In the world of couture, it’s the accessories that complete a look. As you traveled the world in your private jet, you’ve learned that there are thousands of options when it comes to jewelry designers. However, only a few top the lists as those that never fail. More than just creating fashionable signature pieces, the world’s best are those who have passed the tests of time in regards quality, value and opulence.
Van Cleef & Arpels
Founded in 1896, the Society Alfred Van Cleef and Arpels Solomon formed after the marriage of the young Esther Aprels to Alfred Van Cleef. Today, the luxury jewelry company is simply known as Van Cleef & Aprles. The historic designer is known for its numerous milestone creations, including the first watch that used a leather band, the “Cadenas” padlock-style wristwatch, between-the-finger rings and the Mystery Setting, which uses no visible prongs. Royal families and celebrities can’t get enough of Van Cleef & Aprles’ designs. Clients have included Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace of Monaco, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy Onasis. (http://www.vancleefarpels.com/us/en/)
Harry Winston
The American jeweler Harry Winston got his first taste of the jewelry business as a boy. When he was 12, he bought a two-carat emerald in a pawn shop for 25¢ and sold it a couple days later for $800. In 1932, Winston started his shop and made his living by purchasing diamonds and jewelry collections, redesigning them and putting them back on the market. Among the world-famous diamonds that he acquired is the Hope Diamond, which Winston donated to the Smithsonian Institute in 1958. The gemologist, craftsman and designer’s legacy lives as the company continues to transform precious stones into works of art and the modern jewelry styles that you crave today. Harry Winston’s clients have included Queen Elizabeth II, the Shah of Persia, Elizabeth Taylor, Jennifer Jones, Madonna and Angelina Jolie. (http://www.harrywinston.com/)
Mikimoto
Kōkichi Mikimoto’s fascination for pearls began as a child when he saw divers in Ise, Japan reach the shores with treasure in their hands. The luxury label started in 1888, long before chartering a private jet was possible, when Mikimoto got a loan to start a pearl farm. After several failures and near bankruptcy, the pearl farer was finally able to culture a semi-spherical pearl—the first ever grown by a human. About 12 years later, Mikimoto learned culture completely spherical pearls that were indistinguishable from natural ones. The Meiji Emperor at Ise Shrine was so impressed that he told Mikimoto that he wanted to “adorn the necks of all women around the world with pearls.” By 1907, Mikimoto expanded his enterprise to include a gold work factory, the first full-scale jewelry production facility in Japan, where the he combined European jewelry designs and techniques with the cultured pearls. Soon after, Mikimoto began exporting his pearls and accessories across the world. After publicly burning inferior pearls, Mikimoto pearls begin to appear on at the World’s Fair, on the neck of Marilyn Monroe, the crown for the U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen and on pageant crowns. Upon his death, Mikimoto received Japan’s Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure award. You can find luxury Mikimoto boutiques around the world. (http://www.mikimotoamerica.com/)
About Solairus Aviation:
Solairus is a US-based private aviation services company whose core business is assisting aircraft owners with the safe, reliable, and efficient management and operation of their aircraft. Our services are customized to meet the client’s individual travel and financial requirements, and to support their flight operation with the highest standards of safety and personalized service, regardless of the location of the aircraft.
Solairus was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area. Solairus has over twenty-five base locations across the United States, Europe and Asia, employing more than two hundred flight crew and support personnel to operate a fleet currently numbering over fifty aircraft. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-Rated and Wyvern Wingman certified charter operator. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO stage two certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes aircraft charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairus.aero or call 800-359-7861.