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Monday, September 08, 2025

Discover Hvammsvík Nature Resort & Hot Springs – Iceland’s Hidden Gem In Hvalfjörður

Hvammsvík is a private estate located in Hvalfjörður, also known as Whale Fjord, in Southwest Iceland.

  • Just a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik

  • Surrounded by some of Iceland’s most famous destinations:

    • The Golden Circle

    • Glymur Waterfall

    • Thingvellir National Park

    • Mount Esjan

You don’t need to travel far from the city to feel completely away from it all.


What You’ll Experience

Hvammsvík offers more than views.

  • 1200 acres of untouched Icelandic nature

  • Hot springs by the ocean, open year-round

  • Access to wildlife, open skies, and total privacy

You can walk the shoreline, dip in geothermal pools, or just sit in silence surrounded by volcanic rock and sea.

A Place with Deep Roots

Did you know this estate has over 1,000 years of recorded history?

  • First mentioned in Landnáma, Iceland’s Book of Settlements

  • Believed to have been discovered by the Vikings

This isn’t a man-made retreat built for tourists. It’s a place shaped by time and still thriving in its natural form.

A World War II Legacy

Hvammsvík played a key role during the Second World War.

  • Taken over by Allied forces as their naval headquarters in Iceland

  • Nearly 40,000 soldiers stationed in the area

  • The fjord held over 200 ships

  • Given the code names “Falcon Crest” and “Falcon Beach” to keep its location secret

Few places in Iceland carry this kind of living memory.

Why Choose Hvammsvík?

If you want to feel Iceland—not just see it—this is your spot.

  • You’re not just visiting nature. You’re part of it.

  • The surroundings are raw and real

  • You can enjoy silence, soak in the sea-view hot springs, and feel the calm set in

Hvammsvík is ideal for:

  • Couples seeking privacy

  • Travelers looking for authentic Icelandic experiences

  • Anyone who needs a break without flying too far from the capital

Is This For You?

Ask yourself:

  • Do you enjoy remote places with strong local stories?

  • Do you want a base near Reykjavik, but away from tourist crowds?

  • Would you trade a hotel lobby for a private geothermal pool?

If you answered yes, Hvammsvík might be where you belong.

Aber Falls Welsh Dry Gin – 40% ABV – 70cl

Distilled in Wales using water from Aber Falls waterfall.

Looking for a gin with a crisp citrus profile and a bold juniper core?

Here’s what you get with this Welsh Dry Gin from Aber Falls:


Made in Wales

  • Crafted using pure water from the Rhaeadr Fawr (Aber Falls waterfall)

  • Distilled in traditional copper pots

  • Inspired by classic London Dry Gin

What you’ll taste

  • Clear notes of juniper upfront

  • Citrus from grapefruit, lemon, and orange

  • Earthy tones from liquorice root and angelica

  • Hints of coriander seed for balance

  • A clean finish with gentle spice and a touch of sweetness

Why does this gin work well in your bar

  • Pairs easily with dry tonic or soda

  • Works in classic cocktails like Gin & Tonic, Negroni, and Tom Collins

  • Offers a bright and refreshing profile—good for warm weather

  • Welsh origin adds regional appeal and storytelling value

Planning a gin tasting night?

  • Compare this with a London Dry to note the citrus-forward twist

  • Try it with a slice of pink grapefruit instead of lime

  • Serve it with cracked ice and a sprig of rosemary for a local touch

Are you selling or serving spirits in Wales or the UK?
. Highlight the use of local water and the regional heritage.
. People often choose gins with a story, and this one starts at a waterfall.

Portuguese Gold Escudo Necklace - 19.2Kt Handmade Jewelry

Authentic Portuguese Gold Escudo Necklace in 19.2Kt gold. Handmade jewelry from Portugal's traditional collection. Certified by the Portuguese Mint Office. 39cm chain, 1.0cm pendant.


Product Description

Authentic Portuguese Gold Escudo Necklace

You get genuine Portuguese craftsmanship with this 19.2Kt gold Escudo necklace.

