Right now it feels especially good to invest in and wear pieces that are particularly meaningful and personal. Don't you agree? I have been thinking of this quite a bit lately. In general, I am definitely more considered and more selective about what I want to bring into my life, and know that I am not alone in feeling this way. Fine jewelry is a luxury, so it should have meaning as well as exist as an object of beauty. I also believe in the talismanic quality of jewelry. Important pieces can quickly become an amulet that one feels adrift without, therefore it rings true that these pieces should be more personal in a substantial and considered way. I've always thought of my jewelry as a kind of armor, which in today's world feels even more essential. Also, gold is good for you, in case you didn't know.

Spending time with people you love, and in places you feel connected to also happens to be good for you. I am so fortunate to have been able to do exactly that last month in Spain. I fulfilled my mission to see the exquisite Balenciaga and Spanish Painting exhibition at the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Borneimsza before it closes this weekend, and was able to also enjoy tuning out the rest of the world in beautiful Mallorca. To be able to rest and recharge in nature with my loves is truly a gift. 

With this in mind, I've been working on a collection of pieces to honor the people I love, and allow them to be with me symbolically whether they are physically close or geographically far. Personally, I am feeling the need to gather my dear ones near to my heart. This feeling is clearly universal. For one lovely woman, I created this diamond necklace using her family's stones. One representing each person in her nuclear family. She now wears these stones from another generation in her family that represent the family she has created. It makes for a timeless future heirloom to be passed down to her daughters. For another, I created a necklace to represent a couple, and also the baby they are excited to welcome early next year.  

For myself, I'm working on a piece with opal, tourmaline, emerald, and aquamarine to represent my family, throwing in a diamond and a pearl for good measure, as I love them so. I think I may also add sapphires to represent some of my dear Virgo friends.  Really, there are no rules or boundaries, and it has been so much fun to come up with different combinations of stones for not only necklaces, but bracelets, rings, and earrings as well. These pieces will be mostly custom, and part of a Family Constellation series.  Since the nature of this collection is so personal, I suggest calling or sending an email to schedule an appointment for a consultation.  It's been such a pleasure to work with clients to create these beautiful and treasured heirlooms.  

If this resonates with you and you'd like to explore the options further, I look forward to hearing from you. Remember that these are custom pieces, and may take a bit of time to come to fruition, so I will just remind you that there are less than 100 days until Christmas.  (Hint, hint...)

I always love it when we receive new Liberty of London fabrics to work with.  There is something genuinely special about them.  I love the history associated with the company, the collaborations with integral artists and designers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and how many of the prints from this fertile period are still manufactured today.  There is a timelessness to the prints that I am drawn to, and I so enjoy seeing them layered together, as I do in our print-block kimono style Asteria and Selene robes.

We also still have a limited stock of their incredible crinkled silk chiffon.  It is no longer manufactured, which is such a shame.  It makes it all the more special, of course.  I love it for the Thea slip and matching robe. 

Please save the date for Thursday, October 10th.  We are planning a little early fall party, with our lovely neighbor Pamela Barish. Last year around this time, we hosted a cocktail party and served variations of olive oil cake. This time I'm thinking of doing a little chocolate cake tasting.  I'm also thinking of switching up a few tried and true recipes. I have been making flourless chocolate cakes in some form or another for over two decades. Peter's birthday is coming up, and I've been making him the same Fallen Chocolate Soufflé Cake from David Waltuck since before we were married. It might be time to try a new one, and hopefully you will be able to join us and let me know which one is the best. I'm thinking of substituting pistachios for almonds in the River Cafe's Chocolate Almond Cake recipe, which I think will be delicious.

I'm still cooking like it's summer, because frankly it still feels like it is.  This olive-oil poached tuna steak is lovely and easy, and perfectly captures the season.  It's also very forgiving, as you can use whatever herbs and aromatics that you have on hand.  This is the version I've been making lately.  

Olive Oil Poached Tuna Steaks

One large tuna steak, or two small to fit in a small saucepan

2-3 whole garlic cloves

1 or 2 slices of fennel bulb

3-4 sprigs of fresh dill

1 tsp. black peppercorns

a pinch of red chile pepper flakes

a slice of lemon rind

1 dried bay leaf

1 tsp. of crushed fennel seeds

Pinch of kosher salt

enough olive oil to cover the fish

Lemon to serve

Place all ingredients in a small saucepan, and warm gently to poach the fish until desired doneness.  You want it to cook slowly, without allowing the oil to boil. Test the fish when it becomes opaque.  I like it when then center is still pink.  Gently lift the fish out of the oil, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the top, and season with salt and pepper before serving.  

 Enjoy,