Retailer

Corina Madilian of Single Stone

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We've had the pleasure of knowing the bright, talented, and gorgeous (did we say gorgeous?) Corina Madilian since 2011. In the last four years, we've shared jewel chats, cocktails, and some amazing meals, but mostly, we've just stared at her personal collection of fine baubles and wept because it's not our own. The woman knows how to accessorize. To be fair, she also knows how to dress. And cook. And speak Spanish. Our personal favorite Corina phase was when she wanted to grow her hair to her waist and dress exclusively like Georgia O' Keefe. But, that's another interview. The LA-based mother of three and owner of Single Stone, Single Stone San Marino, and Serafina is doing it all and sharing with us what helps her along the way. We're hoping some of it rubs off.

“I’m a sucker for turquoise and green emeralds.”
— Corina

Let’s have dinner at your favorite neighborhood restaurant. Where do we go and what do we eat? 

I love Little Beast in Eagle Rock. Their menu changes seasonally and I love the cozy neighborhood feel.

 

If you could buy any piece of contemporary jewelry from another jeweler, what would it be?

We just got in a beautiful oversized turquoise pendant by Lucifer Vir Honestus that I have my eye on and I love Savannah Stranger’s baroque pearls for their irregularity. As far as designers outside of our store, I would love a Sidney Garber rolling bracelet in rose and yellow gold.

 

The vacation spot that you keep going back to over and over?

Mallorca, Spain – it has become a second home for us and just feels right.

 

What’s the last book you couldn’t put down? 

The Goldfinch – there have been others that I’ve enjoyed but I just LOVED The Goldfinch.

 

What's your go-to cocktail? 

I love a good tequila cocktail – something with a little spice and maybe some fresh clementine oranges. Yum!

 

The gemstone you’re currently lusting after is . . .

I’m a sucker for turquoise and green emeralds.

 

It’s your birthday and your favorite flower arrangement arrives – what does it look like? 

It ABSOLUTELY would not include any lilies! I love hydrangeas and peonies.

 

What’s your favorite piece that you made in the last year and why?

We made a spectacular necklace for our debut at Couture. It’s from our Cobblestone Collection – it’s all beautiful vintage cut diamonds and just feels amazing on! (pictured above in slideshow)

 

You have 30 minutes to work out – what do you do? 

I just got a water rower that I am trying to get acquainted with. If not, Cardio Barre.

 

What was the first piece of jewelry you bought for yourself? 

A diamond tennis bracelet when I was in my early 20’s

 

If you could have dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Frieda Kahlo – an incredible spirit so ahead of her time. 

 

Take a pic of the most sentimental piece of jewelry you own and tell us the back story.

A beautiful emerald and diamond ring my husband made for my 40th birthday. (This stunner is pictured above in our slideshow. Also, bravo, Ari!)

 

What’s your preferred mode of transportation day-to-day?

Land Rover! The extra seats are a must for all of my kids and their friends. Plus, it’s comfortable. If I could have my way though, I would ride a bike everywhere.

 

Top 5 bands in your playlist - go! 

Journey, Beyonce, Fleetwood Mac, Coldplay, something in Spanish – need to mix it up a bit!

(Ed Note: Corina knows all the words to Drunk in Love and loves to sing it.)

 

You’re having guests for the weekend. What’s your signature dish that you cook for them?

Branzino on the grill, lamb chops, I make a killer ceviche. And, for desert a homemade fruit tart.

 

Be honest – who’s your celebrity crush?!

It was Andy Garcia for the longest time. Not so sure anymore – Pierce Brosnan? Actually, Manish Dayal! I have a thing for Indian guys… my husband knowsI

 

If you could only carry one handbag for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Honestly, who could pick just one – a Birkin?

 

What’s your signature scent and what three words would you use to describe it? 

Something light and rosey although I’m currently loving Diptyque’s Moheli.

 

If you could sit front row at any fashion show, which would it be and why?

I actually prefer a street scene much more than at the actual shows.  I think what’s happening on the street is much more interesting and original. (Ed Note: This is currently our favorite answer in the history of this question, ever, and we will be stealing it for when Vogue, er TV Guide, interviews us.)

