11 Dec Diamonds, Emeralds & Pearls – Oh My!

What do you think when you see this stunning necklace? G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S, am I right? Well, that’s what I thought too until a representative, Jeff Okunzzi, of the legendary jewelry company Masriera of Barcelona, came up to me and said these seven magic words:“Would you like to try it on?”

It was like being selected to stand up before a crowd and give a speech! I was swooning and got weak in my knees. He wanted ME to try this incredible piece of jewelry on that I figured was worth thousands!?!?

I was definitely caught off guard, because I had NEVER in my life tried on anything like this before. I also never walked into a jewelry store, such as Copeland Jewelers in Davenport Village, and had them so willingly encourage me to try the jewelry on (certainly not in a store that had a guard standing right there!) Yes, a ring perhaps, but not something so amazing I could hardly catch my breath. Well, at Copeland Jewelers, I learned they do things the “Texas friendly” way.

I’m happy to say I did not faint on the spot (don’t laugh, cause I could have, ya know!) But I will admit, I DID flush a little…like kind of being asked to dance on your first date. Don’t ask me why, because I don’t’ know.

Except that I’ve never before been asked those magical words “Would you like to try it on?”  Whom, moi?? I can still hear his words resonating in the stillness of my pause while everyone around me waited for my answer. From that moment on, I felt like I was Cinderella at the ball.

With just seven simple words, and the most exquisite necklace around my neck, I was transported instantly to a magical kingdom of beautiful jewels and people. It was an evening of pure enchantment and I was smitten!

Moi, upon seeing myself in the mirror with the necklace. But that was just the FIRST excitement. Read on, as there’s lots more. (Note: I apologize for some blurry photos as my phone camera has not been up to par of late).

Now let me introduce you to Copeland Jewelers.

Copeland Jewelers, in Davenport Village in Austin, is owned by the delightful couple, Clay and Debra Copeland. They have a warm and welcoming store, and I was quite impressed with such a full variety of fine jewelry.  I’d never seen a store feature enameled jewelry from Spain, alongside French jeweler, Christophe Danhier and a modestly priced line, Zymbol.

Read more about Clay, known in the jewelry industry as a “Bench Jeweler” and the company HERE. I love Copeland Jeweler’s motto of excellence and experience:

“If we don’t have it, we can find it. If we can’t find it, we can make it.” Copeland Jewelry

It was lovely to meet Clay and Debra Copeland, owners of Copeland Jewelers.

Now a little history about this incredible piece of Art Nouveau jewelry. The necklace is a beautiful example of a “plique a jour enamel” handcrafted from molds designed in the early 1900’s by Baques, a division of the renowned Masriera.

Joseph Masriera started building his 200 year old history of fine jewelry making in Spain in the mid-1800’s. With the collaboration of three of his sons, it would continue growing to become the leading jewelry ever from Spain to be exhibited in fine museums around the world. They were considered outstanding jewelers in silversmith and the “revival of rare enameling techniques”.  They received the first acknowledgement of their world-class jewelry in 1888.

However, it was not until the third generation of Masrieras that Lluisa Masriera became known as the “Great Jeweler of Catalan Art Nouveau”. With this prestige he became known as “the most important international representative of Art Nouveau jewellerry”. He perfected the technique of “translucent and opaque enamels, which gave rise to “Barcelona Enamel.” All original Masriera pieces from the 1800’s are in private collections, but they continue their legacy through implementation of their original casts to create new jewelry like the above necklace.” Please visit their website to learn more of the amazing history behind these world-class jewels carried exclusively in Austin by Copeland Jewelers. I loved learning, by the company’s representative Sally Okunzzi, about the fascinating history of the jewels and the artist Lluisa Masriera, known as, “A creator that transforms jewels into authentic works of art”.

Being an avid collector myself of vintage and antique jewels – as I love to incorporate brooches and their history and stories into my pillow designs at Deborah Main Designs –  it was such a wonderful treat to not only discover this Baques-Masriera line of jewelry I’d never heard of, but to learn of it’s rich history.

Now back to my magical evening, which was an invitation by none other than Mr. December himself (above), the effervescent editor of The Society Diaries magazine, Mr. Lance Avery Morgan. The evening was for the Giving Calender, a charity shopping event which features 12 Austin VIPS and charities, of which Lance was one, selected by Copeland Jewelers. Upon entering Copelands, interior designer Patrick Landrum and I, were greeted by Lance and his partner Rob Giardinelli.  Lance selected the Make-A-Wish Foundation for his charity, and 20% of proceeds from sales at this event went to this charity of his choice.  To learn more about The Giving Calendar, the other VIPs and their charities please click HERE.

Then I immediately bee lined it to my friend and business coach, the fabulous Dee Covey. For those of you who remember my debut in High Design at the International Gift and Home Furnishings market in Atlanta, well Dee was integral preparing me for the national arena. I just adore her!

Then before I knew it, the necklace had jumped over to another woman’s neck, Leslie Rodgers, and my evening would turn into more fun than I could imagine by meeting this fabulous woman. Below is the incredible singer, actress, founder of Symphony of Soul Foundation, and one of The Giving Calendar’s VIPS, the lovely Leslie Hyland Rodgers.

