A period stunner is the perfect setting to showcase the finest jewels of the season.

The Schweppe Mansion—one of Illinois’ most architecturally significant Lake Michigan estates—dazzles as the back drop for the North Shore’s most desired jewels. The 28-room manor designed by noted architect Frederick Wainwright Perkins features remarkable craftsmanship and more than 440 feet of lake frontage. Built in 1915 as a wedding gift with a fortune founded on Marshall Field & Company, this glamorous venue hosted many a fête with guest lists including celebrated and bejeweled figures such as the Duchess of Windsor and the Crown Princess of Sweden. Surely these guests of yore would have cast covetous eyes on the sumptuous pieces showcased here today.

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.

Getting ready: Oui Madame!

Preparing for a cozy winter evening, she begins by putting on a pair of Mora silk tassel earrings with hand-beaded embellishments and a complimentary mixed-tone necklace by French designer Patrick Poggi. On the hand, a stunning multi-tone statement ring from the Elizabeth Collection of French designer Philippe Ferrandis. All items are available exclusively at Oui Madame! located at 550 Lincoln Avenue, in Winnetka, 847-441-0182, ouimadame.net.

Setting the table: Eve J. Alfillé Gallery & Studio

Setting the table in these stunners from Eve’s ‘Undercurrents’ series makes preparing much more glamorous. A pair of stud earrings featuring a 18k gold octopus body design, a Keshi pearl, and diamond that transition into drop earrings with a detachable set of watercolor stones match her sterling silver and moonstone ring featuring accenting sapphires. Two unique pieces with hidden elements allow her to show off parts and secretly admire others: A richly textured 14k gold cuff with sterling silver seahorses and shells adorning the exterior, while the inside of the bracelet features moonstones. The Jellyfish II ring, also in 14k gold, features a jellyfish design with moonstones and a secret diamond on the back. Her crowning piece is a stunning sterling silver collar necklace with oceanic inspired elements in 14k blush gold with pink and chocolate diamonds. Eve J. Alfillé Gallery & Studio is located at 623 Grove Street, in Evanston, 847-869-7920, evejewelry.com.

Greeting guests: 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.

Post-dinner cocktails: 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 carat 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.

The thank you note: neapolitan collection

Following up on a spectacular evening, she writes “Thank-you” notes to her lovely guests, wearing a set of Nicholas Varney jewels. Wrapped around her finger is a remarkable Santa Maria aquamarine ring set in a unique 18k gold and Makassar ebony mounting. Her wrist is adorned with a natural clam and nautilus pearl line bracelet set featuring white diamonds in yellow gold and silver accenting demantoid garnet set in yellow gold with the designer’s signature. She admires a special Vicenza bracelet signed by the designer and featuring 18k gold and black jade as she ponders the merriment had the night before. neapolitan collection is located at 560 Chestnut Street in Winnetka, 847-441-7784, neapolitanonline.com.