 

Tell us your beauty secrets (think: can’t-live-without makeup and skincare)

Absolutely love Dr. Hauschka’s lip care stick and bronzer and I never leave home without mascara on my top lashes.

 

Signature nail polish and/or lipstick shade for a night on the town? 

Usually dark on my toes (Lincoln Park After Dark by OPI) and natural fingernails.  I usually just wear gloss on my lips.

 

 

There you have it, folks. Just standing next to Corina makes you chicer, so you'll thank us later for taking all of her tips to heart.

 

Shop Single Stone's eponymous collection & all the amazing brands they offer at shopsinglestone.com

 

xxFFR

Sophie Quy

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As the Fine Jewelry Buyer at Net-A-Porter, this British beauty is, for lack of a better phrase, freaking nailing it (in part to green juice landing in London, no doubt). One needs to look no further than the perfectly curated fine jewelry collection on the site, made up of a fantastic mix of International designers, encompassing boldfaced names and up-and-comers, alike. Although she spends her days working alongside some of the most influential people in the industry (Natalie Massenet, anyone?), we can always count on the the divine Mrs. Q. for tea time (no milk, please), chats on the latest trends, the best reccos for evenings out in the UK, and a hearty laugh. In short, we'll take one of everything, Soph, and thanks for reminding us that NAP delivers same day in NYC...as if Meaghan doesn't have enough of a shopping problem. 

Sophie Quy FFR
“I have a bit of a shoe obsession, like any girl, so probably the footwear department...although I don’t know how I could ever leave the world of fine jewellery!”
— Sophie, on never working in another department. Ever.

 

Click images below to enlarge & learn more about Sophie's top picks on Net-A-Porter and then read her interview below:

 

How long have you been a buyer at Net-a-Porter and what did you do before your current position? You have quite an important role.

It feels like I started yesterday, but it’s been nearly three years. Maybe that’s a sign that I really do have the best job in the world! Prior to NET-A-PORTER, I was at Harrods for five years where I started out as a personal shopper and worked my way up to become a jewellery buyer.  

 

Congrats on your wedding! Tell us about your inspiration for sporting that amazing ear cuff (and the rest of your ensemble) on your big day?!

Jewellery is obviously a major part of my life, so I had to have something sparkly and special for my big day. During my buy appointment with Ana Khouri, I fell in love with the earcuff and just knew it was the perfect piece. I was so grateful to Ana who made sure it fit on my tiny ear. Regarding the rest of my outfit, I wanted to keep everything simple. I wore a Lanvin Blanche dress in the most lovely brocade and cream paired with satin Valentino heels and four Jennifer Meyer bangles with small diamond details. 

 

Was wedding planning easier or harder having limitless outfit options at your disposal?

I travel so much for work that I had to make things easy for myself. I called in my favourite styles to the office to try on for my team and mother who helped me decide. I didn’t have time to do numerous fittings so I ended up choosing my amazing dress from NET-A-PORTER. 

 

What are your favourite 5 picks for fine jewellery available on NAP right now?

Noor Fares wing earrings

Anita Ko leaf ring

Alison Lou Full Pave “Mwa” emoji necklace (Exclusive to NET-A-PORTER)

Brooke Gregson bracelet – but I’d need at least 3, so perfect for summer!

Diane Kordas Teardrop ring

 

Name a new (to NAP) fine Jewellery designer that our readers should know about. 

I am coveting Wendy Nichol right now. Her pieces are amazing, so subtle and yet so cool in an off duty model way. I am slowly filling my ear up with more piercings so I can wear all of her looks together. I also love Elena Votsi. Her pieces are the perfect way to rock a statement piece. 

 

Gemstone you can’t get enough of?

Of course DIAMONDS – they’re a girl’s best friend. I also love watermelon Tourmaline.

 

What’s your favourite piece that you’ve recently purchased?

I just purchased a gorgeous yet simple Ileana Makri huggy hoop in yellow gold with pave detail. It pairs so well with everyday looks.

 

What is the most sentimental piece of jewellery that you own and what's the backstory?

