We are beyond proud and excited to be celebrating 35 years of exceptional timepieces, exceptional jewelry, fine craftsmanship, extraordinary service and pure luxury. We are delighted to present to you the 2019 edition of our beautifully crafted de Boulle Magazine, with their beautiful photo shoot and many more stories. Enjoy the magazine — and the season.
EDI TO R IA L
Happy 35th anniversary, dearest de Boulle! We are beyond proud and excited to be celebrating 35 years — three-and-a-half decades of exceptional timepieces, exceptional jewelry, fine craftsmanship, extraordinary service and pure luxury. What started out as a small jewelry salon in the Dallas suburb of University Park has grown to two locations: our now-famous yellow villa along Dallas’ storied Preston Road and our gleaming store in Houston, in the sensational River Oaks District, where our neighbors are the world’s top fashion and luxury brands. Now, we head into our favorite time of year: the holidays. To that end, both stores and our website are ready with a refreshing and inspired collection. You will see that we’re introducing several exciting new designs this season, especially magnificent new designs at varying price points from the de Boulle Collection. My partner and wife, Karen Boulle, designs the de Boulle Collection, and she’s the most excited of all. “Our newest offerings allow our clients to layer it on and add more,” she says. “The wearer can make it a personal affair and really express and show their own unique signature style.” Speaking of signature style, don’t miss our feature story starring two amazing women: the strong, smart and stylish Chandra North and Niki Taylor. What better way to showcase our iconic jewelry than with two fashion icons? They are supermodels, moms and businesspeople, balancing their work and their lives to much admiration. We are over the moon to have Chandra back as an ambassador for us, and to have Niki along for some good fun. I am delighted to present to you the 2018 edition of our beautifully crafted de Boulle Magazine, with their beautiful photo shoot and many more stories. Karen and I can’t believe it’s been 35 years — already. It feels like just yesterday when we opened that first little store with a big idea: the finest jewelry and timepieces, the best service and a beautiful, friendly environment. Then and now, these elements make up what we call The de Boulle Experience. Experience it all again — or for the first time. Come visit us. We look forward to seeing you at de Boulle in Dallas, at 6821 Preston Road, and at de Boulle in Houston, at 4444 Westheimer Road in River Oaks.
Enjoy the magazine — and the season.
Denis Boulle Chief Executive Officer
CON TE N TS 4 LETTER FROM DENIS BOULLE 16 EXCELLENCE EVERY DAY 19 24 FAST TRACK 33 36 COVER STORY 45 MAKING THE MAGIC
WHEN INTRIGUE, WORLDLINESS AND PRECIOUS GEMS COLLIDE
MY FAVORITE THINGS: KAREN’S PICKS
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LUXURIES LARGE & SMALL
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GIVING IT OUR BEST
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CAMP SWEENEY
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MAGNIFICENCE AT HAND
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AFFAIRS OF ESTATE
THE BRIDE WORE WOW
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KEEPING WATCH
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de BOULLE ASKS: STEPHANIE HOLLMAN
B R I G G S F R E E M A N . C OM
DETAIL FROM 6930 TURTLE CREEK BOULEVARD UNIVERSITY PARK $7,995,000
n 1983, Denis Boulle and Karen Boulle launched de Boulle Diamond & Jewelry in Dallas, in a small salon in University Park’s Snider Plaza shop- ping center. The couple introduced the Texas city to many original luxury watch brands, along with fine jewelry collections from Italy. The English natives worked hard, and the business thrived. A new location would eventually come. Off prestigious Preston Road, it, too, was small — so small, that the
workshop and offices were relegated to the attic. But in 2001, after many more years of success, de Boulle moved to its current location, on Preston Road itself. The building had been a toy store, a restaurant and a bank — but after much recon- struction, it was transformed into the sophisticated, 13,600-square-foot, two-story salon that stands proud today, in the style of an elegant French villa. Since then, de Boulle has served thousands of discriminating customers worldwide, and has built a reputation as one of the preeminent family owned jewelers in North America. The vision behind the famous yellow villa is as clear today as it was in 1983: providing customers a premier collection of fine jewelry, luxury timepiec- es, impeccable service and a beautiful and friendly environment. Then and now, these elements make up The de Boulle Experience. The store’s collection of fine diamonds, fine jewelry and fine timepieces is unsurpassed for elegance, quality and long-term value — and the Boulles have worked ceaselessly to ensure that purchasing fine jewelry and luxury timepieces at de Boulle is always informative, fun and rewarding. An aristocratic association The Boulle name carries a long tradition of crafts- manship, dating to the 1700s. Christened by his contemporaries as “the most skillful artisan in Par- is,” André-Charles Boulle was synonymous with the practice of inlaying furniture with marquetry of tortoiseshell, pewter and brass. Although he did not invent the technique, Boulle was its greatest practitioner — and the technique is today known as boulle work. Boulle carried out numerous royal commissions, from Henri IV to Louis XV, as well as from foreign princes and the great nobles, govern- ment ministers and financiers. Over the years, de Boulle has enhanced the Boulle reputation and fine tradition of craftsman- ship through the exquisite de Boulle Collection of fine jewelry. This collection offers a selection of meticulously handcrafted and beautifully designed fine jewelry, in 18K gold or platinum with col-
IN ITS 35TH YEAR, HOW de BOULLE DIAMOND & JEWELRY HAS CHANGED EVERYTHING BUT ITS VISION EXCELLENCE EVERY DAY
BLACK BAY DARK
ored gemstones and diamonds. This unique collection consists of one-of- a-kind pieces designed and crafted with precision and art — resulting in masterpieces. The de Boulle Collec- tion provides a complete range of fine jewelry, from beautiful every- day, every-event diamond earrings to elegant, stately suites that include earrings, a necklace, a bracelet and a ring, for the most special red-carpet occasions. Additionally, de Boulle has carried the timepieces of renowned Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe for more than 20 years, assembling one of the largest inventories in the world. The pairing is perfect, as de Boulle and Patek Philippe are both family owned companies, and de Boulle’s vision aligns perfectly with Patek Philippe’s, in that both represent the epitome of precision, beauty, craftsmanship and luxury. Today, de Boulle is also an autho- rized dealer for a vast selection of the world’s premier brands of luxury timepieces, including Blancpain, Corum, Girard-Perregaux, Greubel Forsey, Rolex, Tudor and many more.
