Article by: Joseph Denaburg and Irisa Kahn

Eros – Cupid’s Greek Origins

The original “Cupid” dates all the way back to Ancient Greek Mythology, depicted as the winged God of love and fertility, Eros. Eros famously carried a bow and was armed with two sets of arrows: golden arrows to inspire love and leaden arrows to inspire hate. He was known to fly around and shoot people with arrows, magically inciting conflict and love stories for his own amusement.

As time progressed, Eros’ story shifted dramatically. Eros was originally the son of Chaos, but tradition changed and he was later recognized as the son of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, and either Zeus, Ares or Hermes. His earliest depictions are that of a handsome young man, but during the time of Alexander the Great, poets began to reimagine Eros as mischievous child. As time went on, he continued to age in reverse until he finally became an infant during the Hellenistic period (323-31 BC).

How Cupid Got His Name – The Shift From Greek to Roman Mythology

The name “Cupid” comes from the name of the Roman god of love, who seems to be a pretty identical replica to Eros. The most notable difference between Roman the winged child god and his Greek counterpart is that Cupid only had one set of arrows designed to inspire passionate love.

Cherub vs Cupid – Christian Influences Take Over Ancient Tradition

As Christianity began to make it’s way across Europe, the fascination with the winged child god remained. Renaissance artists, most notably, Italian painter, Raphael, included in their work winged babies called “putti”. These winged characters represented pure love and always featured the wings of an angel.

The word “putti” comes from the Latin word “putus”, which means “boy”, but strong Christian influences resulted in people referring to them as “cherubs”, which is a reference to the cherubim angels who were charged with protecting God’s heavenly glory and carrying out God’s will.

Cupid = Love

Like so many themes that have evolved over time, the symbolism behind the Cupid has become a permanent representation of pure love. As Valentine’s Day has continued to evolve over millennia, it is only appropriate that the cherub has evolved as the holiday’s chief mascot: an adorable symbol of purity and love personified in the most logical form, an angelic child. So, while hearts may seem like the main symbol to represent Valentine’s Day, Cupid’s arrow is where that love begins.

Article by: Jimmy Smith

Having been a part of the jewelry trade for nearly 21 years I’m probably a little more “old school’ than I care to admit. So when we were approached by a longtime acquaintance proposing that Levy’s carry smart watches I cringed and escaped the conversation with cat like reflexes! 

You see, my father put my first watch on my wrist when I was only eight years old and still today it’s something I don’t leave home without. I love the craftsmanship of mechanical timepieces, vintage or modern. Classic dials, sweeping motion of the hands, intricate workings of the movements down to the tiniest, yet important parts. I have always had a soft spot for all things horological as do many in this industry. To think of wearing a watch that “isn’t a watch”, doesn’t function like one and comes from the same company that may manufacture my television just seems sacrilegious.

So with all of these predisposed notions, in comes Kronaby Sweden, a designer and manufacturer of a proprietary movement that is better described as a “hybrid timepiece” rather than “smart watch”. Upon picking it up I was impressed the weighty feel of a solid, stainless steel case with a refined, almost retro look to the dial. Needless to say my opinion began to sway. The look of the watch is on par with many fine timepieces as well as popular styles. A representative for another watch brand actually mistook the personal one I’m wearing now (spoiler alert) for a beautiful Panerai!

All production and assembly is done in house for Kronaby, from movements, to cases and dials. This ensures the highest standards are met so each will be an elegant, timeless and durable watch meant to stand the test of time. Featuring machine turned dials, sapphire crystals, stainless steel bodies and bracelets, some with rich color finishes and white stitched genuine leather straps, they have a very desirable look.

But, the movement is the real star of the show. Each watch features traditional analog timekeeping as well as multiple connectivity functions for modern convenience. I’ve been wearing the Apex model, which is a 43 millimeter round case with a handsome black leather strap. Initially it resembles a typical chronograph with a main crown and two push actuators. The function of these can be set with the Kronaby app which is compatible with Apple IOS as well as Android devices.

Upon downloading the app you are prompted to enable Bluetooth on your device and depress the crown on the timepiece. This will “pair” them and begin your experience. Once paired, you will follow simple step by step calibrations and your time will automatically set for you. The functions are in the app listed under “watch face” and pushers”. When you select “watch face” you will be given choices for Date and Daily 100. It’s as easy as touching the function you would like and dragging it in place to begin use. After setting your options, depress the crown and the hands jump into action to indicate date using the markers on the dial or displaying whichever function you choose.

The Apex has a sub-dial at the bottom which also has functions listed under “watch face”. You are given the same choices in addition to a second time zone setting, useful for frequent travelers. If you select the Daily 100 (I use this one every day) the sub-dial will track steps during the day and you can check total progress in the app.

The “pushers” have several interchangeable features as well. Using the same “click and drag” system within the app you can set your Kronaby to control music and volume on your device. There is also a find phone function, “remember this spot” which can drop a “pin” to save a location in maps, and a camera remote feature. You can also pair with another device and using the “walk me home” option someone can be tracked to ensure safe travel between locations. This is an unbelievably useful tool for someone who has children, like myself. Lastly, the IFTTT gives your Kronaby, when paired with a hub device such as Alexa, the ability to manipulate household operations like turning lights and alarms off or on, opening garage doors, locking doors and other functions that gadget fans will enjoy.

