Luxury Timepiece/Jewelry Maddaloni Blog

Anyone curious about the world of collecting timepieces or interested on staying up to date about the latest watch trends should join the Maddaloni “Watch Collectors Link”, a club exclusively for timepieces. This horological club fosters the interest of the watch collector and connects members to those who share their passions. Visit Maddaloni Jewelers, to learn more about there horological club.

If you’re serious about watch collecting or would simply enjoy learning more about your favorite timepiece, considering joining a horological club, otherwise known to the Maddaloni’s as the ‘Watch Collectors Link’. Apart from feeling more connected to your prized timepiece, there are a number of benefits that you’ll receive when you join a club for watches.

You’ll be the first to learn about upcoming trends in timepieces, so you’ll know what to look for in your next purchase. This year, for example, shows that complete redesigns aren’t necessary; updating a brand’s classic models can prove to be all that is needed. Glashutte Original watches, for example, have recently rediscovered the beauty of a simple, pure design that emits elegance and sophistication. Ulysse Nardin chose to update the technology of a timepiece’s perpetual calendar, while sticking to a classic, yet intricate face. Cuervo y Sobrinos  recently extended their tradition of revamping classic 1930’s and 1940’s style faces, while always staying true to the style of their Cuban heritage. More exclusive information about upcoming watch trends like these will be available to you upon joining the Watch Collectors Link.

You can receive exclusive information about the continual updates performed on Maddaloni’s certified timepiece service center, ensuring to keep your collection finely tuned with detailed perfection. The best timepiece service centers, for example, have technicians trained in a specialty of the best watch brands, exclusively Swiss made. They’ll use only the finest tools and equipment shipped directly from the manufacturer. They’ll know the best method to clean the movements and complications of each timepiece. All of these specialized, beneficial services, plus many more, are available to watch club members.

Being part of an exclusive club, where other members share your passion for watch collecting and share your desire to stay informed about the trends of the best watch brands, is Maddaloni’s ambition. You’ll be instantly connected to knowledgeable people with your same interests.

Diamonds have proved to be the most continuous source of value that exists globally. There value is not determined by ‘fiat currency” (inconvertible money that is made legal tender by the decree, or fiat, of a government). To have value as an independent commodity, which is not controlled by government laws, allows the worth of diamonds to be tolerant of economic declines. Diamonds as investment are an important resource of liquidity.

In this economic climate diversifying your financial portfolio is one of the soundest investments to be made in 2010. Gold has become a fierce competitor in the financial market for several reasons over the past 18 months. Due to the falling production of gold globally, the international gold price per once continues to rise. The falling Euro has had a large imapct on the gold comex, simply due to its volitativity and unstable European economies.

The commodities market has seen an influx of consumers buying gold bars. Publicly traded companies have joined the bullion movement, causing a gain in recognition amongst financial institutions. Swordfish Financial, Inc.’s (SWRF) is a publicly traded company with revenue coming from the recovery or margin of stray and inactive assets. These assets originate from high net worth individuals and companies, held in financial institutions around the world. On March 8th 2010, Swordfish announced that they have entered into a Letter of Intent to exchange 623,950 shares of its common stock for 31,197,500 kilograms of Gold Bullion. This trend has streamlined tangible gold bars into a vital component amongst savvy investors.

The financial situation in Greece has spilled over to the entire continent. The first quarter reports saw falling euro numbers along with gold pricing reaching all time highs.  The Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou requested that the European Union leaders meet to discuss the nation’s fiscal crisis. We can be assured that the gold comex was a hot topic and great discussion.During this meeting a 110 billion-euro package of emergency loans to Greece from the European Union and International Monetary Fund were guaranteed so the country will meet its debt obligations.  Due to this news gold rose to $1235.00 and the euro sliped to $1.425, the lowest in 4 years! 

Frank Lesh of FuturePath Trading LLC in Chicago said, “Investors want to hold a currency that’s going to maintain its value,” “Gold is a part of the currency crosses now. The international currency is gold.”

