The Swiss manufacturer of precious timepieces, Jaeger-LeCoultre created a watch in 1931 that is perennially popular for engraving and monogramming to this day. The famous Reverso watch , with it’s swivellling cover, is the perfect canvas for an artfully engraved personalization.
The image at left was sent to me by Sandi Miller Burrows to illustrate the scale and precious detail in her spectacular diamond pendants. In a tear sheet from a 2004 publication, the pendant is cozied up with a factory monogrammed Reverso watch.
Once I started to search a bit for information about the personalized Reverso, my inquiries lead me to the only independent engraver that is sanctioned by this venereable watchmaker to adorn their timepieces. J.C. Randell, is an master engraver so talented that he makes the Reverso watches literally sing. Opera.
I spoke to the artist at length about his art, his passion for engraving, his philosophy and even his dog Lola. He guided me through an extensive tour of his website which is simply packed with amazing examples of his work.
J.C.’s customers range from movie star heart-throbs (who I swore I would never name) to Nobel Prize winners. The work they commission him to do tells a story of their lives, their successes and their passions. Yes, J.C. does engrave classic three letter monograms but the most interesting personalizations are more unique.
When asked how long it takes him to complete his engraving, J.C. told me that he doesn’t measure the process in hours but in weeks. The work is done under a microscope and is finished engraving so fine that it feels almost smooth to the touch. To understand this, he suggested that I run my fingers over the presidential portrait on a crisp new dollar bill. I did. Incredible!
It’s been a busy few weeks and there hasn’t been much time for blogging lately. Cashmere season is in high swing and it keeps me going pretty much at full tilt. It’s also at this time of year that I get out and work with my retailers. Along the way, I catch up with wonderful friends and find treasures in their shops.
In the Detroit area, Touch of Lace is a place to feather your personal retreat. My good friends Lauren Fisher and Linda Weissman have been filling their luxe, little linen shop with items so impeccably tasteful and luxurious that there is nothing for sale that I wouldn’t happily take home and live with contentedly forevermore.
This is where I discovered Varga Art Crystal. Not only is it beautiful, it is monogrammed by hand using a diamond wheel to engrave each piece.
As quoted in the Palm Beach Post : “Varga’s canvas is made of lead crystal, his brush of diamonds, and his audience of gold”.
The Varga brothers are third generation master glass artisans. Worldwide, crystal makers of this caliber can be counted on one hand. When I first picked up a flute, I thought it was St. Louis or maybe Baccarat because the weight, feel and aesthetic were perfect. I learn new things every so often.
Varga Monogram Crystal is available in a rainbow of colors by special order.
*Mention Queen of Cashmere when making any Varga Monogram Crystal purchase from A Touch of Lace before 11/04/09 and recieve a 20% discount.
Masters of Classic. Before there was Ralph, there was Yves. Now we have Phoebe.
Phoebe Philo sent her first collection for Celine down the runway in Paris today and showed fashionistas everywhere just how classic clothing keeps up in a modern world.
The collection dispenses with the frou-frou and shows us that strong can still be sexy. I love the clean leather shifts, tuxedo striped trousers and epaulets. An occasional flutter of silk keeps it feminine.
This collection was designed to coax the last dollar out of my wallet.
Autumn is a second spring, when every leaf’s a flower ~ Albert Camus
J.C.’s customers range from movie star heart-throbs (who I swore I would never name) to Nobel Prize winners. The work they commission him to do tells a story of their lives, their successes and their passions. Yes, J.C. does engrave classic three letter monograms but the most interesting personalizations are more unique. 
