Vogue100 and Sotheby’s Partnered Up on a Carat-Filled Cocktail Party

In a spectacular penthouse suite at the St Regis Hotel, Vogue100 hosted a masterclass with Sotheby’s. On a crisp September day, a group of philanthropists and tastemakers gathered to learn about some of the most interesting and delightful jewelry on the market from the auction house’s Vice Chairman, Frank Everett.

Walking through the pieces—all part of the Important Jewels auction, which is now open for bidding through September 20—Everett detailed their exceptional histories. In addition to works by Cartier and Van Cleef, the lots included works by David Webb and Jean Schlumberger, whose colorful creations defined American fine jewelry. Fans of Webb and Schlumberger included Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Rachel Lambert "Bunny" Mellon, and Elizabeth Taylor.

Fittingly, in front of an audience of accomplished women, the stories of two exceptional female creatives stood out: Marina Bulgari of Marina B and Elsa Peretti of Tiffany. Born to the Italian jewelry dynasty, Marina felt crushed by her patriarchal and patrician family that, after the death of Marina’s father in 1973, limited her contributions to managerial work. Dropping the last six letters of surname,  Marina launched her own eponymous brand in 1978. Her creations reveal both a rebellious spirit and an unmatched pedigree. Marina became a trailblazer for women in the field, including Lucia Silvestri, now the creative director at the helm of Bulgari. 

The beautiful daughter of Roman oil tycoon Peretti also fled the restrictions of the great privilege she was born into. She first rose to prominence as a fashion model, represented by Wilhelmina Cooper, dressed by Halston, and photographed by Helmut Newton. Later, her designs for Tiffany revolutionized the maison. Along with a modern sapphire ring, Everett displayed a remarkable silver “mesh” bra, which she debuted to much scandal. The two pieces spoke to the freedom and elegance Peretti represented.

Champagne flowed as attendees admired the glittering baubles. The festivities also marked the formal partnership between Sotheby’s and the Luxury Group by Marriott International, which includes the famed Midtown South address.