Labor Day weekend is almost her and it’s one of the last chances you’ll have to show off your summer style before the fall. Whether you will be with your family or at the beach, we have the perfect accessory tips for your last summer vacation.

1. Beach Weekend

If you are headed to the beach for the long weekend, then you will want to keep it light with the jewelry. Remember to stay away from sterling silver and similar metals as the sand could severely damage your item. Check out our post on traveling with jewelry for more tips and information.

2. Day in the City

If you are spending the day out in the city then you can afford to dress up a bit. Get the last use out of your favorite summer statement necklace and pair and remember to keep cool on the last holiday of the summer.

3. Family Festivities

If you are spending the weekend with your family, then you will probably want to go for a more festive look — labor day is celebrating the American worker after all. Wear something simple and white and accessorize in blue and red.

4. Casual Weekend with Friends

Spending the day with friends? Keep it casual and get in the last of your summer whites. Pair your outfit with a simple stack and fun pendant for simple, easy and functional fashion.

Everyday hundreds, even thousands of amazing watch photos get uploaded to Instagram. Bloggers and watch enthusiasts take to Instagram to visually express their love for luxury timepieces and fashion. Check out our four favorites from the week.

1. His and Hers

True love is having the same favorite watch company — though everyone loves Patek Philippe. The Instagram account, @Patekaholic, if you can guess is completely dedicated to stunning to Patek watches. If you are a Patek fan, then we suggest you check out this gallery.

2. Vintage and Rugged

We love this Omega gram from @mattsworldpics, but this isn’t the only amazing watch pic from the photographer. Check out his Instagram account for more brilliant photos of vintage finds.

3. A Real Arm Party

This Instagram account, @GiorgiaMondani, is full of lux watches and accessories. It’s also full of rich content and information as it’s run by Giorgia Mondani, who has made a career of blogging and writing books about watches.

4. The More The Merrier

This gram from @Watchmania made it on to the list for its numbers alone. We love a good watch, but we love 15 good watches even more! Check out their gallery foe a wide range of top-brand watches.

We are nearing the end of August, and as summer unfortunately draws to a close, we are staying positive. A new season means a new wardrobe and we can’t wait to get on board with the latest trends. Check out what’s on trend to be a hit this fall!

1. Golden Floral Details
[T&C Floral][Floral Pin][Italy Collection Peridot][Hearts on Fire Floral][Crivelli RG Flower]
Floral is in the fall, but with a different take on your Spring/Summer favorites. Celine, Chanel and Prada all featured the floral motif in their Fall 2015 RTW runway shows. However, our favorite floral feature came from Dolce & Gabbana. D&G paired a darker shade of yellow gold with Pantone’s color of the year, marsala for the perfect fall colors.

2. Modern Pearls
[Pearl & Quartz][Pearl & Silver][Pearl & Diamond][Pearl Triangle][Chanel Faux Pearls]

Gone are the days of the classic string of pearls — at least in high fashion. Don’t throw out your favorites just yet, but look out for the modern twist. Fall 2015 RTW shows from Balenciaga and Givenchy, but our favorite was the subtle switch up from Oscar de la Renta.

3. ’70s Pendants
[Chopard Lariat][Cartier Lariat][Roberto Coin Peace][T&C Vintage Flower][T&C Flower]

We’ve said it before, but the ’70s trend is still strong and here to stay — at least for the fall. Chloe, Gucci, and Tory Burch all featured the small and sweet silver pendant. We especially adored Celine’s loud and very ’70s orange paired with the such a simple piece.

4. Choker
[Bulgari Leather][DY Citrine & Onyx][DY YG & Diamond][Chanel Tag][Christian Dior Bow]

This trend is in full force right now. The choker might just be replacing the ubiquitous statement necklace. Altuzarra, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen and Emilio Pucci all featured a variation of the choker in their Fall 2015 RTW collections. We loved Rodarte’s retro, belt-like variation on the trend.

