Custom engagement rings have picked up a lot of popularity in the past decade. According to some sources, about 45% of engagement rings sold today have a least some custom aspect, and this number is only expected to grow as time goes on. Part of the reason for this gradual growth in popularity is jewelry production technology has become a lot less expensive. While jewelers used to design and craft the entire piece by hand, now jewelry modeling software allows even complex designs to be produced in a relatively short time. This reduction in labor lowers the cost for the producer and consumer.

Today, custom engagement rings are available from many jewelry retailers and independent jewelry studios. While it’s ideal to sit down with an actual jewelry designer and discuss the creation of your piece, you can also consult with staff at a jewelry store who can then work with an independent studio or manufacturing house to produce your piece.

Here are some quick pros and cons of choosing a custom engagement ring over a pre-made ring:

Pro: You Have Nearly Unlimited Freedom To Create Something Unique
Let’s face it: most engagement rings you find at the retail store aren’t that “special.” Although you can find a beautiful solitaire or another traditional ring while browsing, they likely won’t have the perfect ring for her. Many men find a custom jeweler because they want the freedom to build a completely unique piece that captures her personality and values.

Working with a professional jewelry designer, they can choose everything from the gem, the metal color, and the overall design. As most women want something that matches their unique style and aesthetic, this is an important benefit of choosing a custom ring.

Con: Too Much Choice Can Be Overwhelming
While unlimited freedom can be a good thing, it may makes things a little complex for a guy who doesn’t know much about jewelry. The ideal situation for custom ring design is that the man explores the ring options with his partner. That way, he has a better sense of her preferences and desires for her engagement ring. Of course, many proposals are a surprise, so this isn’t always feasible.

If you’re a man choosing on your own, it’s best to have some guidance along the way. Working with a designer one-on-one at a custom jewelry studio allows you to explore different creative possibilities for the ring, and they can help you create something that looks great and also matches her tastes.

Pro: It Can Actually Cost Less Money
Believe it or not, working with a custom jeweler can actually save you money. Of course, this depends on which studio you choose to work with and the specifics of your piece, but some independent jewelry studios don’t markup the final price of the ring in the same way that national chains like Zales and Kay do.

Essentially, if your custom engagement ring has little to no markup, you’ll be saving around 20% or more on the final price. This makes a huge difference on an expensive item like an engagement ring.

While some jewelry studios choose to pass the savings along to the consumer, others may charge a premium on a custom engagement ring because of the extra development involved. If you’re unsure how your chosen studio prices their engagement rings, sit in on a few consultations and ask as many questions as you can about how the price is broken down.

Con: You Usually Can’t Return It
One of the main cons of choosing a custom engagement ring is that you normally can’t return it if the proposal doesn’t work out as planned, or it turns out she doesn’t love the ring. This makes sense, as a custom engagement ring is produced especially for one person, and can’t really be resold for another customer.

If the proposal is called off, usually the only option is to sell the diamond or other gem to recoup some of the money. On the other hand, if you’re engaged but she doesn’t love the ring, there are always ways to remedy the situation. For instance, if she wants a different gem, it’s relatively easy to remove the current stone and add a new one. In the same way, if she loves the expensive diamond but she’d rather have it with a different setting, you can work with your chosen jeweler to develop a new design. And since she can help you develop the new look, she’ll be sure to love the final product.

Although custom engagement rings are a great choice for the majority of couples looking for a unique and romantic ring, they’re not right for everyone. If you think she’d prefer a simple diamond solitaire without much embellishment and want to have the option of returning the ring, buying her ring from a retail store can be a good idea. If she’d rather have something special for her and maybe even less expensive, it’s a good idea to consult with a custom jeweler.

Interested in learning more about custom engagement rings? This blog can help you learn about some of your options.

CadCamNYC is a jewelry design studio based in New York that works with high-end designers and private clients. For more blogs on fine jewelry, visit CadCamNYC.com.

This past weekend in Italy at the famed Monza racetrack, more than 300 Ferrari cars of all makes came together in what is considered the largest group event of Ferrari cars ever. Right there with the Ferraris, as a key partner, was Hublot with signage, awards, timing, and more to underscore the brand’s commitment to Ferrari, Finali Mondiali, and to auto sports in general.

