Jewels Within The Jewel
by Marie Larrabee
C.J.Charles Jewelers has been located for over
two decades in the heart of La Jolla on Prospect Street, just across
from the historic La Valencia hotel. Upon entering the store, one
immediately experiences the elegant time-honored tradition found
in the finest Old World jewelry stores of Europe.
A family-owned
business, C.J. Charles has expanded and grown over the years,
and today offers a diverse inventory composed of collections
that reflect cutting-edge innovations in fine luxury jewelry,
precious gemstones, and watches. Vahid Moradi, president of C.J.
Charles,
attributes the success and longevity of the store to the dedication
to integrity, professionalism, and quality of service his staff
provides to all clients. In fact, Moradi stresses the importance
of excellent service over all other business facets, saying, “Our
customers are referred to us from all over the country, and many
of them have become close friends.”
C.J. Charles is the
only exclusive authorized dealer in La Jolla for Cartier, Audemars
Piguet, Bvlgari, Panerai, Piaget, Franck
Muller, Girard-Perregaux, Baume & Mercier, Dunhill, SoHo
enamel, fine luxury pens by Montegrappa, Baccarat crystal,
and Underwood
rotating boxes. According to Moradi, “The brands we represent
have been chosen due to their excellence in quality, tradition,
and after sales service.” The esteemed Italian jewelry
company Bvlgari is the newest addition to the collection of
brands at C.J.
Charles, their latest jewelry designs from the Tondo-Shake
to the Optical pendants are on display.
New styles from traditional
favorites include a number of new
watches from Cartier. The timepieces include the oversized
commemorative Cartier Santos 100, celebrating 100 years of
the Santos wristwatch,
and the newest addition to the classic tank, the stainless
steel Tank Solo. Famous for the first steel luxury watch
and a favorite
of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Audemars Piguet has partnered
with Maserati to produce a new, limited edition watch to
commemorate the 90th anniversary of the famous carmaker. Panerai,
famed
for their large case sizes and low production have released
a number
of new models, they include a 44mm white dial Luminor Marina
chronograph,
a 47mm submersible, and an eight-day 45mm Radiomir.
In addition
to everyday watches, C.J. Charles has an extensive collection
of haute horlogerie. Full diamond pieces by Piaget,
Franck Muller, Audemars Piguet, and Cartier are favorite
complements to black tie attire. Especially notable is
the new Piaget Miss
Protocole, wider than is traditional, the watch is easily
customized with an assortment of feathered, beaded, or
plain straps. For
men, the most desirable watch remains a complication, such
as perpetual
calendars, chiming minute repeaters, and tourbillon timepieces.
C.J.
Charles rounds out their high quality selection of branded watches
and jewelry by fabricating an exclusive
collection
of platinum and large diamond jewelry. Says Moradi, “I
am extremely demanding when it comes to the quality of
our in-house designs. Before I
allow our crest on the back, the piece has to be perfect,
the craftsmanship flawless.” This attention to
detail is evident when viewing their diamond Riviera
necklaces,
held together with delicate platinum
wire, allowing maximum fluidity. The newest addition
to this collection is a Fancy Yellow diamond weighing
8.38ct
and GIA certified as
internally flawless.
Clearly, both as a purveyor and as
a designer, C.J. Charles is in a world-class league
of its own.
For more information, call C.J. Charles Jewelers, 858/454-5390,
peruse www.cjcharles.com or visit the store at 1135
Prospect Street in La Jolla. |
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