HAUTE PARTNERS: LUSTRE PRECIOUS GEMS

Step through the door of Lustre Precious Gems and enter an elegant world of fine jewelry, unique gems and exclusive timepieces. In just three years, the specialty boutique has gained a reputation for greatness in Silicon Valley.

Lustre Precious Gems was born out of founder Magne Stangenes’ passion for fine timepieces and jewelry. An innovative entrepreneur, Stangenes founded Stangenes Industries and MK Magnetics, local California manufacturing operations with global distribution, before opening Lustre.

Company Vice President Cecilia Wong brings 20 of experience in high-end retail and the knowledge of a Graduate Gemologist to the table, creating an informed and impassioned boutique.

The collection features three closely designed and meticulously pieced together watches designed for motor racing.

When Lustre opened the boutique doors in 2009, they specialized in pearls—Cultured South Sea, Tahitian, Akoya and Freshwater to be exact. Over two years, Lustre has grown to offer customers colored gemstones, sparkling diamonds and special bridal pieces. Lustre has also become a leading Tacori retailer in the area.

Lustre is the go-to choice for rarities like Burmese Jadeite from David Lin, London-based Nabil Mouzannar for non-heated colored gemstone jewelry and exclusive timepieces from brands such as Linde Werdelin, Armin Strom, Hermes, Perrelet 1777, Bedat, Buccellati and Marvin 1850.

“Lustre envisions itself to become a retail destination environment for collectors to view classic and innovative watches, mostly manufactured by independent or family-owned Swiss companies,” said LUSTRE, Inc. marketing director Edilbert Signey.

Lustre’s most recent addition comes through a special partnership with Swiss watch brand Armin Strom. Silicon Valley watch collectors are known for their affinity for meticulous, high-end timepieces, so it’s no wonder Armin Strom CEO Serge Michel and US distributor TotallyWorth It CEO Alexis Sarkissian named Lustre the exclusive retailer of Armin Strom pieces in California.

The partnership came just in time for Armin Strom’s new Racing Series collection, which was designed with their Formula-1 partner, Marussia Virgin Racing. The collection features three closely designed and meticulously pieced together watches designed for motor racing. Each piece features Titanium casing, matte black PVD coating and sapphire crystal.

Armin Strom’s Racing Series is limited. The Armin Racing Chronograph with automatic winding is limited to 400 pieces, there are 100 Armin Regulator watches with ASRO7 movement, and just 40 of the Armin Racing One Week were produced.

Lustre Precious Gems goes beyond fine jewels and exclusive timepieces. It’s safe to say that the exquisite boutique will continue to thrive and culminate its extraordinary brand offerings into a truly special shopping experience.