The Finali Mondiali (held at a different location each year) celebrates the end of the Ferrari motor racing season and is a gathering of professional drivers, teams, and individuals passionate about their own Ferrari cars. At their own expense, they transport their cars and themselves to the event, where they spend days gathering with other Ferrari teams, drivers, and owners to share their passions for this luxury automobile brand.

This year’s event was even more impressive than in the past thanks to the location: Monza is one of the world’s oldest racetracks (along with Monaco, Indianapolis, and LeMans). Nicknamed the “temple of speed,” the oval track features steep inclines and bankings, as well as some intricate curves that make the racing incredibly exciting.

Since Hublot is an official partner of Ferrari and of Finali Mondiali, the brand operates the bright Ferrari red, Hublot logo-covered Safety Cars at the Finali Mondiali races, which (when a safety flag is raised) runs the course at about 160 miles per hour to the competing cars at their lowest speeds without heating the engines too much. The brand also sponsors several drivers who were present at the event. Among them: Peter Mann, an avid Ferrari collector and professional driver, and Swiss driver Christophe Hurni, who is also a brand ambassador and 2018 World Champion of the Ferrari Challenge. Additionally, in a trackside luxury suite dedicated to Ferrari owners, Hublot had a pop-up boutique showcasing its many Ferrari watches.

Hublot and Ferrari
It was several years ago that Swiss watch brand Hublot partnered with the venerable Ferrari brand to create co-branded watches that would raise the bar of watchmaking materials, concepts, and performance to new levels worthy of the Ferrari name. Over the ensuing years, working side by side with Ferrari’s engineers and designers, Hublot has unveiled a host of Ferrari watches that are exceptional in design and high-tech materials, and housing movements capable of split-second timing.

Most recently, Hublot worked with the entire design and engineering teams at Ferrari to create an especially advanced piece: The Hublot Techframe Ferrari Tourbillon Chronograph Carbon Yellow. The Hublot Techframe was built to resemble the chassis of a GT Ferrari, complete with geometric angles and open spaces. Designed by Flavio Manzoni, head of Ferrari Design Center’s design team, the case is crafted with high-tech carbon. Powered by the HUB6311manufacture mechanical movement, the watch offers a single-pusher chronograph and a tourbillon to ensure precise timing despite the effects of gravity on the watch.

“Partnering with Ferrari makes us better,” says Guadalupe. “It continually makes us raise the bar of innovation and excellence.” He notes that Hublot’s commitment to watchmaking is, “a passion that drives us to surpass ourselves on a human and technical level, like our partners in Maranello with their racing cars.”

With this partnership, Hublot is utilizing all-new materials, fusing avant-garde concepts, and offering customers watches that not only withstand the elements, but also offer cutting-edge advantages in terms of looks, materials, weight, ergonomics and performance. Additionally, the brand most likely continues to carry these innovative strategies to the rest of its key collections.

Chiming watches are a rare and special breed in the world of haute horology. Essentially, a chiming watch is one that audibly sounds the time either automatically or on demand.
Each of these musical watches generally operate in similar fashion– either by the push of a slide or a lever on the side of the watch. That push triggers a ballet of motion inside the watch caliber – turning gears and wheels and setting off hammers against gongs– to ultimately sound the time. Each audible watch can differ in the number of chimes, hammers, gongs, types of materials, and, ultimately, the way they sound. However, the important thing to know is that each offers a different cadence when it comes to chiming the time. Many chiming watches also have a silent mode so that the striking can be silenced.

The most well-known type of chiming watch is the minute repeater, however there are a host of other lesser-known melodious watches. Here we bring you a brief look at the different types of chiming watches.

Minute Repeaters

The minute repeater is a complication wherein the wearer activates a lever to chime the time. The minute repeater chimes the hours, quarter hours, and minutes using three different tones. Usually the hours are sounded using a single hammer and gong in a low tone. The quarter hours are signaled by two tones (a high and low sound) using two hammers, and the minutes (past the quarter hour) are sounded using a single high tone. For instance, at 8:36, the watch will chime eight low notes for the hour, two double-tone notes for the quarter hours, and six high notes for the minutes.

