Jackie Collins’ Big, Bold Jewels Up For Auction By Bonhams

Best selling author Jackie Collins lived a life that was as big and bold as the characters in her romance novels. Her jewelry of diamonds and colorful gems that included pieces by Cartier and Nardi reflected this attitude.

These jewels are part of the “Jackie Collins: A Life in Chapters” auction at Bonhams Los Angeles. The $3 million, 1,000-lot sale of her Beverly Hills estate will be held May 16 and 17. 

The British native moved to Los Angeles on a full time basis in 1980s. It is here she thrived as both a writer and part of the Hollywood social scene until her death from breast cancer in 2015 at the age of 77. 

Among the top lots are signed jewels by Cartier and Nardi and watches by Patek Philippe, Harry Winston, Chanel and Chopard. They include the following: 

* A 6.04-carat diamond solitaire ring with an estimate of $100,000 - 150,000; 

* A diamond, emerald, stone and platinum necklace, estimate $40,000 - 60,000;

* An emerald, diamond and platinum plaque clip brooch, estimate, $20,000 - 30,000;

* A diamond, emerald, white gold and platinum ear pendants, estimate $8,000 - 12,000;

* An Art Deco diamond, black Onyx and platinum bracelet, estimate, $7,000 - 9,000;

* A Cartier 18k bi-color gold, “Panthere” collar, estimate $10,000 - 15,000.

In addition, the sale will include several works by the English painter, Beryl Cook, including Tango in Bar Sur ($20,000 - 30,000) and Train Station Café ($20,000 - 30,000); Collin’s bespoke special edition 2002 Jaguar XKR Sports car, fittingly finished in metallic gold; estimated at $15,000 - 20,000; a selection of entertainment and career-related memorabilia taking in first editions of her works and a selection of her designer clothes. 

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to support the empowerment of young women in the arts and education.

Collins published her first novel, The World is Full of Married Men, in 1968, marking the start of a 47-year writing career. The book was a bestseller, as were her next 31 novels which together sold more than 500 million copies in 40 countries worldwide. 

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LA Museum Hosts Rare Colored Diamonds Exhibit By L.J. West

The Juliet Pink Diamond, set in a necklace with marquise, pear and round-cut white diamonds totaling 98.70 carats. Image courtesy of Brian Lazar.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is set to unveil “Diamonds: Rare Brilliance” that brings together rare colored gems never before seen in the United States. 

The exhibition inside the museum’s Gem and Mineral Hall will open Friday and run through March 19, 2017. The colored diamonds and jewels in the exhibition are owned by L.J. West Diamonds, which specializes in the sourcing, manufacturing and distribution of colored diamonds.

At the exhibition’s centerpiece is the “Juliet Pink Diamond,” an extremely rare pink diamond of more than 30 carats, and a Fancy Deep Grayish Bluish Violet named the “Argyle Violet Diamond” after the Argyle mine in Western Australia, where it was discovered in 2015. Through examples, such as the fluorescent lighting of a “rainbow” diamond necklace and a very rare Victorian Orchid Diamond, the exhibition will attempt to bring to light the rare properties of colored gemstones, the science behind natural colored diamonds, and how the interplay of light and chemistry gives diamonds color. 

The diamonds on display include the following:

Image courtesy of Brian Lazar.

The Juliet Pink Diamond – This 30.03-carat Fancy Intense Pink oval diamond, with a VVS2 clarity grade, is cut from a 90-carat rough from South Africa. It is set in a necklace with marquise, pear and round-cut shape white diamonds, VVS E-F, totaling 98.70 carats. 

Image courtesy of Brian Lazar

The Argyle Violet – The 2.83-carat oval shaped gem is the largest violet diamond unearthed from the Argyle diamond mine, polished from a 9.17-carat rough diamond. It possesses the unique color grading of Fancy Deep Grayish Bluish Violet, and served as the headline stone of the 2016 Argyle Pink Diamonds Signature Tender, an annual sale of rare pink, red and blue diamonds, unearthed from the Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia.

Image courtesy of Brian Lazar

The Rainbow Necklace – A jewel made of approximately 100 rare natural colored diamonds from the color spectrum. It features radiant-cut shape multi-color diamonds at a noteworthy 35.93-carat weight and is set in a custom 18k white gold arch necklace. It took more than five years to source and assemble the jewel. 

