A Winter's Tale

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK ISHMAN // MODELING BY DONOVAN KLEIN AND ANITA ALAM // HAIR BY A.J. RODRIGUEZ // MAKEUP BY KELLY LABANCO // STYLING BY THERESA ALLEVA // STYLING ASSISTANCE BY KATHERINE ROUSONELOS

The table is set for a gala evening event, the perfect venue to showcase the finest jewels and couture of the season.

A. Marek Fine Jewelry

**Shown with flowers: Georgia Vase by William Yeoward**

Preparing for a cozy winter evening in, she begins with diamond Tudor Rose earrings set in 18k white gold from House of Garrard, paired with a mixed-cut diamond line necklace in 18k white gold from the A. Marek Private Collection. On the hand is a black and white diamond bell ring by Palmiero in 18k white gold. The look is completed with a stunning 18k white gold pave diamond bracelet from the A. Marek Private Collection. All items are available at A. Marek Fine Jewelry, located at 3021 Butterfield Road, #108, in Oak Brook, 630-954-2662, amarekfinejewelry.com.

Azar Jewelry

On the table: Amber Vega flute by Baccarat, Royal Bramasole Flatware by Ricci Carlton, Gold dinner plate and Gold Aves dessert plate by Royal Crown Derby.

Guests will be arriving soon, and setting the table in these18k gold stunners makes preparing much more glamourous. Diamond hoop earrings set in 18k white gold are paired with a sapphire and diamond peacock ring in one hand, while a sparkling fancy yellow diamond ring adorns the other. A matching yellow diamond-encrusted bangle and a set of 18k white gold and yellow gold bangles finish the look. Azar Jewelry is located at The Arboretum of South Barrington, 100 West Higgins Road, #-20, in South Barrington, 847-551-9394, azardiamondjewelry.com.

Burdeen’s Jewelry

This glitzy couple welcomes guests into their home. She wears a pair of 18k white gold Chimento chandelier earrings paired with an 18k white and yellow gold draping-bow necklace filled with sparkling diamonds. A beautiful oval center stone diamond set in platinum and 18k rose gold looks striking on her finger, and an 18k yellow gold and diamond cuff adorns her wrist. He sports an A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk white gold watch featuring a black crocodile strap. Burdeen’s Jewelry is located at 1151 West Lake Cook Road, Buffalo Grove, 847-459-8980, burdeens.com.

Jewels of Lake Forest

Our host prepares the study for after-dinner drinks and conversation. While making sure everything is in place, she stuns in 18k white gold, diamonds, and pearls. A set of South Seas pearl and diamond drop earrings paired with a matching bracelet and jaw-dropping South Seas pearl strand with a diamond drop enhancer add nothing but class to her outfit. Her look is complete with a nine-karat Asscher cut diamond ring in a platinum setting. Jewels of Lake Forest is located at 284 East Deerpath Road in downtown Lake Forest, 847-615-2900, jewelsoflakeforest.com.

M.J. Miller & Co. Jewelers

Vesta Champagne Flutes by William Yeoward

A mix of platinum and 18k gold pieces filled with jewels and pearls on her create the perfect look for after-dinner drinks. She wears a pair of 18k white gold earrings filled with round and oval cut sapphires and tsavorite garnets, paired with a matching bracelet of sapphires and tsavorite garnets and brilliant cut diamonds. An 18k white gold bracelet featuring three white/silver pearls accented with round brilliant and rose cut diamonds pairs with the holiday centerpiece, an 18k white gold sapphire and baroque South Seas pearl necklace. Four gorgeous rings finish the look. One set in platinum with an oval cut diamond and round brilliant cut diamond accents, and three eternity rings with one featuring oval cut diamonds and the final two with blue sapphires. The man of the house wears a set of 18k white gold cufflinks accented with square cut sapphires and baguette cut diamonds and a platinum and 18k yellow gold gentleman’s curb link bracelet. He finishes his look with the timeless stainless steel limited edition Grand Seiko watch. M.J. Miller & Co. Jewelers is located at 123 W. Main Street in Barrington, 847-381-7900, mjmillerjewelers.com.

Special thanks to ikram in Chicago and Neiman Marcus in Northbrook for providing fashions, and Peachtree Place in Northfield for providing home accessories.

On her: Rodarte gown from ikram in Chicago, 312-587-1000. Natori silk robe from Neiman Marcus in Northbrook, 847-564-0300. On him: Tom Ford Tuxedo from Neiman Marcus in Northbrook, 847-564-0300.

The historic home used is located at 405 N. Mayflower Road in Lake Forest, currently offered at $9,450,000 through Ann Lyon of Berkshire Hathaway. For more information, call 847-828-9991.