Singular Sensations from Sarasota's Platinum 100 Stores
By Ilene Denton and Alicia King Robinson July 26, 2017 Published in the August 2017 issue of Sarasota Magazine
Robert Hessler Pottery
At Current, designer Sally Trout has a passion for pottery, and she describes this series from Robert Hessler as “a contemporary take on midcentury design.” The simple, fluid shapes contrast with the free-form nature of the interesting glazes, which the artist calls “unpredictable.” $450-$1,200. Sally Trout Interior Design, 75 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota. (941) 953-4418.
Blue Sapphire Ring
A 5.01-carat natural "no-heat" blue sapphire exudes rare rich and saturated color. Handmade by Diamond Vault's master jewelers in platinum with fine white diamonds, the gemstone is accompanied by a GIA certificate that affirms its out-of-this-world quality. $51,900 at Diamond Vault. 3979 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. (941) 921-4016
Amarante Diamond Cuff
More than 11,000 tiny pink diamonds and 18 vivid purplish-pink natural fancy diamonds went into the creation of the spectacular Amarante diamond cuff by Neha Dani. The delicate design was inspired by flowers blossoming on twigs. The piece took more than 2,000 hours to execute. $3 million at June Simmons Jewelry. 35 S. Boulevard of the Presidents, Sarasota. (941) 321-1737
Valentino Sandals
Striking metal-weave suede block-heel sandals by Valentino are as fashion-forward as footwear gets. The Italian-made blush beauties have an ankle cuff and open-toe design. $995 at Saks Fifth Avenue, 120 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. (941) 364-5300
Jeffrey Levinson Elina Clutch
Jeffrey Levinson’s luxurious Elina clutch has a space-age look for a reason; each one is made of an aerospace-grade aluminum shell and comes in a tantalizing variety of colors and specialty finishes. A minimum of 20 hours of expert and intricate handwork goes into creating every clutch. $1,250 at The Met Fashion House Day Spa & Salon. 35 Boulevard of the Presidents, Sarasota. (941) 388-1772
Serapi Rug
This stunning antique Armenian Serapi rug was made circa 1790-1820 in the Heriz area of Persia. Rug expert Eileen Hampshire says it is a prototype of what is now a Muslim prayer rug, most of which are in museums. “The ones in museums now have a crescent on top; this one has a cross on top,” she explains. Valued at around $300,000 at Art to Walk On. 16 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. (941) 951-5454