The Swarovski name may not be easy to pronounce or spell, but this 120 year old Austrian company has long been a part of our culture…from the early French couturiers to Hollywood costumers, their crystals have graced the fashions and accessories that reflect our times (don’t forget Dorothy’s red shoes in “The Wizard of Oz”). Or if you’re more into window shopping, I hope you saw the Christmas windows at Bergdorf’s (using 8 million, yes, million!) Swarovski crystals.

So when asked to host this Atelier Swarovski jewelry show (by the Preservation Society of Newport County, with a portion of proceeds going to the maintenance of their gardens and landscapes) I did so with great anticipation.

This hot summer day, August 26^th, had it all  as good parties go — my best girlfriends, a special surprise guest, refreshing signature cocktail (champagne with a dash of blood orange liquer), light but yummy canapes and remarkable jewels (many one of a kind) that put everyone in a serious shopping mode – no “I’m just looking” comments here!

Enjoy being part of our August Friday afternoon in Newport!

The Atelier Swarovski collection is singular, focusing on innovative applications of crystal cuts in contemporary jewelry combined with a range of metal finishes, from rose gold…

to rhodium and palladium.

What we all loved is that the pieces are created not by traditional jewelry designers, but rather, architects, fashion designers and culture icons (like Iris Apfel); their two signature collections a year, in limited editions, are a must-keep on your radar screen.

And speaking of Iris Apfel…just in time to dispense her fashion sense and accessory chic, our special guest made her appearance, on the arm of her dear friend and Director of Atelier Swarovski sales for the Western Hemisphere, Russel Pagliughi.

When one guest was hesitant, thinking that once her statement piece purchase had been “seen” she could never wear it again, Iris came to the rescue. “My dear, a statement piece is meant to be worn often, for it becomes your signature.”

“What fun…and so very Iris,” a jeweled caged collar and matching bracelet.

Are you shimmering yet?

Featured Image Credit, Jodi Paquin