Letting Your Gem Soul Shine

I’m back for the time being and that’s a big relief for my daughter Lindsay, who has been watching the fort since my last sailing sojourn to the clear blue Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Aegean seas. It’s no wonder the island is so quiet; everyone, including their brothers and sisters, is in Europe this summer. Italy and Greece have been breaking records on the droves of tourists visiting this year.

What I love to do every time I travel abroad is cruise through the many jewelry shops and boutiques. Some shop owners are happy to talk about the biz after I let them know when they approach me that I’m possibly their worst customer, being in the business and all. Some downright ignore me after I inform them!

I have friends in Florence and as far as I’m concerned, it’s the jewelry capital of the world. There are hundreds of small mom and pop companies, as well as large manufacturers, and everyone does their own thing. The craftsmanship is the best in the world.

My best Tuscan Italian friend is Giuseppe Sala, who just happens to own the I Selvatici Winery located on the outskirts of Florence. He produces the finest Super Tuscan wines in that valley; the red is made from Sangiovese grapes. Wine, cheese, olives and its oil, Tuscan bread…pinch me, please. I died and went to heaven. Time spent with Giuseppe is time well spent!

Florence is the place to be to scope out what will be the hottest styles and must-have jewelry trends for the next gift-giving holiday season.

While in Venice, we visited another friend I have known for decades. His shop is in the many winding alleyways, and he’s in the Murano Glass business. My wife and friends fell in love with several must-have pieces. Andrea picked up a spectacular sculpture of a horse rearing up on its two rear hoofs, the color fades from clear to Mediterranean blue with gold leaf accents. Our traveling companions purchased glass dishware and several sculptures and vases. Those of you aware of Murano glass know how exquisite the art of glass blowing is. I have several pieces at home, and they give me joy every time I see them, especially in the sunlight. I’m thinking of importing some pieces for the shop - I will have to wait out this tariff debacle until the dust settles. True Murano glass is very pricy and shipping delicate glass can be risky. Years ago, a customer wanted me to import a 2,300-piece Murano chandelier that involved me putting it together (some assembly required on steroids!) I passed on the $20,000 sale.

While on several Greek islands, I came across some beautiful deep blue Tanzanite pieces. You may think I’m crazy, but one particular ring spoke to me - just holding it in my hand was a spiritual moment for me. It was like it had a soul, and it was sparkling just for me! I had to have it! Her shop was retail, and even though I told her “I was in the business,” she refused to cut me a deal on it wholesale. I got her card and who knows, I may shake her tree in September and see if she remembers me. Sadly, her high-end boutique was not the least bit busy despite the thousands of tourists that passed by - maybe she may have a change of heart?

The history of Greece intrigued me. I visited many museums and exhibits - the jewelry, metal work, and the architecture from 2,500 years ago blew my mind. I saw the Colosseum in Olympia, the location of the very first Olympics in 776 BC! (FYI…the first modern Olympics resumed in 1896).

I have been influenced by the many things I witnessed and absorbed, and that has me busy creating new designs for the shop.