, Villa Carlotta, a favorite of 19th-century writers Edith Wharton and Henry James.

Indeed, as you travel the lake, there are many grand private villas, with names to match. Villa Fontanelle near Moltrasio, once owned by Gianni Versace, was sold after his death to Arkady Noviko, arguably Russia’s most successful restaurateur and a man known colloquially

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Above: Soak in the natural splendor while strolling through public gardens. Left: A statue of Alessandro Volta, inventor of the electrical battery and Como native son, stands in a square.

as “the blini king.” You can observe it from the water, as you can the nearby Villa Passalacqua, where Napoleon stayed, and Villa Le Rose, where Churchill retreated after World War II. Laglio is where Clooney and his wife Amal live at Villa Oleandra. Villa La Cassinella has long been rumored to be owned by Sir Richard Branson, who denies it.

Then there is Villa del Balbianello, my personal favorite, which holds the most coveted place on the lake, a promontory close to the village of Lenno, topped by a fantastic stone compound. The building originated as a monastery, was then acquired by private hands and eventually became the home of Guido Monzino, heir to an Italian supermarket fortune and a self-styled explorer who led the first Italian expedition up Mt. Everest. It’s a museum now, and thankfully, Monzino’s quirky and sometimes wondrous collections from his trips to the four corners of the earth are still housed here, in what must be the most photographed villa on the lake. Filmmakers adore the place. It was here that Casino Royale was shot as well as A Month by the Lake and even Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones. It can get very crowded here, so go early in the morning and soak in the gardens and the statuary and the sheer elegance of the place.

Villa Melzi is a 10-minute stroll from the busy docks at Bellagio, where silkmad shoppers and lunch-going day-trippers can make it a little too crowded.

Here you can stroll acres of lakeside gardens planted with specimen trees from all over the globe. Alas, the interior of the villa, built for Francesco Melzi d’Eril, vice president of the Italian Republica, and the place where Franz Liszt composed his Dante Symphony, is private. The grounds, however, give you a real sense of tranquility and what Lake Como must have been like 150 years ago.

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The best part of Lake Como is the chance to stay in one of these historic villas. A few years ago, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, built in 1910, was redone from top to bottom, infusing serious chic into what had been an aging dowager. The champagne bar and the pool that literally floats in Lake Como are the essence of lakeside glamour. Villa d’Este in Cernobbio continues to reign as the queen of the lake, having originated in the 16th century as a residence for a cardinal before passing to the hands of British royalty and eventually becoming a hotel in the late 19th century.

But the stakes have gotten even higher in the past couple of years.

Il Sereno Lago Di Como opened in Torno, while the Vista Palazzo, an 18-room luxury lair in the city of Como, opened in 2018, as did the six-suite Villa Lário set on two lakeside acres in Pognana Lario.

The latest entry to the Lake Como luxe sweepstakes is Mandarin Oriental, which took over a villa in Blevio.

Sure, you can dine regally at some of these hotels, but I prefer the locals’ haunts. A couple of months ago, it was in a quiet café in Cernobbio, Osteria del Beuc, that I sat at an alfresco table 50 feet from the lake on a sultry night and drank the local white wine blend from the producer Sorsasso, situated above the lakeside village of Domaso, the same wine that Clooney requested be served at his wedding to Amal.

It accompanied a lemon and Parmesan risotto served with a dramatic scoop of basil-flavored gelato in the middle, which slowly melted into the risotto. It was tradition married to the fashionable, a surprise and a revelation, a little like Lake Como itself.

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Above: The resort town of Lecco offers a dramatic Alpine backdrop with fewer crowds than some of the better-known villages. Left: Historic villas are a highlight of any trip to this part of the Lombardy region.

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A COUNTRY WITH A STORIED VITICULTURAL PAST OFFERS UP EXCITING NEW CHOICES. By Josh Sens Winemaking isn’t quite as old as time, but it does go way, way back. In the land known as Israel today, the roots of the practice are millennia deep. Archaeologists there have turned up remnants of wine presses that date to the sixth century B.C. Added evidence comes from the Old Testament, which is filled with mentions of the fruit of the vine. When Noah clambered off his ark onto dry land, among his first pursuits was planting grapes.

A more recent major moment came in the late 19th century, when Baron Edmond de Rothschild, owner of the fabled Lafite Rothschild in France, introduced grape cuttings to the Holy Land, then went on to establish Carmel Winery, now the longest continually operating winery in Israel.

But enough of the old news.

Here’s the latest headline: It’s 2019, and Israeli winemaking is enjoying a boom. Rumblings that began 30 years ago, with the opening of Israel’s first boutique winery, have given way to explosive growth. The country is now home to more than 300 wineries, many of them small, artisanal outfits, producing astounding but still under-the-radar wines.

“The grapes were good thousands of years ago,” Jeff Morgan says. “So it’s really no surprise that the grapes are very, very good today.”

A former writer and editor for Wine Spectator magazine and co-founder of Covenant winery in Berkeley, Calif., Morgan sees the industry from a global view. In 2011, he traveled to Israel with two goals in mind: to connect with his own Jewish heritage and to conduct some recon on the country’s wines. What stood out for him, as he toured around, was how much northern Israel reminded him of the Rhone Valley.