Next, Masriera representative, Jeff OKunzzi, decided that my neck should not be bare. He brought out a piece that celebrates the company’s 175th anniversary by paying homage to the city of it’s designs and where it was founded, Barcelona. The Barcelona of Bagues is a complete collection of small multicultural globes in the shape of beads to represent its worldwide influence. So Leslie and I instantly became “necklace soul sisters” and had a blast with it all!

Here we are, Leslie Hyland Rodgers and I, “necklace soul sisters” enjoying the wonderful jewels!

Here’s Leslie, with her husband George. The necklace looks simply gorgeous with her dark hair and beautiful neckline.

 Finally, after all that incredible excitement when I first set foot in Copelands, I had a chance to grab a drink and walk around. And lo and behold, behind me was my favorite fiddler, the talented Ruby Jane duo. Her beautiful music filled the air and made the event’s atmosphere festive.

 Next up was meeting Dane Short, the CEO and son of the founder, Sally Short, of the inspirational jewelry line, Zymbol. If you haven’t seen or heard about this jewelry, it’s quite fascinating and perfect gifts for men and women. Check out their unique story HERE.

Here’s Dane displaying all the fun jewelry and combinations of messages you can create from just this one symbol. I particularly liked the adjustable rope bracelets below.

 Next up was the French designer, Christophe Danhier. Below I am wearing one of his diamond encrusted ruby rings.  His jewelry is exquisite! What I found fascinating was how all the undersides of his designs were covered in jewels as well.  He uses very intricate, complex mechanisms too for his bracelets and rings, and even a necklace that coiled like a snake!

Now, onto the finale of the evening. To my surprise, Leslie Collier came up to me and announced that I was the winner of the RSVP prize – a STUNNING, long strand of large fresh water pearls of a variety of colors. At this point, after an evening of excitement and fun, meeting so many wonderfully kind and generous people, I was blown away!! One, because I had just won the door prize at a Cynthia Bloom Collectible Jewelry holiday event the night before, and two, because the pearls were of considerable value and they were GORGEOUS!! Thank you so much Clay and Debra Copeland for the beautiful strand of pearls that I will cherish always! Below I am wearing the strand of pearls with my dear friend, Patrick Landrum.

Here’s what Patrick had to say about our most enjoyable holiday event we attended together!

“Copeland Jewelers and The Society Diaries Holiday event was a wonderful evening celebrating the spirit of giving year round…Our fair city’s most glamorous people amid some of the most exquisite jewelry, with 20% of the proceeds benefiting one of twelve charities…gold, silver, sparkle, great friends, and the effort to share our good fortune with those in need in the spirit of the season!”  Patrick Landrum of PL& D Design

Patrick knew, and I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time, many of the attendees of this incredible event. Here are just a few:

Kim Wolfe with Zita Raymond– Zita is a fine Artist known for her incredible decorative finishes at “Zita Design”: She and Patrick have created many custom finishes together and her work has been featured in Symphony Designer Showhouses, Parade of Homes, and some of the finest homes in the country.

Venus Strawn, is a member of the Texas Board of Directors of Austin to the Humanities. Strawn is a civic leader, retired nurse, and is on many charitable committees.

Paul Schoenfield and Jean LeFebvre with Austin Opera

The Giving Calendar VIPs:

• Leslie Hyland Rogers (whose charity is Symphony of Soul Foundation),
• Miriam Relya, and husband Rick (whose charity is The Rise School of Austin, of which we at Deborah Main Designs just donated a pillow for their gala’s silent auction),
• Gray Hawn (whose charity is Austin Smiles) and whose well-known “painterly portraits” were on display at Copelands.

Here I am wearing the pearls with Giving Calender VIP Leslie and her husband George.

 And a parting shot with dear friends Patrick Landrum and Lance Avery Morgan, Mr. December. Thank you Lance for inviting me to such a lovely event and worthy cause. It was so exciting to meet everyone and to learn about all the charities that are benefiting from The Giving Calendar sponsored by Copeland Jewelers.

Friends, if you still need to shop for jewelery for your someone special, please stop by Copeland Jewelers in Davenport Village, mention The Giving Calendar, and 20% proceeds from your purchase will go to any of the 12 charities. Also, your holiday purchase includes a card showing a charity donation give in recipient’s name.

And what does Clay Copeland think when he sees this necklace, which is already sold? ” I think of Egyptian motifs. This Masriera piece was designed during the 1912-1920 era when they were discovering the contents of the ancient pyramids.“ Fascinating and regal indeed – Oh my! I will forever remember this necklace and a fabulous evening!!

What a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays with the perfect gift: the gift of giving!  May you and your family have an extra special holiday. Please watch for more details about Deborah Main Designs re-branding event at The Doris Sanders showroom, Suite #531, in Dallas, January 2015, at The World Trade Center home and gift market.  Till then, happy holidays! XOPG

Note: Photography and opinions my own.