Diamond Jubilee!

THE PARTY More than 100 high-profile guests gathered to celebrate the grand history and tradition of Van Cleef & Arpels in its elegant Michigan Avenue boutique. THE PLAYERS Philanthropists MaryAnne Smith (chair of the Women’s Auxiliary of Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s Hospital) and Lesli Falk (chair of Children’s Memorial Medical Research Institute Council) hosted the event alongside Sheryl Dyer, boutique manager, who welcomed friends to the 1,600-square-foot space to view the exquisite jewels. Plus, Nicolas Bos, CEO and worldwide creative director, was on hand in a rare personal appearance to explain the inspirations behind Van Cleef & Arpels’ most iconic collections like Birds of Paradise, Vintage Alhambra and the Heritage Collection. THE HIGHLIGHTS Following cocktail hour, guests headed upstairs to the Gold Coast room of the Drake Hotel. Seated along one grand table adorned with dozens of candles and luxe floral arrangements designed by Tom Kehoe, attendees were treated to an exquisite dinner of diver scallops and caviar, Kobe filet and foie gras. Models adorned in the jeweler’s signature pieces strolled through the room as a string quartet played. From the diamonds to the dinner, the buzz around town called it one of the most elegant evenings of late. Photos by John Reilly