Key Features:

  • Weight: 1.6 grams of pure gold
  • Chain length: 39cm with 5cm extender
  • Pendant size: 1.0cm diameter
  • Gold purity: 19.2Kt certified
  • Origin: Handmade in Portugal

Why Choose Portuguese Gold?

Portuguese gold ranks among the world's purest metals. The Portuguese Mint Office certifies every piece.

This certification guarantees authenticity and quality standards you can trust.

Traditional Portuguese Collection

The Escudo necklace belongs to Portugal's traditional jewelry heritage.

Each piece reflects centuries of Portuguese goldsmith expertise.

Your necklace connects you to authentic European craftsmanship.

Perfect Specifications

The 39cm chain fits most neck sizes comfortably.

The 5cm extender gives you flexibility for different looks.

The 1.0cm pendant offers subtle elegance without overpowering your style.

Handmade Quality

Portuguese artisans craft each necklace by hand.

No mass production shortcuts compromise the quality.

You receive jewelry made with traditional techniques passed through generations.

Investment Value

19.2Kt gold maintains its value over time.

Portuguese gold certification adds an authenticity premium.

Your purchase supports traditional European craftsmanship.

This Portuguese Gold Escudo Necklace features 19.2Kt certified gold weighing 1.6 grams. The handmade piece includes a 39cm chain with 5cm extender and a 1.0cm pendant. Portuguese Mint Office certification guarantees authenticity. The necklace represents traditional Portuguese jewelry craftsmanship and belongs to the prestigious Portuguese Gold Collection. Each piece is individually handcrafted in Portugal using time-honored goldsmith techniques.

SPKTRL LIGHT Mirage Ring - Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring

SPKTRL LIGHT Mirage Ring features a 1.5-carat emerald-cut lab-grown diamond in white gold. Art Deco design meets modern craftsmanship for the perfect engagement ring.


Product Description

The SPKTRL LIGHT Mirage Ring brings Art Deco elegance to modern jewelry design.

Key Features:

  • 1.5-carat emerald-cut lab-grown diamond
  • White gold bezel setting
  • Mirror-polished band
  • Minimalist Art Deco design
  • Sustainable lab-created stone

Why Choose This Ring?

The emerald cut creates clean lines that complement the Art Deco aesthetic.

Lab-grown diamonds offer the same brilliance as mined stones with better value.

White gold provides durability while maintaining the ring's sleek appearance.

Design Details

The bezel setting protects your diamond while creating a modern look.

Mirror-polished metal catches light from every angle.

The streamlined band feels comfortable for everyday wear.

Perfect For:

  • Engagement proposals
  • Anniversary gifts
  • Modern jewelry collectors
  • Eco-conscious buyers

Care Instructions

Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.

Store separately to prevent scratching.

Professional cleaning recommended every six months.

Why Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-created diamonds match the quality of mined stones.

They cost 30-40% less than natural diamonds.

Zero environmental impact from mining.

Specifications:

  • Diamond: 1.5 carats, emerald cut, lab-grown
  • Setting: White gold bezel
  • Band: Mirror-polished white gold
  • Style: Art Deco minimalist
  • Certificate: IGI or GIA available

Investment Value

This ring combines timeless design with modern values.

Art Deco styles remain popular across generations.

Lab-grown diamonds represent the future of fine jewelry.

Sizing and Customization

Available in sizes 4-12.

Custom sizing options available.

Engraving services offered.

The SPKTRL LIGHT Mirage Ring combines Art Deco style with modern technology. This engagement ring features a 1.5-carat emerald-cut lab-grown diamond set in a white gold bezel setting. The mirror-polished band reflects light beautifully while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.

TAOS Tuxedo Watch: Swiss Haute Horlogerie Meets Formal Elegance

Discover the TAOS Tuxedo watch featuring a grand feu enamel dial, VOP318 caliber, 18K white gold case. Swiss craftsmanship with 72-hour power reserve. Price: 140,000 CHF.


The Art of Formal Timekeeping

The TAOS Tuxedo watch transforms evening wear inspiration into horological artistry. This timepiece captures the sophistication of black-tie attire through meticulous craftsmanship and technical excellence.

Dial Craftsmanship That Captivates

The dial showcases the brand's mastery of grand feu enameling techniques.

