Peridot and spinel may be known simply as the birthstones for August, but the two semi-precious gemstones have a history of their own. One’s a new addition to the birthstone list while the other’s a national stone. Find out more interesting facts and stories about these summer stones.

Peridot:

Peridot, the national stone of Egypt, dates back 4.5 billion years and is a form of olivine. The olive-green colored stone is also one of the few gemstones that only occurs in one color. It’s found in lava, meteorites and deep within the earth with most found in volcanoes. It is believed that the first instance of peridot in jewelry, by using the stone for beads, was by the Ancient Egyptians between 1580 BCE and 1350 BCE.

The stone is thought possess its own protective properties. It’s considered a sun stone that protects the wearer from nightmares because it brings light to the wearer. It’s even called the emerald of the evening because its bright green color doesn’t change with alternate sources of light. Like an emerald, the Ancient Greeks believed wearing Peridot to be an honor.

Today, the semi-precious stone, with a bright essence and refreshing color, is thought to be a great summertime jewel, perfect for the month of August. Wearers often wear this birthstone to promote self-confidence and improve self-esteem. The stone is also thought to bring feelings of rejuvenation and clear-headedness.

Spinel

Spinel was recently added to the list of official birthstones this year, making the addition only the third update to the list since 1912. The name comes from the Greek word for spark and the Latin word for spine or thorn — spinel is often found in sharp crystal formations. It comes in shades of red, blue, green, yellow, brown, or black.

The most popular shades of spinel are red and blue because they are often mistaken for ruby and sapphire. It wasn’t until the 18th century that technology could differentiate between rubies and red spinel, which is why red spinel is often called “Balas Ruby.” Long ago, if it was red, it was considered a ruby, so some of the most famous rubies in history are actually spinel.

Today, if you were to view the Cullinan II diamond on the crown of Queen Elizabeth II, then you would also be viewing the Black Prince’s Ruby which is placed directly above the Cullinan II. However, this famous ruby is actually a red spinel and is one of the oldest of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. Other famous gemstones like the Timur Ruby and Samarian Spinel were once considered important rubies and still sit in collections of crown jewels throughout the world.

Photo Credit: gemstonebuzz.com / johnjbradshaw.com

Not long ago, Buglari wouldn’t have been considered one of the top luxury watch brands, but today it is one of the finest and most technically accomplished watchmakers in the industry. With new movements and achievements, Bulgari is fighting to become one of the greatest watchmakers in the world.

Bulgari has always been known for its world-class jewelry making and design and this is even true for watches. You can’t ignore the refinement of the Bvlgari Bvlgari men’s, part of a collection that’s been in production for nearly 41 years. The women’s Serpenti watch is one of the most coveted women’s watches in the world. However, it wasn’t until recently that Bulgari finally moved its sights from just design to the entire watchmaking process.

The first Buglari in-house movement, the Calibre 168, was introduced at Baselworld 2010. Since then, the Italian jeweler-turned-watchmaker has added many impressive — and surprising — achievements to its list of accolades. It’s now Bulgari’s goal to be recognized as one of the top 5 watchmakers in the world, among the likes of Rolex, Audemars Piguet and other famous Swiss watch brands. Though this seems like a mountainous task, Bulgari is closer than one might think. By the end of the decade, it’s possible if not probable.

Much of Bulgari’s new found success can be attributed to the brand’s new found passion, demonstrated by its watchmaking achievements. The watchmaker’s first record-breaking success debuted in 2014 with the release of the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbullion. The record: the world’s thinnest tourbillon. At 1.95mm this model beat out the previous record holder Arnold & Sons with the UTTE at 2.95mm. The entire case of the Octo is a mere 5mm.

The unveiling of such a technically impressive and aesthetically compelling design truly raised Bulgari’s rank. Previously known as a jeweler wishing to be a watchmaker, Bulgari began creating a reputation outside of the jewelry world. After the release of the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon, watch enthusiasts were left wondering what would come next from the Italian designer.

This year, at Baselworld 2016, Bulgari answered with the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater — the world’s thinnest minute repeater. The complicated movement measures just 1.95mm, impressive for a movement of any complexity. A minute repeater this thin hasn’t been released since the 1940s when Vacheron Constantin manufactured ref. 4261. Cased, the previous thinnest minute repeater was the Jaeger-Lecoultre’s Hybris Mechanica 11 at 7.9 mm thick. The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater is 6.85 mm.

