|
Shining on the Strip
By Len Butcher
In a city known for its glitz and glitter, it is hardly any wonder that some of the finest diamonds and jewels can be found on display and for sale. In fact, many can be considered works of art and nowhere is this more evident this coming month than the American Beauty display at Fred Leighton Rare Collectible Jewels in Bellagio.
From Mrs. Cole Porter's Aquamarine and Ruby Belt Necklace set with 23 rubies on a platinum mounting, valued at $1,275,000, to Joan Crawford's amethyst and gold ring, that sells for $58,000. This one-of-a-kind display features the finest creations from American jewelers.
Linda Porter's necklace was designed by Paul Flato, whose clients consisted of Ginger Rogers, Joan Crawford, Charlie Chaplin and Orson Welles. Mrs. Porter later gave the necklace to Fred Astaire's daugther, Adele.
Joan Crawford, who loved jewelry, especially large rings, bought the above-mentioned ring from New York jeweler-designer Raymond C. Yard. It is a step-cut amethyst of approximately 75 carats with an exceptional deep violet hue and the stone is mounted in gold with delicate scroll supports. You'll love this one ladies, so if your husband/partner gets lucky at the craps table, quickly take him over to Fred Leighton's.
As an aside, Raymond C. Yard got his big break from John D. Rockefeller. Yard was Rockefeller's jewelry salesman at Marcus when the multi-millionaire told him that if he decided to start his own business, he (Rockefeller) would buy jewelry from him and tell all his friends. Yard opened his New York City store in 1922, making crisp and clean-lined Art Deco jewelry and Rockefeller kept his word.
I was fortunate enough to be given the grand tour by Carolyn Hagopian, manager of Fred Leighton's at the Bellagio, who spoke knowledgeably of each piece, giving me some of the fascinating history behind the jewelry.
Whether your interests lie in diamonds, gold, or other precious gems, or if you prefer rings to necklaces or brooches to earrings, you will find it all at the American Beauty display.
A few of my favorites were the Kwan Yang Goddess of Heaven Brooch of Green Tourmaline and Gems; an Amethyst, Ruby, Diamond, Sapphire and 18K Pink Gold Necklace (circa 1940s); Schlumberger Blue Enamel Bangle in 18K Yellow Gold from Tiffany & Co., worn by Jackie Kennedy; Black Enamel and 18K Gold Tiger Earrings from jeweler/designer David Webb, a favorite of Elizabeth Taylor's.
The display will be on exhibit (all items for sale), through April 3. If you want to see how talented and creative our own American jewelry designers were and are, you won't want to miss this. After that, if you're in New York, drop by Fred Leighton's at 773 Madison Ave.
|
|
|
