Elite World News

Gold Vermeil and Gemstone Jewelry Missoma is a London-based family-run company that offers a stunning collection of exclusive and innovative designer jewelry in a variety of bold, colorful, and directional designs that are always stylish and effortlessly elegant. Specializing in 18k gold vermeil jewelry with precious and semiprecious stones, Missoma has become known for its unique, avant-garde designs and vibrant colors. Winged Necklace with Claw Set Amethyst 18k gold and sterling silver vermeil pendant by Missoma.
(Full post Missoma Jewelry…)

The entire valley is now classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site, and a visit to the Loire is to encounter the world's most adored French region, outside of Paris.

To do the Loire Valley justice, you need to set aside a good month to thoroughly explore the treasure trove of towns and chateaux.

For most Kiwis on a grand trip to Europe, that's not an option. In fact, if you're travelling to Paris, a quick diversion south to the Loire Valley for a few days, is the standard Kiwi-style encounter.

(Full post Living history and loving the Loire…)

What better way to ring in the new year than with this adorable Metallic Mini Barrel Clutch by Jessica McClintock. This shimmery fabric-wrapped clutch is accented with a rhinestone-studded clasp and two drop in chain straps. Made of PVC, it measures 5 1/2×2 1/2×2 1/2 and comes in black. A perfect match up with that little ensemble, it’s available at Nordstroms for $58.
(Full post Jessica McClintock Metallic Mini Barrel Clutch…)

RapNet launches member rating system

December 11, 2008

New York–RapNet, the Rapaport Diamond Trading Network, has launched a new online member rating system that allows RapNet members to give feedback on transactions, performance and quality of service.

The system is intended to increase transparency among members of the RapNet community and to improve the safety of online transactions.

The system launches today.

The comments and ratings posted on RapNet will serve as important indicators of a trader’s reputation and provide valuable knowledge to other members.
(Full post RapNet launches member rating system…)

Dawn Spencer Hurwitz has opened a new boutique, the Essence Studio, at 4593 North Broadway, D120 in North Boulder, Colorado. The new store is described as “part vintage scent parlor + part modern art studio”, and will be “the only location where clients have access to all of the myriad scents developed by DSH”. Services will include fragrance consultation, custom perfume designs and aromatherapy consultations by appointment. Store hours are Tuesday through Friday 11- 6 pm; Saturday 10-6 pm.
(Full post Dawn Spencer Hurwitz ~ new boutique in Boulder…)

To coincide with the introduction of the Ferrari California, Officine Panerai has introduced a new two-counter chronograph in its “Ferrari Engineered by Officine Panerai” watch collection. The case of this limited edition Panerai timepiece measures 45mm in diameter, and displays a cushion shaped profile; brushed surfaces are predominant with polished elements on the lugs and case corners providing an appealing and tasteful contrast. Both pushpieces and signed winding crown feature a finely machined knurled texture.
(Full post FERRARI California Wristwatch…)

Access to information was always the great promise of the Internet. And unlike so many promises, this one has been delivered on—never has so much information been available to so many, so easily. Among the beneficiaries of this abundance of information are travelers generally, and those who participate in mileage programs particularly. Following are the online resources that I use myself (and to which, in some cases, I contribute) as well as those I find myself repeatedly recommending to others.
(Full post Online Resources for Frequent Flyers (Part 12 of 12)…)

Coming from Pucci next March will be Vivara Variazioni, a trio of new flankers to last year’s Vivara fragrance for women. The three fragrances are meant to represent sea, sand and sky, but the scents themselves are intended to be seasonless. Vivara Acqua 330 ~ in blue, with violet, jasmine, frangipani and musk. Vivara Sole 149 ~ in yellow, with tomato leaves, jasmine and vetiver. Vivara Sabbia 167 ~ in orange, with mandarin, lemon, iris and sandalwood.
(Full post Pucci Vivara Variazione ~ new fragrances…)

Comme des Garçons has launched a new fragrance in conjunction with their recent fashion collection for H&M, the Swedish clothing retailer. The woody unisex fragrance was developed by perfumer Shyamala Maisondieu, and features notes of bergamot, mandarin, Sichuan pepper, coriander, incense, juniper, cedar, patchouli, pine and labdanum. Comme des Garçons + H&M is available in 30 ml Eau de Toilette for $34.90, and can be found at select H&M stores. (vi
(Full post Comme des Garcons + H&M ~ new fragrance…)