Elite World News

The Gemological Institute of America headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif., will be open for business as usual, after closing on Wednesday due to the wildfires in Southern California, according to a statement on its Web site.

Earlier in the day, Laura Simanton, GIA senior public relations manager, said that the campus, which includes classrooms, laboratories, a museum, and a library, has been safe from any fire danger.

The campus was closed Wednesday, although the laboratory did stay open.

(Full post GIA Open for Business Thursday…)

New and noteworthy comes this uniquely gorgeous Billie Top Handle Bag by Zac Posen. Elegantly fashioned in pebbled leather with metallic leather trim, this deco-inspired handbag would make a smart edition to your fall collection. This outrageously shaped bag features golden hardware with stud accents and double handles. Measuring 9×7x5 1/2, it’s available in Emerald and sells for $995 at Saks.
(Full post Zac Posen Billie Top Handle Bag…)

The lodge itself was a labour of love, built in 1895 by Sir Heaton Rhodes, philanthropist, politician, one of Canterbury’s founding fathers and by all historical accounts, an all-round good guy. He and his wife Jessie created what is regarded as the finest example of Queen Anne architecture in New Zealand, nestled on the on the slopes of the Port Hills at Tai Tapu, Canterbury. Rhodes’ wife died in 1928 although he lived at the house until his death in 1956.
(Full post Tai Tapu lodge showpiece of luxury…)

The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers will hold its 29th Annual Winter ACE It Education Conference in Tucson, Ariz., Feb. 4-5, 2008.

The appraisal organization, dedicated to gems and jewelry, will present a program to assist the professional appraiser’s continuing education and networking experience. 

The daily programs are: 

Feb. 4 – Getting Stoned!
* Gem Testing Accessories and Techniques, Alan Hodgkinson, FGA, DGA;
* How Clean are Them Teeth?

(Full post NAJA Appraisers Education Conference…)

If you read this blog regularly, you know I’m a big fan of earning miles for dining. And I practice what I preach, typically eating at two restaurants a week which award miles. As an elite member of the dining program, I earn 10 miles per $1 spent. So I was intrigued by the latest from American: AAdvantage miles for buying gift certificates from restaurants participating in AAdvantage Dining. I can easily imagine giving restaurant gift cards as Christmas presents, and earning miles in the process makes the prospect that much more attractive.
(Full post From American: frequent flyer miles for restaurant gift cards…)

Zac Posen handbags implement classic designs that can last for seasons. Marked 40% off, the Zac Posen Lola Shoulder Bag sports tan leather with lush chocolate trim and gold hardware. The chocolate on tan really pops out, and accentuates the sleek lines and the clasp fastening front pocket. There is a strap on each side, also lined in chocolate leather to help it pop. I love that the inside is not forgotten and lined with lush gray suede. The size makes this bag practical for everyday use; 15.5″W x 14″H x 7″D.
(Full post Zac Posen Lola Shoulder Bag…)

New for your fall buying spree comes this gorgeous Elisha Shoulder Tote by Kooba. Fashioned in pewter metallic leather, it features tonal stitching with gold-tone hardware accents and side pockets. This irrestible tote measures 12×14x6, and sells for $575 at Neiman Marcus.
(Full post Kooba Elisha Shoulder Tote…)

A Fiji Honeymoon has to be the ultimate in the South Pacific if you can afford to go there in the first place! What are dreams for, if not to come true, and Dolphin Island could be just waiting for you and your new spouse’s honeymoon vacation. The dream honeymoon should be spent on your own private island, waited on hand and foot, surrounded by blue seas, white sand, and no troubles in the world to come near you .
(Full post A Private Island Paradise to Dream About for your South Pacific Honeymoon Could Be Dolphin Island Fiji…)

The Gemological Institute of America headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif. is under voluntary evacuation due to smoke inhalation risks from the fires that are sweeping through Southern California.

The campus, just north of San Diego, is being hit with blowing smoke from the wildfires in Southern California. At this point, GIA told JCK that its campus is not in any fire danger, but the fires in San Diego County are not yet under control.

(Full post Wildfires Cause GIA Carlsbad to Close…)

The new Radiomir Black Seal Ceramic watch has the classic Panerai look with a nice hard black coating. The 45 mm case is ceramic and the movement is automatic. Panerai produced 1000 of these beauties and they cost $8500 a piece.
(Full post Radiomir Black Seal Ceramic by OFFICINE PANERAI…)