Decimal Repeaters

Like their big brother the minute repeater, a decimal repeater requires the wearer to take action and activate the slide to chime the time. This watch, however, chimes the hours, the 10-minute intervals since the hour passed, and then the minutes past the last 10-minute interval. So if the time is 8:36, for instance, when the wearer activates it, the watch will chime eight times for the hours and three times for the three 10-minute intervals, and then six times for the minutes.

Five-Minute Repeaters
Five-minute repeaters work the same way as a decimal repeater but striking five-minute intervals since the hour passed instead of 10-minute intervals. So for the same example of 8:36, the watch will strike 8 times for the hour on the low tone, then seven times to indicate seven five-minute intervals have passed, and then a single time for the extra minute. These watches require a little mathematical calculation on the part of the wearer.

Grand Sonneries

Grande Sonneries automatically chime the time without needing the wearer to push a slide or lever. It chimes every hour and every quarter hour, generally striking the quarter-hour first on a high gong and then striking the hours on a lower note. For instance at 8:30, it would strike twice on the high gong to indicate that two quarters of an hour have passed, and then eight times on the lower tone to indicate the number of hours passed.

Petite Sonneries
French for “little strike,” petite sonneries strike the time on each hour (sounding hours only) and then also chimes on each quarter hour, striking only the quarter hours passed since the hour. For instance, at 6 pm it will strike six notes to indicate 6:00. At 6:30, it will strike two notes to indicate it is two quarters past the hour. This watch does not repeat the hours at every quarter hour.

Chiming watches are incredibly complicated to build, and are generally very expensive – making second-hand chiming watches highly desirable. You can find more information on the history of chiming watches, especially minute repeaters, here.

The classic solitaire diamond ring may always be a popular engagement ring choice, but there are plenty of unique ring trends that are catching on. If you’re planning on shopping for the ring any time soon and want to get ahead of the game, it’s best to see what will be trending in the coming year. Here are 5 predictions for some promising engagement ring trends that are likely to catch on in 2019!

Pear-Shaped Diamonds

Round cut diamonds might be the go-to choice, but pear-shaped diamonds are starting to garner some renewed interest. Over the past few years, vintage rings have become very trendy, so it’s no wonder the vintage pear shape is gaining popularity. Inspired by Cardi B’s 7-carat pear diamond and other celebrity engagement rings, some couples are choosing pear-shaped sparklers of their own. This choice looks great paired with a diamond halo and other vintage-inspired styles.

Colored Gemstones

Fans of colorful jewelry will be happy to hear that colored gemstone engagement rings are coming back in style. Although colored gems were once a popular engagement choice before the 20th century, nowadays they’re usually passed over in favor of a crystal clear diamond. Every year, however, colored gems are growing in popularity, and around 20% of engagement rings now feature colored gems. Expect this trend to increase and look forward to seeing a lot of blue and pink sapphire, ruby and yellow diamond engagement rings in the years to come.

Yellow Gold Rings

Yellow gold was once the favored metal for engagement rings and sought after for many classic diamond solitaires. In recent decades, couples have moved away from yellow gold to seek a more modern look with white gold and platinum, which became the standard metal for engagement rings. Interestingly, yellow gold is now predicted to make a comeback, for those couples who are seeking a more dainty, classic style. Yellow gold tends to look best paired with a clear diamond, but warm colored gems like ruby and pink sapphire can be great choices as well.

Bypass Rings

A bypass ring is an interesting choice, and like most predictions on this list, it’s inspired by vintage style. This ring type was all the rage during the Victorian era, and for good reason: the unique shape of the ring can symbolize the union of two lovers. Although it was popular centuries ago, the bypass ring is coming back into style because its elegance and minimalism lends it a modern look. For an even more romantic vibe to represent two joining as one, you can include two different center stones (perhaps a blue sapphire and a diamond).

Twisting Bands

Twisting bands are one unique trend that is expected to grow in popularity in the coming years. Unlike the other items on this list, twisting bands are more of a newer, modern style. As naturalistic designs in jewelry have started to become more common over the past decade, it makes sense that the organic look of a twisting band would grow popular for engagement rings. In general, expect more emphasis on the band’s design as a rising trend over the next decade.

These five trends are a natural result of the market responding to millennial jewelry preferences. In general, millennial couples have gravitated towards everything vintage, natural, and minimalist, and these preferences will likely guide similar predictions early into the next decade.