Image courtesy of Aaron Celestian, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

The Victorian Orchid Vivid Purple Diamond – It is one of the rarest stones currently worldwide because of its unusual color, according to LJ West. It is a 1.64-carat Fancy Vivid Purple diamond with an SI2 clarity grade is fashioned in a cushion-cut shaped and is set in a platinum flower designed ring with a matching pair of kite- shape diamonds.

The exhibition coincides with the reopening of NHMLA’s Gem and Mineral Store. 

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Stars Glitter In Harry Winston Jewels At amfAR Benefit

Charlize Theron, wearing Harry Winston accepts the amfAR Award of Inspiration onstage at amfAR’s Inspiration Gala Los Angeles sponsored by Harry Winston at Milk Studios. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Harry Winston)

Charlize Theron, Lea Michele, Victoria Justice, Angela Lindvall and Erica Pelosini were among the stars adorned in Harry Winston jewels at the amfAR Inspiration Gala, held Thursday at Milk Studios in Los Angeles. 

amfAR’s Inspiration Gala Los Angeles sponsored by Harry Winston at Milk Studios on October 27, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Harry Winston)

Luxury jewelry and watch brand, Harry Winston, is in the second year of a three-year international partnership with amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, and served as the presenting sponsor of the star-studded Hollywood event, which benefits the foundation’s AIDS research programs.

Model Heidi Klum, Regional Vice President at Harry Winston, Michael Moser and businesswoman Paris Hilton attend amfAR’s Inspiration Gala Los Angeles sponsored by Harry Winston at Milk Studios on October 27, 2016, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Harry Winston)

The event honored Jeffrey Katzenberg and Theron for their outstanding contributions in the fight against AIDS. Each was presented with the limited-edition Harry Winston Countdown to a Cure timepiece. Limited to 20 men and 20 women pieces, it is sold exclusively through Harry Winston boutiques. Twenty percent of sales go toward amfAR's efforts to develop the scientific basis of a cure for HIV by 2020. 

Jeffrey Katzenberg accepts the amfAR Award of Inspiration at amfAR’s Inspiration Gala Los Angeles sponsored by Harry Winston at Milk Studios on October 27, 2016, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Harry Winston)

Part of Harry Winston’s timeless Midnight Collection, the men’s version of the automatic watch features a 42mm white gold case with a navy blue dial accented with a multicolor gradient, representing amfAR’s Countdown to a Cure campaign colors that symbolize the fade of the disease from crisis to cure. The women’s 32mm model is set with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds and 19 vivid gemstones, from rubies and sapphires to spessartite garnets.

Other stars attending the event included Heidi Klum, Dita Von Teese, Jane Lynch, Cheyenne Jackson and Jon Hamm. 

Theron accepted her award wearing Harry Winston chandelier earrings with 32.57 carats of diamonds set in platinum and the Secret Cluster ring with 6.6 carats set in platinum. 

Actress Lea Michele wearing Harry Winston at amfAR’s Inspiration Gala Los Angeles at Milk Studios on October 27, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Harry Winston)

Michele was decked out in 180 carats worth of Harry Winston diamond and platinum jewels, including the Combination Diamond Necklace and Bracelet (88.34 carats and 68.57 carats, respectively), Emerald-Cut Diamond Earstuds (3.15 carats), Cushion-Cut Micropave Diamond Ring, (4.98 carats), Radiant-Cut Diamond Rock Band (8.3 carats) and Oval Diamond Rock Band (6.47 carats). 

Stylist Erica Pelosini wearing Harry Winston at amfAR’s Inspiration Gala Los Angeles at Milk Studios on October 27, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Harry Winston)

Pelosini wore 60 carats of Harry Winston jewels, including the 44.34-carat Marquesa Diamond Cluster Necklace matched with the Tulp diamond bracelet (12.86 carats), Straight Line Diamond Bracelet, (2.54 carats), Crossover Diamond Ring (1.63 carats) and Micropave Diamond Dome Band (1.09 carats) 

Actress Victoria Justice wearing Harry Winston at amfAR’s Inspiration Gala Los Angeles at Milk Studios on October 27, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Harry Winston)

Justice wore Harry Winston Cluster Diamond Earrings and Stacked Diamond Bands; and Lindvall was adorned in Open Belle Diamond Drop Earrings

Model Angela Lindvall wearing Harry Winston attends amfAR’s Inspiration Gala Los Angeles sponsored by Harry Winston at Milk Studios. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Harry Winston)

The amfAR Inspiration series was launched in 2010 to celebrate men’s fashion and style while raising funds for amfAR’s lifesaving AIDS research programs. Since its inception, Inspiration galas have been held in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Toronto, and Miami. To date, Inspiration events have raised more than $26 million for amfAR. 

