MISA HAMAMOTO | MISA JEWELRY

14K Gold Vermeil Journey Steps Necklace

Known for its blend of Japanese and Chinese cuisine and exotic marine life, Okinawa, Japan is a playground for the senses.  

Consisting of islands Okinawa’s Moon Beach is among the top tourist destinations with its white sand, coconut trees, and a plethora of water activities.

Japan is also the ancestral home of featured jewelry designer Misa Hamamoto.

ANNE SPORTUN FINE JEWELLERY

18K Gold Diamond Flow Bar
Bracelet with Diamonds & Aquamarine

For 83 years Canada’s Montreal Botanical Garden has provided its visitors with astonishing panoramic views of sumptuous gardens.  

Established during the peak of The Great Depression, of its 200 acres one of the most popular areas is the traditionally styled Japanese Garden complete with swimming koi carp and tea ceremonies.  Canada is also home to featured jewelry designer Anne Sportun.

CATHY WATERMAN

Large Redwood Flower Overlay Pendant with
22K Yellow Gold Frame and Carved Redwood

Declared by the American Society of Engineers as “one of the modern Wonders of the World,” the Golden Gate Bridge, located in San Francisco, California, is also one of the world’s most recognized suspension bridges.  California is also home to featured jewelry designer Cathy Waterman.

AOIFE O'MAHONY DESIGN

18-Karat Gold Eye Candy Stacking Rings

Ireland’s Newgrange monument is considered one of Europe’s “finest achievements of European Neolithic art.” 

The mound-shaped passage tomb is constructed of engraved kerbstones; and according to Irish mythology the structure is the dwelling place for Oenghus, the god of love.  

Ireland is also home to featured jewelry designer Aoife O’Mahony.

CUBIC ZIRCONIA | AN INFERIOR DIAMOND SUBSTITUTE?

The highly dense and refractive cubic zirconia (or CZ) has been a strong competitor to the well-loved and ubiquitous diamond for a little over three decades and counting.  

Unfortunately, however, this flawless isometric crystal has been marred for years by a derisive reputation.  This edition of Splendor Sidebar will explore the origins of this misunderstood man-made gemstone.  

DEBRA FALLOWFIELD

Standing at just over 1,000 feet New Zealand’s Sutherland Falls is among the world’s tallest waterfalls. With water originating from Lake Quill, the currents flow out in three cascades creating a roar as powerful as an airplane’s engine. New Zealand is also home to featured jewelry designer Debra Fallowfield.

BILL HICKS JEWELLERY DESIGN

The Purnululu National Park, located in Australia, is the site for seeing remarkable sandstone rock formations known as Bungle Bungle.

The sharp cliffs and plateaus of the landscape make for breathtaking scenery. Australia is also home to featured jewelry designer Bill Hicks.

NERSEL & IRENE

Many have said that Patara Beach in Lycia Patara, Turkey is the closest thing to Heaven on Earth. Bordering the beach's lengthy, crystal-white sands are rolling mountains and undulating dunes.

The beach's quiet, tranquil surroundings cultivate relaxation, and of course, the view of the Mediterranean Sea's gem-tone, turquoise waters completes the picture perfect excursion into a terrestrial Heaven.

Turkey is also home to jewelry design team Nersel zur Muehlen and Irene Sokullu.