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The Making of Modern Luxury: Great Jewels and the Stories Behind Them by Carol Woolton and Special Guests

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2027
5:30 PM Cocktails, 6:00 PM Lecture

Every extraordinary jewel has a story to tell. Behind the dazzling creations of the Gilded Age were ambitious patrons, visionary designers, exceptional craftsmen, and the great jewelry houses competing to satisfy an unprecedented appetite for luxury. Jewelry historian, author, and exhibition guest curator Carol Woolton joins a panel of distinguished guests to explore the artistry, personalities, and innovations that transformed fine jewelry at the turn of the twentieth century. From American heiresses seeking distinction in European society to the designers and artisans who translated their ambitions into remarkable creations, the discussion will examine how advances in materials and techniques opened new possibilities for jewelry design, while changing social expectations reshaped the meaning of luxury. Drawing on the stories and objects at the heart of the exhibition, the panel will offer fresh perspectives on the intersection of wealth, taste, craftsmanship, and cultural change—and the enduring influence of the Gilded Age on modern luxury.