From rare jadeite bangles to diamond-encrusted panther-shaped bracelets, we round up five of the most expensive bracelets to ever hit the auction block.

5. Barbara Hutton’s Jadeite Bangle

Born in 1912, Barbara Hutton was the heiress to the Woolworth Department Store fortune. It was estimated that, by the time she was 21 years old, Hutton’s trust fund was worth more than $1 billion in today’s dollars. However, when Hutton died in 1979, she was virtually bankrupt, having spent her incredible wealth on her lavish lifestyle that included a $60,000 (roughly $1 million today) debutante ball, multiple homes around the world, and an impressive jewelry collection. One particularly noteworthy piece was a carved jadeite bangle. Jadeite is an extremely rare jade variety and, in turn, very expensive. When the last of Hutton’s jewelry was posthumously put up for auction by Sotheby’s, her jadeite bangle sold for $908,000 USD.

4. Martin Katz Diamond Bracelet

Jeweler Martin Katz designs’ make regular appearances on the red carpet. His dazzling diamond and gemstone encrusted necklaces, earrings, and bracelets are marked for their dramatic presence and romantic flair. Katz’s long list of celebrity clients includes Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Sandra Bullock, and Kate Winslet. In 2008, Katz was commissioned to design a bracelet for the 80th Annual Academy Awards Fashion Preview. Katz submitted an exquisite diamond bracelet that was valued at $1 million USD.

3. M. Gérard Diamond Bracelet

In Paris 1968, Louis Gérard left his station at the luxury jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels and founded his own brand, M. Gérard. At the height of his success, Gérard was considered the largest French exporter of fine jewelry. Although the brand closed in December 1991, its jewels are still highly valuable. In 2006, Christie’s auctioned an M. Gérard diamond bracelet made of two rows of diamonds with a 29.01 carat diamond as its center stone. The bracelet sold for over $1.5 million USD.

2. Highly Important Jadeite Bangle

Jadeite is an integral part of China’s history, a symbol of the nobility and the laws that govern heaven and Earth. Emperor Xuanzong of Tang (who reigned over China’s Tang Dynasty from 712 to 765 CE) had a special jadeite bracelet crafted for his musically and artistically talented muse and created a new elliptical shape for jadeite bangles in the process. Because the bracelet was carved to be an oval and not a perfect circle, it was specially designed to flatter the slender wrist of the emperor’s consort and dubbed the Guifei bangle.

In 2014, Sotheby’s auctioned off a jadeite Guifei bangle that was considered exceptional because of its size, transparency and vivid green color. The bangle sold for over $5.2 million USD.

1. Wallis Simpson Cartier Panther Bracelet

Wallis Simpson was an American socialite whose third husband Prince Edward famously abdicated his throne to marry the twice-divorced Simpson. The couple commissioned a handful of designs from Cartier in 1952, including this panther bracelet. The bracelet features 545 pave-set diamonds and calibre-cut onyx stones and two marquise-shaped emeralds for the cat’s green eyes. At a Sotheby’s auction in 2010, the bracelet became the most expensive bracelet ever sold at auction, fetching $7 million USD in spite of having several small stones missing. It is also the most expensive Cartier item ever sold at auction.

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Bangles are trending this season, and deservingly so. This type of bracelet is differentiated by its stiff and circular nature, sliding on and off the wrist. Bangles are so versatile and come in styles to suit every fashion trend — it’s no wonder they are on top in 2015. Here are our top 5 favorite bangle trends of the year.

1. Small Stacks

[Cartier Trinity Bangle Set][Ippolita Bangle Trio]The layered look is all the rage this season, but its developing into something new — small stacks. Instead of the heavy look of thick bracelets and watches, try stacking thin bangles for a lighter look better suited for the summer.

2. Summertime Blues

[Gucci Runway Blue Bangle][Hermes Night Sky Enamel Bangle]Blue is a refreshing shade for the summer and combined with the bangle trend, it’s the perfect way to break up warm summer tones. We especially like the retro feel of the plexiglass look, like the bangle cuff featured at the Spring/Summer 2015 Emporio Armani runway show.

