October Birthstone Spotlight: Opal

Symbolic of faithfulness and confidence, the Opal is prized for its unique ability to refract and reflect specific wavelengths of light. It is a non-crystallized silica, which is a mineral found near the earth's surface in areas where ancient geothermal hot springs once existed. This gemstone actually contains up to 30% water, so it must be protected from heat or harsh chemicals, both of which will cause drying and may lead to cracking and loss of iridescence.



This month’s featured birthstone jewelry piece is from the King Jewelers collection: Cushion Opal Rose Gold Earrings. These earrings have cushion-shaped opals set in 18 carat rose gold with a round-cut white diamond accent set on the French wire. Total diamond weight is 0.06 carats.

Established in 1912, King Jewelers has proudly styled jewelry and timepiece aficionados from around the world. A pioneer among independent couture jewelers, King Jewelers has built an outstanding reputation steeped in quality, value and first-class customer service. King Jewelers features exclusive jewelry designers, offers in-house custom designs, private label jewelry collections, and is an authorized dealer for over forty luxury Swiss watch brands including Alpina, Bell & Ross, Bulgari, Breitling, Cartier, Chanel, Chopard, Concord, Dunhill, Ebel, Harry Winston, Hublot, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Jaquet Droz, Montblanc, Roger Dubuis, Swiss Army, TAG Heuer, and TechnoMarine. With two store locations in Aventura, FL and Nashville, TN, King Jewelers has won numerous awards as the Southeast’s top jewelry store and diamond wholesaler. With a diamond office located in Antwerp, Belgium since 1961, King Jewelers is able to offer Nashville and Miami custom diamond bridal designs and loose diamonds at prices. King Jewelers is a member of the Jewelers of America, American Watch Guild, and the American Society of Appraisers. King Jewelers has GIA Certified Gemologists and offers expert jewelry and watch repairs. For additional information, please visit www.Kings1912.com.

A Charming Bridal Party

Charm bracelets are often a staple of a little girl’s childhood, so what better way to thank the women in a bride’s life that have been there for her since she was little? Charms and pendants are great ways to personalize gifts for the bridal party. You can mix and match pieces, engrave and stamp names/letters/words to reflect each bridesmaid’s personal style. If you’re a wedding guest, something else to consider is having a piece engraved for the bride and groom as a wedding gift. A piece of jewelry with the bride & groom’s initials and/or wedding date makes a great gift that can be worn often and even passed down to future generations.



King Jewelers offers custom design services with a team of award-winning designers and craftsmen that are always attuned to perfection and beauty. Both locations in Aventura, FL and Nashville, TN can help you create a piece that meets your standards by arranging a close collaboration between you and the store’s expert jewelers. The result is a beautiful piece of exceptional craftsmanship and quality that will be a memorable, unique gift! For more information, please visit http://www.kings1912.com

Blue Star Jets and King Jeweler’s Nashville announced a concierge partnership

Blue Star Jets and King Jeweler’s Nashville announced a partnership to further develop each company’s luxury concierge program. Starting April 1st, 2010, any purchase of $5,000 or more earns a $1,000 gift certificate aboard Blue Star Jets. This partnership allows King Jewelers to further broaden their VIP concierge service and caters to elite watch collectors and diamond aficionados around the country.

Blue Star Jets is the largest broker of private jets for hire, under Part 135, offering its clientele unparalleled service and the ultimate in luxury and convenience. Business executives who regularly travel on private aircraft started Blue Star Jets as a result of their frustration with the lack of service and cost of flying privately. They quickly realized that most business and leisure travelers using private jets did not need to own a full or fractional ownership of a jet and would respond favorably to a more cost effective and flexible alternative. Blue Star Jets is the only complete jet charter brokerage company you will ever need. All flights are operated by Part 135 carriers. Operators providing service for BSJ's clients must meet standards set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Please note that Blue Star Jets does not manage or operate aircrafts on behalf of our clients. We will assist our clients in finding the best operators for any aircraft. For more information, please visit http://www.bluestarjets.com/.