Holland, Holland & Holland is one of the world’s most prestigious gunmakers and suppliers of coun- tryside clothing. Holland & Holland shotguns and rifles have been sought after by the British royal family, heads of state and famous hunters the world over, for nearly 200 years. Today, de Boulle is the company’s third official gun room, after London and New York. Occupying the second floor of de Boulle’s Dallas villa, the gun room carries bespoke shotguns and rifles, as well as Holland & Hol- land’s signature lifestyle goods. In 2015, de Boulle expanded into Houston with a Patek Philippe show- room with select estate pieces and the de Boulle Collection. The loca- tion, in the posh River Oaks District shopping development, home to such fabled brands as Baccarat, Dior, Hermès and many more, has been a welcome and important addition to the de Boulle tradition. For 35 years and counting, de Boulle Diamond & Jewelry has striv- en — every day — to make the origi- nal mission a reality for each custom- er who walks through its doors.
The offerings include any series of watch that even the most demanding customer could desire; the range ful- fills every customer’s wish. Of note, de Boulle has been chosen by each of these fine brands for its uncom- promising professionalism and for having the necessary skills to main- tain all the qualities of the brand. For even more options, de Boulle also offers a selection of fine preowned timepieces. An elegant evolution In 2013, de Boulle became an autho- rized dealer for Holland & Holland. Founded in London in 1835 by Harris
WHEN INTRIGUE, WORLDLINESS AND
PRECIOUS GEMS COLLIDE THE STORY BEHIND THE WOMAN WHO DRIVES DALLAS’ JEWELRY EMPIRE By Christina Geyer Reprinted with permission from Papercity
K
aren Boulle is equal parts proper, quick-witted Jane Austen heroine and an Out of Africa Karen Blixen: worldly and adventurous with old-world elegance, the kind scarcely seen these days. She’s also one of the most beloved and intriguing women in Dallas — mention her name, and praises are sung. But you will rarely see her photo in the society pages, nor is her name stamped on every en vogue invitation. She swims below the social swirl, and that’s the way she likes it. With her silky British accent, she steers de Boulle Fine Jewelry — the 35-year-old Dallas family business begun by her Brit- ish-born husband, Denis Boulle — from behind the velvet curtain. KAREN BOULLE ’S STYLE Her mark is on everything from the store’s logo to the design of the shopping bags, ribbon, and gift boxes. She styles photo shoots for the company’s magazine and is in the development phase of turn- ing the store’s signature fragrance into a candle. But it’s her work on the de Boulle Collection of fine jewelry that is creating ripples in the design world, with a new- found daring aesthetic: Ethiopian opals drip from a fierce drop earring; rose-cut diamonds in the shape of a star sit atop an
“I’ve always been attracted to color, and I think that’s from the markets I saw growing up.” —Karen Boulle
amoeba-like bit of rare Persian tur- quoise; and emerald beads cascade into an elegant chandelier earring. Much of her inspiration springs from her childhood living in the farthest corners of the world with her sophisticated parents. “We lived in Malaysia, and from there we went down to Singapore … then Hong Kong … then Borneo … and then to Baghdad,” Karen says. Her family went wherever her father was stationed — a major for the Gur- khas, the British brigade of Nepalese soldiers that was founded in the early 1800s by the British Imperial Empire — before joining Great Britain’s embassy in Iraq as a military attaché. “I’ve always been attracted to color,” she says. “And I think that’s from the markets I saw growing up. The Gur- kha women had these amazing colored bangles. And when my father would go to Kathmandu, he would bring back beautiful little boxes with turquoise and coral. “In Baghdad, we would go into the desert to visit the ancient cities. I think we were very lucky because some of those places have now been totally destroyed. They’re gone. It was so open then; people today will never get to experience it like we did.”
The inspiration doesn’t end there. “When I was little, the only television in, say, Singapore or Malaysia were Chinese soap operas,” she says. “I was looking at a pair of my drop earrings the other day, and I thought, ‘Wow. I bet you that’s where some of the drama and the chandelier earring ideas came from.” While living in the Middle East, there were family excursions to Lebanon, and she remembers watching her parent’s custom-design clothing for formal eve- nings and state functions at the embas- sy. Karen’s father was born in Malay- sia, an early setting for adventure. When we went to Malaysia with the Gurkhas on the weekends, we would go off into the jungle and go trekking and come across tapirs and wild ele- phants. I still have a passion for animals.” With her husband, Denis (whom she met in London when she was in her early 20s), Karen travels to Switzer- land on the hunt for the most precious stones. For instance, a recent acquisi- tion in Basel was an enormous chunk of rare Persian turquoise from Arizona’s now-depleted Sleeping Beauty mine, which she will store away until just the right inspiration hits.