“Not just the limestone outcroppings, but the red, mineral-rich soil,” Morgan says. “It seemed to me the region had all the potential of anything I’d seen in France.”

Two years later, Morgan and his Covenant cofounder, Leslie Rudd, launched a sister winery, Covenant Israel, drawing fruit from select producers in Galilee and the Golan Heights. Their first vintage was a 2013 Syrah that justified Morgan’s faith in the awakening wine region.

And awakening it is.

Israel’s constellation of refined producers today includes the likes of Tulip Winery, which overlooks the Jezreel Valley in the north and operates within a village of special needs residents, who pitch in at the winery in the manner of a kibbutz. Tulip’s compelling backstory is matched by a portfolio of compelling wines, chief among them a Cabernet Sauvignon that has all the elegant structure of a top-notch Napa cab. Another winery to watch is Gva’ot, which sits in the heart of Samaria at nearly 2,500 feet of elevation, releasing vintages of striking subtlety in a region that benefits from diurnal contrasts: warm by day, cool at night.

“When I travel to the United States, I often find that customers are not looking for elegance but power,” says Gva’ot chief winemaker Shivi Drori.

There’s nothing wrong with big wines, Drori adds.

But to focus solely on “body monsters,” he says, is a shame. It overlooks all that Israeli wines can be.

Such misperceptions stem from a common tendency among consumers to conflate Israeli wines with sweetand-sticky kosher for Passover wines. Never mind that some up-and-coming Israeli wines are indeed kosher.

(Covenant’s are.) Manischewitz it is not.

“Confusion among consumers—that’s just something that can happen and it’s something we need to deal with,” Morgan says. “The greatest challenge for Israeli winemakers is to convey to the world the idea of Israeli terroir. This is a wine region, just like such regions in Spain or Italy or France. The wines reflect the topography and climate, which gives them a sense of place.”

TASTING NOTES Gva’ot Masada, 2012, $101 A Bordeaux blend with lush berry notes and a suave body. Try it with rich braised beef dishes, such as pot roast or ribs.

Black Tulip Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018, $60 Hints of ripe cherries, currants and cassis mingle in this full-bodied wine, which benefits from concentrated but balanced new oak. Delicious with hearty meat dishes of any kind.

Covenant Israel Syrah, 2016, $75 A bold wine with forthright notes of dark fruit and winter spices, backed by soft and silky tannins. Pair it with a pork loin and no one will complain.

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Clockwise from top: Zoë Morgan and Ari Erle of Covenant Israel; a wine tasting room at Tulip Winery; vineyards at Gva’ot Winery; and three Israeli wines to try.

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AUTO

tour grandly!

WHETHER YOU’RE A JOY RIDER OR A ROAD TRIPPER, THE MCLAREN GT CONVEYS YOU IN UNMATCHED COMFORT AND STYLE. By Darius Amos

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The McLaren GT is as fast and powerful as others in the supercar class. Its storage space and modern luxuries, however, are unrivaled.

Many automakers—from everyman Ford to uber-luxury Bentley—create “GT” models, using the abbreviation for the Italian phrase Gran Turismo—literally, “great touring.” But few capture the essence of GT—a blend of luxurious details with high performance and elite styling. Count McLaren as one of those few.

The British sportscar manufacturer boasts a lineup of 0-to-60 track stars and quarter-mile sprinters that’s second to none. And thanks to the McLaren GT, it quickly jumps to the head of the long-haul grand touring pack. Engineers consider this the brand’s most comfortable and spacious car ever, noting that it was designed to be roomier, lighter, faster and more responsive than others in its class. Oh, and it retains the exclusive supercar status thanks to a lightweight carbon fiber body and a twin-turbo V-8 engine that produces a roaring 620 horsepower and 0-to-62 time of 3.2 seconds. McLaren’s familiar dihedral doors? The GT has those too.

So what distinguishes the GT from McLaren’s other cars, including the flagship 570 and the iconic 720S? For starters, it’s a practical supercar.

No, it’s not a sedan, nor does it come with a second row of seating. But you

can pull up to the country club in a GT because hidden beneath the glass tailgate is a luggage compartment that’s large enough to fit three golf bags.

It also has 5.5 cubic feet of cargo space in the front if you want to stash a few pairs of golf shoes. In total, the GT has more than 20 cubic feet of storage, the most ever in a McLaren.

The GT can’t match the legroom of an SUV, but its interior is designed with road trips in mind. Cashmere upholstery is an option, and padded soft-grain leather seats are stitched with bespoke patterns and feature extra shoulder and back support, giving both driver and passenger an elegant and smooth ride. McLaren also filled the GT with modern luxuries such as its most sophisticated infotainment system (there’s a 12-speaker/carbon fiber subwoofer option available), ambient lighting and a front-to-back tinted-glass roof, among other details.

Starting at approximately $210,000, the GT is the McLaren family’s in-between model bridging the 570 and 720S. But make no mistake: This grand tourer is already ahead in its class.

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