5. Brooch
[Diamond Flower][T&C Pearl][Chanel CC][Giorgio Visconti Diamond][Platinum Diamond]

In an instant, it seemed as if the brooch trend had hit the fashion scene. Thankfully, this rising star didn’t burn out before fall. Prada, Balenciaga, Calvin Klein and Chanel all put this trend to the test in their Fall RTW shows. We love the intricate, silver designs from Balenciaga.

Photo Credit: style.com

Watch collecting has become quite the trendy pastime, drawing a variety of fans who consider timepieces an alternative hobby, a luxe status symbol, or a new investment opportunity. If you’re keen to start your own collection, here are the five key points to seriously consider and guide your decision of which watches you should invest in specifically.

Ask yourself why.
Why has watch collecting piqued your interest? Are you drawn to a wristwatch’s overall style? Or are you fascinated by a watch’s technical inner-workings, components, and movements? Or do you consider timepieces to be a long-term investment? All are viable (and, it should be noted, not necessarily mutually exclusive) motivations for starting a personal watch collection. But your core driver will influence which watches you ultimately choose to bring into your collection.

Shop pre-owned.
It is not worth breaking the bank to purchase a watch at full-retail price. Instead, opt for a pre-owned watch. Shopping pre-owned styles will stretch your budget further and the watch will retain its resale value better than a new one. Think of the watch like a brand new car: the second you take it off the lot, it’s worth a fraction of what you paid. Purchasing a pre-owned style means you won’t suffer the same initial—and staggering—price drop.

Invest wisely.
If you are buying up watches as capital, the most investment-worthy brands are Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, A. Lange & Sohne, Rolex, and TAG Heuer. Within these brands, certain watches retain their value better than others. You’ll want to thoroughly research which watches are most regularly in demand and therefore have a more consistent resale cost. As a general rule of thumb, look for models with a medium-sized dial, in a modest and classic style.

Factor in wearability.
The benefit of investing in a timepiece is that you can actually wear and enjoy it; it doesn’t need to be stashed away in a safety deposit box or hidden away like a bottle in a wine cellar. With that in mind, consider how frequently you want to wear your wristwatch out and about.

For instance, if you’re anticipating wearing it every day to your suit-wearing office, a durable Rolex with a metal bracelet is a smart option. Alternatively if this is a very special-occasion timepiece, maybe for your wedding or black-tie events, an elegant Patek Philippe evening watch with a leather band would suit your needs.

Properly care for your watch.
The best way to ensure your watch retains its resale value is to store and clean it safely. This includes bringing it to a jeweler for regular servicing. If your watch has a mechanical movement, you’ll need to routinely wind and set it properly. Learn more with our fundamental guide to watch care and storage.

Ready to start your watch collection? Check out our post on the “5 Watches Every Beginning Collector Must Own.”

There is an undeniable allure to owning a custom-made Rolex watch that speaks exclusively to your personal style and tastes. However, Rolex collecting purists do not want a Rolex made with after-market parts. Therefore, depending on what type of customization you opt for, it may negatively affect your Rolex’s value.

We break down the four common types of after-market Rolex customization and how they will impact your Rolex watch’s resale value.

Swapping the Bracelet
Rolex metal bracelets are notoriously resilient. Because Rolex produces all their bracelets in-house, it means they have incredible control over the quality and appearance of every link. And their bracelets are assembled by hand and then a hand-operated machine is used to apply the exact-right amount of pressure to attach pins and align and affix any parts.

However, as durable as they are, a Rolex metal bracelet will, inevitably, stretch—and stretch even faster on a vintage model. Therefore, swapping out your Rolex bracelet can be both a preserving technique and a cost-effective way to give your Rolex a new look and feel: a leather band has a formal or evening appeal while a rubber or silicon strap has a sporty flair.

Changing the strap will not affect the resale value of your Rolex provided that you keep the original bracelet. It may, in some cases, actually increase the resale value if the original bracelet is kept in pristine condition.