Bulgari’s dedication to watchmaking innovation and expertise cannot be questioned, and the company is only looking to the future. With the Bulgari eye for design and technical achievements, the company has been one of the most surprising in the watchmaking industry.Although one thing is for certain: we can’t wait to see what Bulgari has to offer next.

Photo Credit: bulgari.com / watchonista.com / timeandwatches.com

The famous Italian jewelry house has 5 new collections, each inspired by the myths, artifacts and icons of the past and present. Always true to its history, the newest Bulgari collections perfectly illustrate the jeweler’s Italian heritage.

1. MVSA

The MVSA collection features 26 vibrant pieces — rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings — inspired by the nine muses of Ancient Greece. The Greek muses are nine women, daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, who were educated by Apollo. The women are said to rule over the arts, inspiring creative and artistic endeavors.

The collection was released in 2014, inspired by takhti cut, an egg-shaped cut similar to the tile on the roof of Indian Maharajas’ palaces. The colorful collection features blue topaz, amethyst, citrine, chalcedony, onyx, rubellite, pink quartz, prasiolite and tourmaline, mother-of-pearl and diamonds.

2. DIVAS’ DREAM

The Divas’ collection, released in Spring 2016, features 26 new designs inspired by the beauty of women while also paying homage to Italian design. According to Bulgari, the collection was inspired by the “divas” in recent history. The design is described as a portrayal of Italian femininity, elegance and grace.

As a tribute to the Bulgari Italian history, the collection was influenced by Italian mosaics of ancient Rome. The most distinct feature of the collection is the shaped arches of the design motifs. This design was inspired by the designs of the ancient Roman Baths in Caracalla which were built between 212 and 217 AD.

3. MONETE

Monete is a collection that seeks to bring modern life to ancient coins. Instead of collecting dust in a drawer,
the ancient coins of Rome, Greece and Persia are brought to present day in modern jewelry styles. This collection was first debuted by Bulgari in the 1950s, and again renewed in ’60s and ’70s. In 2012, the collection was once again relaunched.

Bulgari is the only jeweler to use these ancient coins in its jewelry collection, making each piece a unique piece of history. The collection not only features jewelry but also leather goods and handbags. Every piece comes with a certificate guaranteeing the authenticity of the coin and its origins and age.

4. LVCEA

Though technically a watch collection, the beautifully designed LVCEA collection feels like fine jewelry. Inspired by the iconic Serpenti collection, LVCEA watches feature coiling bracelets designed like the sensuous bracelets. Each piece features a pink cabochon set on the crown.

Though the watches are for everyday wear, there’s still room for glamour and sophistication. The polished precious metal and traditional shape allow this watch to be worn for any and all occasions, never leaving the wearer over- or under-dressed. The piece is available in steel, yellow and rose gold, with or without diamonds and a mother-of-pearl dial.

5. Save the Children Collection

The Save the Children Collection was created for a partnership with the famous NGO of the same name. Since 2009, Bulgari has supported the Save the Children Fund by donating a portion of proceeds for unique collections. This spring, Bulgari revived the collection with two new pieces.

The collection features the famous B.Zero1 ring and bracelet in sterling silver and black ceramic. The pieces retail for $510 with $100 donated to Save the Children. Since 2009, the collection has raised $35 million benefiting over 700,000 children, 30,000 teachers and 2,000 schools in poverty- and conflict-stricken areas.

Photo Credit: bulgari.com / thejewelryicon.com / andrascloset.com / diepresse.com/

The Bulgari name is most well-known for its jewelry and watches. But the brand is actually involved in so much more, offering more than you would expect. Here are four surprising ventures and philanthropic initiatives of the luxury brand.

1. The Bulgari family makes wine.

After Paolo and Giovanni Bulgari sold their controlling shares of Bulgari to luxury powerhouse Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE (LVMH) in 2011, the pair decided to pursue a new family business: wine making.

To distinguish their new venture from the greater Bulgari dynasty, the brothers instead named their wine after the family’s Tuscan estate PonderNuovo where the wine is made. The bottle is inconspicuously stamped with “Bulgari” and only those-in-the-Bulgari-know would recognize the wine’s name Sotirio, which pays homage to the Bulgari empire founder. The Bulgari family debuted three wines in 2012 with bottles wholesaling for $16-24 each.

In 2016, Paolo Bulgari joined the board of directors at Sarment, a fine wine wholesaler and importer.

2. You can stay at a sumptuous Bulgari hotel.

In 2001, Bulgari branched into the hospitality business and opened an international chain of luxury hotels. In partnership with Marriott International, Bulgari has opened hotels in Milan, London, Bali and Moscow and plans to break ground in Shanghai, Beijing and Dubai.

