Fresh off the plane to Los Angeles, I wore a dress to attend the second Bejeweled Ball (the black tie event was styled with a shopping spree cocktail hour followed by a formal dinner). Chat with jewelers Valerie Messika and Luca Buccellati were an added pleasure. Think you like a lace-like Buccelati necklace? You’ll want it even more when Luca tells you that he doesn’t actually know if he wants to sell it or not! “This is probably in our archives,” he says of the sapphire necklace that immediately caught my attention.

While basking in the splendor, I made my own fantastic wish list. The parts are below.

David Webb’s Cubist Emerald Earrings

I was immediately attracted by the colorful display of David Webb jewels. There was Mark Emanuel, co-owner of David Webb, who designed these gorgeous cubistic clips. I quickly corrected the Mongolian style carvings on these earrings when I confused them with jade; they are all emeralds! The design comes to life with black enamel, gold, platinum shapes and pavé diamonds. Here Emanuel puts the stunners on my ears and demonstrates the architecture of a well-designed clip. “Look, it feels weightless, doesn’t it?” They felt so right to me!

Stefanie Keenan

Stefanie Keenan

A vintage Patek Phillip Watch, c. 1959-1965

I cannot deny the evening watch. It’s the equivalent of a handbag; attractive! Neiman Marcus is also the address for vintage watches, and this beauty comes from this curation. The 18-carat white gold piece in a pinch around my wrist features about 6 carats of white diamonds and a teeny tiny watch face. And unlike most jewelry watch hybrids, this watch is produced entirely by Patek Phillip; Most watchmakers outsource to jewelers. But who should really check out when your night includes this handcrafted Swiss stunner?

Stefanie Keenan

Stefanie Keenan

Piaget’s “Surprise” Yellow Diamond Cuff

This one-of-a-kind piece is called Exquisite Moments. This piece, consisting of 491 stones corresponding to a huge diamond of 87.23 carats, is not a piece to be ignored. Twin fancy vibrant yellow diamonds (5.20 and 5.15 carats each) sit on either side of the cuff and are surrounded by Marquis-cut white diamonds that give it a feathered winged appearance. But wait, there’s more! When you press a hidden button, part of the cuff lifts to reveal the small diamond-faced watch inside. It’s truly perfect.

Stefanie Keenan

Stefanie Keenan

Rahaminov’s Floral Diamond Set

New York-based husband-and-wife jewelers Amir Goldfiner and Tamara Goldfiner of Rahaminov Diamonds were also on hand, along with a wide range of their diamond-first pieces, largely consisting of stones in their signature Movál cut. trademark. A necklace (with 51.48 carats of Movál-cut diamonds set in 18K white gold), earrings and a bracelet set shaped with daisy-like flowers caught my attention. Here I am with Mr. Goldfiner, who’s been calling me Emily all night and believes I’m a spitting image of Lily Collins. Mr. Goldfiner knows that flattery will get you anywhere; including sales.

Stefanie Keenan

Stefanie Keenan

Lace Like 1997 Buccellati Necklace

All of Buccellati’s pieces feel more like fabric than jewelry. Her feather-light, lace-like necklaces stood magnificently on the body. Among all the Buccellati products – it was difficult to choose just one! – I focused on this sapphire and diamond necklace crafted in 18 carat yellow gold, drop-shaped sapphires (17.1 cts), round brilliant-cut diamonds (10.45 cts). Per Luca Buccellati (grandson of Mario Buccellati, who founded the jewelery store in Milan in 1919), this piece was designed by his father Gianmaria in 1997. The piece is modeled after Buccellati, who is famous for making precious metals look like lace, fabric, and even delicate mesh, and Luca even wondered if he should keep the necklace in the family safe.

Stefanie Keenan

Stefanie Keenan

Messika’s Yellow Diamond Fantasy Necklace

What could be better than a necklace sparkling with an 18.05-carat fancy yellow diamond? Namibia safari trip included with purchase; Messika operates a diamond polishing factory in Namibia as part of the brand’s traceable and sustainable diamond practices. Although Messika is best known for its Move collection, it was nice to see the French brand’s more ostentatious designs (Valerie Messika is the daughter of a well-known diamond dealer). Valerie was there to show off how well diamonds pair with jeans, and it turns out the fantastic diamond can also be “dressed up.” The yellow diamond necklace can be removed and the sculptural diamond-studded collar necklace can be worn as is.

Stefanie Keenan

Stefanie Keenan