“Blacking Out” Your Rolex
A growing trend among Rolex collectors is to “black out” your gold or platinum watch, stamping out the metallic shine with a jet black finish. To achieve this look, you will need to find a third-party retailer; Rolex does not offer this customization service. Your Rolex will not be painted, instead it is treated with a special carbon or physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating which, through a chemical reaction, covers the watch with a black scratch-resistant finish.

This after-market service will cost you depending on which company you use: one that buys a Rolex to customize versus one who will treat a watch you furnish to them. But a word of caution here: this “black out” look may also affect the resale value of your watch. Some less reputable modifiers will coat pre-owned watches and try to pass them off as new—a distinction made harder to tell by the treatment process. Therefore, do your research and find a trustworthy modifier.

In terms of the resale value, some collectors shy away Rolex watches with too many customized parts (like this “black out” treatment) as the watch is no longer considered an original, again, knocks down the watch’s resale value.

Adding After-Market Diamonds
Another way to customize your Rolex is by tacking on after-market diamonds. Rolex already offers a handful of styles with diamonds dotting the bezel, set as the hour-markers or even covering the display entirely. However, there is a niche market that craves a much bigger statement: a fully “iced out” Rolex watch that is covered in diamonds.

Depending on how many precious stones you want to add, it will cost you a considerable amount to purchase high-quality pavé diamonds and require a skilled hand to encrust your Rolex watch with gemstones.

One concern for any reseller is that some collectors will shy away from that blinged-out-look and it can be difficult to find an interested buyer. You also have the sunk cost of the precious stones inflating the cost of your watch that may make it even less appealing to potential buyers.

But the biggest draw back here is that Rolex’s policies and American law stipulates that any Rolex with foreign parts (i.e., diamonds) is no longer considered a genuine Rolex. Therefore, it’s technically counterfeit and, in order to be resold, most likely needs to be stripped of its diamonds and restored, rendering it worth far less than the original watch.

Changing the Dial
Finally, you can customize your Rolex’s dial either with a custom-made dial or a Rolex dial from a different watch case or model swapped in. This way you can effectively choose your dial, bezel, and bracelet in a comped together Rolex watch.

Like other customized Rolex watches, your watch’s legitimacy as an “authentic” Rolex comes into question. The practice of “frankenwatches” made from bits and pieces of different Rolex watches and eras is a considerable problem in the watch collecting community. To wit: musician John Mayer was infamously duped into buying $5 million dollars-worth of what he believed to be vintage Rolex watches, only to find out that they were cobbled together with after-market pieces and worth a small fraction of the amount he paid.

If you hope to resell your Rolex with an updated dial, be sure to disclose that information in your listing. It will affect the cost of the watch but will free you of any liability should the seller argue over the Rolex watch’s value.
Interested in reselling your Rolex? Our concierge associates are here to help answer your questions about consigning or authenticating your Rolex watch. Contact them here.

Photo Credit: themonsieur.com / themillenary.wordpress.com / agirlsworld.com

A timepiece is a work of art, and some designs get more creative than the classic wristwatch. Some designs have brought illusion, mystery and style to the watch through concealment and even exposure. Check out these three creative watch designs and discover your new favorite watch trend.

1. The Secret Watch
The secret watch is a fun design that was popularized in the ‘30s and ‘40s. These designs didn’t want to sacrifice the art of jewelry for the mechanics of telling time. These secret watches are concealed by a hinged cover and can be found on a ring, brooch or bracelet.

The benefits of a secret watch are twofold. First, you get a beautiful and functional accessory. Secondly and most importantly, you can let time get away from you without surrendering it entirely.

2. Mystery Watch
Louis Cartier produced the designs for mystery clocks. The mystery clock was first invented by Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin in the 19th century. Later, the clock would be exclusively developed for Cartier by watchmaker Maurice Couet. The hands appear to float in a mystery clock, unattached to any apparatus.
The clocks took months of work before the jeweler can decorate and create beautiful designs. After years of studying the remarkable design, watchmakers finally figured out how to replicate the mystery dial the size of a wristwatch.