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It’s The Year of the Woman For Montblanc Arts Patronage Awards As Maria Arena Bell Was Honored As The North American Winner

The North American recipient of the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award with her special edition of the Montblanc Patron of Art Peggy Guggenheim writing instrument and trophy. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Montblanc)

Maria Arena Bell—the award-winning television writer, novelist and freelance writer—received the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award for North America Monday during a cocktail reception on the penthouse at Chateau Marmont, attended by a diverse group of entertainers, artists and philanthropists.

Bell was honored primarily for her work as the former long-term chair and later president of Los Angeles’ PS Arts, leading the effort to raise funds to provide arts education to more than 25,000 low-income Los Angeles public elementary school children.

In addition, Bell chaired The National Arts Awards for Americans For The Arts (a nonprofit advocacy group based in Washington D.C.) for over a decade and served as its vice chair lobbying on Capitol Hill for increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and for art in schools. She created the Americans for the Arts Bell Family Foundation Young Artist award, which has been given to artists such as actress Dakota Fanning, dancer David Hallberg and musician Josh Groban. She also served as the co-chair from 2009-14 at The Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles. During her tenure, she co-chaired the search for two directors and co-chaired the successful campaign to raise the museum’s endowment to more than $100 million.

In 2012 Bell, a lifelong Southern California resident, was appointed commissioner to the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Committee.

Attendees for the presentation of the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award on the penthouse suite of the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles. (Photo by Anthony DeMarco)

In accepting the award, Bell discussed the importance of arts education, arguing that the arts are an essential part of education and life-long growth and should be taught as standard curriculum at schools. She said her love of arts was influenced by a dynamic art history teacher in her public high school in Southern California.

“It shouldn’t be the icing on the cake it should be the cake,” she said. “It should be the thing that makes us human and bonds us together. Not every student is going to be an artist but every student could appreciate art. Art can really bring out, with every person it touches, the best of himself.”

During her speech and in a private interview prior to receiving the award, she discussed the appropriateness of receiving a fountain pen as an award from a company famous for its writing instruments.

From left: Montblanc Cultural Foundation co-chairman Sam Bardaouil, actress Ashley Greene, Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award North American recipient Maria Arena Bell, actress Bryce Dallas Howard and Montblanc Cultural Foundation co-chairman Till Fellrath. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Montblanc)

“As a writer to receive an award from Montblanc because writing is my art form, it’s the thing I wanted to do since I was a child,” she said. “It was really something extraordinary for me because as a writer by profession to have the award come from an organization that produces writing instruments it really felt so incredibly fitting and powerful.”

Bell is one of 16 individuals or organizations around the world who will receive this award, which honors those who support artists and help make the arts accessible to broader audiences. She received a special edition of the Montblanc Patron of Art Peggy Guggenheim writing instrument presented in trophy-like case. All the others will receive the prize.

Each year Montblanc creates a limited edition writing instrument to honor an historical figure noted for his or her patronage to the arts. This year, this honor went to Peggy Guggenheim, the late American heiress who displayed her personal collection of modern art collection in her residence in Venice, which is now home to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection museum. She is credited with advancing the careers of several important modern artists including American painters Jackson Pollock and William Congdon, Austrian surrealist Wolfgang Paalen, sound poet Ada Verdun Howell and German painter Max Ernst.

New Montblanc North America President Sylvain Costof and Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award North American recipient Maria Arena Bell (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Montblanc)

This year, for the 25th anniversary of the award, in addition to honoring Guggenheim with the namesake writing instrument, half of the award winners are women. It’s difficult whether it was planned this way or whether it was just happenstance, but if the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award could be faulted for anything, it would be its under representation of women. 

The newly appointed co-chairmen of the Montblanc Cultural Foundation, Till Fellrath and Sam Bardaouil, who presented Bell with the award, had no input in this year’s honorees, but they said it is something that may need to be addressed, while dismissing any attempt to bring quotas into the award nomination process. 

“I think it’s really important, about 50 to 55 percent of the population, depending on the country, is women and it should go without saying that if you really do the research one would expect a similar percentage to be great patrons and great innovators,” Bardaouil said.

Fellrath added, “It’s about balance. It’s about inclusiveness. You have to look at different places and expand new geographies but also generally acknowledge those who are truly contributing to the arts regardless of whether they’re men and women. But definitely when you look properly, you will find both: a lot of men and a lot of women doing great work.”

