AlexisKletjian: Jean-Noel Soni

Alexis Kletjian

Winter last year was absolutely brutal. New Englanders can’t help but recall the snow buried cars, icy roads, the repeatedly cancelled everything. January started out mild, but already the thermometer has taken a southern turn - think ZERO degrees – here in New England. Although we New Englanders are known to be especially hardy, the moment freezing temperatures set in, my daydreams immediately turn to longing for the warmth of Spring. I tend to bundle up, hide in my cozy home, and wait the Winter out. Well, that sounds pathetic now, doesn't it.

However, there ARE reasons to love January. One being the fresh start it brings. A renewal not only of the calendar year, but the creation of reasons to employ change in our lives. And change is good.

You may recall from my very first posts last year, that Garnet is the birthstone for January. Garnet has gorgeous deep crimson variety that happens to occur in the recently announced Pantone Color of the Year : Marsala! How fortuitous for this abundant and affordable gemstone. I predict you will see the popularity of Garnets return.

I am thrilled, because my friend, Jean-Noel of Top Notch Faceting, has a special affinity for the Garnet and in 2015 I hope to collect a few of his wizardly fashioned gemstones for my personal collection. If you want one, too, you'll need to get in line (behind me) because his award winning gemstones are one of the hottest things happening in the colored gemstone market. You know who also noticed? Vogue. The French edition of Vogue, known as Vogue Paris, recently mentioned Top Notch Faceting as follows: "Jean-Noel, the San Francisco-based lapidary is the gemology equivalent of rock royalty..." Now, pair the hottest gemstone cutter rocking his favorite gemstone, the garnet, in the forecasted color of the year, where it will dominate in every market. I'd say Jean-Noel has a winning combination on his hands.

Rough and Faceted Tanzanian Garnets by Top Notch Faceting

Let's revisit a post I wrote last January, about color, and it's importance when Pantone, the color forecasting experts, released last year's color of the year : Radiant Orchid. Purplish-pink was everywhere. Do you hate purple now? I bet you were tired of hearing those two descriptive words, over and over...

And now, Marsala! Are you disappointed? You needn't be. Marsala is already so prevalent in our everyday lives, you probably don't realize how many natural ways this color occurs, and the many colors it does complement. We have wild flowers, succulents, red wine, rich woods, leather, velvet, historical buildings, burgundies and GARNETS! A color of every season. So, there you have it. In addition to color, Pantone is an undisputed style forecaster.

Marsala, the color of every season, is especially the color now with cozy indoor nights: wine, firelight, flowers, and gemstones! January, you are starting to look very good to me. Bring it on.

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