3. Textures

[Nouvelle Bague Gold and Enamel Bangle][Christian Dior Poison Bangle]To achieve the best layered look you have to balance. This involves size and colors, but it also involves textures. To add quirk and balance out a flat look, try adding a textured and colorful bangle to your stack.

4. The Logo Look

[Chanel Black CC Logo Bangle][Chanel Pink and White CC Logo Bangle Set]There aren’t many logos as iconic as the Chanel interlocking C’s — and the designers at Chanel know it. Thankfully, they like to have fun with the logo in jewelry. Add some color or a minimal statement to your outfit with a logo bracelet from your favorite designer.

5. Rainbow Effect

[Multi-Color Gemstone Bangle][Ippolita Green Chrysoprase Bangle]
Summertime is all about the colors. There’s not a better way to add fresh and fun colors to your wardrobe than adding on a colorful gemstone bangle. Ippolita’s Rock Candy collection add the perfect amount of color while remaining light for the summer months.

Photo Credit: glamour.de / en.vogue.fr / any-news.gr / anzahara.com / boomerinas.com

Sports and fashion collided at the ESPY Awards on Wednesday night, and our favorite athletes brought their style “A” game to the red carpet. Check out our favorite looks from the star-studded event.

1. Lindsey Vonn

The olympic ski racer stunned, matching her dress to the red carpet. We especially loved her silver statement earrings and matching silver watch.

2. Lisa Leslie

Lisa Leslie, former professional basketball player, added a burst of color to the event with her bright and beautiful yellow dress. Her golden accessories highlighted her glowing look.

3. Mel B

Mel B wore another red dress, but unlike Lindsey Vonn, she chose golden accessories to finish her look. We always love seeing a Cartier Love bracelet on the red carpet.

4. Jake Gyllenhaal

He may not be an athlete, but Jake Gyllenhaal brought his fashion game to the awards show. He looked dapper with slicked-back hair and a classic tie clip.

5. Ricardo Lockette

This wide receiver knows how to catch everyone by surprise. Ricardo Lockette’s polka dotted suit was unexpected, but a fashion score. We liked the simplicity of his watch and ring with this exciting outfit.

Photo Credit: eonline.com / lovebscott.com / hollywoodreporter.com / yahoo.com / fashionbombdaily.com / espnmediazone.com

When watch aficionados hear the name Patek Philippe, ears perk up, eyes get wider and postures straighten. We don’t blame them. Patek Philippe has held the claim as one of the prestigious and most intricate watch brands worldwide, which explains why past royal owners includes the likes of Christian IX of Denmark, Victor Emanuel III of Italy, Pope Pius IX, and Queen Victoria — to name a few. Patek Philippe watches display unprecedented artistry, precise movements and a level of sophistication most have to be born into. But we’re watch junkies here at TrueFacet, which is why we offer a wide range of luxury watches for our customers to find the perfect match.

Gondolo Yellow Gold

Handsome has never been so precise. This Patek Philippe Yellow Gold piece features a brown alligator strap and 18 carat yellow gold ardillon buckle. Keeping with the detail of Patek Philippe timepieces, the watch is manual winding with a silvery opalescent dial, gold hour markers and a seconds subdial at the 6 o’clock position. Sapphire crystal encompasses the case back, providing water resistance up to 100 feet. Never worn and complete with a two-year warranty, take home this stunning piece of time today.

Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph 3970 EJ

You’re guaranteed to have the most sophisticated watch in the neighborhood, or town, with Patek Philippe’s Chronograph watch. Manual-moving with a perpetual calendar, leap year and moon phase indications, you’ll have all the allure and functionality most watch lovers only dream of. 18 carats of Yellow Gold form the round case, contrasting nicely with a brown alligator strap and yellow gold tang buckle. It even features the hallowed Geneva Seal! In excellent condition with TrueFacet authentication and a 1-year warranty, don’t miss out on your watch collection’s defining piece.