The world-class hotels exceed the expectations of even a five-star hotel. The exclusive Bulgari resorts’ décor conjure a timeless elegance with heavy nods to the brand’s iconic jewelry designs. The lavish hotels are outfitted with soothing spas, movie screening rooms, grand suites, and even Michelin-rated restaurants.

3. Bulgari sponsored the restoration of the landmark Spanish Steps.

The Spanish Steps are one of the most famous and heavily-trafficked tourist destinations in Rome. The 135-step staircase, built between 1723 and 1726, connects the Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinità dei Monti. (Audrey Hepburn fans may recognize the steps from Roman Holiday.) Unfortunately due to their incredibly popularity, the Spanish Steps cracked and crumbled underneath the footsteps of modern tourists.

In 2015, Bulgari, whose Rome flagship sits at the base of the Spanish steps and felt historically linked to the site, donated $1.7 million to restore the aging attraction which hadn’t been properly tended to since 1995. The initiative took ten months and 80 craftspeople to clean and repair the 32,300 square feet of stone.

4. Bulgari supports the Save the Children Fund.

In 2009, Bulgari began its partnership with Save the Children, a non-government organization that supports children’s rights, provides disaster aids and advocates for educational advancement for children in poverty. Through its efforts and donations, Bulgari has raised over $27 million for the fund and, in turn, improved the lives of 600,000 children around the world.

In 2016, Bulgari debuted a new campaign to benefit Save the Children. The “Raise Your Hand’ collection features the iconic B.Zero1 ring and bracelet, made over in sterling silver and black ceramic. To promote the collection, Bulgari recruited celebrities like Naomi Watts, Meg Ryan, and Olivia Palermo to appear in the campaign. At the time of publishing, sales of the collection raised $50 million for the Save the Children fund.

Photo Credit: nytimes.com / hospitalitynet.org / theluxonomist.es / my.asiatatler.com/

Nearly immediately after its debut in 1980, the coveted Hublot watches became a serious target for counterfeiters. In fact, a mere five years after Hublot watches became available to the public, Hublot’s founder Carlo Crocco aggressively sought out and prosecuted counterfeiters. But before they were charged, counterfeiters had become so adept at replicating the Hublot design, it became incredibly difficult to distinguish an authentic Hublot from a knock-off.

To help you stay sharp in the marketplace, here are key tips on how to spot a fake Hublot watch.

1. Do a cursory quality assessment of the watch.
When looking over the watch, there are some immediate and visible flaws that are dead giveaways that the watch is a fake: misaligned printing on the dial, case back and strap; glue reside around the edges; or illegible or poorly printed markings.

We also recommend, if you’re shopping second-hand Hublot watches, you first visit an authorized dealer or official Hublot store to feel the weight of a genuine Hublot watch in your hands to compare.

2. Take a closer look at the branded details.
Hublot screws have a very specific H-shape and the screw is the same across all models—from the Big Bang, to the Classic Fusion and the oversized King Power. As for the screws on the inside, many fakes will use blue-colored screws whereas Hublot has never.

Run your finger over the Hublot logo on the clasp; the logo should be engraved, never etched or printed.

3. Read carefully.
Study the dial which should read “Swiss Made.” And examine the markings on the movement itself. Double-check that Hublot Geneve is spelled correctly and is engraved, not printed.

4. Research the seller.
Check the seller’s credentials, location and dig up any reviews you can. Also question the website you are visiting and cross-reference the URL carefully; counterfeiters will oftentimes use a temporary domain name that is only a few letters off from a legitimate website to trick consumers into unwittingly purchasing a fake.

5. Independently determine the market value.
Carefully research the model you want to purchase and track the price for the same Hublot watch from other sellers. And remember: the saying is, “too good to be true” for a reason; if you’re being quoted a watch that is drastically lower than other retailers, there’s a good chance the Hublot watch is fake.

Whenever you shop pre-owned, the price will be affected by the piece’s market availability, condition, age, and overall demand so expect a slight range in the final cost. However be very wary if someone is offering the watch at a significant and disproportionate discount relative to the watch’s condition.

Ultimately only an expert can fully authenticate your timepiece. As interest in luxury timepieces continues to grow and Hublot watches increase in popularity, the more effort a counterfeiter is willing to put into producing a convincing fake. If possible, take your watch to a trusted watch expert for authentication and only buy from a trusted seller like TrueFacet.

