An American high jeweler is headed for the U.K.
Lugano Diamonds, known for creating dazzling, one-of-a-kind bling, will open its first international outpost in London this April. Located in fittingly fancy Mayfair, the new salon will cover 3,600 square feet of a multi-story townhouse formerly occupied by British designer Amanda Wakeley, according to Women’s Wear Daily. Lugano is taking over the basement, ground floor, and first floor for its operations. And to give it that upscale flair, the brand’s chief operation officer and cofounder Idit Ferder is spearheading the interior design. (She is the wife of Lugano CEO and cofounder Moti Ferder.)
As per the initial render, the space showcases charming period features, such as a striking spiral staircase and a cozy fireplace. Plush furniture by Ceccotti Collezioni and Porada will sit on custom wood flooring, while artwork by Jorge Pardo and Nihura Montiel will hang on subtly colored walls. To top it off, a light sculpture by Andreea Braescu will illuminate all below in an extravagant fashion. In addition to the salon, Lugano plans to open a temporary lounge at Hampshire’s Farnborough Airport in South East England at the end of April.
Based in California, Lugano already has seven salons in various upscale locations across the U.S., such as Aspen, Palm Beach, and Washington, D.C. It also opened a new members-only club called Privé near its Newport Beach headquarters last fall. The London salon will be its first venture outside the U.S., though. Ferder believes the opening will pave the way for “future growth and success” in the British capital, the U.K., and Europe. The CEO says London “provides boundless inspiration and opportunities to build our community, forge new relationships, and create social impact through our philanthropic initiatives.”
To that end, Lugano has partnered with well-known British institutions, such as the Royal Windsor Horse Show, Royal Windsor Polo, the Global Champions Tour, and the Serpentine Gallery. The jeweler added it is “looking forward to connecting with more London-based charities in the future.” Lugano is well-versed in philanthropy, too: Most recently, the jeweler gifted $2.5 million to the Orange County Museum of Art to provide general admission to the public for the next decade. That means you can feel extra good when buying Lugano bling.
The salon at 18 Albemarle Street, Mayfair will open on April 22.