Golden Ellipse Rose Gold

Simple, sleek and confident are words that come to mind when in the presence of the Golden Ellipse Rose Gold. Looked at favorably by watch critics all over for its aesthetically pleasing elliptical design and feel, the case and back are both made of 18 carat Rose Gold giving way to a dark brown alligator strap. The gorgeous chocolate brown dial serves as the backdrop to the ultra-thin, 240 caliber moving golden hands and hour markers. Automatic moving, water-resistant up to 80 feet and never worn, the Golden Ellipse will transcend any outfit you sport. Get your TrueFacet Valuation Report and 2-year warranty when you add this marvel to your collection.

Patek Philippe Calatrava 3796 D 18K Yellow Gold Watch

For the more straightforward and classic gentleman, the Patek Philippe Calatrava boasts 18 carat Yellow Gold throughout the back and front case with a Patek brown leather bracelet and white Roman Numeral dial. The case displays a two-row, raised pyramid finish creating a shimmering effect as it moves about. The hand-winding dial also features a 60-second subdial at the 6 o’clock position. Pre-owned and in excellent condition, the Calatrava comes with a 1-year warranty and TrueFacet Appraisal Report.

Check out the rest of the Patek Philippe collection from TrueFacet and find your perfect watch today!

When Léon Breitling started his watch business in 1884 in Swiss Jura, he focused exclusively on perfecting chronographs and timers. Breitling wanted to be the leader in designing and manufacturing these precision instruments for the sensitive time-keeping required by scientists, industrialists and even athletes.

After Léon Breitling’s death in 1914, the business was left to his son, Gaston. In 1915, Breitling historically debuted the first independent chronograph push-piece. Breitling would later perfect (and patent) this system in 1923 by introducing separate start/stop functions that allowed the time-keeper to add successive or lap times without returning the hands to zero. In step with its founder’s precision timepieces, Breitling’s new feature made it a useful tool for pilots and for timing sports events.

In 1932, Gaston’s son, Willy, took control of the company. Breitling capitalized on its prestige and its proven reputation as a precise timepiece and began specializing in watches for airline pilots. Soon after, Breitling watches were worn by the British Royal Air Force throughout World War II. And to truly appeal to pilots and navigators who relied on their Breitling watch to make crucial in-flight calculations, Breitling developed the slide rule bezel in 1952. The Breitling Navitimer featured this new rotating bezel to help flight crews quickly and accurately calculate air speed, flight time, distance, fuel consumption and rate and time of climb and descent. Astronaut Scott Carpenter would later wear his Breitling Navitimer on his orbital flight aboard the Aurora 7 capsule. This effectively made the Breitling Navitimer the first-ever space-going wristwatch in 1962.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Breitling continued to fine tune its aviation-focused technology as on-board chronographs became standard flight equipment for small propeller planes and commercial jets. And in 1969, Breitling had a breakthrough in watchmaking: the first Swiss self-winding chronograph movement. The introduction of this movement—that combined the Breitling stopwatch technology with a movement that wound with the wearer’s natural movement– was a true watershed moment for the industry.

Photo Credit: thewatchgallery.com

However, in the 1970s and early 1980s, the watch industry was devastated by the introduction of quartz watches. Unlike the complicated and costly automatic watches makers prided themselves on, quartz watches use a quartz crystal as an electronic oscillator and keeps near-perfect time without needing to be wound. This new movement made watch production inexpensive, and the traditional watchmakers who relied on very elaborate (and expensive) movements to power their watches were unable to compete. During this economic upheaval known as the Quartz Crisis, the Swiss watchmakers saw a significant decline in their sales with some brands ultimately having to shutter their doors. For its own part, Breitling had suspended its operations and began laying off workers as it failed to compete in this changing market.

However, in 1979, Willy Breitling sold the company to Ernest Schneider, an engineer and amateur pilot. Schneider incorporated the quartz movement into his watch designs and marketed them under the illustrious Breitling name.

In 1984, Breitling partnered with the elite Italian Jet Team Freece Tricolori to update its 1941 Chronomat. The revamped design featured a sturdy case and a bezel with rider tabs. The watch was also design to withstand accelerations up to 20-G forces. Since its debut, the Breitling Chronomat has remained the best-selling style in the Breitling collection.

