Have you ever paused and glanced at a Steinway Piano and thought you would really like to know how they make such a beautiful and impressive instrument?

All major jewellery collectors are defined by one piece they own, a piece that becomes inextricably linked in the public’s imagination with its owner: with the Duchess of Windsor, it was her multi-coloured flamingo brooch; it is hard to picture Elizabeth Taylor without her famous emerald necklace- Marjorie Merriweather Post was defined by her Cartier emerald brooch.

Slovenia, Slovakia, Slavonia – it is no wonder Slovenia is not on our holiday destinations’ radar despite its great appeal.  The country is small but its span of characteristics is wide; from the Alps with skiing and wild flowers to the flatter wine lands (plus big areas of hop gardens), as well as a typical Mediterranean coastline.  Underneath, they have magnificent caves at Postojna which is one of the world's largest karst monuments.  Despite all these attractions, they have happily escaped being devoured by over-development whilst they go quietly about their business.   

The last few years have continued to see an astonishing increase in the prices achieved by large and important gemstones.  There are various contributing factors in this phenomenon: firstly, there is more money than ever before.  In spite of the financial crash of 2008, we are in a golden age discerning buyers who not only know what they want, but also buy in a highly discerning and educated manner.  In the case of precious stones, the best is becoming rarer- the Argyle mine in Australia produces 90% of the world’s pink diamonds and is due to close down in 2019.  There is currently no other

International eXcellence magazine was staying at Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa and dining at The Latymer as part of the Rolls Royce Wraith British Luxury Tour.

International eXcellence drove the Rolls Royce Wraith on this British luxury tour to Pennyhill Park, a stunning 5 star hotel and spa and the home of England's Rugby team.
The Rolls Royce Wraith is a two door sports coupe that really stands out. In stark black and white, this monochromatic luxury dream tourer epitomises style and elegance.

The Royal Mint has announced that it is one of the sponsors of a ‘ewe-nique’ art trail taking place across London to raise money for UK children’s hospitals.
For the next eight weeks only a flock of 50 five-foot tall sculptures of Shaun the Sheep will be trotting the streets of London for the ‘Shaun in the City’ art trail – including one very special ‘Shaun’ which has been created by The Royal Mint.

Curbing the copycats

The Ceredigion coastline of mid-Wales might be a magnet for birders and lovers of saltings as well as fans of UNESCO Biosphere Areas. But it’s not where you should go if you suffer from Ovinaphobia. Or, a fear of sheep. There is one, if not a herd, in virtually every room at Ynyshir Hall.  Everywhere you go in the award-winning “Relais & Chateaux”  ten-room hotel in Powys is likely to incite a panic attack. If you are scared of sheep. They are around every corner And Georgian cornice.