CadCamNYC is a jewelry design studio based in New York that works with high-end designers and private clients. For more blogs on fine jewelry, visit CadCamNYC.com.

Some couples are fine with the usual platinum or gold wedding bands, but for those who want something a little more unique, there are plenty of options out there. There are a few different reasons an engaged couple might opt for less traditional bands. For instance, they might be allergic to a certain metal, their job restricts them from wearing a metal wedding band, or they just simply want a ring that better fits their style. Here are 5 interesting alternatives to the modern wedding band.

Enamel Wedding Bands: For a Little Extra Color

A typical wedding band is very simple and often undecorated, but this isn’t a necessity. If you want to add a little more color and design to your band, enameling is a great choice. You can still make the ring out of gold, platinum or your chosen metal, and use enameling over it for a little embellishment or to decorate the whole ring. This is also a good idea if you want to add a romantic inscription or your fiance’s name onto the band.

Wood Wedding Bands: Naturally Stylish

If you’re allergic to metal or just want a more rustic, organic look, a wooden wedding band can be a good pick. You’ll want to make sure the wood tone doesn’t look too out of place next to the engagement ring, unless you don’t plan on wearing the bejeweled ring on a daily basis. You can choose a simple polished rosewood or walnut wood band, or a titanium ring with a wood inlay. In any case, this naturalistic choice definitely offers a unique and trendy look!

Pendant Necklaces: Always Close to Your Heart

If you work with your hands a lot and don’t want to risk bending or damaging your ring, a simple pendant necklace can be a good idea. Although a heart pendant or similar motif may be a little too ambiguous, a pendant with your couple initials is a nice subtle symbol of your love. Keeping to precious metals like gold and platinum is ideal in order for your matching necklaces to stand the test of time.

Infinity Necklaces: The Ultimate Symbol of Dedication

An infinity necklace is another great option if you’re opting for something non-traditional. The infinity symbol is one of the best motifs to represent your lifelong dedication. Although a plain gold or platinum pendant is ideal for the guy, the bride can wear diamonds on hers if desired.

Bridal Tattoos: More “Forever” Than a Diamond

Finally, if you want something a little more permanent, or just feel bridal jewelry isn’t your style, you can go for a matching tattoo. An anchor is a common choice to represent stability and the strength of your bond, but you can also go for your partner’s initials or another image you feel is a better symbol for your relationship. A tattoo is forever and for some couples, it’s a great way to show the true permanence of their marriage.

These 5 wedding band alternatives are interesting and creative twists on the usual plain platinum band. If you need something different from the traditional wedding ring, there’s plenty of options out there, and you’re sure to find something that matches your unique needs!

CadCamNYC is a jewelry design studio based in New York that works with high-end designers and private clients. For more blogs on fine jewelry, visit CadCamNYC.com.

Ask any true watch collector what is the single must-have brand and the answer, almost certainly, will be Patek Philippe. The brand is not showy or flashy, but instead offers an understated elegance that insiders know is backed by unsurpassed quality and innovative technical excellence.

So, what makes Patek Philippe so highly coveted both in new, second-hand and vintage watches? Here we take a look at five key reasons why Patek Philippe continually withstands the test of time.

1. Patek Philippe has a long and rich history which is an integral part of its brand DNA.
Patek Philippe has roots dating all the way back to 1839, when it was first founded in Geneva, Switzerland under the name Patek, Czapek & Cie by Antoine Norbert de Patek and Francois Czapek. In 1851, it became Patek, Philippe & Cie, after Jean Adrien Philippe came on board. Philippe developed and patented the keyless winding and hand-setting system in 1845.

Over the past nearly two centuries, the brand has continuously innovated and grown, passing watchmaking knowledge down from generation to generation. That rich history, along with the exhaustive Patek Philippe archives, is a wealth of knowledge from which the brand can draw upon whenever it looks to the past for inspiration.

Additionally, because Patek Philippe is privately owned by the Stern family, the brand dictates all of the company’s directions, product development, and distribution channels in ways that are geared to preserve and enhance the brand’s future and continued success.

