Aussie jeweller, Stefano Canturi bites the biggest style apple and in this market, deserves a medal . . . .

Stefano Canturi's pearl and diamond earrings (above); the man himself (above left) and Nicole Kidman (above right) as 'Satine' in Moulin Rouge.

Of all the industries within the fashion world, you would think the higher end of the jewellery market would be really badly hit.

Sure, I'm sure Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, Fred Leighton, et al, are feeling the credit crunch so it was refreshing to find out that 'Our Own' high-end jeweller, Stefano Canturi is expanding his global empire, as opposed to closing parts of it.

The Canturi name really made its high-profile mark when the designer and company boss, Stefano, created that mighty fine diamond necklace worn by Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rogue (the exotic piece pictured above was, like her, called 'Satine').

Stefano's cinematic foray continued in Buz Luhrmann's Australia, where he created diamond jewellery for Ms Kidman's character, 'Sarah', in the shape of a diamond brooch, engagement and wedding rings, and diamond and coral earrings.

So, a few Baz/Nic/CM films up his sleeve and Stefano is continuing his expansion, opening a fifth Canturi salon, this one in Manhattan, his second salon in the US, after the Palazzo Las Vegas.

Opening on July 6, the Canturi jewels salon is at 66th and Madison Ave _ an impressice NYC uptown address _ and will be a haven where Stefano will be focusing on exclusive designs set amidst the background of geometric shapes of tables and, of course, the use of a lounge styled from the modern classic 1928 design, le Corbusier.

The jewellery cabinets and the black reflective feature wall represent the trademark Canturi Cubism style. So, if a trip to NYC is on the cards . . . . so might be a trip to 66th and Madison.

Interstingly, I'm kind of likening Stefano's US expansion to Peter Alexander (the Melbourne-based pyjama king) who has a store in Los Angeles and of course ditto, that make-up maestro, Napoleon Perdis, whose 'Set' make-up collection is in Target stores throughout the US.

Seems the Aussie boys are making their own kinds of mark in the US. And Bravo! to all of them.

Visit http://www.canturi.com/ to get the Stefano vibe.