Join CIRCA for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

CIRCA returns to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this season and we want you to join us! Just post a photo of your favorite piece of jewelry, and the story behind it, to our Facebook wall for a chance to become CIRCA’s VIP guest at MBFW. You and a friend will gain exclusive access to a fashion show and attend a cocktail party at the CIRCA Accessories Salon!

You Say It's Your Birthday

Garnet is the traditional birthstone for the month of January. Here are a few interesting facts about this stone for those who celebrated birthdays this month...

• Garnets were named from the Latin word “granatus” meaning seeds, because of the resemblance to pomegranate seeds; however red need not be your color of choice if you are born in this month. Rich orange and golden hues or striking greens, all await your selection.
• Garnet is very durable, so it’s ideal for daily wear.
• Demantoid, a member of the garnet family, is extremely sought after for its brilliance, high dispersion, and pure green color.
• Garnets were found in jewelry from the ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman eras, but did not reach their heyday until the late19th century when Victorian women were practically dripping in garnet jewelry.

Images: Garnet earrings, courtesy: garnetjewelrystore.com; Diamond frog brooches, circa late 1800's with demantoid garnet eyes, courtesy: CIRCA; A young Queen Victoria in garnet jewelry, courtesy: gemstories.tumblr.com

Not for the Faint of Heart

Angela Cummings is one of a small group of well-known designers (Jean Schlumberger, Paloma Picasso and Elsa Peretti) who made her reputation with Tiffany & Co. during the 1970’s. Known widely for her flowing organic shapes, and freeform interpretations, Cummings broke the “rules” of high-end jewelry with her use of bold colored gemstones and alternative materials such as wood.

With the earrings pictured here, Cummings pushed the envelope even further with her oval cabochon onyx earclips, each set with intimidating 18k high polished yellow gold spiked studs. Bold in design and size, these earclips from the 1980’s were right on trend for the power look of the women of that era, where shoulder pads and statement jewelry were de rigueur. (see also Large and in Charge) Cummings cleverly left the earrings uncased and uninhibited by more conventional settings. The bright polish of the onyx and the use of yellow gold help to soften the look of wearing edgy studs –making this daring look equally enchanting and elegant. Both the owner and the on-looker are sure to get some pleasure out of these “painfully” beautiful works of art.

CIRCA Polo Advances to Semi-Finals

With a nail-biting come from behind win vs Alegria on Sunday, the CIRCA polo team advanced to the semi-finals of the Joe Barry Memorial Cup in Wellington. As the only undefeated team in the tournament, CIRCA will attempt to keep their streak alive when they play against Coca-Cola today at 3:00 pm.

Team CIRCA started strong with a win against Villa del Lago in the first round. They then came up big with an 11-10 victory in sudden death overtime against the powerful Audi team. Guille Aguero led CIRCA with 5 goals and was named MVP of the game.

On Sunday, the CIRCA men in black trailed 6-4 at the end of the first half against Alegria. But they charged back to a hard-fought 10-9 win. Hilario Ulloa led CIRCA in scoring with six goals, including two on penalty conversions. Aguero added three goals and Martin Pepa scored once in the win.

“We are so excited to make it this far,” said CIRCA’s Chris Del Gatto “The momentum is building and we can’t wait for the next game.”

Be sure to catch the action - CIRCA vs Coca-Cola today at 3:00 pm in Wellington.

Images: Game MVP Guille Aguero is congratulated by a Piaget representative; the CIRCA polo team in action

A Brand Nude Year

Sunday night, I beat the winter doldrums by watching the sun shine on the Hollywood set at the 2012 Golden Globes. I truly love awards show season, especially the red carpet – not only to see all the fabulous gowns and jewels, but to spot trends. I’m happy to say, that this year, jewelry was front and center!

This season belonged to the nude dress. The color is the essence of elegance and simplicity but also begs to be paired with bolder accessory choices. Elle MacPherson, for example, stepped out in a stunner - a beautiful, nude Zac Posen gown that became even more of a statement when accessorized with her numerous sparkling, colored bangles and over-sized gold earrings. Charlize Theron also walked the red carpet in nude – a daring sculpted dress by Dior with a dangerously high slit. As for her jewels, Charlize wore Cartier and adorned herself with a very special vintage 1920’s Cartier headpiece - tres chic!

Kate Beckinsale was dressed in an hour-glass silhouette by Roberto Cavalli and accessorized with statement diamond earrings and bangles. I particularly enjoyed how Heidi Klum adorned her sleek backless dress with large turquoise stones. The perfect splash of color!

Elegant drop style earrings were definitely a style of choice for this season’s Globes. My favorites were worn by Julianne Moore and Salma Hayek. Julianne contrasted her stunning red tresses with emerald tassel earrings by Fred Leighton. Salma Hayek’s Art Deco inspired Gucci dress was perfectly accessorized with vintage gold Boucheron earrings.