2010 Basel World Update From Glashütte Original

Meisterwerke I Masterpieces Glashütte Original Taschenuhr Nr. 1 | Roségold | Glashütte Original Pocket Watch No. 1 | Rose gold Case-Ø: 56.5 mm Height: 16 mm Material: Rose gold Crown: Onion-style crown with button Dial-Ø: 42 mm Pocket watch chain:   Rose gold, 45 cm Hands: Steel, blued Glass: 2 Sapphire crystals, on both sides anti reflective Dimensions: Ø 43.1 mm, height 7.25 mm Balance: screw balance with 14 weighted screws Oscillating Frequency: 18.000 vph, equivalent to 2.5 Hz Power Reserve: about 36 hours Balance Spring: Nivarox, with Breguet-terminal curve Shock Protection: Incabloc Caliber 84-01: 40 jewel bearings (among those 4 pieces with Screw-mounted gold chitins) Additional Details: Manual winding movement, two-parts enamel dial, hour and minute centralized, Hands in classic “poire” form, small second decentralized at 6 o’clock, zero reset function, quarter-hour repetition, case rose gold with spring lid (dial side) and hinged lid (back), polished and burnished steel parts, beveled edges, blued screws, granulated gold-plated Glashütte three-quarter plate, hand-engraved balance cock, fine adjustment via swan-neck and screw balance, centrifugal advance.

2010, March 4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In an agreement with Alpina Geneve, Maddaloni Jewelers is honored and excited to be named the Official Jeweler in presenting the Limited Edition “12 Hours of Sebring Automatic Chrono GMT”.

Alpina, along with Maddaloni Jewelers will premiere the watch at Sebring International Raceway’s Gallery of Legends VIP Area on Saturday, March 20. There, watch enthusiasts & Sebring race fans alike will have the privilege of discovering the limited edition at its launch.

With nearly 160,000 in attendance, this is an extremely large event. Sebring’s souvenir program is recognized as one of the finest event publications in motor sports. For over five decades, the Sebring program has become a prized keepsake souvenir for race fans attending America’s premier sports car race. The massive all-color, 180+ page book features extensive historical information, team features, records and statistics, entry lists and other track information not available anywhere else.

During the three-day event, the finest international field of road racing cars and drivers will converge at Sebring to compete in the most grueling endurance race in North America. Traditionally witnessed by a passionate crowd of no less than 170’000 race fans, the 2010 edition promises to become again a great event.

To celebrate the partnership between Alpina and Sebring International Raceway, the luxury sports watch brand from Geneva will introduce a new limited edition: the Alpina 12 Hours of Sebring Automatic Chrono GMT. With this new addition to the collection, the brand reinforces its connection to the world of motor sports.

At the same time, this ‘timekeeper’ is the first edition within the new Alpina Racing Collection. The rounded and smooth case shape ensures a perfect fit on the wrist of the drivers, while simultaneously meeting their tough requirements: highest level of accuracy, readability, shock resistance, sturdiness and reliability.

Out of all of the intricacies that create a fine timepiece, watch complications can be the most critical. Any additional function to a timepiece beyond displaying simple hours, minutes, or seconds can fall under the category of watch complications. And, as any watch connoisseur knows, the more complications placed in a luxury watch, the higher in value and more collectable it becomes.

Although there can be many types of watch complications, including a retrograde or a minute repeater, there are three common watch complications that most high-end watch brands have focused on in the past: a tourbillion watch, a perpetual calendar watch, and a chronograph watch.

Watch makers began to realize the negative impacts of gravity on timepieces and rearranged the inner frames to carefully rotate and calculate time accordingly. Literally meaning “whirlpool,” tourbillion watch complications can only be created by the most talented, precise, watchmakers. A true tourbillion watch requires time, patience and skill to create, as it is the most difficult and delicate of all watch complications

.

Tourbillion: Watch makers began to realize the negative impacts of gravity on timepieces and rearranged the inner frames to carefully rotate and calculate time accordingly. Literally meaning “whirlpool,” tourbillion watch complications can only be created by the most talented, precise, watchmakers. A true tourbillion watch requires time, patience and skill to create, as it is the most difficult and delicate of all watch complications.