Key Features:

  • Blue and black color palette with silver accents
  • Multiple enamel layers with embedded silver foil
  • Hand-applied silver paillons create textile-like patterns
  • Light plays across the surface mimicking woven fabric

Each dial requires multiple firings at extreme temperatures. The process demands precision timing and expert temperature control.

VOP318 Caliber: Swiss Engineering Excellence

TAOS partnered with Télôs of La Chaux-de-Fonds to create this exclusive movement.

Technical Specifications:

  • Self-winding automatic mechanism
  • Double-barrel configuration
  • 72-hour power reserve
  • 30.40mm diameter, 4.20mm thickness
  • 4Hz frequency with 26 rubies

The Entrelacs caliber features over 150 hours of manual engraving. Atelier Olivier Vaucher in Geneva handles the decorative work. The oscillating weight remains hidden within the case structure.

Case Design and Materials

The 18K white gold case measures 38mm in diameter with 10mm thickness. Water resistance reaches 3 ATM, suitable for daily wear but not swimming.

The proportions balance presence with wearability. The case profile complements both formal and business attire.

Strap and Buckle Details

The black calfskin strap features an alligator pattern with visible saddle stitching. Geneva craftsmen hand-sew each strap for durability and comfort.

The 18K white gold pin buckle carries exclusive TAOS design elements. This completes the formal aesthetic while ensuring secure wearing.

Investment and Availability

The TAOS Tuxedo retails for 140,000 CHF. This positions it within the haute horlogerie segment alongside established Swiss manufacturers.

The price reflects the extensive handwork involved in both dial creation and movement decoration. Limited production numbers maintain exclusivity.

Why Choose the TAOS Tuxedo

This watch serves collectors seeking contemporary design with traditional Swiss techniques. The enamel dial work represents skills passed down through generations of artisans.

The hidden rotor design allows full appreciation of the decorated movement. Few manufacturers offer this level of finishing in modern timepieces.

Final Thoughts

The TAOS Tuxedo demonstrates how fashion inspiration can elevate watchmaking artistry. Every element from dial to movement receives artisanal attention.

For those who appreciate both technical mastery and aesthetic refinement, this timepiece offers a compelling combination of Swiss heritage and modern design vision.

The TAOS Tuxedo is a luxury Swiss watch featuring a grand feu enamel dial with silver paillons, an exclusive VOP318 caliber with 72-hour power reserve, an 18K white gold case, and a handmade leather strap. Priced at 140,000 CHF, it represents haute horlogerie craftsmanship with over 150 hours of manual engraving and a hidden oscillating weight design.

Surrealist Jewels 101: London Exhibition At Louisa Guinness Gallery

Discover Surrealist Jewels 101 at Louisa Guinness Gallery, London. Explore rare surrealist jewelry, unique pieces, and emerging designers. Exhibition runs September 25 - November 7, 2025.


What Makes This Exhibition Special?

Louisa Guinness Gallery presents Surrealist Jewels 101 this autumn.

The exhibition marks 101 years since the surrealist movement began.

You'll see jewelry that challenges reality and logic.

Each piece blurs the line between art and adornment.

Exhibition Details You Need to Know

Opening Date: September 25, 2025

Closing Date: November 7, 2025

Location: Louisa Guinness Gallery, London

Curator: Louisa Guinness

What Will You See at the Exhibition?

The show features three types of jewelry:

  • Rare loans from private collections
  • New acquisitions by the gallery
  • Fresh commissions created for this exhibition

Many pieces appear publicly for the first time.

You'll discover work that transports you into surreal imagination.

Why This Exhibition Matters for Jewelry Lovers

The gallery supports emerging talent alongside established designers.

Lesser-known makers get their moment to shine.

This approach creates dialogue between different generations of artists.

You can explore one-of-a-kind pieces that defy conventional jewelry design.

The Gallery's Commitment to New Talent

Louisa Guinness personally selects emerging designers.

The gallery presents their work to collectors and curators.

This support helps independent artists reach new audiences.

Placing new voices with established names drives the gallery's mission.

Experience Surrealist Jewelry Like Never Before

Each piece challenges your perception of what jewelry can be.

The exhibition offers intricate, handcrafted works.

