Last month we reported that stationer Mrs. John L. Strong, one of the world's leading boutique luxury brands whose customers included Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Vogue editor Anna Wintour, Oprah Winfrey and the late Duke and Duchess of Windsor, was shutting down after 80 years. Many of them were caught out short when the New York-based firm abruptly ceased all its operations; as a result the costly handcrafted metal dies and engraving plates (above) used for luxurious engraved stationery which customers had stored at Strong's for decades may never be recoverable.

Another luxury stationer, Dempsey & Carroll, is coming to the rescue. It is actually a much older establishment than Strong's, founded in 1878 by engraver John Dempsey and businessman George D. Carroll in New York. The firm soon became a society staple, providing the best in engraved cards and writing paper to the city's Gilded Age elite, a tradition continued to this day. Through the end of the year D&C is extending a special offer of reduced cost for custom engraving to all former Mrs. John L. Strong clients placing new orders, and has set about recreating their precious stationery.

Dempsey & Carroll custom stationery is created using hand-engraved steel dies and copper plates made to specification. Words and images are cut into the metal in an incuse fashion, a method similar to that used in manufacturing coins that has changed little since the 16th century process of engraving ascended to an art form. D&C is one of only a handful of stationers still using these distinctive hand-engraving techniques to create beautiful luxury paper products with their own unique stamp of history and tradition.

This incredible watch was thought impossible given the level of detail all over the timepiece's case - but passion made it possible. Graduating from having a limited edition watch with just an engraved bezel - New Zealand's own and only watch company, Magrette, now presents "Maui's Fish." The watch is based on the Magrette Regattare model, but adds an incredible amount of decoration styled after the art and stories of New Zealand's native people, the Maoris.

What I like so much about the engravings is the level of character as opposed to just being pretty. Expressive faces peek between waves and winds, with an overall visual effect of the watch being quite satisfying and appearing grand in scale. The images actually tell a story related to a Maori mythological tale relating to the creation of New Zealand's northern island, you can learn more about it via the link above. A good story like that to share while showing off your watch is something you don't get with most other timepieces.

Inside the watch is a Swiss automatic mechanical ETA 2824-2 movement, with a legible and attractive dial similar to Anonimo watch faces. The steel case is 44mm wide, and the watch comes in a limited edition presentation box crafted from New Zealand Kauri timber. Price is a very reasonable $3985, but the watch comes in a limited edition of just 10. A really great watch with a great story. See the gallery below for more images of the Magrette Maui's Fish.

Ariel Adams publishes the popular watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

With the Ralph Lauren logo elegantly engraved upon polished silver metal, nobody will have to ask you whose bag you are wearing. This little clutch features a hinged bottom and small push clasp that opens to reveal a satin-lined interior with side gussets. The dainty evening bag hangs from a delicate chain strap featuring an over-sized center ring. The included drawstring felt pouch will help you avoid scratching this little silver beauty. $1800.