Perpetual Calendar: Watch components that may seem elementary, such as a calendar, can actually be the most intricate part of compiling a timepiece. Watch complications, therefore, include showing the day, month, year, or even the specific day of a Jewish calendar or leap year. By having a perpetual calendar, watch collectors view that timepiece to have more functional value and an increased significance in manufacturing.

Chronograph: Watch functions can include the ability to utilize a chronograph, or a function that calculates independent time intervals, which help watch connoisseurs track multiple times. Current time and elapsed times can both be tracked with this complication and there are often two or more functioning intervals within a chronograph. Watch complications that include a chronograph, therefore, not only become more usable to the owner, but display the worth of the luxury watch as wel

Luxury watch complications can have hundreds, or even thousands, of intricate parts to properly function. Assembly and repairs are often difficult because of the parts and their need for attention is directly related to the delicate and precise watch complications. Some fine watch brands pride themselves on the ability to craft a detailed, complicated timepiece; watch collectors view them as the best in the industry. The watch complications of a Ulysse Nardin timepiece, the calendar of a Glashutte Original watch, or a Cuervo Y Sobrinos chronograph watch, for example, showcase how leading watch brands have set the standards for complicated watchmaking in the industry today.

If you’re interested in buying diamonds, it’s important to make an informed purchase. Diamond grading reports outline the unique characteristics of the gem to ensure you get the highest quality jewelry for the best price. Gemological laboratories use a universal diamond grading system to rate all aspects of the gem. Each diamond’s individual characteristics are listed on the diamond grading certificate so shoppers can find their personalized, desired combination when buying diamonds. Industry experts report the 4 C’s on the certificate: diamond cuts, color, clarity, and carat weight.

Diamond CUTS are the only one of the 4 C’s that is not naturally produced. Diamond cuts are a direct reflection of the cutter, who has to have the precision and skill of chiseling facets onto the face of the gem. Not to be confused with the shape of the diamond, cuts determine the amount of light that it will reflect. Diamond cuts ultimately determine the gem’s brilliance.

On a diamond grading certificate, the diamonds COLOR is listed according to a specific scale. The scale lists the diamonds color from colorless, D, to yellow, Z. In high quality jewelry, a diamonds color is D, permitting the best reflection of light. A diamonds color can be considered “fancy” if it is visibly hued, like pink, green, or red diamonds.

Rated at 10x magnification, the diamond CLARITY lists any inclusions or blemishes of the gem. Inclusions, internal characteristics, are typically naturally grown crystals, feathers or clouds. Blemishes, external imperfections, include scratches or chips on the surface of the diamond. Clarity determines the value of the diamond and a flawless gem, one with the least possible amount of imperfections, is most sought after when buying diamonds.

The final of the 4 C’s, CARAT WEIGHT, is a measure of the weight and size of the diamond. A carat equals 0.2 grams and the typical diamond has a carat weight between 0.01 and 1.00. If the other components of the 4 C’s are equal, the diamond of higher quality jewelry will be larger and have the most carat weight. Price is most likely to be impacted by carat weight so it’s an important consideration when buying diamonds.

The 4 C’s are crucial to diamond grading by objectively assessing a diamond’s quality. Jewelry shopping is personal; those buying diamonds need to find their own perfect blend of the 4 C’s. Consult jewelry experts to ensure that you are fully informed before making your valuable investment in buying diamonds.

The countdown has begun for the big event. 38 Days until September 13th,…Nick Stellino, Maurice Lacroix and Macari Wines all together at Maddaloni Jewelers. Join the fun, Here is Nick’s latest recipe, Happy Grilling.

JASPER’S TOMATO, GRILLED ASPARAGUS AND BLUE CHEESE SALAD WITH GRILLED CHICKEN                

SERVES 4

Coat the chicken breasts with the extra light olive oil and season with cracked black pepper and kosher salt. Grill on a charcoal grill or in a grill pan until the chicken is cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove the chicken breasts from the heat and slice each into 6 to 8 pieces.

To prepare the grilled asparagus:
Marinate the asparagus in the extra virgin olive oil and season with cracked black pepper and kosher salt. Grill over an open flame for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and serve warm.