3. Skeleton Watch
Skeleton watches can be difficult to produce since they involve the trimming of any non-essential metal to expose the mechanical movement of the watch. The watch essentially displays the bare bones, or skeleton, of the watch.

Intricate mechanical movements are an interesting twist on the typical watch. The display is a stunning work of craftsmanship and the showcases the movement for what it is — a work of art.

Photo Credit: kudoke.eu

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Check out our expert tips to store your fine jewelry and watches to keep it in pristine condition.

Jewelry Storage

1. Clean your jewelry every night.
A quick-and-easy way to keep your jewelry sparkling is to wipe it down with a polishing cloth after a day of wear. Body oils, sweat, lotion and hand soap accumulate on your jewelry throughout the day, sometimes resulting in a dull film over the entire piece. Cleaning your most-worn pieces every night will restore their luster.

2. Store your jewelry in a dry place with a moderate temperature.
Humidity is a catalyst for tarnish and can even damage your jewelry. Therefore, stuffy attics or damp basements are not ideal environments for long-term jewelry storage.

Excessive heat can also harm fine jewelry. Some gemstones (like sapphires and turquoise) will even change color in high temperatures. Do not leave your jewelry near a heater, humidifier, or in direct sunlight.

Similarly, pearls require special care as they are incredibly delicate and incredibly susceptible to scratches, discoloring, and dehydration which ultimately cracks the pearl. To learn more about how to care and store pearls specifically, read our post here.

3. Use a fabric-lined jewelry box.
A sturdy jewelry box is a must for safe storage. But skip the porcelain jewelry boxes and trays. You want a jewelry box lined with fabric to cushion your jewelry and prevent scratches. Also, look for a box that includes different compartments so you can separate items individually and keep like-metals together. Which leads us to…

4. Store every item in its own bag.
When different metals (like hard platinum and soft gold) come into contact, they can easily scratch each other. Prevent nicks and tangling by placing every item in a suede or fabric jewelry bag. (Nix plastic baggies for long-term storage though. Plastic bags contain corrosive compounds that will deteriorate your metal jewelry.)

5. Slip an anti-tarnish strip into to your jewelry box.
Slow down the process of oxidation and tarnishing by placing an anti-tarnish strip in your jewelry box. Anti-tarnish strips absorb the harmful sulfides and air pollutants that spur tarnishing meaning you won’t have to break out the silver polish to clean your jewelry as frequently.

6. Lay beaded necklaces flat.
While hanging necklaces may seem like a safe way to avoid them from tangling, it can actually strain your necklace’s string and increases the risk it will break and send beads scattering across the floor. (This is especially important for pearl necklaces which are typically strung on fragile silk string.) Ergo, store any beaded necklace by laying it flat.

Watch Storage

1. Wipe down your watch every night.
Your watch picks up a lot of dirt throughout the day: sweat, lotion or even shedding skin. Clean your watch with a polishing cloth at night to wipe away any build up. If you’re putting your watch into long-term storage, have it thoroughly cleaned to remove any residual grime from the bracelet links and inside the watch that may, over time, corrode your watch.

2. Wind your watches regularly.
Automatic mechanical watches are wound by the movement of your arm throughout the day so it is not necessary to wind it every night, provided you wear said watch every day. But, if you’re pulling your watch out of storage or haven’t worn it in a few days, you will need to wind it manually or with a watch winder. It’s important to habitually wind your watch so the movement runs flawlessly. To learn more about how to wind and set your watch, read our post here.

3. Store your watch in a temperate environment.
Humidity, direct sunlight and extreme temperatures will strain your watch components and can damage the external metal. Therefore, store your watch in a safe place with a moderate temperature.