From Left to right Signataire Bangles with our de Boulle hallmark in diamonds in 18K white, yellow and rose gold. Signataire Earrings with our de Boulle hallmark with diamonds in 18K white gold. Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Drop Earrings with diamonds. Signataire Ring with our de Boulle Hallmark in diamonds in 18K yellow gold. Opulence Earrings with opals and diamonds in 18K white gold. Lariat Toggle Necklace with rose-cut and brilliant diamonds in 18K yellow gold.
DOUBLE BALANCIER SAPPHIRE Limited edition 11 Timepieces in sapphire
FOR INFORMATION ∙ TIME ART DISTRIBUTION LLC Phone +1 212 221-8041 ∙ info@timeartdistribution.com
THREE FAMOUS ENDURANCE RACES . ONE DE BOULLE MOTORSPORTS DRIVER . HERE , AN INS IDE LOOK AT NICK BOULLE ’S YEAR AROUND THE WORLD, AT 200 MILES AN HOUR
The world of motorsports is a living, moving illustra- tion of the passion for excellence that de Boulle Dia- mond & Jewelry has for both jewelry and timepieces. Precision, craft, beauty: The parallels are undeniable. Nick Boulle, the son of Karen and Denis Boulle, competed in grueling endurance races for 2018, which saw the return to a previous race and two first-time circuits, too. ROLEX 24 HOURS OF DAYTONA The 2018 running of the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona was one of the most competitive, since the race began 56 years ago. The race year featured three classes of cars: Prototype, GT Le Mans and GT Daytona. This dramatically condensed the competition and brought motorsport superstars from around the globe to com- pete. More Formula One drivers competed than any previous year, as well as drivers from the likes of In- dyCar, FIA World Endurance Championship, Formu- la E, NASCAR and more. Current F1 drivers included
Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris with McLaren; Lance Stroll and Paul di Resta with Williams F1; Juan Pablo Montoya, former F1 driver for BMW and Mc- Laren; Bruno Senna, former F1 driver and nephew to Ayrton Senna; and more. de Boulle Motorsports entered the hotly contested Prototype class with AFS/PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports. The Prototype class for 2018 was made up of a com- bination of LMP2 cars as well as Daytona Prototype International (DPI) cars. The cars feature 600 horse- power and can reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour on the Daytona International Speedway oval/ road course combination. The Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona is known for its physicality, due to banking which subjects drivers to consistent g-forces for the duration of the race. Other circuits allow the drivers to rest their hands, core and neck, but at Daytona the cars pass at more than 180mph — and the drivers are never given a break. The No. 52 Ligier JS P217 LMP2 car’s driving team
was made up of de Boulle Motor- sports’ Nick Boulle, IndyCar driv- ers Gustavo Yacamán and Sebastián Saavedra and current WEC driver and former Champ Car driver Roberto González Valdez. While the team struggled with the car in qualifying, where they posted a 16th-place result, the car’s setup — the set of adjustments made to a car to optimize its performance, handling and reliability for specif- ic conditions — seemed to come into its own as the 70-car field laid rubber onto the 3.56-mile speedway road course. Boulle’s first stint came just as night fell over the speedway. He drove the car for about 90 minutes in what was the most treacher- ous portion of the race. About 20 minutes into his stint, rain began to fall on the course. After driving for several laps on slicks — the smooth tires meant for dry conditions — the team eventually called for a pit stop to change to rain tires. Min- utes later, because of the weather’s on-again-off-again mix, the track began drying, which called for another pit stop to change back into dry-road tires. Says Boulle, about that first stint in the LMP2 car, “With today’s technology in endurance racing, the cars are so good that we are really racing a 24-hour sprint race. From the moment the green flag drops until the checkered flag waves, you push the car to its absolute limits. There
is no ‘saving the brakes’ or backing off, because every tenth of a second counts. You know the importance of keeping the car clean and safe till the end of the race, but it’s such a delicate balance when the rain is coming down hard at the start of a race like this.” The car got better and better through the race, Boulle says “after struggling to get the setup how we wanted it, before the start of the race. You always want a car that you can get in and consistently turn good laps, which finally happened once it got dark. I think this is a race that you obviously bring high expectations into, especially for myself, after winning last year in a different class. Everyone worked really well together and there’s a lot of room for improvement, which will hopefully bring us bet- ter results in the future.” Boulle would return to the driv- er’s seat for three more flawless stints in the LMP2 car at the demanding circuit. The team had advanced the car into the top 10 by around 5 a.m. — or, 14 hours into the race — before an early morn- ing mistake by one of the drivers sent the crew into the garages for repairs. Despite the time lost, Boulle and his co-drivers recovered positions throughout the remaining hours of the race and proved their potential as a fighting team by com- pleting their first race together in 12th place.
INSIDE SCOOP: Rolex has supported the race since 1966, and has been the title spon- sor of the Rolex 24 at Daytona since 1992. One of the unique aspects of the event is that, in addition to the winner’s trophy, the winning drivers in each of the three classes are pre- sented with a specially engraved Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Dayto- na, commemorating the Rolex 24 at Daytona victory for that year. Thus, the Rolex Daytona has become synon- ymous with racing, and many racing drivers strive to win the watch.
