To the layman, Colombian emeralds have always been touted as being the best of the best, up there in mystique with Golconda diamonds, Burmese rubies and Kashmiri sapphires. However, to add interest to the mix and not a little confusion, African (and especially Zambian) emeralds have carved out a considerable niche in the jewellery world.
An industry once viewed as the pinnacle of ultimate luxury and the preserve of the ultra-wealthy, rich and famous, flying by private jet is now a reality for the mainstream traveller after Stratajet, the world’s first real-time private jet booking platform, held a launch in The City of London late this April with what is described as a “cutting-edge” and revolutionary technology.
Matthew Lloyd-Winder, a South Mimms-based stained glass artist who coined the term 'Winderlite', displays his extraordinary illuminated stained glass work at the Grand Designs Live at London's ExCel centre in Docklands this week until Sunday 8 May 2016. The artist’s appearance at this year’s show follows up his stand at the same event in 2015 where his innovative and cutting-edge pieces of work were also on display.
A city steeped in rich medieval history, littered with relics from bygone ages, and, currently, overrun with the visions of a frequently overlooked, misunderstood and- aesthetically at least- twisted artistic genius.
It is surprising that John Markey became a race driver, given that he was 13 before his family owned a car, his father hated driving and his mother never drove. Maybe that is what created such a desire to drive and to drive fast?
The car that won Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd its first Royal Warrant, the magnificent 1954 Lagonda 3 Litre Drophead Coupe that H&H will be offering for sale by public auction on April 20th 2016 at IWM Duxford, Cambs was built to the special order of HRH, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Givori, the luxury smartphone designer, has expanded its range to include Android-powered devices with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge ‘Carbon’ series. It is all designed and touted to combine “masculine design” and exotic leather with the latest in smartphone technology to deliver that “opulent mobile experience” - at a price of nearly $2,000 a pop.
The jewellery auction season is upon us and this year Sotheby’s and Christie’s are going head to head with some of the most magnificent stones seen on the market for some time. I have previously written about the high demand for investment grade spectacular gemstones and the pieces on offer are sure to whet the appetite of collectors. Each of the auction houses is presenting a stunning array of jewels, but for me the most special ones are the large coloured diamonds and precious stones.
It is always the way, to find the best you have to seek it out. That is quite a job when you are looking for a ski chalet in the world’s largest ski area which comprises so many villages and resorts. The resorts include Courchevel 1850 with 15 five star hotels, a Milky Way of Michelin stars and a veritable torrent of the premium global brands all competing loudly for attention. Still looking for the best but in other characteristics is St.
On the way back from the ‘Trans-Antarctic’ photographic exhibition at the Royal Geographic Society late this February, which is a stones throw from the Albert Hall, I stopped by Daquise café and restaurant (www.daquise.co.uk) with a friend to taste some Polish fare. It didn’t disappoint.
