Posted on Thu, Aug 12, 2010
David S. Kwiat, a prime force behind the jewelry house Kwiat and the son of the company’s founder Sam Kwiat, died on Monday at the age of 94. David was an icon in the diamond industry and will be long remembered for his sharp mind, his love of diamonds and his reputation for integrity.
In 1933 at the age of 17, David joined his father Sam in business. David was a savvy businessman and a true craftsman, and he recognized the need in the marketplace for beautiful engagement rings and wedding bands. He began to design and create diamond rings for his clientele, and despite the difficult economic conditions of the Great Depression era, the business grew throughout the decade. He quickly became known for having one of the largest inventories of diamond jewelry, and retail stores from across the United States began to call on him when they had an important client. In the early 1950s, he published his first catalog showcasing a selection of important jewels – one of the first in the industry. He had an expert understanding of rough diamonds, and during the course of his professional career oversaw the cutting of many important diamonds up to as large as 100 carats. His clients included many of the world’s preeminent diamantaires and retail jewelers, including Harry Winston, as well as many in New York’s high society. In the 1970s, he was joined in business by his two sons, Sheldon and Lowell, who worked alongside him for more than 30 years. And now his grandchildren – the fourth generation of Kwiat family members – work alongside their fathers in the business. David continued to remain engaged in the business up until his last days, always contributing ideas and suggestions on new designs and manufacturing. But of all of the accomplishments in his long and distinguished professional career, none made him more proud than seeing his family continue to build upon the legacy that he and his father created.
Most importantly, David was extraordinarily dedicated to his wife, children and his entire family. He received great joy from spending time with everyone on holidays and vacations. At family gatherings, he often would sit with his wife overlooking the large family and would say “Shirley, look at all that we’ve created.” His love, kindness and integrity will continue to set an example for his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Shirley, his three children Sheldon, Lowell and Carol, seven grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
In the diamond business, the parties signal their agreement by concluding a deal with the word “mazal”. If you had told David years ago that he would live to be 94 years of age, engaged in the business until his last days, surrounded by his whole family, there is no question that he would have said “mazal” to that. And it would have been the best deal he ever made.
Memorial donations can be made to Jewelers for Children by visiting the website www.jewelersforchildren.org.
Posted on Fri, Jun 18, 2010
Kwiat partner and world-ranked golfer, Cristie Kerr won the rain-delayed LPGA State Farm Classic this week. With the win, Kerr moves up to No. 4 in the world rankings for women's golf. Congratulations Cristie!!
Kerr, pictured wearing earrings from Kwiat's Cristie Collection, finished 22-under par which means some great donations for Birdies for Breast Cancer. For for every birdie & eagle made on the tour, Kerr and come of her sponsors make a donation to the foundation. Go Cristie - keep those birdies coming!
Posted on Thu, May 06, 2010
With Mother’s Day this Sunday, it was more than fitting to celebrate the Cristie Collection – a partnership between Kwiat and Cristie Kerr to benefit Birdies for Breast Cancer and The American Cancer Society – Babe Zaharias Events at Tuesday night’s launch party in the Kwiat Madison Avenue boutique. Passed hors d'oeuvre, champagne and Kwiatinis did not distract from the evening’s purpose – finding a cure. Lowell Kwiat said it best, “all of us know some who has been affected by this disease” and the Kwiat family feels fortunate to be able work with Cristie and support such a worthy cause.
Cristie Kerr started Birdies for Breast Cancer in 2003 after her own mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. The news of her mother’s diagnosis rocked the LPGA champion golfer, but reacting as her family and friends knew she would, Cristie decided to fight back. So far Birdies for Breast Cancer has given over 1 million dollars towards finding a cure, and shows no sign of slowing down. 10% of the proceeds from the Cristie Collection will go directly to support breast cancer awareness and research. So if you’re still stuck on what to give mom this Mother’s Day, consider a piece of Kwiat jewelry – a gift that will last a lifetime and help find a cure. The Cristie Collection is now available at the Kwiat New York & Las Vegas boutiques as well as select Kwiat retailers.
See our Facebook page for more pictures from the evening!
Posted on Tue, Apr 13, 2010
Some truly spectacular diamonds have been showing up at the auction houses lately. Once again proving that even in troubling economic times, there will always be a buyer for these rare gems. And even though most of us do not have the amount of capital it takes to own a diamond of this scale, we admire the brilliance and beauty accomplished by nature’s extreme conditions and then cultivated by mankind’s hand. ...and a girl can always dream, right?
April 7, 2010 – Sotheby’s Hong Kong auctioned a rare and flawless blue 5.16 carat diamond that was sold for $6.4m. The gemstone, originally from the Da Beers Millennium Collection, is one of 12 in a collection that took decades to put together.