“From the moment the green flag drops until the checkered flag waves, you push the car to its limits.” —Nick Boulle
24 HEURES DU MANS According to National Geograph- ic and Forbes, the 24 Hours of Le Mans — or, the 24 Heures du Mans in French — is one of the greatest and most awe-inspiring sporting events in the world. Drivers and manufactur- ers come to show their might at what is without question the world’s most historic endurance race. With the race in its 95th running, much of the rules remain unchanged, as cars race side by side at more than 215 miles per hour up and down the French motorways that make up a large portion of the 8.6-mile circuit, the Circuit de la Sarthe. Each car has a driver lineup consisting of a team of three, who share driving duties in stints of roughly two to three hours. The demanding 24-hour endurance race saw drivers from around the world take the start, with tennis star Rafael Nadal waving the flag. The race tested each team, pit crew and car around the historic circuit. The de Boulle Motorsports team claimed eighth place in the ul- tra-competitive LMP2 category of this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. For his debut at the endurance-racing classic, Nick Boulle joined the Prototype en- try of Jackie Chan DC Racing in their No. 33 Ligier JS P217. de Boulle Motorsports partnered with Meridian Veterinary Capital, Concepta Labs, Hydrocarbon Ex- change, Dallas Auto Exchange and SpecChem to reach a worldwide audience at the world’s No. 1 sport- ing event. Each of the partners’ logos
had pulled it up to 13th position by the third pit stop and driver change. As the sun goes down, lower tem- peratures and pitch-black darkness come to parts of the circuit, and these conditions oftentimes begin to trip up many teams. The Le Mans circuit is unique because it leaves so little room for error at every corner, and this characteristic is heightened even more in the darkness of night. Watching cars fly past at speeds of more than 210 miles per hour, in the dark, with only a few lights to guide the way, leaves goosebumps on every person within earshot of the circuit. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the smallest mistakes can leave massive consequences. The No. 33 Jackie Chan car ran smoothly and quickly through the night, but many of the teams racing in the LMP2 class found drama in small mistakes, as they tried to increase their pace during what is called the happy hour, when the sun rises and the track conditions reach their peak. With only a handful of hours left in the race, Boulle climbed back into the car to complete the final two stops for the team. It would be his job to catch the cars still in front. Despite running in the top 10 for most of the night, an issue with fueling equipment caused the car to drop back into 13th posi- tion. When time is running out, driv- ers tend to take the most risks, and Boulle put the proverbial pedal to the metal. When the race finished, Boulle had accomplished his goal: The No. 33 car crossed the finish line in eighth position in the LMP2 class and 12th place overall, in the 70-car field. For Boulle, racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans is unforgettable. “It didn’t really set in until around my second time in the car,” he says, “as I drove down the Mulsanne Straight and saw the speed reach 210 miles per hour, in the darkness. I had this very brief, surreal moment, coming down the main straight. I realized that I really had just raced through the famous Porsche Curves of the circuit — at 160 miles per hour. I am living out a childhood dream. These moments will be with me forever.”
was featured prominently on the red- and-black Ligier that rolled out from the official Jackie Chan DC Racing garage, with representative guests lining our pit wall until the finish. As always, the race was attended by many celebrities and many of the world’s most respected drivers competing in the field. Fernando Alonso’s attendance brought huge fanfare as he raced alongside Jenson Button, Juan Pablo Montoya, Bru- no Senna, Paul di Resta, Jean-Éric Vergne, Sébastien Buemi and Pastor Maldonado, to name just a few of the Formula One drivers competing. Ater four practice and qualifying sessions, which saw mixed and quickly changing track conditions, the team determined that Boulle would start the race and take the green flag, starting from the 17th position. The three-driver crew of Boulle, David Cheng and Pierre Nicolet would share duties through the 24-hour race. Boulle settled in and made up places as opportunities arose. This would be the only time the race-running saw rain, as there were about 30 minutes’ worth of slick conditions, which called for a quick change to wet-weather tires. After about two hours in the car, Boulle
BLANCPAIN GT SERIES — 24 HOURS OF SPA
during each stint, was fighting for top honors in their class. With hours to go, the team was confident in a good result, and each of the team- mates pushed hard to keep ahead of their class competitors. The four-man squad pushed through the entire 24 hours of the race and was able to score a strong podium finish at the Total 24 Hours of Spa. “It takes only one lap around Spa-Francorchamps,” Boulle says, “or even just one trip up Eau Rouge” — the circuit’s famous and fast down- hill-uphill switch over a river — “to realize how special this place is and how amazing this race is. The circuit is so demanding both physically and mentally because even the smallest mistakes are punished so severely, thanks to the many fast corners and the walls that surround the circuit.” Despite that, the Rinaldi Racing team and the No. 488 Ferrari GT3 car performed flawlessly through the whole weekend. “The car seemed to somehow get better and better through the race weekend,” Boulle said, after the race, “and so did the guys on each pit stop. To race here is an honor itself, but with our close relationship with the series’ primary sponsor, Blancpain, it has been even more special. I don’t think this will be my last time racing in the Blancpain GT Series, if I can help it.”
driver by the FIA (Federation In- ternationale de l’Automobile), was added under special rules of the 24-hour event that allow him to share the car with Rinaldi Racing’s three Bronze-rated drivers. The strong Rinaldi Racing drivers Pierre Ehret (Germany/USA), Rick Yoon (South Korea) and Murad Sultanov (Russia) would utilize Boulle for a maximum of six hours of driving, as they brought him in to complete the four-man lineup. Circle Y Holdings in Dallas helped make the weekend possible for Boulle. After a slow start in qualifying, thanks to an ill-timed red flag because of a wreck on the circuit, the No. 488 Ferrari would start the 24-hour race from eighth place in its class. Boulle would be the second driver in the car. He was able to push the car up into the fourth position after his one-hour stint moving into the race’s third hour. Eventually, the team, through consistency and a strong average pace “This is a race that you obviously bring high expectations into, especially for myself.” —Nick Boulle
After a strong run in the 24 Hours of Le Mans only a month before, de Boulle Motorsports’ driver, Nick Boulle, received a phone call asking if he could join another team for the 24 Hours of Spa. The Total 24 Hours of Spa is a part of the Blancpain GT Series that races around the globe. The series features only GT3-clas- sification cars, which are balanced through weight and power reduc- tions to achieve equal performance. Unlike the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the field is a mix of GT cars and superfast prototypes, the Total 24 Hours of Spa, held at the Circuit de Spa-Francor- champs, is the greatest GT-only event in the world. The race features the latest racing cars from most famous manufacturers: Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Nis- san, Bentley, Lexus, Honda, Jaguar, McLaren and Lamborghini. The Total 24 is considered the crown jewel of the Blancpain Endurance Series, which encompasses four three-hour, multi-driver events at Europe’s top circuits, including Autodromo Nazio- nale Monza, Silverstone, Circuit Paul Ricard and Circuit de Barcelona-Cata- lunya, in addition to the Total 24. Racing in the Am Cup category, Boulle, who is rated a Silver-level
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MY FAVORITE THINGS KAREN’S PICKS TREAT YOURSELF
3 “You can get a variety of looks with these Signataire Necklaces. They can be stacked or layered, and they are new for 2018.”