Having weathered the Quartz Crisis, Breitling re-established itself as a leader in the world of horology, releasing new collections including the Breitling Emergency in 1995. This unique timepiece contains a radio transmitter to broadcast distress frequencies and serve as a back-up for airborne beacons. Breitling has also upheld its high standards and, since 1999, has had every mechanical and electronic watch they manufactured certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute—making Breitling the only watch company in the world to have every watch certified as a chronometer.

Following Bentley’s win of France’s annual 24 Hours of Le Mans race—the oldest endurance sports car race—Breitling partnered with the British automobile manufacture to design its largest chronograph yet. In honor of the 24-hour long race, the watch features a 24-hour display and a bezel that references the dashboards of Bentley racing cars. Breitling also included a variable tachometer which measures average speed without needing to calculate distance or elapsed time.

Breitling has an awe-inspiring legacy and continues to honor its founder with its precision-made and superior watches.

Photo Credit: breitling.com / thewatchgallery.com / freccetricoloriunvololungo50anni.blogspot.com / senatus.net / raymark.com

If you thought your accessory choices were limited, take style cues from your favorite celebrities. With resurging trends, like the tie clips worn by David Gandy and Chris Pine, and emerging trends, like men’s bracelets as worn by Johnny Depp and Liam Hemsworth, men are in the midst of an accessory revival. If your style is classic, you can take notes on cufflinks from George Clooney and Colin Firth. Finally, for a personal statement, get inspired by watch collectors John Mayer and Bradley Cooper. Whatever your style, there’s an accessory for you, so check out this list of our favorites along with advice on how to execute your look.

1. Tie Clips
[Tateossian London Rectangle Tie Clip][Tateossian London Sterling Silver Pinch Tie Clip]

This simple men’s accessory is as easy and convenient as it is timeless and stylish. This functional accessory is meant to hold the tie to the shirt to keep the tie in place, so make sure you aren’t only attaching the clip to the tie. Though the tie clip seems straight forward, there are two different types to wear with different styles. Wear a slide clasp with a light shirt and thin tie, and wear a pinch clasp with a heavier shirt and thick tie. You should also make sure your clip isn’t wider than your tie. As a general rule, wear a tie clip that’s three-quarters of the width of your tie.

2. Bracelets[Theo Fennell Chain Link Bracelet][John Hardy Leather Bracelet]

Bracelets have become increasingly popular, adding to the selection of men’s fashion accessories. A leather strap or bold sterling silver chain link bracelet can add a masculine statement to your look without sacrificing style. The key to perfectly styling bracelets is balance. Don’t pair too many bracelets of the same weight and texture. If you are pairing your bracelet with a luxury watch, be sure that your bracelet doesn’t over the shadow the watch and that it’s high-quality just like your watch.

3. Cufflinks
[Cartier Trinity Cufflinks][Patek Philippe Cufflinks]

Cufflinks should be saved for formal occasions and holidays. The small accessory is perfect to add a touch of class and pull a formal look together. The cufflinks you choose can add another dimension to your outfit — a pop of color should you choose a gemstone, or an interesting quirk.

4. Watches
[Bvlgari BVLGARI Chrono Diagono][Rolex Submariner in Stainless Steel]

Watch collecting has reached new heights of popularity and there’s a style for any type of enthusiast. If you wish to make a statement with a tasteful, jewelry-like accessory, a Bulgari watch might be the right fit for you. If you are looking for a classic and functional watch, then you should consider something like a Rolex Submariner. Watches are a more personal item for men who are avid watch connoisseurs. The only style tip is to make sure your watch fits the occasion — a dress watch for formalwear and a sports watch for leisure activities. Also remember to match your metals throughout your ensemble.

Photo Credit: gq.com / welovebijoux.com / fanpop.com / upscaledhype.com / ablogtowatch.com / therichest.com

It seems that men are more fashion-conscious than ever, and those serious styling efforts have finally gotten noticed. This year marks the first ever New York Fashion Week: Men’s. From July 13-16, over 50 designers showed off their Spring/Summer 2016 collections, including Public School, Opening Ceremony and Phillip Lim. Accessories on the runway didn’t disappoint, and neither did the street style. Check out our favorites from the events.

