Rolex News from Basel World

As many have speculated, Rolex released several new models at the Basel World fair this week.

First up was the much anticipated (and hardly surprising, given recent speculation) ceramic bezel stainless steel Submariner Date. This model has been anticipated since last year, and follows the Rolex trend of late - ceramic maxi available only in full gold, then in two tone, then finally in stainless. Along with the new ceramic bezel comes a larger "maxi" case, "maxi" dial (with larger luminescent markers), and the much loved solid-mid-link oyster bracelet with machined clasp, as found on the current ceramic models. 

Two surprises were unveiled, however - the anniversary LV Submariner got an update along with the SS sub date, and a new larger Explorer I model was revealed. The new LV shares the ceramic/maxi case of the new SS sub, and gets a new sunburst finish green dial. The Explorer I grows from the current 36mm to a more modern 39mm, and gets the heavier solid-mid link Oyster bracelet now found on all Rolex stainless steel models.  

Rolex also unveiled a series of updated midsize (31mm) Datejust models, now available with the floral pattern dials introduced last year for the 36mm models and a new type of diamond bezel.

Birthstone of the Month: Aquamarine

Aquamarine

With a soft blue-green hue that recalls the clearest sea water, aquamarine has long been a symbol of good fortune for seafarers and sailors. As the March birthstone, it is a lovely neutral gem that can be paired with muted colours and pastels to bring out the soft glow of the stone.


A member of the beryl family, the same as emerald, aquamarine is often found in a variety of colours – but most associate the stone with the pale “aqua” colour that is its namesake. While emeralds often have inclusions (“jardin”, or “garden”) that contribute to their depth, aquamarine is valued for its crystal clarity and lack of inclusions. While most people think of the palest blue as “true” aquamarine, the most valuable stones exhibit vibrant colours.

Blue aquamarine

Historically aquamarine has been a talisman of good luck for anyone who travelled the seas. Additionally it was believed to have healing properties, and was used as a stress-relieving aid. It was believed that wearing aquamarine increases intelligence, enhances courage, and provides foresight. Continuing with the sea theme, aquamarine supposedly prevents seasickness – La Mine d’Or accepts no responsibility for mishaps relating to testing this theory.

Aquamarine comes from a variety of sources, the most notable being Brazil. It should be noted that many commercial stones are heat treated to enhance colour; be aware that some forms of blue topaz are passed off as aquamarine (be careful of so-called “Brazilian Aquamarine” or “Siam Aquamarine”, which is heat-treated zircon).

The cool blue tones of aquamarine pair extremely well with white gold. Because most are free of inclusions, large aquamarines can makes a stunning centrepiece to a dinner ring or spectacular pendant without any flaws to interrupt the soft colour. If you are looking for a lovely aquamarine piece, drop by La Mine d’Or to see our selection. If you are looking for a cure for seasickness, please visit your local pharmacy.

The Incomparable Gabrielle Diamond

Most everyone knows the four Cs of diamond grading, or they will once they begin searching for that special stone. Carat, Clarity, and Colour usually dominate the buyer’s radar when comparing stones. But perhaps the most important C is often overlooked – Cut. Cut determines how beautiful a diamond will be, regardless of the other Cs. Cut is what makes a diamond shine, sparkle, and glint - it is what makes a mid-range stone spectacular, and conversely, a poor cut can make a spectacular stone look dull.

When speaking of round cut stones, there has been one dominant cut for many decades. The “Round Brilliant” cut is what you will find on almost any round diamond on the market. Developed in the early 20th century by Marcel Tolkowsky, the 58 facet cut laid out what became known as the “ideal” cut stone. A round brilliant will exhibit a hearts and arrows pattern when the symmetry is perfect, this symmetry translates into dazzling brilliance.

But some were not content with the ideal cut. Gabriel Tolkowsky was one of those people. Gabi, as he is known, is a descendent of Marcel Tolkowsky (his great-uncle), the man who developed the ideal cut. A rock star (no pun intended) of the diamond industry, Gabi has cut some of the most valuable stones in existence during his career, but one of his greatest achievements would be the creation of something that everyone could enjoy – a diamond so brilliant that it defies comprehension, and overshadows any other cut out there.

The “Triple Brilliant” cut patented by Tolkowsky uses 105 facets. But it’s not the number of facets that makes the difference – it’s the way they are arranged. There are plenty of high-facet count diamonds out there, but nothing comes close to matching the astounding brilliance of a Gabrielle Triple Brilliant. Descriptions and photos do nothing to convey the beauty of a Gabrielle – you need to see one to understand. One glance is all it will take to draw you to the beauty of the incomparable Gabrielle diamond.

Available in loose stones or completed jewellery pieces, we offer a wide variety of Gabrielle diamond pieces in store. Come visit us and see for yourself how cut can make all the difference in the beauty of a diamond.

Check out http://www.gabriellediamonds.com/ for more information about Gabi, the Triple Brilliant cut, and to see some of the finished pieces available from Gabrielle.

Anticipation building for Basel World 2010

It’s that time of year again… No, it’s not March break. But it is the biggest event of the year… If you work in the Swiss watch industry. March 18-25 marks the 2010 Basel World convention, a gathering of the world’s top timepiece brands to showcase new technology, models, and upcoming trends.

What makes Basel World so important to watch lovers and collectors is that it is place where the year’s new and important developments will be announced to the public. Companies unveil closely-guarded secrets to an eager public, waiting with baited breath for the next trend to emerge.

It might seem silly, but rumours before the Basel show have a strong drive on market trends. Take Rolex, for example. Every year they unveil a few new or modified models at Basel, and their products always create a flurry of excitement and speculation. But nothing is ever revealed before the show, so the weeks leading up to it are filled with rumours of coming developments – some plausible, others complete nonsense.  Rumours or not, they do affect people’s behaviour.

This year the main rumour is the unveiling of a new Maxi-case, ceramic bezel Submariner in stainless steel – this has caused a flurry of activity among collectors. Some are snapping up current model Subs in the hope it will be discontinued, and therefore become a collectible in the next decade. Others are withholding until after the show, to try and get the latest and greatest product right away. The same goes with the three other models that are the subject of rumour – the Explorer I and II, and the Daytona. But no one really knows for sure until March 18^th.

Be sure to keep your eyes on the Basel site for live updates from the show - and don’t believe everything you hear on the internet…

http://www.baselworld.com/