Webb-a-thon
The ladies of the Swan Ball swoon over David
The sentiment expressed in the song, “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend,” has been proven true time and time again through the years. This was certainly the case at the Swan Ball Jewelry Party, hosted by Chairs Nancy Cheadle, Kim Norman and Sally Coble, at the lovely home of Ellen Martin. After all, the jewelry designs of the esteemed David Webb were on display. Webb’s inventive, animal-influenced pieces and his creative use of diamonds, were celebrated by the most fashionable women in Nashville.
But, what made the party even more fun was the graciousness of current David Webb co-owner Mark Emmanuel, NYC store manager Prima O’Grady and Beverly Hills store manager, and secret weapon Kevin Parker, who ensured that every woman in attendance experienced a personal dress-up moment with at least one stunning piece of Webb jewelry. Sandra Lipman enjoyed wearing a pin, ring and bracelet featuring coral and diamonds set in platinum, while Jacqueline Hutton had a ball showing off a black enamel diamond ring. “I felt like getting jeweled up today,” laughed Sandra.
After nibbling on Kristen Winston’s “bites,” everyone settled into a few rows of gold chiavari chairs to hear more from the knowledgeable and entertaining Ruth Peltason, author of David Webb: The Quintessential American Jeweler, scheduled for release in September 2013 (which even has a section devoted to Swan Ball founder, Jane Dudley!). Ruth described this delightful gathering as a “Webb-a-thon” while noting that the 10 pairs of iris earrings made especially for the Ball could definitely be characterized as “investment pieces.” Clever Heloise Kuhn quietly quipped, “One could also buy a car with that money which would take you more places, but tose beautiful earrings would most certainly get you the invitation.”
As the event drew to a close, the ladies reluctantly parted with their loaned jewels. But with several other Ball events where the Webb pieces would be shown again, these enthusiastic models would have a another opportunity to drip in luxurious diamonds—and lions and tigers and bears!
—Gloria Houghland, Photographs by Sinclair Kelly