April 11, 2010 – Sotheby's showed off an extremely rare 52.82 carat white diamond at the auction house in London. The diamond, which has received a first class grading from the GIA whose report states that the stone is Type IIa, is D-colour and has flawless clarity, is to be auctioned in the Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale in Geneva, Switzerland on May 11 with an estimated price of more than US$7 millions (4.53 million pounds or 5.14 million euro). Sotheby’s also showed off a rare 5.02 carat blue diamond that will be auctioned in the Geneva sale. Estimated price? Between $4m and $7m.
via The Economic Times, Rueters
Posted on Wed, Apr 07, 2010
As we emerge from some of the snowiest and wettest months we have ever seen,
Kwiat is celebrating this celestial change by participating in
Platinum Jewels in Bloom, April 8th - 17th. The event, hosted by The
Madison Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) and sponsored by
W magazine and
Platinum Guild International, is waking up New York City after a long cold winter by pairing spring's vibrant florals with sparkling jewels. Starting tomorrow, the windows of the
Kwiat Madison Avenue Boutique (725 Madison Ave. at 64th Street) will feature breathtaking floral arrangements, curated by horticulturalists from the
Central Park Conservancy, alongside brilliant Kwiat Jewels and photography by
Fred Marcus Photography. Timed to coincide with the blooming of the flowers in Central Park, this event celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Central Park Conservancy, and a portion of sales will be donated to the
Conservancy's fund.
Thirty-two boutiques on Madison Avenue between 57th and 86th streets will participate in the ten day event; the perfect excuse to shop Madison Avenue and enjoy the beautiful spring weather... as if one needed an excuse.
For more information visit madisonavenuebid.org.
Photo provided by Fred Marcus Photography
Posted on Mon, Mar 01, 2010
Petra Diamonds set a new record last week for highest-selling rough diamond. The 507.5 carat Cullinan Heritage Diamond was purchased for $35.3m (US) at auction surpassing the previous record of $18.4m (US) from 2008. The high price tag is a true testament of its rarity and high quality. Although the buyer Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Company has not announced what it plans to do with the diamond, it has the potential to produce one of the World's most important and impressive polished gems. The Cullinan Heritage Diamond was discovered in September 2009 from Cullinan mine in South Africa which has produced many of the world's most famous diamonds. Large diamonds have always been fascinating. From the Hope to the Koh-i-Noor, they seem to akin themselves to legend and a bit of mystery. The Cullinan Heritage's future has yet to be decided however we expect it to be as brilliant as its predecessors.... After all, it is the 19th largest gem quality diamond EVER found!
Posted on Thu, Feb 18, 2010
The first tournament of the 2010 LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) season starts tomorrow in Thailand and the LGPA will be celebrating its 60th year! Kwiat will also be celebrating the start of a new season as we support a great cause. Golfer Cristie Kerr and Kwiat have teamed up to support Kerr’s foundation, Birdies For Breast Cancer, and the start of the 2010 season comes just as the new collection is ready to launch. 10% of all proceeds from this new Collection will go to the foundation. The limited-edition Collection is inspired by our Kwiat Star Collection, invoking the charitable connection by using a pink sapphire and pink gold.
The Honda PTT tournament starts tomorrow and continues through the weekend. All the action will air on The Golf Channel (Feb 19: 10-11:30AM, SAT: 4:30-6:00PM, & Sun: 4:30-6:00pm). Tune in to see Cristie Kerr and the other LPGA women start their 2010 season! Here’s a hint…every time Cristie makes a birdie, the foundation receives a donation!
Posted on Mon, Feb 15, 2010
The Chinese New Year began yesterday with celebrations in China and around the world. The Kwiat Boutique at the Wynn Macau is celebrating and keeping busy with visitors that have traveled to celebrate the New Year. Lights, fireworks, gifts, dragon dances, family gatherings, friends, parades, and tradition - These celebrations marked the end of the 2009 Chinese calender, Year of the OX and the beginning of 2010, the Year of the Tiger. The fifteen day Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calender. The festivities honor tradition and emphasize family, renewing one's spirit and home, hope, good fortune and longevity. Although I am nostalgic about the Time Square ball drop, you have to hand it to the Chinese they know how to celebrate the New Year. Happy Chinese New Year everyone; may happiness, wealth and longevity be yours in the Year of the Tiger.
Posted on Fri, Feb 12, 2010
As the tents in Bryant Park started to fill and an anticipated Fall Fashion Week began, the fashion world recieved devastating news. British fashion designer, Alexander McQueen was found dead in his London home on Thursday. McQueen was a fashion icon who is credited with helping revive the British fashion industry and creating the modern runway show (His shows were always a favorite) McQueen's designs were truly awe-inspiring and instantly recognizable for being dramatic and exquisitely tailored. Our hearts go out his family and friends - He will be missed.
Posted on Wed, Feb 03, 2010
If you have not already discovered the Kwiat Vintage website, here is your official invitation.Since its introduction, Kwiat Vintage has been a success. Drawing on Kwiat's vast archives and a century of experience, the collection ranges stylistically from Nouveau to Deco to Modern Vintage. It is a favorite among our celebrity clients and is only carried by exclusive dealers, it is a collection that embodies the 100 year history of a company that respects jewelry as artwork.
Visit the Kwiat Vintage website to view the complete collection or find an authorized dealer in your area.