Among those in attendance to watch Bell receive the award were actresses Ashley Greene and Bryce Dallas Howard, photographer Caroline “Chuck” Grant, entrepreneur and philanthropist Eli Broad, actress/producer Gisella Marengo, Robert “Bobby” Kennedy III, artist Jonas Wood, artist Thomas Houseago, and art dealers Jackie and Irving Blum. 

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Eddie Redmayne Is The Face Of The Omega Globemaster

Omega Globmaster brand ambassador Eddie Redmayne

British actor Eddie Redmayne is known for taking on challenging roles. His latest challenge will be the role as the newest ambassador of the Omega watch brand. He was officially introduced as the face of the Omega Globemaster at Mack Sennett Studios in Los Angeles Tuesday with a Hollywood style gala.

The watch collection, which houses the brand’s most advanced mechanical movement and features a design inspired by early Constellation models, was unveiled more than a year ago and Redmayne’s selection of being its international spokesperson not long after. But it wasn’t till now that both the Globemaster and its new representative were ready for full global exposure. The brand also debuted an online adverting campaign with Redmayne.

President and CEO of Omega Stephen Urquhart with Redmayne attend the launch of the Globemaster, the worlds first master chronometer, at Mack Sennett Studios on March 1 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Omega)”

Redmayne received a 2015 Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in the film, “The Theory of Everything,” and was nominated for a second Oscar in 2016 for “The Danish Girl.”

He said on stage that the Globemaster’s design has both a classic and modern appeal. “I can kind of wear it with anything,” he said. “I don't like watches to be overstated or ostentatious or crying out too much, but you want to feel a weight to them and a history to them. For me, in a subtle way, it makes you feel stronger having a decent watch on.”

The launch of the Globemaster at Mack Sennett Studios on March 1 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Omega)”

He added that he finds red carpets the most challenging environment when trying to decide what to wear. 

“It's just a very odd thing to have to stand in front of banks of people screaming at you and telling you to look in their direction and quite often shouting abuse,” he said. “So for me, a good tailored suit and a strong watch give you a sense that you have armor or a uniform.”

Omega brand ambassador Eddie Redmayne, with his wife, Hannah Bagshawe

Earlier in the day, Stephen Urquhart, Omega president, said the 34-year-old actor fits the positioning of the Globemaster well because of his youth, his reputation for taking on challenging roles and his unique sense of style. The timepiece is being sold as a traditional watch for a younger audience and Redmayne, who is the first Oscar winner born in the 1980s, fits this demographic. 

“This watch is so important for the future of the brand that we wanted to find someone who could really try to combine the incredible legacy with a modern style,” he said. “I think at Omega we’re trying to definitely attract a younger generation.”

Jean-Claude Monachon, Omega vice president of Product Development and Customer Service demonstrates the Omega Globemaster watch for Omega brand ambassador Eddie Redmayne at Mack Sennett Studios on March 1, 2016 in Los Angeles.

Urquhart describes Redmayne, known for embracing fine tailoring and well made shoes, as a “bit cutting edge” in his style. “He’s not the classic so called good looking guy.”

He describes the Globemaster as a contemporary watch that speaks to the history of Omega. It is part of Omega’s iconic Constellation series of watches and was styled after two Constellation watches in the 1950s, which at the time were called “Globemaster,” because the Constellation name was under trademark in the U.S., which expired in the early 1960s. 

Omega used the occasion to introduce its first update of the Globemaster , a 41mm version with an annual calendar. Each month is positioned between the blued indexes. The months are indicated by a varnished blue hand.

Jean-Claude Monachon, Omega vice president of Product Development and Customer Service, says the Globemaster takes its style cues from two Globemaster/Constellation watches at that time, in particular, its “pie-pan” dial style, fluted bezel, “double-C” case construction.

The Globemaster’s sapphire 39mm caseback is stamped with a medallion that has an image of an observatory, representing the precision awards that the watchmaker received during the famous chronometer observatory trials. Eight stars in the sky above the observatory symbolizes the watch brand’s most important precision records throughout its history. It also signifies the eight METAS-certified criteria that a timepiece and its movement must undergo in order to receive its Master Chronometer status. It’s the only watch in the world that has met these criteria, which measures the following:

Omega Globemaster in the watch Sedna gold, the watch brand's own patented rose gold alloy

* Average daily precision of the watch when tested in six positions, two alternating temperatures and then exposed to magnetism of 15,000 gauss.

* Function of COSC-approved movement during exposure of 15,000 gauss magnetic field, the equivalent of what an MRI machine produces. “Doctors can now wear their watch at work,” Monachon said.