You'll see how surrealism translates into wearable art.

The show demonstrates jewelry's power as artistic expression.

Plan Your Visit

Mark your calendar for September 25, 2025.

The exhibition runs for six weeks until November 7.

Visit the Louisa Guinness Gallery in London to experience these rare pieces.

Don't miss this opportunity to see surrealist jewelry that pushes artistic boundaries.

Surrealist Jewels 101 celebrates the 101st anniversary of surrealism through a curated jewelry exhibition at Louisa Guinness Gallery, London. Running from September 25 to November 7, 2025, the show features rare loans, new acquisitions, and work by emerging designers alongside established names.

Molar Necklace Gold Vermeil 18ct - French Handcrafted Jewelry | ALF Jewelry

Premium molar necklace in 18ct gold vermeil with a sterling silver base. Handcrafted in France. Adjustable 43-52cm length. Color enamel details. French luxury jewelry.


Premium Gold Vermeil Molar Necklace - Handcrafted in France

This striking molar necklace combines 18ct gold vermeil with a sterling silver 925 base.

Each piece features vibrant color enamel detailing.

The adjustable design fits comfortably at 43cm to 52cm (16.9 to 20.4 inches).

French Artisan Craftsmanship

ALF Jewelry creates each piece entirely by hand in France.

Skilled artisans handle every step from metalwork to stone setting.

Production can take days or months for a single piece.

The 925-sterling silver and 18ct vermeil gold offer exceptional durability.

Care Instructions for Longevity

Protect from water and chemicals:

  • Remove before showering or washing hands
  • Avoid moisturizers, hand sanitizers, and perfumes
  • Keep fur-detailed pieces completely dry

Safe storage practices:

  • Store in the supplied box when not worn
  • Prevent movement during travel
  • Keep pieces dry and avoid workout wear

Cleaning and maintenance:

  • Use a jewelry polishing cloth for cleaning
  • Gently buff to maintain shine
  • Handle with care to prevent scratches

Your jewelry will develop its own character over time while maintaining its beauty with proper care.

This premium molar necklace from ALF Jewelry features 18ct gold vermeil over sterling silver 925 with color enamel accents. Handcrafted in France using traditional techniques, the adjustable necklace measures 43-52cm. The piece requires careful maintenance, including protection from water, chemicals, and physical damage. Store properly and clean with jewelry cloth to preserve its beauty and extend its lifespan.

Sunday, September 07, 2025

The Anthropocene Illusion By Zed Nelson

What Happens When We Replace Nature with Spectacle.

Zed Nelson spent six years across four continents documenting a global pattern:

  • We’ve replaced real nature with controlled simulations.

  • From zoos and theme parks to safaris and ski resorts, we’ve built artificial versions of the wild.

  • These curated experiences hide how far we’ve drifted from the natural world.


You see it everywhere:
  • Animal displays in shopping malls

  • Fake waterfalls in urban parks

  • “Wild” jungle treks on cruise ships

  • Artificial snow in desert resorts

. We crave connection with nature.
. But we don’t want the discomfort of facing what we’ve destroyed.

What Is the Anthropocene?

  • Scientists call this new era the Anthropocene — the age shaped by humans.

  • In just a few centuries, we’ve changed the planet more than nature did over millions of years.

  • Cities have replaced forests.

  • Industrial farming has replaced biodiversity.

  • Wild animals now live behind fences, screens, or glass.

We’ve turned nature into a show.
And we buy tickets to watch it.

Ask Yourself

  • When was the last time you experienced untouched nature?

  • Do you trust the version of the wild you see in tourist spots?

  • Are we comforting ourselves with illusions while real ecosystems vanish?

Why It Matters to You

  • These illusions may feel harmless — even enjoyable.

  • But they distract us from real loss.

  • The more we rely on fake nature, the less pressure we put on saving real habitats.

You’re not just a visitor in this story.
You’re part of it.

What You Can Do

  • Visit local sanctuaries that protect real wildlife.

  • Support reforestation and habitat restoration.

  • Ask harder questions when nature is packaged as entertainment.

  • Spend time in places where nature still controls the script.

. The Anthropocene is not a distant concept.
. It’s your world, your choices, your future.