1 “This modern-looking ring is easy to wear and has great lines. It has a simple-chic style to it.”
2 “These turquoise earrings have a very playful look with their movement and vibrant color!”
5 “Everyone looks good in this simple but bold crossover bangle. Rose gold has a warmth to it that looks great on all skin tones, and it works well for daytime or evening wear.”
4 “I love these earrings. They are so easy to wear and to travel with. They can be dressy or casual.”
COVERSTORY FOR ITS 35TH ANNIVERSARY, de BOULLE COMMISSIONS A ONE-OF-A-KIND PAINTING BY AN ARTIST FASCINATED BY FACETS AND CULTURE
icasso had his Dora Maar. Rodin, his Camille Claudel. And for Andy Warhol, he found inspiration in the vibrant young socialite Edie Sedgwick. But for painter Angie Crabtree, her muses aren’t people: They are fiery heirloom gems, shim- mering auction stones and gleaming engagement-ring dia- monds. The San Francisco artist is a contemporary painter whose current body of work uses precious gemstones as a means to unpack the psychology and allure of luxury culture. Di- amonds and gemstones come from nature and are then re- cut by human hands. It is this melding between nature and man that yields what society collectively agrees on as some of our most valuable objects. Inspired by the great masters, particularly the dynamic opulence and light from the Ba- roque period, Crabtree makes works that offer a rigorous study of light and optics and how these formal characteris- tics of painting are intertwined with our perception of ex-
Diamonds and gemstones come from nature and are then fashioned by human hands. It is this melding between nature and man that yields what society col- lectively agrees on as some of our most valuable objects.
cess, wealth and luxury. The artist approaches the subject matter as portraiture for modern-day relics or artifacts that serve to extend the object’s legacy, while also reflecting the cultural anthropology of our time. In honor of de Boulle’s 35th anniversary, we asked Crabtree to create a painting inspired by our de Boul- le hallmark: our favorite color, yellow, and, of course, our love of diamonds. To be more precise, it is the de Boulle Diamond: an 18.13-carat, GIA-graded natural fancy yellow radiant-cut diamond. The result: a one- of-a-kind painting, 36 inches tall, created in oil on panel. It appears on the cover of our 2018 magazine. Using handmade oil paints, Crabtree creates por- traits of real gems, magnified to more than 1,000 times their actual size. Each layer is comprised of several thin layers of color, and each painting takes three to six months to complete. Crabtree creates
commissioned portraits for clients worldwide who share a mutual appreciation for beautiful gems. Her most well-known commissions include the 14.93-car- at Pink Promise diamond and Chopard’s 342-carat Queen of Kalahari diamond. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting from the San Francisco Art In- stitute, and studied at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam and at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Crabtree painted her first diamond — at five feet tall — in 2012 for an art exhibition about material- ism and luxury. Inspired by the abstract patterns, she began collecting images of diamonds and speaking with gem cutters. Without any prior knowledge of gemology, Crabtree fell in love with their symmetri- cal patterns and began painting every shape, one by one.
MAKING THE MAGIC BEHIND THE SCENES OF OUR EPIC AND ELEGANT FASHION SHOOT — COMPLETE WITH TWO SUPERMODELS , TWO AFGHAN HOUNDS AND ONE PARTICULARLY PHOTOGENIC PONY
“We are ready for the jewelry!” says photographer Judson Baker. Cue the diamonds and emeralds. We are at a beautiful estate in Dallas, Texas, the scene of our 2018 de Boulle feature shoot. The models are fashion icons: Chandra North and Niki Taylor. North is a Texas native, a mom, a record DJ and a creative director. She has been a brand ambassador for de Boulle since 2016, in a modeling
career that has put her in ad cam- paigns, on runways and on mag- azine covers galore, for the likes of Chanel, Missoni, Givenchy, Shiseido, Vogue, and Harper’s Ba- zaar. New for 2018 is Niki Taylor. Taylor is also one of the most suc- cessful models of all time, and the only model to have ever been on six major American magazine cov- ers in the same month. (Entertain- ment Weekly called it “The Niki
Six,” which included the May 1996 covers of Vogue, Allure, Elle and Marie Claire.) North and Taylor are stunning, smart and confident — and their innate sophistication is a perfect match for de Boulle’s take on el- egance, luxury and timelessness. For the story, they will be be- jeweled in one-of-a-kind designs by Karen Boulle, the designer of the de Boulle Collection. Getting
North and Taylor ready is a team of professionals that includes styl- ist Doug Voisin, hairstylist Walter Fuentes and makeup artist Kay Reeder. Boulle and Josh Garcia, de Boulle’s director of creative and marketing, are helping, too, while photographer Judson Baker gets his camera and lights just right. Ac- companying us are racks of design- er clothes, piles of makeup and food for an army.