Established in 1912, King Jewelers has proudly styled jewelry and timepiece aficionados from around the world. A pioneer among independent couture jewelers, King Jewelers has built an outstanding reputation steeped in quality, value and first-class customer service. King Jewelers is an authorized dealer for over forty luxury Swiss watch brands including Bell & Ross, Bulgari, Breitling, Cartier, Chanel, Chopard, Hublot, Girard-Perregaux, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Jaquet Droz, Montblanc, Swiss Army, and TAG Heuer. With store locations in Aventura, FL and Nashville, TN, King Jewelers has won numerous awards as the Southeast's top jewelry store and diamond wholesaler. King Jewelers is a member of the American Watch Guild, an IW Leading Watch Retailer, and offers Nashville watch repairs and watch refinishing. For additional information, please visit our salon in Green Hills located at 4121 Hillsboro Road, call (615) 724-5464, or log onto http://www.kings1912.com/.

King Jewelers sponsors Brides.com for the new release of Spring 2010 Custom Bridal Designs

King Jewelers , Nashville's premiere wedding, luxury jewelry and timepiece salon, is a proud sponsor of http://www.brides.com/. Since 1912, King Jewelers has been designing and manufacturing bridal collections for your perfect fairytale moment. From our custom designs to exclusive luxury brands, you are sure to find the ring that symbolizes your unique love. Our styles range from classic solitaires to beautiful multi-diamond creations, from classic and traditional to modern and fashion-forward.

King Jewelers is a full-service diamond, jewelry and timepiece destination, specializing in custom designs, bridal and corporate gifts, antique jewelry, estate buying, certified appraisals, as well as full-service jewelry and watch repairs. A defining facet of King Jewelers personality is their on-site team of award-winning designers, craftsman and watchmakers, who are attuned to perfection, beauty and style. You can bring your ideas to life, create your own engagement ring or brighten up the collection you already have.

Authorized luxury dealers with over forty designers, King Jewelers proudly represents Cartier, Piaget, TAG Heuer, Breitling, Bulgari, Chopard, Kwiat, A Link, Chanel, Mikimoto, Montblanc, Hublot, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Bell & Ross, Tissot, Michele, Gucci, Scott Kay, Judith Ripka, Leslie Greene, Benchmark and Harry Kotlar, just to name a few. In addition to our large selection of fine timepieces, King Jewelers also has great men’s accessories and gifts such as cufflinks, pens, and money clips, not to mention unique wedding bands for that special man.
King Jewelers is a thriving fifth generation family owned and operated jewelry business that is based in Nashville, TN and Aventura, FL. Come in and see why King Jewelers has captured the throne. Visit us on the web at http://www.kings1912.com/ or shop with confidence on-line for authorized luxury brands at http://www.shopkings1912.com/.

KING JEWELER’S NASHVILLE NAMED THE EXCLUSIVE CHANEL DEALER FOR WATCH COLLECTIONS IN TENNESSEE

King Jewelers is now the exclusive dealer in the entire Central South for Chanel watches with the addition of the timepiece collections. Chanel is the Parisian fashion house founded by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in 1909, specializing in luxury goods and haute couture.

The fashion icon’s philosophy was “One can never be too modern,” and this style which she captured on some of the most famous women of her period is constantly reinvented throughout all of the Chanel watch collections. Mademoiselle Chanel, her tastes and inspirations, are all adapted to the present and continue to unite both elegance and modernity.

“We are honored to announce our exclusive affiliation with Chanel to represent the world’s most exclusive brand for its watch collections in this region,” said David King, King Jewelers brand manager. “The brand continues to revolutionize the fashion industry in its 100th year of operation and will continue to do so with lines such as its J12 fine jewelry timepieces. In recent years, Chanel has partnered with experienced Swiss watchmakers to develop the exclusive ‘CHANEL 05.T.1.’ movement.”

Chanel watch collections include the J12 Editions Exclusives, Premiére and Les Intemporelles De Chanel in white gold, yellow gold, ceramic, and steel. Chanel timepieces are available for sale at King Jewelers Nashville and King Jewelers Aventura. For more info, visit http://www.chanel.com/.