I would have to say it’s my Signet ring which is featured in nearly every picture of my hand on Instagram. It has the Kerr family crest which is my maiden name, as well as a sun and the motto “Sero sed serio” which means ‘Late but in earnest’ – although I am SO punctual.  It was given to me for my 21st birthday by my grandparents who have sadly since passed away and I will never take it off. My father and uncles as well as my siblings have one. 

 

Why do you think people are becoming so comfortable purchasing fine jewellery online? This is definitely a new phenomenon. 

Fine jewellery is certainly growing in popularity for us. Women used to save their fine jewellery for special occasions, whereas they now style their pieces with everyday looks. I think the fact that our customers can shop with us 24/7 all year round from any device, anywhere in the world makes shopping with us incredibly convenient. We have an incredible customer service team as well as personal shoppers who are on hand at all times to answer any customer questions. We also have a fantastic team of fashion advisors who have a wealth of knowledge on each piece of fine jewellery that we stock. Each item is photographed by our in-house photographers in London and in New York, and they style each piece by itself and then as part of a full outfit which really helps customers understand how they can style the item. We also offer detailed shots with zoom functionality for those who want a closer look. And we measure every product so they feel as if they have tried on the piece. We also offer brand details on our product pages, so customers can connect with the story behind the designer. This ensures the romance of buying something isn’t lost online.

 

Next time FFR is in London, where do we eat? 

- Good Life Eatery for breakfast or lunch

- The Wolsely is also a breakfast must. So English, and definitely one of my favourites

- Pollen Street Social for dinner

- E&O

- Chiltern Firehouse 

 

Best cocktail bar? (for a sophisticated sip and ponying up to a pub -- we are Geminis, so we need both options.)

- I love the Dandelyan bar at the Mondrian in London. After that I usually take a stroll along the river. It’s also a great place to stop into after a trip to the Tate Modern. 

- Upstairs at The Electric 

- The Pig’s Ear, or the Admiral Codrington for a classic pub

 

Scale of 1-10…how happy are you to be able to buy a green juice in Europe now?

If I could say a million then I would. It is so amazing to finally have juice shops on every corner. My two favourites are Roots & Bulbs and The Juice Well. There is also an amazing one in Paris by Place de Victoires called Juice it.

 

What’s your preferred mode of transportation day-to-day? 

I have such a busy schedule that I often take Borris Bike to work or on weekends. It’s a great way to exercise and enjoy all of the gorgeous views. 

 

Top 5 bands in your playlist?

Mumford & Sons, Sam Smith, Florence & the Machine, Rudimental, and Taylor Swift, of course.  

 

Celebrity Crush?! 

Jamie Dornan, and not because of the Fifth Shades phenomenon. And I also am a bit obsessed with Daria.

 

If you could only carry one handbag for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

A Fendi Peekaboo 

 

What’s your signature scent and what three words would you use to describe it? 

I love Diptyque Rose. It’s natural, light and clean.

 

If you could buy for any other department, what would it be and why?

I have a bit of a shoe obsession like any girl, so probably the footwear department although I don’t know how I could ever leave the world of fine jewellery!

 

What are your top 3 tourist destinations in London?

Buckingham palace (in the summer you can tour some of the rooms which is amazing), National Gallery and Regent’s Park.

 

 

Thank you, Thank you, Soph!

 

xx, FFR

Brooke Baxter

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Thanks to our dear Gem Gossip, we were introduced to this Southern cutie at COUTURE 2014. Eleven seconds into conversation, Meaghan bought a malachite pinky ring off of Brooke's finger and the rest is history. What started as a hobby has evolved into a thriving e-commerce business, sprinkled with trunk shows, public appearances, world travel, and drinking rosé. Selling some of the raddest estate jewelry around and rubbing elbows with Nashville's finest, Arrow & Anchor Antiques has merged work and play the FFR way.

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“One of those awesome Hemp chokers with a clay bead. I bought it at Bethany Beach Surf Shop and I thought I was really making a serious statement with that thing!”
— Brooke Baxter

 

Let’s have dinner at your favorite neighborhood restaurant. Where do we go and what do we eat? 