Through the course of the day, many looks — the fashion insider’s term for a whole outfit, comprised of jewelry, clothes and accesso- ries — are created, each more gor- geous than the last. While North and Taylor are readied for each new scene, the team pores over imag- es with the photographer, select- ing their favorite images from the extensive choices. “Of course, the focus of the shoot
is the jewelry,” says Boulle, “but this year we wanted to deliver more of a lifestyle campaign. Inspired by the manor and its stunning Mediter- ranean architecture, the story will have North and Taylor looking both joyous and refined, all while wear- ing jewelry from the 2018 de Boulle Collection. “We are excited to show- case our newest designs,” says Boul- le, “and to have Chandra and Niki as our brand ambassadors.”
HERE’S A LOOK AT THE INNER WORKINGS OF OUR GLORIOUS PHOTO SHOOT 8:00 am Call time! The crew and stylists arrive to set up cameras, lights, clothes, racks and more. The clothing features a lot of white, with a few pops of our signature yellow color and a majestic blue. 8:30 am Models Chandra North and Niki Taylor arrive — and go straight into the hair and make- up chairs. The makeup will be natural and the hair sophisticated.
2:00 pm The model animals arrive: a white pony and a pair of Afghan Hounds. 2:20 pm North and Taylor are photographed — in, respectively, a white pantsuit and white sheath dress with cutouts —with the pony in the estate’s conserva- tory. Both women are dripping with more diamonds, and, this time, emeralds. After this scene, North and Taylor are off for another round of hairstyling and makeup. 3:45 pm More pony time, this time with Taylor and our iconic rope-link toggle bracelets and necklace. Did we mention the Texas heat? It’s an unusually hu- mid September day, nearly 90 degrees. 4:00 pm For another scene, North and Taylor wear white dresses and walk the dogs — complete with leashes in de Boulle yellow. 4:30 pm Time for a casual look for Taylor, wearing our Sleeping Beauty turquoise earrings and bracelet. 5:00 pm Taylor positively stuns in an asymmetrical gown, accessorized with a conch pearl choker and adorned with diamonds on the finger, wrist and ear- lobes, all against a one-of-a-kind floral wallcovering. 5:45 pm Another shot, toward the end of the day, this time with Taylor in a blue gown complete with turquoise and opal jewels. 6:00 pm It’s a wrap! We’re happily exhausted and ready to go home! Tomorrow and the next day are filled with more shots, of North alone and of beauti- ful jewelry shot on china plates and toile fabric.
10:15 am The shoot begins with Taylor and a swan near the pool. We decide on a dif- ferent look for the clothes, so Niki makes a quick change, and we’re off and running again. 11:20 am Next, shots with both Taylor and North, both dripping with diamonds, in- side the beautiful manor. 12:35 pm A pattern-on-pat- tern shot in a blue toile bed- room with matching twin beds. North and Taylor wear blue velvet and classic pearls.
THE FACES BEHIND THE FUN
JUDSON BAKER Baker has been taking pictures since he was 14. Straight out of high school, he shot his first al- bum cover, for the Denver rock band The Fluid. By 24, he had moved to Italy and was spotted by Marco Reati of L’Uomo Vogue, who commissioned a 10-page fea- ture spread for the magazine with the model Josh Holloway. He went on to shoot editorials for Arena, Details and Marie Claire mag- azines as well as campaigns for major fashion brands such as Val- entino and MaxMara. With por- traits that include Beyonce, Usher and Gwen Stefani, Baker has an impressive portfolio of celebri- ty photography, too. In 1994, he started the Art Department agen- cy in New York with agent Jordan Shipenberg. After 15 years in New York, Baker decided to move back home to Texas. Taking after his father, who was a champion bull rider and horse trainer, he now lives with his family in Dripping Springs, with cutting horses of his own.
CHANDRA NORTH Growing up, Dallas native North had aspirations of becoming a professional ballerina. In her teen years, she was also a bit rebel- lious: While her classmates would be attending practices or a school dance, she would hit up under- ground nightclubs. One day, a male model told North she should give modeling a try. He was right: North signed with the Dal- las-based Kim Dawson Agency and ultimately catapulted to the top of the industry, working for almost three decades now with renowned photographers, editors and brands. She has worked for and with Missoni, Vogue, Chanel, Shiseido, Steven Meisel, Richard Avedon, Kevyn Aucoin, Valentino, Versace, Harper’s Bazaar, Chris- tian Dior and countless others. She has walked international runways and has graced the covers of vir- tually every major fashion maga- zine. We are thrilled — and lucky — that she calls Texas and Dallas home again.
NIKI TAYLOR The south Florida native began modeling at 13 and immediately captured the heart of America — and then the world — with her girl-next-door charm and beauty. Her first cover, at 14, was Sev- enteen magazine. Her second? Vogue, at 15. In 2016, she returned to modeling, and her covers now number more than 400. Her cam- paigns have included CoverGirl, Versace, Escada, Jean Paul Gaulti- er and many more. She has been a television interviewer, launched a fragrance and started a foundation for the advancement of women in business. In an era of questionable notoriety, uncertain values and here-today-gone-tomorrow celeb- rity, Taylor continues to be rec- ognized worldwide for her grace, charm and on-camera charisma, as well as her ongoing efforts for he welfare of others.