A NEW STANDARD OF HAUTE HOROLOGY EXCELLENCE: JAEGER-LeCOULTRE’S EXTREME LAB

Last week, the King family of King Jewelers Nashville and King Jewelers Aventura met with Philippe Bonai, president of Jaeger-LeCoultre, at the Richemont headquarters in New York City for the post-SIHH 2010 show. While my family had the opportunity to view some amazing new timepieces up close for the first time, we were all most impressed with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s new Exterem Lab 2 watch. This masterpiece of haute horology will compete with Richard Mille’s creations for just a fraction of the cost and offers much more accurate time precision. This is the coolest watch of 2010!!!

The Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2 redefines the standard for extreme timepieces. Its new Calibre 780 and 781 for the Tribute to Geophysic offers unprecedented functions, developed to ensure ergonomic and highly functional use. This automatic chronograph has a large double-digit minute counter and a function selector integrated in the crown. The titanium version pays tribute to the historical Geophysic watch while exploring avant-garde solutions to protect the movement from magnetic fields.

MASTER COMPRESSOR EXTREME LAB 2 TECHNICAL DETAILS
Movement
Automatic movement, 28 800 vibrations per hour, 60-hour radial power-reserve.
Functions
Hour, minute, small seconds, date, second-time zone hand and counter, chronograph with large minute counter, manual stop second, functions selector (three-position indicator: winding, date and dual time zone adjustment, time-setting), amagnetic silicon escapement (Calibre 781 only).
Case
18-carat pink gold/TiVan15, TiVan 15, sapphire case-back.
Size
Diameter: 46.8 mm.
Water Resistance
10 ATM.
Strap/Bracelet
Interchangeable, double alligator leather (Calibre 780), calf leather (Calibre 781).
Materials Available
18-carat pink gold/TiVan15, TiVan 15.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre
JAEGER-LECOULTRE CALIBRE 780 and 781 (amagnetic version).

Ref. 2032470 18-carat pink gold/TiVan15, limited series of 200.Ref. 203T470 TiVan 15, limited series of 300.

The Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2 will be available at King Jeweler’s Nashville and King Jeweler’s Miami in late 2010. For more information, visit http://www.kings1912.com/ or http://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/.

Hublot announces new US President

Hublot, the luxury Swiss watch company known for its innovative fusion of elements in its timepieces, is proud to announce the appointment of Beatrice de Quervain Blanchard as U.S. President. De Quervain Blanchard will join Hublot CEO Jean-Claude Biver and Managing Director Ricardo Guadalupe to oversee the US expansion strategy.

Born in Switzerland, de Quervain Blanchard studied economics at the University of Zurich and attended Sup de Luxe in Paris to gain additional luxury goods experience. In 1993 she started her career in the Swiss watch industry by working with Jean Claude Biver at the iconic brand Omega, where she worked her way through the various stages of Product and Marketing to oversee the U.S. Marketing Division. In 1999 she joined Chopard as its first Marketing Director and was instrumental in gaining brand awareness in the brand’s watch and jewelry divisions. In 2001 she created her own distribution company before joining Harry Winston in 2004. At Harry Winston she was brought onboard to oversee its luxury timepiece sales division on the East Coast and in select Caribbean markets, and in 2007 was promoted to global marketing director to head its communications initiatives.

At Hublot, Beatrice de Quervain Blanchard will focus on gaining market share through a diverse marketing program that will include the opening of new boutique stores, a strong wholesale network and newsworthy communications initiatives. “I am very excited to join such a formidable brand as Hublot,” says de Quervain. “I have worked with Mr. Biver and Mr. Guadalupe before, and I am greatly looking forward to fusing our minds together to increase the brand’s presence in the U.S. market.”

About Hublot
In just five years, Hublot has become one of the most sought-after high-end watch brands with some of its timepieces making watch history, such as the One Million Dollar Big Bang, All Black Big Bang and Mag Bang watches. Jean-Claude Biver and his team is undoubtedly leading the company's guiding principle of "Fusion," which combines unusual materials such as gold with ceramic, tantalum, magnesium and titanium with a modern version of Hublot’s rubber strap.