Rolf and Daughters in Nashville is my absolute fave! The menu is constantly changing...drinks are awesome...atmosphere is great and their playlists are always on point! Definitely a Nashville staple. 

 

If you could buy any piece of contemporary jewelry from another jeweler, what would it be? 

Anything from Andrea Fohrman. It’s like she has this magic power. Taking a small piece of outer space and putting it perfectly onto your finger (or neck). Everything that she does is perfect. And then there is Monique Pean! Her use of materials always impresses me. Picking one is difficult!

 

The vacation spot that you keep going back to over and over? 

I wouldn’t say that I have actually been here over and over but Tulum is somewhere that I would like to re-visit over and over and over again.

 

What’s the last book you couldn’t put down? 

I am constantly amazed by the beautiful images in Dries Van Noten’s coffee table book. Visually it has to be my favorite book. I did just read Patti Smith: Just Kids. That was great too!

 

Secret/favorite spot for cocktails at a trade show (and what’s your go-to drink?) 

The Raleigh Hotel in Miami - Dirty Martini. 

 

The gemstone you’re currently lusting after is...   

Malachite and Emerald 

(ed note: still no guilt about stealing the malachite from you...it's often paired with a step cut emerald and it's glorious.)

 

What’s your favorite piece that you made in the last year and why? 

90% of my inventory is antique, some vintage. I have a couple of custom pieces that I have done for clients. I recently found this amazing rose-cut diamond ring. The setting was silver with a rose gold split shank. It was the first piece to sell at the recent A Current Affair market in LA. Definitely having some intense seller's remorse!

 

You have 30 minutes to work out – what do you do? 

A full Hot Yoga class is 60-75 minutes but if I could do that for 30 minutes...that’s what I would choose. 

 

What was the first piece of jewelry you bought for yourself? 

One of those awesome Hemp chokers with a clay bead. I bought it at Bethany Beach Surf Shop and I thought I was really making a serious statement with that thing! Along with a couple of Grateful Dead patches for my L.L. Bean backpack. Livin’ it up in the ‘90s!

 

If you could have dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why? 

I would love to have tea at The Plaza with Salvador Dali. I heard that he used to have tea there quite often. Just the thought of sitting with him and hearing him speak about what interests him on a daily basis would be fascinating. I don’t even think I would ask him about his art. 

 

What’s your preferred mode of transportation day-to-day? 

My car – a Mercedes G550. It’s like driving a tank. This might offend some people but Tennessee drivers are horrible. They’re totally checked out so it’s nice to have a safe car. Oh and I LOVE Uber. Life changer!

 

Top 5 bands in your playlist - go! 

Warpaint, Turbo Fruits,  Palma Violets, Mini Mansions, Father John Misty, Cage The Elephant, Rayland Baxter (my little bro), and Jessie Baylin (my dear friend). The new Alabama Shakes album is unspeakably awesome. Only 5? 

 

You’re having guests for the weekend. What’s your signature dish that you cook?

Kale salad...I like to starve my guests ;)

 

If you could only carry one handbag for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Classic Celine Tote 

 

What’s your signature scent and what three words would you use to describe it? 

A random Amber Oil that I buy at Whole Foods. Subtle, Soft, Calming.

 

If you could sit front row at any fashion show, which would it be and why?

Dries Van Noten. His use of texture and pattern is next level! I have been a long time fan of his (insert prayer hand emoji).

 

Tell us your beauty secrets.

I was just staying with a friend in LA and she had walked out of the bathroom that I was using and said, “Jeez, Brooke, It looks like you are setting up to be featured on Top Shelf” (intothegloss.com), which would be my dream. I am an absolute cosmetic freak. I would pick cosmetic shopping over clothing shopping any day. 

           

Current Faves:

          

-Coconut Oil (general moisturizer)

-La Mer Body Cream

-Phylia de M. Shampoo and Conditioner 

-Sunday Riley - Start Over Eye Cream

-RMS - lip2cheek

-Tata Harper - all of her products are amazing!

         

Signature nail polish and/or lipstick shade for a night on the town?

OPI – Lincoln Park After Dark. Nars – Bimini Lipgloss.

 

Thanks, B! xx FFR