2. Patek Philippe has unparalleled watchmaking expertise.
All Patek Philippe watches are hand-made. While computer-aided design, high technology, and even CNC machines come into play in today’s watchmaking world, it does not negate the fact that every Patek Philippe watch and movement is hand-finished and hand-assembled.

In the case of its Rare Handcrafts, all of the artistic work– from engraving to sculpting, painting, enameling, and more– is done by hand by the finest artisans in the world. Patek Philippe’s chiming watches are built and tuned by hand by master watchmakers and Thierry Stern, President of the brand, approves each piece.

Patek Philippe does not compromise and holds every watch, from the simplest two-hand Calatrava to the most complicated watches in the world, to the same exacting standards of craftsmanship and finishing. It can take months to create a somewhat simple watch and several years to create a complicated one. Designs are always on point. This is not a brand to turn to for the ostentatious or audacious. It is the brand that offers classic, timeless, beautifully detailed watches.

Ten years ago, the brand created the Patek Philippe Seal to certify its watches hold higher standards than the Swiss norms. In fact, Patek Philippe is a benchmark in haute horology.

3. Patek Philippe watches are comparatively rare.
Patek Philippe annually produces a very limited number of watches—namely because each watch takes so much time to create and build. Despite being nearly 180 years old, Patek Philippe is said to have built fewer than 1 million watches to date. This means that they are scarce, and often have long waiting lists for particular models. In fact, for its most complicated timepieces, Patek Philippe requires buyers to submit an application to potentially receive said timepiece.

4. Patek Philippe watches have an inherent value.
With rarity comes value. There is no denying that anyone purchasing a Patek Philippe watch knows that it will hold its value. Additionally, as in many instances, it will appreciate in value over time because of its rarity. However, most do not buy a Patek Philippe watch in the hopes it will one day be worth many times what they paid for it. Today’s collectors buy Patek Philippe because they know the quality, precision performance, and collectability is inherent. The brand’s advertising motto for decades, “You never actually own a Patek Philippe, you merely hold on to it for the next generation,” underscores the value of its timepieces.

5. Patek Philippe executives have a visionary focus.
Patek Philippe’s success is guided by its visionary (now fourth generation) leaders. In addition to being a brand rich with history, the company continually considers the future and invests heavily in research and development that will propel it to new heights. It was one of the first to introduce silicium balance springs in 2006, and went on to develop the Pulsomax silicon-based escapement, as well as the GyromaxSi balance and other high-tech components that eliminate friction and the need for frequent servicing of the watch. These high-tech developments complement and enable the brand’s incredible prowess in complicated watchmaking.

This weekend (from October 19-21), in Austin, Texas, the Formula 1 Pirelli 2018 United States Grand Prix will be speeding along at the famed Circuit of the Americas (COTA) racetrack where F1 drivers will magnificently maneuver the 56-lap race course with speed and precision. Through the thrilling race, Rolex will have an impressive presence that underscores the luxury Swiss watch brand’s long history of racing and motorsports. The brand’s relationship with Formula 1 racing is relatively new (just five years) compared to its long association with motorsports, but is just as important to the Rolex brand identity.

Rolex’s Early History with Motorsports
Rolex’s earliest foray into motorsports and racing came more than 80 years ago when star driver Sir Malcolm Campbell broke a racing speed record wearing a Rolex Oyster in 1935. Campbell had been a lover of Rolex watches and was often seen wearing one to races everywhere and introducing the brand to other drivers and propelling Rolex’s presence on racer wrists even further. Finally, in 1959, Rolex partnered with Daytona International Speedway and subsequently created the iconic Rolex Daytona Cosmograph– a highly coveted timepiece that has become synonymous with auto racing.

Rolex and Formula 1
In 1950, the Formula 1 races re-emerged after World War II ended and captured the world’s attention. Formula 1 cars are single-seater rides with open wheels and outfitted with aerofoil wings that create downforce to keep the speeding car adhered to the track. These specially-crafted cars make Formula 1 road course races the fastest in the world.

In 1968, Rolex partnered with Sir Jackie Stewart, a three-time Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Formula 1 Drivers’ World Champion, as a brand ambassador. While Rolex remained a sponsor of Formula 1 throughout the years, it wasn’t until 2012 that Rolex announced its partnership with Formula 1 racing and, in 2013, became the Global Partner, Official Timekeeper and Official timepiece for F1 races.