There is also a feature for “filtered notifications” within the app. This provides your timepiece the ability to notify you of texts and phone calls from everyone or select persons you choose which you can also be declined from your watch. Chosen people can also be prioritized to give you one of three vibration alerts from the watch.

The app itself gives you activity trackers which tell you total steps taken in a day, provides information for “pins” placed or tracking. They even have a locator built in that will find your watch if misplaced or stolen! The app is kept up to date by Kronaby which updates functions on the watch simultaneously. This prevents the need to buy another one in the future since it’s always providing current features. There is no need to charge a Kronaby like other smart watches since it uses a lithium 2032 battery which can be changed at most fine jewelers. Kronaby even warranties the movement portion for two years, whereas other smart watches give you at most one year of service.

Coming in 38 to 43mm sizes, they are the same dimensions as other smart watches. With the classic look of a stunning timepiece combined with such convenient features and impressive construction, Kronaby has far exceeded my expectations. This could well be the perfect blend of a traditional and modern timepiece that anyone can appreciate.

Article by: Joseph Denaburg

Engagement rings have been a tradition in many parts of the world since Austria’s Archduke Maximillian gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring in 1477. The wealthy classes thought that it was a great idea and soon men all over Europe were presenting their betrothed with diamond rings when they became engaged. However, due to the rarity of the stone only the very rich could afford to buy them. Nowadays, engagement rings are almost as common as marriage itself, and many people prefer the uniqueness and character that antique engagement rings offer as a symbol of their love.

THE GEORGIAN ERA

For an engagement ring to be considered antique, it must date back at least 100 years, but they can date back many hundreds of years. The emergence of jewelry made from precious stones dates back to the Georgian era in England (1714-1837) when King George I-IV were at the throne. Jewelry from this era made from precious stones typically embraces a nature theme making use of designs such as feathers, foliage, and crescents. Pearls and other gemstones were very common during this time period and diamonds became much more prevalent with the discovery of mines in India and Brazil.

THE VICTORIAN ERA

The Victorian era (named after Victoria, Queen of England) sparked the next major shift in the creation of beautiful pieces of jewelry. During the Early Victorian era (1837-1855) coral and seed pearls were very popular additions to jewelry; diamonds and opals (which happened to be the Queen’s favorite) were also popular, and the abundance of colorful gemstones made jewelry an affordable luxury for most people. Following the death of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, the Mid-Victorian era (1856-1880) is represented by dark mournful jewelry made from black enamel, onyx, and other dark stones. Influenced by the unearthing of Pompeii, the Late Victorian era (1885-1900) saw an abundance of sapphires and opals, as well as the continued popularity of diamonds and pearls.

The Late Victorian era saw a change in culture that allowed for the concept of engagement rings to catch on like never before. In 1879, several diamond mines were discovered in South Africa and henceforth, diamonds became the most popular decorative jewelry stone in the world. As the supply increased the stones stayed popular and valuable but people of more modest means were able to afford to buy diamonds. The tradition of the engagement rings was now within reach of ordinary people.

Engagement rings are a symbol of love that have been bringing people together for centuries. This special event should require a special ring to mark the connection that you and your spouse will share for the rest of your life. Nothing says “I love you” quite like the character of an antique engagement ring!

Article by: Joseph Denaburg

Though the most important ring is in a person’s life is usually a wedding band or an engagement ring, there is one another ring which has sentimental value to those who graduate from high school or college. I am of course referring to a class ring. Class rings are common among high school students and graduate students, and since their establishment, the tradition of class rings has become popular with students in the United States and Canada. It is worn to commemorate someone’s graduation from high school or college and often personalizes the student based on the activities he or she participated in while in school.

The tradition of wearing a class ring was originated in the year 1835.  Almost 180 years ago, the students at the United States Military Academy at West Point were the first ones to wear a class ring. In order to visually display the unity among the group, someone had the idea that everyone in the class should wear a ring with a similar design. Each one of the students wanted to showcase something which would remain as a remembrance of the time they have spent at West Point. From that time onwards creating class rings has been tradition for every graduating class of West Point as a representation of unity, and over time, it is a practice that has become common at all major high schools and universities.

For several years, class rings were created with uniform design and shaped for a particular school. As time passed, some institutions provided the students with the option of customization. The name and emblem of the institution would remain in the standard design, but there was now an option of adding the student’s name and other details that identify with the wearer.

Traditional class rings were made in gold, but now they can be ordered in various metals including silver, gold, or platinum. Gold rings with a satin finish will show the entire piece in gold with cuts to highlight the names and design. Rings with antique finishes use a black enamel to highlight the details; higher-end rings are often made in platinum.

The stone used on the ring will be of the same color for all the students of a particular school. However, the cut and the size of the stone can be ordered as per each person’s liking. The size of the ring will obviously differ for each person, and there is usually a slight design difference between the rings of males and females. The rings for males tend to be bit bigger in design that those designed for females.

The history of the ring also carries some traditions with it. A class ring is usually worn on the ring finger of the right hand. This counters the common tradition of wearing wedding rings on the left ring finger. It is also customary that the insignia on the ring should face inward towards the wearer while he or she is enrolled in school. After graduation, the ring can be worn with its insignia facing outwards. The rings of famous institutions are much cherished and are even handed over as heirloom.