4. Use the original packaging as your watch’s storage container.
Prevent scratches and keep dust from settling on your watch by storing it in its original box and packaging. Or, if you don’t have the original box, pick up a watch roll or jewelry box to store your watches

5. Have your watch regularly serviced and cleaned.
Even after you take all the proper care and cleaning precautions on your own, you should have your watch professionally cleaned and serviced. The gears need to be lubricated and the metal polished and buff to keep your watch running smoothly. Barring any damage to your watch that will need professional attention, you should have your watch serviced every five years.

Photo Credit: disicouture.com / clos-ettetoo.com/ firemountaingems.com / swisswinder.com/

All precious metals are different and should be cared for accordingly. Here are some easy steps you can take to keep your silver, gold or platinum jewelry brilliantly shining.

Caring for Silver

Of all the metals, silver requires the most attention as it’s incredibly vulnerable to tarnishing. Tarnish occurs when the copper in sterling silver reacts with oxygen and moisture in the air and oxidizes. The result is a filmy, discoloration that dulls the shine of your jewelry—and in some extreme instances, turning the silver brown. Fortunately there are preventative measures you can take to slow down the oxidization process.

First, store your silver jewelry in fabric lined jewelry box, kept in a dry, cool location. Fabric jewelry bags or even plastic zip-lock bags are a fine alternative for overnight storage.

We recommend slipping a few anti-tarnish strips into your jewelry storage container. These strips absorb the air pollutants that cause unsightly tarnishing. Similarly silica packs (like the ones tucked inside shoeboxes or handbags) absorb moisture to curtail oxidation.

In addition to safely storing your jewelry, do not wear silver jewelry in the shower, pool, hot tub or sauna. The combination of moisture, humidity and chlorinated water is particularly harsh on your sensitive silver.

To clean already tarnished silver, skip the DIY remedies. (The at-home baking soda or toothpaste-based recipes can actually scratch silver.) Instead wipe down your jewelry with a silver polishing cloth to restore the silver’s luster. If you need to bring in the heavy-duty cleaning supplies, use only cleaning products specifically designed for silver like a silver jewelry wash. And if the stubborn tarnish remains, bring your piece into a jeweler for a professional cleaning.

Caring for Karat Gold 

Gold is particularly susceptible to soap reside which builds on the surface of the piece and dulls its luster. Simply removing your jewelry before showering or even washing your hands is a surefire way to reduce this unsightly build-up. That said, we recommend regularly buffing the piece with a soft chamois cloth (or an eyeglass-cleaning cloth) to keep your gold jewelry shining.

For a deeper clean, use a commercial cleaner specifically for gold jewelry. And if you need to remove tarnish in hard-to-reach places—say within the ornate crevices of a ring or pendant—use a soft, baby’s toothbrush to gently brush away dirt.

Caring for Gold Vermeil

Gold vermeil is non-gold metal coated with a thin layer of gold. Therefore you do not want to use an abrasive cleaning products or cloths on gold vermeil as it could easily scratch the piece to reveal the metal beneath.

Like karat gold, gold vermeil can be wiped clean and gently buffed with a soft cloth to preserve its shine. We also recommend asking a jeweler to re-plate your gold vermeil jewelry every one to two years or as needed if you it’s piece you were regularly.

Caring For Platinum

Platinum is a particularly resilient precious metal. Unlike silver, platinum does not tarnish and any subtle changes in color or brilliance can usually be wiped away with a clean, lint-free cloth.

And a word of caution here: platinum is a commonly found on engagements rings and wedding bands. So if your ring includes a precious stone, double-check with your jeweler before using any product on your ring as some gemstones are very sensitive to the chemicals found in certain cleaning agents. But because platinum is so durable, you can likely clean it with a little dishwashing liquid, diluted in lukewarm water.

Like any precious metal, scratches are an inevitability for your platinum piece. A jeweler can buff your item to restore its luster. And as a preventative measure, you can explore having your piece plated with rhodium to preserve that smooth and dazzling finish.