Rolex had beat out competing bids from TAG Heuer and Hublot for the 10-year contract (estimated to be worth a quarter of a million dollars) with Formula 1. Rolex made a smart brand partner given its deep commitment to endurance, classic and vintage automotive racing (Monterey Motor Sports Reunion, Monterey Classic Car Week, Rolex 24 at Daytona and more). For Rolex, extending its support of automotive sports to the thrilling Formula 1 races was a natural choice.

Rolex at the 2018 FIA Formula One World Championship
The 21 races that comprise the 2018 FIA Formula One World Championship™ take place in nearly two dozen countries around the world. The individual races began in March and run until November.

With its contract, Rolex is the title sponsor of several important F1 races, and is the Official Timekeeper of all F1 events globally. At every Grand Prix™, there is an official Rolex Pit Lane Clock, specially-designed to showcase Rolex’s commitment to precision timing and the pursuit of excellence.

While Rolex already has an impressive roster of auto sports drivers, including Sir Jackie Stewart and Mark Webber, the Australian driver who won the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2015, as brand ambassadors, it recently announced the addition of Nico Rosberg, 2016 FIA Formula One Drivers’ World Champion. Rosberg, like Stewart, wears the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona watch.

With signage around the circuits and with official timing clocks on the grounds, Rolex’s presence can’t be missed during the incredible F1 racing.

Cartier is a very popular women’s watch brand; upon its debut, the Maison’s signature Ballon Bleu quickly became a best-seller and standout style among female fans—this in addition to the iconic Tank and Panthere watches which are longstanding fan-favorites.

However, we’re briefly pushing Cartier’s women’s watches out of the spotlight to recognize Cartier for its impeccably-designed men’s watches. Here we round up the five best Cartier men’s watch collections!

Santos De Cartier
Designed as a rule breaker of sorts, the Santos de Cartier collection of cushion-cornered square watches takes its inspiration from the first wristwatch ever created by the brand. In the early 1900s in Paris, Louis-Francois Cartier was friends with the well-known Alberto Santos Dumont, who famously flew his dirigible around the Eiffel Tower in 1901. Santos Dumont complained to Cartier that it was difficult to take his pocket-watch out to check the time while maneuvering the airplane’s controls. In 1904, Louis Cartier created a wristwatch for his friend, dubbed the Santos, naturally, and was serially produced starting in 1911.

Today, the recently redesigned Santos watches, with visible screws on the bezel, have become a signature statement for discerning men. The ultimate fan-favorite is the large Santos de Cartier stainless steel bracelet version with automatic movement and white dial with black Roman numerals.

Drive De Cartier
First unveiled to the world in 2016, the Drive De Cartier collection is designed for those who enjoy a sportier look on the wrist. Inspired by the gauges of vintage cars with an unusual case shape that borders on round and cushion, the Drive de Cartier watches run the gamut from simple two-hand watches to those featuring a large date, retrograde second time zone and day night indicator. Among the diverse Drive de Cartier men’s collection, one stands out in particular: the 18-karat rose gold model with Roman numerals, guilloche dial, subseconds hand at 6:00 and date indication at 3:00.

Cartier Tank
Classic and elegant, the Cartier Tank design began as a square watch inspired by the big tanks of the First World War in 1919. The Tank has enjoyed many iterations over the years, including the elongated rectangular Tank Americaine and the more classic Tank Louis Cartier series with some small complications built in. Fans are particularly drawn to the classic Tank Louis Cartier in rose gold or steel with white dial.

Rotonde de Cartier
This classic round case shape comes to life as a platform for Cartier to demonstrate its watchmaking expertise in the complicated realms. With predominantly 40mm and 42mm sizes for men in this series, the brand unveils the Rotonde de Cartier Chronograph, as well as the Mysterious Hour watch with hands seeming to float in space on one side of the dial. In larger 43.5mm and 47mm sizes, the haute horology versions, such as the Earth and Moon watch and the Skeleton captivate collectors.

Caliber de Cartier
If you are a lover of sports (especially water sports) this is the collection that may have the most appeal. The Caliber de Cartier line is a great choice thanks to the variety of models that include chronographs and even dive watches.

Main image by Time & Tide Watches