About King Jewelers Nashville
Established in 1912, King Jewelers has proudly styled jewelry and timepiece aficionados from around the world. A pioneer among independent couture jewelers, King Jewelers has built an outstanding reputation steeped in quality, value and first-class customer service. With store locations in Aventura, FL and Nashville, TN, King Jewelers has won numerous awards as the Southeast's top jewelry store and is the proud distributor of Hublot timepieces in the Central South. King Jewelers is a member of the Jewelers of America, American Watch Guild, and the American Society of Appraisers. For additional information, please visit our salon in Green Hills located at 4121 Hillsboro Road, call (615) 724-5464, or log onto http://www.kings1912.com/.

Tag Heure Watch Event at King Jewelers, Nashville

If you're anywhere in the neighborhood, stop into King Jewelers, located at 4121 Hillsboro Road, in the Greenhills section of Nashville, Tennessee. Among their selection of over 40 top European and American Luxury brands, you'll see Tag Heure's new collection and receive $250 towards the purchase of a TAG Heuer timepiece. The sale runs now through June 30, 2009, so you definitely still have time to make it over there.

Latest editions include pieces from the Swiss Basel show, including new TAG Heuer Grand CARRERAs, Monacos, Carreras, TAG Heuer SLR's , Golf Watches, Aquaracers, a new TAG Heuer Formula 1, the Microtimer, new editions to the Women Collection and, of course, Tag Heure Concept Watches.

For more information, you can call King Jewelers at 615.724.6465 or email Info@Kings1912.com.

Available at King Jewelers - Beyonce Wears Rebecca's Rose Gold Melrose Collection

Rebecca Jewelry is by far the hottest new brand for celebrity fashion jewelry.  And why not? It's easy to get your hands on these beautiful, modern pieces with price points between $250 and $1,000.  In the latest edition of LA Confidential magazine, pop icon Beyonce wears Rebecca's Melrose Collection in Rose Gold over Bronze.

The entire line is available at King Jewelers, Aventura and King Jewelers, Nashville.

King Jewelers Timepiece Spotlight | Pailloneé – A Lost Art Revived by Jaquet Droz

Pailloneé by Jaquet Droz - Available at King Jewelers

The creation of an enamel dial is one of the most high-risk of the high-arts.

The process itself is an ancient one yet the finished product is one of fine art’s most challenging to produce successfully. There are several types of enamel techniques, including Cloisonné, Flinqué and miniature painting. However, the rarest of the techniques is Pailloneé. This method takes its name from the decorative gold foil motif elements or “paillons” that are laid over an enamel dial base and then immured in further layers of translucent enamel.

At Jaquet Droz, only one person in the world is capable of creating Pailloneé dials that live up to our exacting standards. This person is Anita Porchet.  Ms. Porchet is considered a master in the art of enameling.  Reminiscent of artisans from centuries past, Ms. Porchet works independently out of her home studio located in the countryside between Geneva and Lausanne.

When Jaquet Droz began developing the Pailloneé dial, the goal was to recreate the art form in the same manner as ancient masters. Unfortunately, there were no records from artisans in the 1700s on their enameling techniques.  Therefore, multiple experiments were performed and many months were spent by Jaquet Droz and Ms. Porchet during their attempts to replicate the pailloneé motif.

The choice of a base dial material is important. Gold, not copper, was chosen because of its medium-high melting point, suitable coefficient of expansion, and low modulus of elasticity. These properties are important for the base metal because glass also changes properties during heating and cooling. Ignoring these characteristics would cause cracks to develop inside the enamel. White gold alloy also has oxidation characteristics which allowed for the reproduction of the trademark Jaquet Droz blue color while maintaining the brilliant and translucent properties of glass.

To start the process, the base dial is hand guilloched for a subtle but distinctive pattern under the transparent enamel (flinque). After application of 3 layers of translucent blue enamel, Ms. Porchet then applies the gold pailloneé leaves (about 220 in the Petite Heure Minute dial) and arranges them into the design one leaf at a time by hand.