e Boulle has always offered the latest time- pieces and exclusive jewelry de- signs. But it offers much more than rings, neck- laces and LUXURIES LARGE & SMALL d DE BOULLE’S ARRAY OF SPECIAL SERVICES MEANS THAT EVERYTHING FROM A CAPPUCCINO TO A CHERISHED TIMEPIECE IS POSSIBLE de Boulle’s trade-in options have allowed watch and jewelry lovers to enjoy a watches: It offers the de Boulle Experience. watch brand — a Rolex, a Patek Philippe — at an attractive price.” The showcase of pre-owned timepieces includes watches from numerous brands.
trade-ins and will appraise your watch or jewelry and put this value towards your new purchase. de Boulle has been working with trade-ins for the past 35 years, which has allowed watch and jewelry lovers to enjoy a multitude of different pieces that they have desired and cherished. As an extension of the trade-in service, there is a vast selection of pre-owned watches, in a special area of the store. Denis Boulle feels that this is a vital offering for our customers, because it allows our guests to acquire some of the most special timepieces, ones that are often discontinued or very diffi- cult to find. “The pre-owned area offers our customers an opportu- nity to own or try another watch that they are interested in,” Boulle says. “We have a lot of clients who will buy a watch and wear it for six months, then bring it back as a trade-in and move up to the next watch.” What’s more, says Boul- le, “sometimes it gives a client an opportunity to get their first fine
multitude of different pieces that they have desired and cherished.
As you enter our home, a warm welcome and a beverage of your choice is offered, while you fa- miliarize yourself and take in the ambiance. If you are dropping off or picking up a favorite item for repair, take advantage of this time to enjoy a cappuccino or cock- tail, have jewelry or your watch cleaned and take some time for yourself. de Boulle also proudly offers an array of special services, to show our appreciation for our clients. For instance, we welcome
de Boulle is devoted to not just serving your needs but anticipat- ing them — with new watches, pre-owned watches, trade-ins, estate jewelry, designer pieces, custom pieces, our own de Boulle Collection and much more. Sim- ply put, it is all part of The de Boulle Experience.
ince de Boulle’s founding 35 years ago, it has been import- ant to Denis and Karen Boulle that the stores be deeply in- volved in their communities. This dedication is evident in the causes that de Boulle sup- ports and in the events and ac- tivities that the stores and the Boulle family host and are in- volved in. GIVING IT OUR BEST HOW THE GLEAM OF FINE JEWELS CAN HELP COMMUNITIES GLOW S “We work with charities and organizations that reach and touch our clients,” says Denis Boulle, “and also those causes we have been affected by. As one example, we have sponsored an event tied to Op- eration Kindness. Some people would say that’s a strange charity for a big jewelry store to be involved with, but it’s a charity that is near and dear to Kar- en and me, because of our love for dogs, cats and all animals.” Some of the many other causes near and dear to the hearts of the entire de Boulle family include: American Heart Association Camp Sweeney Arthritis Foundation The Crystal Charity Ball SPCA of Texas Equest The Episcopal School of Dallas Houston PetSet “We were honored to host events this year in Dallas and Houston,” Boulle says. “These events expose de Boulle customers to new organizations that we support, and are great fun for everyone who gets involved.”
“We work with charities and organizations that reach and touch our clients.” —Denis Boulle
CAMP SWEENEY WHERE STRANGERS BECOME FRIENDS & FRIENDSHIPS LAST FOREVER
d
e Boulle is a proud supporter of Camp Sweeney, a program for children with Type 1 Diabetes. “Our goal goes beyond provid- ing our customers with the finest
Sweeney is regarded as one of the largest and most effec- tive diabetes education facilities in the world and serves over 1,000 children every summer. For some campers in the Texas Foster Care System, Camp Sweeney is their only consistent family. Operating a medical childcare
retail ex- per i ence possible. We are also com- m i t t e d
facility is extremely costly, about $4,500,000 per year. While some campers are able to pay tuition, Camp Sweeney provides finan- cial aid to approximately 86% of campers. No camper has ever been turned away due to the in- ability to pay. In 2012, the Sweethearts for Sweeney gala began as a collab- oration between Denis and Kar- en Boulle and close friend David Genever-Watling, who identified the need to provide scholarships for underprivileged children to attend Camp Sweeney. Today, the gala takes place just before the winter holidays under the mon- iker ‘Gift of Sweeney’ and raises more than $200,000 each year to fund special scholarships for chil- dren with extraordinary circum- stances. Since 2012, de Boulle has helped raise more than $1,100,000
to supporting and participating in our wonderful community,” says Denis Boulle. A diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes changes the life of a child forev- er. Days filled with school, sports, and activities are quickly replaced by blood tests, insulin injections, and carbohydrate calculations. Every step required to manage di- abetes is a step away from what children see as “normal”. But at Camp Sweeney, Type 1 diabetes is normal. And when diabetes dis- appears, every camper can show what makes them special, not what makes them different. Camp Sweeney makes the prac- tice of good diabetic control nor-
mal, so every child is on a level playing field and no longer feels that diabetes makes them different. Campers are giv- en opportunities to succeed and once they begin to achieve their goals at camp, they develop confidence in their own talents and abilities. It encourage campers to seek the good in themselves and each other, so they place value in virtue rather than the venial attractions of the world. As camp- ers support one another over the course of a session, they build friendships that are based in service – friendships they can count on long past the end of the summer. Since 1950, Camp Sweeney has provided a positive turn- ing point in the lives of more than 35,000 children. Camp
for Camp Sweeney. “Camp Sweeney provides financial assistance to any campers who cannot pay, but sometimes even this is not enough for children to attend camp,” said Dr. Ernie Fer- nandez, Camp Sweeney’s volunteer Camp Director. “The Gift of Sweeney event at de Boulle allows us to bridge the gap for our families in greatest need.” To meet this need, donors fund camper scholarships and purchase raffle tickets for exciting items including a Men’s Rolex Watch provided by de Boulle. To learn more about Camp Sweeney or to help a child with Type 1 diabetes, visit CampSweeney.org
MAGNIFICENCE AT HAND
WHY NO MODERN MACHINE CAN COME CLOSE TO THE WONDERS HANDMADE BY DE BOULLE’S OWN IN-HOUSE MASTER JEWELER
ewelry design and jewelry-mak- ing are ancient crafts — ones that rely entirely on the artistry and skill of the craftsperson who cre- ates such wondrous things. For more than 30 years, de Boulle has been proud to have its cus- tom jewelry designs made in Texas by a skilled craftsman, Tony Hoang. Hoang is a master jeweler who prides himself on creating flaw- less pieces by hand, despite to- day’s many technological ad- vances. Every part, every step, is done by hand. There are no pre-
Left: on site workshop and a variety of hand-held tools and jewelry bench equipment Right: de Boulle Master Jeweler Tony Hoang & hand-made turquoise ring
Hoang is a master jeweler who prides himself on creating pieces by hand, despite today’s technological advances.