* Function of the entire watch during exposure of 15,000 gauss. 

* Deviation of daily time precision after exposure to 15,000 gauss

* Water resistance testing 

* Power reserve deviation testing

* Power reserve deviation testing between 100% and 33% with the watch in six positions

* Deviation of running time when tested in six positions

The Globemaster’s sapphire 39mm caseback showing the medallion stamped with an image of an observatory and eight stars in the sky above.

Urquhart says the METAS-certified criteria extend the life of the watch. 

“Everything has a short lifespan,” he said. “The dream is to have a mechanical watch on your wrist that is not eternal but has the longest lifespan as possible. I think the Globemaster does this with all we put into it style-wise and also with the mechanics and technology.”

He continues to examine ways of extending a watch’s life even further—including creating mechanicals movements that don’t need oil. The lubricant damages a watch over time.

“You have this on your wrist and it would age, but in such a fantastic way that it won’t deteriorate. That’s a good way to dream.” 

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Red Carpet Jewelry Roundup for 2015 Golden Globe Awards

Jessica Chastain in Piaget Limelight Couture Précieuse Earrings in white gold set with 194 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 12.91 ct).

In terms of jewelry, the Golden Globe Awards Red Carpet on Sunday resembled more of a Dîner en Blanc event then it did a major entertainment industry celebration. There was so much white it was blinding.

Naomi Watts in Bulgari's signature Serpenti diamond necklace.

Colorless diamonds with white gold and platinum was by far the leading trend on the red carpet Sunday. Very few bold statements as well, as classic, understated styles were the norm.

Julianne Moore in Chopard with two platinum and diamond bracelets and three rings.

Colored gemstones and yellow gold were near invisible. This is unusual considering that the trend in recent years had been leaning well toward colored gems, colored diamonds and yellow gold.

Anna Kendrick in Fred Leighton 1960s ruby and diamond pendant earrings.

Of course the big jewelry houses adorned the biggest stars and made the biggest splash. Jessica Chastain sparkled in white gold and diamond earrings and cuffs by Piaget. Naomi Watts may have the only bold statement of the evening wearing Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti diamond necklace. Julianne Moore was a consensus best dressed of the evening as she matched her metallic gown with two platinum and diamond bracelets and three rings by Chopard.

Allison Janney in Martin Katz 15.83-carat fancy yellow radiant diamond ring microset with 370 diamonds, 7.13-carat fancy yellow radiant diamond earrings, and a yellow radiant and white emerald cut diamond bracelet with 15 fancy yellow diamonds and 15 white emerald cut diamonds.

Fred Leighton also seemed to be the most visible brands on the red carpet Sunday. Usually this would mean a variety of color and styles but not this year. Only Anna Kendrick chose to wear understated ruby and diamond pendant earrings and ring.

Kate Hudson in Forevermark Diamond Jewelry, including Forevermark Exceptional Diamonds by Slane Earrings, a Forevermark Diamond Ring set in platinum, and a Forevermark Diamond Line Bracelet set in platinum.

Martin Katz, known for his diamond designs, although he had been venturing into color in recent years, adorned several stars Sunday but only Allison Janney went with something a bit different using fancy yellow diamonds, but still understated.

Chrissy Teigen in $1 Million in diamonds by Harry Kotlar, including a radiant cut diamond ring and cushion cut pink and white diamond earrings.

The De Beers Forevermark diamond brand, which personifies whiteness in its jewelry, adorned no fewer than three red carpet stars with layers of white diamond and metal jewelry (Kate Hudson, Giuliana Rancic and Frances O’Connor).

Katie Cassidy in $1 Million of Diamonds by Harry Kotlar, including 8-carat round brilliant diamond stud earrings.

Model Chrissy Teigen and actress Katie Cassidy both looked stunning, each wearing more than $1 million of understated (believe it or not) jewelry by Harry Kotlar.

Mark Ruffalo in a Montblanc Star Twin Moonphase timepiece.

Montblanc and Jaeger-LeCoultre helped dress several men in their timepieces and Montblanc added cufflinks for at least two more men walking the red carpet. Hip Hop artist Common sported a carved moonstone elephant and diamond jabot by Fred Leighton.

Jeremy Renner in a Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin timepiece.

However, the highlight among those wearing watches was Diane Kruger who looked stunning in a Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Art Deco timepiece.

Diane Kruger in a Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Art Deco timepiece.