Ultimately, when it comes to the red carpet, nothing shines brighter than diamonds, and Hollywood certainly brought their best this evening. Sofia Vergara’s midnight blue Vera Wang gown was perfectly accessorized by Harry Winston chandelier diamond earrings, exquisite diamond bangles and cocktail rings that sparkled a perfect icy white. Similarly, Jessica Chastain chose Harry Winston diamonds for the evening, pairing her Givenchy couture pearl-encrusted dress with a fabulous diamond bracelet and ring.

If this was a glimpse of what is to come this awards season, then we have a lot of great jewelry to look forward to.

Images: Elle Macpherson, courtesy: Glamour; Charlize Theron, courtesy: Temptalia; Kate Beckinsale, courtesy: Hairdresser on Fire; Heidi Klum, courtesy: MTV; Julianne Moore, courtesy: Temptalia; Salma Hayek, courtesy: Just Jared; Sofia Vergara, courtesy: Fox News; Jessica Chastain, courtesy: Jessica-Chastain.com

In the Loupe is authored by CIRCA’s resident trendspotter and style maven. She’s traveled the world, dabbling in high finance, haute cuisine, and fine art at one of the world’s leading auction houses, before finding her true calling in the world of priceless gems. The result is a genuine global luxury connoisseur, with a knowledge and appreciation of beauty, quality and true style. She is one of the industry’s foremost experts on the valuation of fine gems and jewelry, and is now happy to share her discerning eye and impeccable taste to help you look and feel fabulous!

CIRCA Launches New Creative Campaign

We're excited to announce the launch of the first phase of our new ad campaign. Be sure to check the New York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune and other major national newspapers this Sunday! Here’s a peek behind the scenes at the photo shoot:

CIRCA Supports the Policemen's Ball

CIRCA sponsored the 7th annual Palm Beach Policemen’s Ball held on Saturday, January 7th, at the elegant Mar-a-Lago Club on Palm Beach. The annual gala is considered one of the island’s premiere social events of the season, but more importantly, an opportunity to honor the men and women who serve their community.

The evening was chaired by Michael and Annie Falk and included poolside cocktails, dinner, dancing, and a live auction. Celebrities and notables like Rod Stewart, Donald Trump, Bill Koch and Outback Steakhouse founder Tim Gannon bid generously on packages that included ‘Sheriff for the Day’ and naming rights in an upcoming James Patterson novel. CIRCA donated this dazzling white gold necklace with heart shaped links and diamonds (totaling over 14 carats) to the auction that went to one lucky bidder for $25,000. Overall, the event raised approximately $750,000 for this worthy cause.

CIRCA will continue its support of the Palm Beach Police Foundation throughout the year by donating 10% of the purchase price of items you sell to us when you mention this sponsorship.

(Photo caption: Supermodel Veronica Webb and CIRCA CEO, Chris Del Gatto look dashing as they arrive at the event)

CIRCA's Jeffrey Singer Joins the 24 Karat Club

CIRCA is proud to announce that co-founder Jeffrey Singer was recently inducted into the elite 24 Karat Club of New York City. He joined fellow members at the annual banquet this past Saturday, January 7th, at the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan, where the jewelry industry's top representatives soaked in the celebratory atmosphere.

The 24 Karat Club, founded in 1902, was established to foster the interests of the jewelry industry by uniting influencers within the business. With a membership limited to only 200 people, this invitation-only organization recognizes industry leaders by their accomplishments, personal and civic contributions and their commitment to the betterment of the jewelry trade.

Jeffrey is a third generation scion of the estate and antique jewelry industry, who joined his family’s estate business, M and L Singer, in 1987. After the second generation retired simultaneously in 1990, Singer struck out on his own and established L and J Singer. It was during that time that Jeffrey formed the widely-respected New York Jewelers Group. He co-founded CIRCA with partner Chris Del Gatto in 2001. In his role as vice president of CIRCA, Jeffrey is one of CIRCA’s foremost experts on period pieces and watches, and also overseas the day-to-day operations of CIRCA’s domestic satellite offices.

Congratulations, Jeffrey, on a well-deserved honor!

Off the Cuff

For the past three centuries, cufflinks have been a gentleman’s ultimate embellishment for business and formal wear. Before cufflinks, men tightened their shirt cuffs and collars with ribbons. Cufflinks are presumed to have premiered during the reign of Louis XIV (1638– 1715) as boutons de manchette, or "sleeve buttons”. These ‘buttons’ were typically comprised of an identical pair of flat, circular colored glass joined together by a short, delicate chain. As the trend caught on, jewelers across Europe, particularly in England, began turning out cufflinks in precious metals with etched or stamped designs encrusted with diamonds and precious gems. Royalty would commemorate weddings and other milestone occasions with them, making donning cufflinks the mark of a true aristocrat.

Today, cufflinks are considered an essential part of the wardrobe of any well-dressed gentleman. Motifs and materials vary widely, ensuring that no matter your style or price point, any outfit can be personalized. The gold, ruby and enamel David Webb cufflinks pictured here make a particularly elegant statement. The figural zebra form and vibrant contrasting color combination define this exquisite pair as classic 1960’s Webb. What gives this pair their added flair is that their design wraps around the cuff rather than just appearing on either side.

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