The 14 K gold Pailloneé leaves used in the Jaquet Droz pailloneé dials were hand produced in the 1700s. These paillons were given to Ms. Porchet from a retired headmaster of an enameling school and are the last examples remaining. Once the individual gold leaf is set on the dial it is permanent. So one mistake and not only is the dial ruined but so is the antique gold leaf.

After the paillons have been applied, Ms. Porchet applies another 6-7 layers of the translucent blue enamel and fires the dial each time. Finally, the dial is carefully polished and the dial is ready to be set into the case. The total working time from start to finish is about 5 working days (50 – 60 hours) per dial. The final result is a work of art unmatched in the world of horology.

Jaquet Droz can be found at King Jewelers of Nashville, TN and King Jewelers of Aventura, FL.

King Jewelers Nashville, TN: P.615-724-5464; 4121 Hillsboro Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37215

King Jewelers Aventura, FL: P.305-935-4900; 18265 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, Florida 33160

King Jewelers Presents Girard-Perregaux's Tip of the Week

The Monte-Carlo Historic Rally is a legend held since 1911 between the French Alps and the French Riviera.  The greatest divers have dreamt of winning this competition.  Girard-Perregaux contributed to carrying on this event and dedicates limited editions, to the finest years of the race.  In commemoration of the 1973 edition where Jean-Claude Andruet and Mademoiselle "Biche" won with their Alpine Renault A110, and for the first time, a woman entered in the history of the Rally as over-all co-winner, The Manufacture proposes, this year, and elegant fly-back chronograph.  Immediately recognizable thanks to its round push-pieces, with a sapphire "Box" crystal, its design is typical from watches in the beginning of the 1970's and is equipped with a tachymeter scale.

Girard-Perregaux can be found at King Jewelers of Nashville, TN and King Jewelers of Aventura, FL.

King Jewelers Nashville, TN: P.615-724-5464; 4121 Hillsboro Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37215

King Jewelers Aventura, FL: P.305-935-4900; 18265 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, Florida 33160

Last Minute Reminder | The Ebel Watch Sweepstakes is Almost Over!

Enter to Win a Beluga Ebel Timepiece, the Quintessence of Femininity and Sculpture

Designed by the EBEL, The Architects of Time, one lucky participant will receive this exquisite contemporary, youthful, and streamlined Beluga timepiece on February 14, 2009, Valentine's Day!

Ebel’s updated Beluga timepiece is armed with an unmistakably sensual and distinctive design. The triple-row bracelet now features more expressive central links that enhance the visual fascination and accentuate the contrast with the horizontal elements on either side, while the caseband is beveled to create a tauter, more generous curve. Instead of applied round dots and numerals, square diamond hour-markers light up the dial to produce a striking effect.

In 2009, the Architects of Time clearly reaffirm their ongoing love story with women through the year’s major launch of the new Beluga line, and in sharing that sentiment King Jewelers is pleased to provide this fabulous offer.
Click here to enter

Cartier at King Jewelers debuts the new Steel Ballon Bleu Collection

Maybe in a sign of these turning ecomic times, Cartier, one of the worlds foremost watchmaking leaders, recently introduced three steel versions of its popular watch collection, Ballon Bleu de Cartier.  Cartier says, " after tremendous success of Ballon Bleu de Cartier collection in gold, we launch three new models in steel to recruit a new clientele."

So now without much hesitation because of the remarkable low pricepoints, many more people will be able to sport these unique luxury timepieces on their wrists, without breaking the bank!

Both the small (28.5mm diameter) and medium (36.5mm diameter) versions are primarly directed at a female market, featuring striking steel cases, steel polished bracelets with satiny steel central links, hours and minutes indictors and quartz movements.  Their prices are $4,200 and $5,050, respectively.

The men's version is the largest(42mm diameter), featuring hours, minutes, seconds and date indicators and the Cartier 049 calibre automatic movement.  This watch (pictured) is sure to be a best-seller this year, with a terrific price of $5,750!

All Cartier timepieces can be found at King Jewelers, Nashville; located at 4121 Hillsboro Rd in Green Hills.  For more information please call 615.724.5464.