If you have further questions regarding TrueFacet’s authentication process, contact our concierge representative here.

Photo Credit: bimmerpost.com / theluxurycloset.com / ablogtowatch.com

As its name implies, Hublot’s Big Bang watch made a significant impact in the world of watchmaking and propelled Hublot to great financial success in the early 2000s—and hasn’t slowed down since.

The Influence of CEO Jean Claude Biver
When Jean Claude Biver joined Hublot in 2004, Hublot was experiencing a plateau in public interest.

Biver had a reputation as a savvy marketer, particularly keen at reviving stale brands. Biver was credited with relaunching Blancpain, a watch manufacturer that had shuttered in the 1970s. Through a unique marketing campaign, Biver reignited the public’s interest in the traditional brand and ultimately sold the now profitable brand to Swatch Group in 1992. More recently, during his tenure as Swatch’s Omega president, Biver bolstered sales with clever product placement in the sexy, action-packed James Bond films.

Upon joining Hublot, Biver’s primary objective was to modernize Hublot with a new flagship collection, dubbed the Big Bang. Hublot unveiled the Big Bang at Basel in 2005 to great acclaim.

Paying Homage to the Original Hublot
As novel as it may look, the Big Bang’s design is not necessarily new or revolutionary for Hublot. The Big Bang was heavily inspired by the 1980 original Hublot watch model; the porthole-inspired round bezel, exposed screws and rubber wrist strap were hallmarks of the original design. The untraditional, oversized chronograph proved to be the perfect mix (or fusion in Hublot-speak) of Hublot’s iconic design touches and modern tastes. The Big Ban won the title Best Design at the Grand Prix d’Horologie de Geneve. And immediately thereafter, the Big Bang was hotly sought after by watch enthusiasts.

The Continued Success of the Big Bang Watch
Since its Basel release, the Big Bang has undergone fresh iterations in step with Hublot’s tradition of unconventionality. The Big Bang has been re-released in innovative materials like a lightweight alloy made of magnesium and aluminum and decorated with a Swiss embroidery pattern that is molded in carbon fiber to define its texture. And like Crocco and his novel rubber material from 1980, Hublot developed an innovative scratch-resistant 18K gold alloy, dubbed “Magic Gold.”

The Big Bang collection remains the cornerstone of the Hublot Brand. And to celebrate the collection’s 10th anniversary in 2015, Hublot unveiled three new models to commemorate the Big Bang’s core design: the Big Bang Unico with a propriety UNICO movement, the Big Bang Tourbillon 5-Day Power Reserve Indicator, and a Big Bang version in Full Magic Gold. Hublot also debuted its Big Bang “10 Years” Haute Joaillerie, a collection of ten exquisite Big Bang watches, each dotted with diamonds, sapphires and rubies and priced at $1 million each.

The Big Bang remains a tour de force for the Hublot brand which, in turn, continues to push the limits and expectations of traditional watchmaking.

If this piqued your interest in Hublot, read more about the defiant brand’s origins here.

Photo Credit: hautetime.com

Hublot was founded in 1980, making it the comparative newcomer in the watchmaking industry where centuries-old legacies are the norm. But since its inception, Hublot has exploded in the industry, earning its stripes with unprecedented design techniques and revolutionary materials.

Breaking From Tradition
Born in 1944, Italian watchmaker Carlo Crocco was the heir apparent for his uncle’s company, the Binda Group, a widely respected and decorated dynasty that specialized in crafting Breil watches. But in 1976, at only 32 years old, Crocco defied family tradition and boldly struck out on his own.

Crocco determinedly set about realizing his vision for a watch design unlike any he or his family had produced before. Over the next four years, Crocco raised $4 million (some of which was his personal wealth) to build a modest watch factory in Switzerland, the uncontested epicenter of watch manufacturing. And in 1980, Crocco opened MDM Geneva and introduced his Hublot watch at the prominent Baselworld watch fair.

Hublot’s Basel Introduction
The Hublot caused a sensation at Basel. Eschewing the usual gold, leather and exotic materials that were typical of a luxury watch band, Hublot’s band was made of rubber—more specifically a tempered, lightweight and durable rubber that Crocco had sunk an estimated $1 million into developing. The result was an elegant watch with a sporty flair, one that effortlessly straddled high-end design and casual everyday wear. The Hublot was a breakthrough in the luxury watch space but, on the commercial side, watch buyers were slow to buy into the Hublot’s then-radical design.