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Harry Winston Gives $1 Million to UCLA Children’s Hospital To Establish Fellowship Fund

Honorees Maureen Stockton and Bryan Stockton attend the second annual Kaleidescope Ball.

Harry Winston, Inc. presented a $1 million gift to the UCLA Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute, part of the Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA, to establish the Harry Winston Fellowship Fund.

The gift was presented April 10 at the second annual Kaleidoscope Ball – Designing the Sweet Side of L.A. at the Beverly Hills Hotel, which benefits the children’s hospital. Hosted by Maria Menounos, the star-studded event honored Emmy Award-nominated Julianne Hough and Emmy Award-Winning Derek Hough with the Kaleidoscope Award - given to members of the entertainment industry who bring light and laughter into the lives of children through their professional achievements and personal humanitarianism. 

Additional honorees at this year’s event included Maureen & Bryan Stockton who received the Humanitarian Award for their commitment to civic philanthropy, and 9-year-old Grace Suomi - a former patient of Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA – who received the Innovator Award.

As the first corporate sponsor of Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA’s innovative pediatric fellowship program, Harry Winston will support the work of young pediatric physician-scientists who are conducting research to prevent, treat, and cure disease and illness in children.

“The Los Angeles community holds a very special meaning for Harry Winston.  It is where Mr. Winston spent his own childhood, and first began to realize his passion and future would be in precious jewels.” said Nayla Hayek, CEO of Harry Winston, Inc. “Through the Harry Winston Fellowship Fund, we are so proud to support the vital work of these talented young physician-scientists.  It is our hope that through their innovative research and groundbreaking ideas, all children will have the opportunity for a more brilliant and healthy future, to realize their own dreams.”

Harry Winston Fellows and fund recipients will be chosen annually by an internal selection committee led by Dr. Sherin Devaskar, physician-in-chief of Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA and executive director of the UCLA Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute. The Harry Winston Fellows will represent physician-scientists in their second and third year of fellowship who have demonstrated a commitment to a career in academic medicine. 

“The UCLA Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute promotes scholarship and lifelong learning at all levels of career development. The Harry Winston Fellowship Fund will support the best and brightest subspecialty fellows toward becoming exceptional academic physician-scientists who will go on to collaborate and establish networks locally, nationally and globally. The ultimate goal is to promote health and improve the quality of life for all children now and in the future,” said Dr. Devaskar.

The three Harry Winston Fellows, whose appointments are pending, are researching diseases that affect children and families worldwide.

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Last Chance To Bid On Jacqueline Kennedy’s Christian Dior Necklace

A gold-plated necklace personally owned by former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy is currently up for auction at the Nate D. Sanders Auctions in Los Angeles. The company is taking bids online and by phone, with the bidding scheduled to conclude Thursday.

The necklace features six graduated strands of gold-plated square-linked chains, punctuated with 23 fluted spherical beads in faux coral. A charm near the clasp identifies it as Dior, made in Germany in 1973, while she was married to Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis. There’s documentation stating that the necklace is from the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis estate sale, sold by Sotheby's in April of 1996, lot 501.

The auction is scheduled to end tomorrow (January 30) at 5 p.m. PST. However, there is a possibility of the bidding being extended until a bid hasn’t been placed for 30 minutes. Bids can be placed online at the auction house's website or by phone at 310-440-2982.

Additional information on Jackie Kennedy’s Dior Necklace can be found at this link.

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Hublot Names Kobe Bryant Its Newest Ambassador

Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot CEO, with Kobe Bryant.

Swiss luxury watch brand, Hublot, has named Los Angeles Lakers’ star shooting guard, Kobe Bryant, is its newest ambassador. To commemorate the partnership, Hublot released Kobe’s signature timepiece, the limited edition King Power Black Mamba.

“Bryant was the perfect choice for Hublot—a brand known for its precision and excellence, traits that have characterized the basketball icon’s celebrated career,” said Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot.

Hublot is enhancing its alliance with Bryant through its support of the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation. The Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of youth and families in need by providing financial resources for like-minded organizations.

Kobe Bryant King Power Black Mamba

The announcement was made Wednesday on the rooftop of The London Hotel West Hollywood. Guadalupe presented Bryant with the Limited Edition King Power Black Mamba. This was followed by a shoot-off with two children from After-School All Stars Los Angeles, a charitable beneficiary of the Bryant Family Foundation. Taking shots from a makeshift basketball court constructed over the hotel’s rooftop pool, the contest raised $30,000 for the program.

A dinner afterward was attended by several celebrities, including Zac Efron, Jimmy Kimmel, and Mark Salling.

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