Only Watch 2009

Watch lovers take note: The Only Watch 2009 auction will be hitting the block this September in Monaco, and the pieces up for grabs look fantastic. (See the chart above) If you haven't heard of it before, Only Watch is an annual event that features limited edition and one-of-a-kind watches from a huge selection of the world's best watchmakers.

Even better, this event is totally for charity. According to the site: Under the high patronage of HSH Prince Albert II, 34 of the most prestigious high watchmaking brands have donated unique timepieces to the Association Monégasque contre le Myopathie, to be sold at auction by Patrizzi & Co. All the proceeds of the sale go to support research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.


Want an example of one of the watches available? Above is Patek Philippe's celestial-themed watch in 18-karat rose gold with a dark blue alligator strap. So what does it do? Interestingly, it tells you what the night sky looks like from Geneva (where the watch was made.) Besides the position of the moon and stars, the watch also tells you the solar time and some other neat functions.

Love timepieces? Be sure to check out Only Watch 2009. You can also shop Portero's excellent selection of Patek Philippe.

Image via Only Watch 2009

Giverny at H Stern

Today I thought I'd bring you some gorgeous Monday Eye Candy in the form of H. Stern's new Giverny collection.

The designs take their inspiration from the city where painter Claude Monet lived and worked on his famous private gardens until his death in 1926. His gardening style was far from organized--in fact, Monet loved a lush mix of plants, flowers and trees that ran wild like English gardens. He also admired the Japanese style and included bamboo and weeping willows as part of his design.

The pieces here (rings, earrings and pendants) in gold and gemstones really have the look and feel of the delicate lily pads that Monet loved to paint.

Want to see more H. Stern? Portero carries a beautiful selection of jewelry from the Brazilian jeweler.

Jewelia at the Jewelry Information Center

Last week was the Jewelry Information Center's (JIC) annual luncheon, and in addition to seeing some beautiful jewelry, a group of fabulous women were also on the afternoon's agenda. You might remember my post about a book called The Necklace--well, six of the women featured in the book were on hand to speak about their experiences. (Including Dr. Roz Warner, above, whose month it was to wear the necklace!)

It was really fantastic to hear firsthand how 13 women sharing one diamond necklace (that they named Jewelia) became the starting point for a slew of personal changes and philanthropic endeavors. Besides all of the money they've raised and donated to various charities, it was truly moving to hear how the experience affected their marriages, careers and friendships.

If you haven't read the book yet, be sure to pick it up right here.
Here's Patti Channer, the host of the first meeting about the necklace:


And here's a picture of Jonell McLain, the woman who first found the necklace at Van Gundy Jewelers:

The New and Improved PORTERO

So, have you checked out our spanking-new look yet? Nice, right? Although the site may look fresh and streamlined, we've actually made quite a few major changes to Portero that we think will make shopping easier and more fun.

First, you may have noticed that all of the items for sale are at a fixed price. We launched this new version of Portero with only E-commerce, which means that you can buy what you want right away--no need to wait for an auction to close. Don't worry, we still have the same amazing values that we did before, but now you can experience instant gratification!

(If you loved the exciting auction format--it'll be back and better than ever soon enough. We'll keep you posted.)

We really want to hear YOUR feedback, so please take some time to browse around the site and tell us what you think. Whether it's praise or constructive criticism, we appreciate all of the comments that you think will help make Portero the best place to shop for luxury goods online.

Happy shopping!

Traveling in Style

I just spied this insane six-piece set of Bottega Veneta alligator luggage that will run you a mere $157,000. What's that--you say you're a bit short? Don't worry, you can buy individual pieces at prices ranging from $23,000 to $47,000.

You might sense the sarcasm in my tone, but in all honesty, these are probably some of the most durable, beautiful and well-crafted suitcases available. Portero often highlights exotic skin accessories, in part because of their opulence but also for their fantastic resale value and ability to withstand the elements.

Some more details on the collection: Each piece (including a beauty case and a duffle bag) is made of noce fume soft-finished alligator skin and features burnished metal hardware with reinforced corners and locks. We have a big selection of Bottega Veneta, including a gorgeous Bottega Veneta Burgundy Crocodile Two-Part Folding Handbag.

Also, don't forget to check out our fantastic collection of designer luggage.

Via Luxist

Dads getting shafted?

I just came across this great editorial on CNN (from Parenting.com) written by a Dad who feels like Father's Day gifts aren't as important as those given to Moms.

Here's what author Geoff Williams has to say:

Yet I think we dads merit at least a little more than boxer shorts, soap-on-a-rope, and neckties. We don't get the good stuff because we're paying for the sins of our fathers, and our fathers' fathers. But these days, dads are changing diapers, warming bottles, and taking our kids to the park. We may not be where you want us yet, but we've evolved, and we're involved. Just as much as the moms, we appreciate the cards, the praise, and being treated special on our day.

I agree! That's why I splurged on a Tag Heuer watch (from Portero.com of course) for my Dad this year. I'm getting married this summer, and I thought it would be a nice way to make up for all of the presents in the past that have been lacking as well as showing him how much I appreciate all he's doing for my wedding.

Have you gotten Dad anything yet? There's still time! Here's some links:

Best Values Watches
Cufflinks

True Blue

It's been a very good month for jewelry. Industry insiders are pointing to two big sales (and two big blue diamonds) as a sign that the luxury market is slowly regaining some momentum. Last month, a Sotheby's auction saw a 7.03-carat flawless vivid-blue diamond go for a record-setting $9.49 million. And just this past week, Christie's sold the 6.29-carat fancy-intense-blue stone above for a cool $3.6 million.

Now, don't get me wrong, good blue diamonds will always sell. They are exceedingly rare and very special. But in general, the market for colored diamonds has just been going up and up. Brown diamonds used to be a hard sell--now marketed as cognacs and champagnes, they seem far more fashionable. Designers are also using tiny colored diamonds (blues and greens) as accents or micropave around other stones.

If you read this blog much, you'll know that my own engagement ring is a colored diamond. The natural fancy brown-yellow (the second color is the dominant one) center stone is a definite conversation piece. Here are a few colored diamond pieces on Portero that are fantastic:

Jeri Cohen 18k White Gold 6.5 ctw Champagne & White Diamond Flower Bracelet

GIA Certified Platinum 1.81 ctw Fancy Yellow Oval Diamond Ring sz 6

18k White Gold Brown & White Diamond Hoop Earrings & Brooch Set