To prepare the roast shallot-black pepper vinaigrette:
Cut off the top of the head of garlic and peel the shallots. To roast the garlic and shallots, brush with extra virgin olive oil and place in a baking dish in an oven preheated to 375 degrees. Roast until soft, approximately 35 to 40 minutes

In a medium bowl, mix ½ cup extra virgin olive oil and both vinegars. After the garlic and shallots cool, squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins, and chop and mash them into a paste together with the shallots. Add the garlic-and-shallots paste to the rest of the ingredients, mix, and season with kosher salt. 

To serve:
On each plate lay out the tomato slices with the grilled asparagus in a nice arrangement. Arrange the slices of chicken breast on the plate next to the tomatoes. Sprinkle the Maytag blue cheese over the top of the salad, and garnish with the red-onion rings and basil. Drizzle 2 ounces of the vinaigrette over each salad

Love luxurious, fine wine but can’t find a local vineyard that satisfies your needs? As a Long Island wine vineyard that offers delicious, on-site winemaking from fresh ingredients, Macari Vineyards is the perfect solution. You don’t have to spend a fortune to experience the locally grown, hand pressed wine from a Long Island winery; your desires will be fulfilled when you visit Macari. Vineyards across the state cannot compare to the sustainable technology and crafted viticulture found at this winery in Mattituck, Long Island. Maddaloni Jewelers believes in Macari wines and has exclusively parternered with them for there upcoming 2009 events. The wines offered at the events embodies the perfect balance of dry and fruity or crisp and acidic flavors which exemplify the knowledge of winemaking experts at Macari. Even the most sophisticated palates will be surprised and pleased by the excellence of the fine wine they will provide, all served by friendly, knowledgeable experts.

The products of the Long Island wine vineyard are reminiscent of the cultivation of Italian grapes. Growing up in Palermo, Italy, the traditions of southern Italian cooking and drinking were engrained into the childhood of celebrity chef Nick Stellino. Wine, especially fine wine like that bottled at Macari Vineyards, has since become part of Stellino’s lifestyle and cooking repertoire. Along with using the ingredient in some of the critically acclaimed recipes compiled by Stellino, wine proves to be the perfect pairing for his Italian inspired meals. Apart from food, Stellino prides himself on being a watch collector and a Maurice Lacroix ambassador. When given the chance to exemplify his passion for both, Stellino quickly jumped at the opportunity to partener with Macari Vinyards and Maurice Lacroix for the upcoming Maddaloni event.

Maddaloni will be  showcasing delicious food, enticing wines and luxury watches. It is the perfect opportunity to meet Long Island wine and Italian food experts who also have an apparent enthusiasm for luxury watches. Not only will you be impressed with the collective love fine dining, but you will also discover the significance of going to a trusted, knowledgeable jeweler for all of your watch and jewelry needs.

Everything about this fall is layering!!! Necklaces; wearing multiples pumps up your look to a funky elegance.  Go for chunky cable necklaces, stack 4 or 5 graduated in length, wide in width, look for chains with accents that are scattered, set with stones or pearls. For a simpler look, choose thin chains giving an easy sleek look. My favorite are chains with a stone or pearl every inch. Again, layer about 4 or 5 in graduating lengths; the first should be worn as a choker, then descend to the longest being an inch above your naval. As for bracelets and bangles…multiples are key!! Don’t overlook the “Cuff”, fashion houses are showing cuffs with blended metals, they are gorgeous for the fall.

Many jewelry designers are using pastel colored stones set in yellow and rose gold. The stones are primarily large in size, but the gold settings have delicate detail for an understated elegant look. Light blue, pink and a lot of peridot are being shown.

 The three stone ring that began with Rebecca, can be seen throughout jewelry collections. Again, the stones are large in size and married to specific color combinations. This is a statement piece and gives your look bold confidence…Love it!!

Finally, the last big trend for fall are hair ornaments…Using diamond encrusted pendants on headbands is off the charts adorable. You can put this together yourself by purchasing a plain fabric headband and attaching a pendant to the left side, tilted. The hair ornament can give any look a younger feel!