Latest News

Save E-mail Print Most Popular RSS Reprints

Va. jeweler provides secret Bush ring

By Teresa Novellino
May 09, 2008

Richmond, Va.—When Jenna Bush ties the knot in Texas tomorrow, a Virginia jeweler will have the satisfaction of having a hand in the high-profile nuptials—or at least a finger.

Charles Schwarzschild Inc. of Richmond, Va., provided the diamond and sapphire engagement ring now sported by the president's daughter, who will wed Henry Hager.

Jane Sternheimer, owner and president of Charles Schwarzschild Inc., found out about the top-secret engagement before the question was popped. But today, the secret's out, and Sternheimer was able to share her story.

She met with Henry Hager and his mother, Margaret Chase Hager, last summer in mid July to discuss a ring for Bush that would feature his great-grandmother's diamond. Hager said he needed the ring by Aug. 9.

"Henry had well-considered ideas regarding the type of ring he wished to present: classic and conservative," Sternheimer says. "He wanted the center stone flanked with sapphires and the ring to be made in platinum."

The young man asked for a sketch to be faxed with the details of the design. The shank would have tiny, brilliant-cut round diamonds pavé set within a rim of platinum, and the look would be reminiscent of the 1920s.

Sternheimer couldn't be specific about the costs or carat sizes used in the ring.

The jeweler had also worked with Henry's older brother, Jack Hager, when he got engaged. The Bush engagement, however, was top secret of course.

Pressed for time, Sternheimer hastily began making phone calls. In search of sapphires, Sternheimer asked a friend, gem merchant Rajul Gupta of Incon Gems in New York, who obliged by providing a whole parcel for her to peruse. After receiving permission to have the European-cut diamond polished, she tapped another trusted peer, Rick Shatz of Rick Shatz Inc. Finally, to design the ring itself, she commissioned New York jeweler Andy Calabrisotto of Platinum Plus, whose face lit up when he learned who the ring was for.

After Henry Hager and his mother arrived to pick up the ring on Aug. 9, his mother took a few photos as the young man chatted about his plans.

"He was completely unpretentious," Sternheimer says. "As they were leaving, Henry slipped a thank you note onto my desk."

Read Sternheimer's exclusive account of the ring in the June issue of National Jeweler.
Save E-mail Print Most Popular RSS Reprints
Post a Comment
* Required field
* Author:
* Comment:
 

More Brand Profiles

Movado Lincoln Center Watch
Movado watch fetes 50 years of pirouettes, solos

A night out at the New York City Ballet or Jazz at Lincoln Center is bound to be memorable, but Movado hopes to help make it more so with a new version of its iconic "Museum" watch.  Read More

Raymond Weil forms U.S. distribution company
More News

More Like This

Design Portfolio

advertisement

Video

Small multi video player located on right rail of NJN site

advertisement

Sponsored by:

Retailer Toolbar

America's Best Jewelers
Join the ONLY Social Network for Jewelry Retailers. Get access to expert content, peer best practices, and more.
Start networking today.
Newsletters
Newsletters
Topic-specific newsletters that deliver the latest news on jewelry, diamonds, wholesale operations and high-volume buying directly to your in-box.
Reader Connect
ReaderConnect
Supplier information presented with every article, bringing you related, actionable content on every topic.
Jewelry Yellow Pages
Yellow Pages
A comprehensive listing of associations, organizations, suppliers and services for the jewelry industry.
Classifieds
Classifieds
A comprehensive listing of job postings, product offerings and other materials for sale for the jewelry industry.
NJN Customer Connect
CustomerConnect
The most sophisticated suite of marketing services available for jewelry retailers, from Internet tools to data marketing.

advertisement