Back when I worked at Barney’s on Madison as a Personal Shopper I was known as the go to girl when it came to gifting. Schooled by the best, I had procuring the perfect gift for my client down to an exact science. Whether it was for a spouse, a child, or an entire office of employees, I would not rest until I found and delivered the absolute perfect confection to ensure complete joy and gratitude in the eyes of the lucky beneficiary. Through trial and error, I came up with a list of gently probing questions starting with the age, background, where they grew up, lived, worked, were they married? Kids? Hobbies if any? Relationship to the gift giver?  Ending inevitably with the most important for my purposes, Budget? Finally, notes in hand, I was off! If we didn’t have it at Barney’s I would say so, and if encouraged I would hit the pavement up and down Madison on the search for exactly what I had in mind. My standards were high, as my clientele were often those who would accept nothing less. Eventually My writing career took off, and forced me to relocate to Hollywood leaving my passion behind. Eventually I became the person who had to hire someone to do the shopping for me. Such is life!

Since returning to Palm Beach as a full-time resident, leaving Los Angeles in the dust, I conspired with my best friend from high school, a much sought after New York editorial stylist who also recently relocated, to return to my first love and launch Beyond Style Palm Beach as an exclusive luxury concierge and personal shopping service based on the Island. Before the ink dried on our new cards a call came in. A young local Banker had an unusual predicament, and wondered if I could help. I threw on my glasses, grabbed my pad, and went for it! He was completely committed to marrying his long-time girlfriend, and knew she was expecting an engagement ring under the tree on Christmas morning. Unfortunately, and I had to respect this, he wanted to design his bride’s ring from beginning to end, but did not have the time to do it properly with December 25 right around the corner. He did not want the love of his life to be too disappointed when she opened her present, and needed something that would say forever and quell any let down she may feel when no ring appeared before her. That’s when it happened, no brainer! Of course every time the thought of what I consider the most coveted piece of statement jewelry, quite possibly a symbol of love surpassing even the most stunning engagement diamond possible, came into my psyche I became slightly depressed having never found a proper man to buy me my own  (legend has it to buy one for one’s self is bad luck and forbidden by the designers doctrine), but I am a professional and knew my feelings only meant one thing. I immediately shook off my temporary feelings of envy,  pulled myself together, took a deep breath, and marched down to Cartier on Worth Avenue to find the obvious and best choice, The Cartier Love Lock Bracelet.

For those of you who are not familiar with the most brilliant bangle ever conceived, Cartier’s own description states, “This bracelet is a universal symbol of love and commitment. The LOVE bracelet, created in 1970s New York, has sealed the passionate romances of a host of iconic couples. The LOVE bracelet is a flat bangle studded with screws that locks to the wrist. Opened and fastened with a screwdriver, the piece serves to sanctify inseparable love. This undeniably elegant unisex piece forms the basis of this signature jewelry collection. Bracelet, ring or necklace: how far would you go for love?” The story goes that  the unisex love bracelet was designed in the summer of 1969 by the late Aldo Cipullo,whose work at Cartier focused on modern interpretation of mid-evil designs and outdated legends. The Love Bracelet was Cipullo’s interpretation of the Chastity belt,a device husbands are said to have locked around their wives waists to ensure fidelity while the men were away. Cipullo designed a two piece bracelet that bolts together around the wrist.It comes with a tiny screwdriver to take it on and off,symbolising a “locked up” committed relationship.

While the original bracelet is timeless perfection, there are now several Love-inspired items to choose from. Whether you want a minimalist metal version–the bracelet comes in platinum, yellow gold, white gold, and pink gold–or prefer something with diamonds or other precious materials, you will surly find the perfect piece for your besotted. If for some reason a bracelet isn’t the ideal choice, the collection now includes a range of other stunning options, from new rings in black ceramic and pink gold to chain necklaces linked by interlocking hearts. Whichever you choose it will become the most cherished piece of jewelry and worn with pride forever and always.

Needless to say my first Gifting gig on the Island was wildly successful. He went with the 18K pink gold bracelet set with 2 yellow and 2 pink sapphires, 2 green and 2 orange garnets, 2 amethysts for $8450.   The piece left him grateful and breathless, and left me redoubling my effort to find a lover to buy me my own by years end!

Cartier Palm Beach is located at 214 Worth Avenue, Palm Beach Florida 33480. Phone number is 561-655-5413, and web address http://www.cartier.us.com