made pieces. Diamond-set- ting? By hand. Finishing? By hand. Polishing? All by hand. Hoang works to do justice to each design, ulti- mately creating a master- piece to become loved for this generation and genera- tions to follow. Hoang can also repair or adjust any of the pieces de Boulle offers, from the simplest to the most complex, worth mil- lions of dollars. Indulge your creative side and have de Boulle craft a truly unique and exception- al piece of jewelry — the
jewelry of your dreams. From a beautiful engage- ment ring to a special wed- ding band to a statement piece worthy of a red carpet, de Boulle is your source for exquisite custom jewelry. Fine craftsmanship and our exceptional service remain the core values of de Boul- le, for more than 35 years — and our dedication to that craftsmanship is at the forefront of what we do. It’s what makes a custom piece from de Boulle so special. Contact us or visit, anytime, to explore. The possibilities are limitless.
AFFAIRS OF ESTATE HOW de BOULLE’S
ESTATE COLLECTION SETS ITSELF APART, STORY BY STORY
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Left: de Boulle Estate Collection Emerald Earrings Center: de Boulle Estate Collection Bulgari Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald & Diamond Ring
eff Bartley, presi- dent of de Boulle Diamond & Jewelry, knows that de Boul- le’s Estate Collection — vintage jewel- ry, antique jewelry, one-of-a-kind pieces and more — is one of many facets that makes de Boulle so special. The store has built its reputation, in part, by offering
and estate pieces have a sense of romance that comes from the time when they were made.” For de Boulle, the Estate Col- lection has key benefits. The store gets to showcase unique and inter- esting pieces, at an array of price
dedicated and expert associates who can evaluate and appraise your pieces onsite. All de Boulle specialists are accredited by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and several of our staff are GIA Graduate Gemologists. With specialized equipment and many years of experience, our associates allow our customers to buy with absolute confidence. Each piece is thoroughly checked, researched and verified, so that our customers know the piece they are buying is authentic. With the Estate Collection, cus- tomers have an even wider range of options in the store, including the best designers and the famous de Boulle Collection. It is all part of de Boulle’s unwavering desire to give its customers exactly what they want.
its customers a wide selection of preowned timepieces. The same excitement about a piece with pedigree — when it comes with a story even before you add yours — applies to jewelry, too. “There are really some unusual and fun pieces,” Bartley says, “and a lot of them are designer pieces. We might have a client that is interest- ed in something unusual and rare, which these pieces definitely are. Jewelry is about the imagination,
points, and customers are able to trade in jewelry they aren’t wear- ing any longer. The Estate Collec- tion has another important plus:
“There is something about holding a piece in your hand that has history to it.” —Jeff Bartley
o put things in perspec- tive, Kate Mi dd l e t on and Meghan M a r k l e w a l k e d down the aisle in cus- tom cre- ations from A l e x a n - THE BRIDE WORE WOW HOW de BOULLE HELPED ONE WEDDING DRESS GO FROM MARVELOUS TO MULTIMILLION T
bride on her big day to have something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. We helped with the borrowed part: We loaned Brittingham more than 220 carats’ worth of diamonds and sapphires — to the tune of $1.5 million. With the gorgeous gems added to the bodice and 1,001 Swarovski crystals add- ed to the skirt, Brittingham had her oh-wow gown — and a pair of shoulder-dusting de Boulle diamond earrings and a blue sapphire de Boulle ring to go with it. Total for this dream dress? A cool $2 million. The collaboration between de Boulle, Brittingham and Dallas-based wedding planner Donnie Brown debuted — com- plete with its own security de- tail — at the Dallas Bridal Show in July, with a media frenzy the week before. The gown re- ceived local and worldwide attention — in a story that, in- deed, just needs two people and $2 million to end happily ever after.
der McQueen and Givenchy, respectively. Both had long trains, long veils and hand- stitched embroidery and lace — and were reported to cost about $135,000, for Markle’s dress, and an eyebrow-raising $450,000, for Middleton’s. Well, as they say, everything is bigger in Texas — so imagine a wedding dress that tops out at almost five times more cost- ly than Middleton’s. Designer Mackenzie Brittingham, who creates custom evening and bridal gowns for Dallas-based department store Stanley Kor- shak, wanted to create some- thing truly unusual. Couture dresses are nothing new for the nearly $80 billion bridal indus- try, where the average wedding costs $33,000, but Brittingham wanted to up the ante. After sketching and creating a gown with an ostrich-feather skirt and fitted bodice, she felt it needed more. Much more. Brittingham reached out to de Boulle. It’s good luck, of course, for any
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