Tradition thrown in the window

Dane Grace

Traditional Jewelers owners Marion and Lula Halfacre held their

annual diamond showcaseThursday while celebrating the store’s 25th

anniversary.

To celebrate, they hosted 35 representatives from such diamond and

watch heavy hitters as Rolex, Omega, Quadrillion, Beaudry and Nova at

their Fashion Island showroom in Newport Beach. The designers used

the night to showcase new styles.

“The representatives are here bringing their latest creations,”

Lula Halfacre said.

She also said it gave their clients an opportunity to fill holiday

wish lists and to “help and give direction” to Santa Claus. A lot of

diamonds were in one place Thursday -- but the Halfacres couldn’t put

an exact dollar amount on the value.

“Whatever I could say would not be enough,” Lula Halfacre said.

“Under this roof, there are millions of dollars in diamonds.”

Marion Halfacre explained that Traditional Jewelers is centered on

“romance,” and that he loved seeing his customers enjoying

themselves.

“Our business is all about passion,” Marion Halfacre said. “You

can see they are genuinely having fun.”

Renowned Belgian diamond cutter Gabi Tolkowsky shared his passion

with diamonds by presenting his “O.C. “ diamond -- a cut inspired by

the two fountains at Fashion Island in Newport -- that took two years

to perfect. He said the “joy” of the fountains and the way the water

sprouted from the center inspired the 121 facets of the cut.

Tolkowsky said the diamond is representative of the “joy” in Orange

County.

“You meet people here and they are all joyful,” Tolkowsky said.

The Halfacres also showcased their new, signature line: the

Natalie Tara collection, which is named after the owners’ daughter.

“It seemed appropriate that we launch her collection with our 25th

anniversary,” Lula Halfacre said.

Natalie Halfacre, 20, models the diamonds and will have a portion

of creative control with the cuts and styles. She says the pink and

yellow diamonds are aimed more at her peer group.

“They’re inspired for our generation,” Natalie Halfacre said.

This sort of family participation isn’t a departure for the

business. Eric Halfacre, 25, has been working with the business for

more than a year. Marion Halfacre said he couldn’t be more pleased

about the family’s involvement.

“I love it; it’s so much fun,” he said.