1. Necklaces

We’ve stressed it before: men’s accessories are evolving. The days of a watch-only accessory collection are over. This was proven once again at the runway shows of Phillip Lim and Robert Geller. The two designers made sure to include necklaces far more interesting that a simple chain. Guys, you can add an element of surprise and style to your wardrobe with a pendant necklace this season. The men with the best street style at the event were also spotted wearing necklaces of different sizes, patterns and colors. It seems most designs are fair game.

2. Silver Rings

A silver statement ring is one of the simplest and unobtrusive ways a man can add a bit of flair to his wardrobe. Whether it’s just a single ring, like the one found on the Rag and Bone runway, or it’s a series of stacked rings, like those at the Public School show, there’s a style for the style adventurous at any level. This look is also one of the easiest to style since the silver will match just about anything you are wearing.

3. The Tie Clip

Menswear was the star of fashion week as the best looks from most designers were formal attire. On and off the runway, the put-together style aficionados rarely wore a suit jacket without a tie clip. This small accessory has the classic feel while remaining functional. Complete a structured and formal suit with a tie clip and you will add an edge of style and elegance. We saw it best at the Thom Browne show, but the street style looks didn’t disappoint.

4. Bracelets

Like necklaces, bracelets are now a men’s fashion norm. We saw it everywhere on the streets outside of fashion week. The styles ranged from leather wraps to metal stacks. Beaded and braided rows also complimented a timepiece. We saw bracelets on the wrists of men in shorts and men in suits. Nothing was off limits when it came to this style. Similar to rings, a bracelet is a relatively simple addition to an accessory collections. You can start small by adding a thin bracelet to compliment your wristwatch.

5. Watches with Metal Bracelest

Out of style are the leather-banded watches. The color scheme was modern and monochromatic at NYFW:M. The color palette didn’t venture too far away from grays, whites, blacks and blues. The neutral and modern color scheme allowed for sleek accessories in black and silver. For watches, like on the Robert Geller runway, this translated to heavy-link metal bracelets. Styles similar to the Rolex Submariner were most common in black and silver. When choosing your watch, opt for one in this style instead of a more vintage-looking leather bracelet.

Photo Credit: nymag.com / thefashionisto.com / wwd.com / details.com

The beginning details of the history diamonds in jewelry making are unclear, but the first textual references to diamonds were from India over 3,000 years ago. Buddhist texts mention the use of diamonds dating back as far as the 4th century, BC. Because of he stone’s ability to refract light, Buddhists believed that diamonds were able to ward off evil when worn as talismans.

Later, in the Early Middle Ages, diamonds were believed to have medicinal purposes. It was believed that if the sick or suffering held a diamond while making the sign of the cross, then they would be healed. Even more, people believed that if they ingested the diamonds they could cure some illnesses.

The perception of diamonds as medicine gradually shifted. They were then just considered to be objects of value — as gemstones or for industrial uses. Miners began telling workers that diamonds were poisonous if ingested to avoid smuggling. Eventually, however, the mines in India became depleted.

The first example of a diamond’s use in jewelry was in the form of a Hungarian queen’s crown in 1074 AD. After that, the diamond became used in many crowns and royal jewels.

The first documentation of diamond cutting in Europe dates back to 1407 in Paris where there was an active guild including jewel cutters. In documentation involving the guild there were references to a diamond cutter named Herman. In 1458 Belgium a mad discovered that diamonds could be cut using their own dust. The same man also invented a diamond polishing wheel and first proposed symmetrically aligning the facets when cutting a diamond.

The first known diamond engagement ring was gifted to Mary of Burgundy in 1477 by Archduke Maximilian of Austria, thus marking the beginning of the tradition.

In 1866 the first diamond mines were discovered in South Africa by a child playing in a river who found colored stones. It was realized that one of the stones was a diamond. The gem that was cut from the rough stone was aptly named the “Eureka” diamond. Since the eureka moment, South Africa has been a major location for diamond mines and many mines have been discovered throughout the world.

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