Customers’ Lukewarm Reaction
Throughout the 1980s, Crocco’s sales team had to campaign aggressively for shoppers to invest in a Hublot. Competing against incredibly well respected and long established brands, Hublot’s name recognition would slowly build (first across Europe and then in the United States) through the ‘90s. It was also a paradigm shift for some customers who had to under that the Hublot’s high price tag was because of the watch’s complicated design—not the unconventional rubber strap. Ultimately the uphill sales battle was won and by 1993 Hublot watches were a recognized favorite among celebrities including Prince Albert of Monaco, Giorgio Armani, Elton John and Candice Bergen.

Hublot’s Popularity Today
In 2004, with Hublot’s popularity waning, Jean-Clade Biver took the helm as CEO for Hublot. Biver left his post as president for Swatch Group’s Omega division and immediately shook up the Hublot collection with the introduction of the “Big Bang” Chronograph at Basel in April 2005. Like the original Hublot, the Big Bang thrilled Basel-goers—some who balked at the outlandish color-ways and others who were delighted in the refreshing break from staid traditionalist designs. The oversized watch was a major boon for sales and received numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Design Prize at the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix.

Hublot has firmly rooted itself as a recognized player in the watch industry and one who is comfortable defying conventionality and industry norms and embraces spirited and groundbreaking designs.

Photo Credit: hublot.com

In some iteration or another, we’ve all heard our grandparents exclaim, “When I was a kid, you could eat a slice of pie and ride the trolley for a nickel!” What five cents could buy you then versus today is meant to shock and awe listeners.

In the same vein, if we look at a Rolex Submariner: in 1957, the watch retailed for $150 USD (or approximately $1,280 in today’s dollars). Fast-forward to 2017, the Rolex Submariner now costs $7,500 USD.

To chalk this up to basic inflation and changes in cost of living is an over-simplification of matter. This significant price jump is more attributable to Rolex’s transformation and expansion from a well-respected watchmaker to a hotly-coveted luxury powerhouse. We explore the rise of Rolex, its history, and its evolving brand identity.

Watch-Making Innovators
Founded in 1905, Rolex is historically marked for its innovation and developing mechanically superior watches. Its most notable technical breakthroughs include the first waterproof wristwatch, first wristwatch with an automatically changing date on the dial, and first watch to display two time zones at once. Rolex was also the first watchmaker to meet the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres organization’s rigorous standards and earn the chronometer certificate for a wristwatch.

Rolex was largely recognized for its revolutionary work in the watchmaking industry but it really gained momentum as a luxury brand (ironically enough) when the greater industry was floundering.

A Turning Point: The Quartz Crisis
In the 1970s, the Swiss watchmaking industry faced a serious threat: quartz watches. Unlike the mechanical watches whose complicated movements had been painstakingly perfected by generations of watchmakers, quartz watches used a synthetic crystal to keep near-perfect time. Quartz watches were significantly cheaper to produce and their superior accuracy effectively negated the need for mechanical movements. In turn, watches became a commercially available commodity. With the introduction of this unexpected rival, Swiss brands saw their prestige and brand value plummet. Some houses folded while others—including Rolex—scrambled to transition to a new market.

Rolex found its niche as a luxury label and the brand doubled-down its efforts to upgrade its materials and refine their movements. And like other mechanical watchmakers, Rolex distinguished itself from the readily-available quartz watches. Instead the brand touted its complex movements and time-honored craftsmanship as worthiness of its high price tag and newfound luxury brand status. Rolex capitalized on the democratization of watches by showcasing how completely exceptional the brand was.

Rolex’s Identity Today
Without compromising its design prowess, Rolex has matured into a true luxury brand. Rolex plays homage to its history but has upped the quality of its materials, wearability of its watches, and fine-tuned its already refined movements.

And strong example of this evolution is the aforementioned Rolex Submariner. The 1957 Rolex Submariner was designed primarily as a diving tool, made with aluminum bezels and stamped components. It was elegant, yes, but above all, it was highly functional as a diving watch. Today the Submariner watch boasts higher grade materials including ceramic bezels, finer steel, and more accurate movements. Rolex has effectively built upon its practical design to create a luxury timepiece, investing in its construction, and with every new design innovation, the Rolex Submariner’s retail cost ticks up.

Today Rolex reigns as one of the most immediately recognized status symbols. The brand has come to fully represent an aspirational and affluent lifestyle, while continuing to release exceptionally well-crafted timepieces. And with this covetable status at both the technical and branding level, it’s no wonder Rolex watches are so worthy of their high price tag.