Just a Little Dinner Party — With Millions in Jewels and Armed Guards

It was just a little dinner party with a carefully curated guest list, invitations based on one’s ability to appreciate and perhaps purchase something among the astounding millions of dollars worth of diamond, pearl and gemstone jewelry on display, under armed guard, for the evening.

Fashionista philanthropist Hallie Vanderhider served as hostess for the rare, dazzling soirée in honor of jewelry designer Theresa Bruno, the creative force behind Jordan Alexander. While Bruno has created bespoke pieces for Vanderhider, her creds are amped up by the fact that Oprah, Julia Roberts and Miranda Lambert have been photographed in her unique pieces.

Until recently, Bruno’s sumptuous wares had been sold through various retailers in Houston. But with the opening of the Jordan Alexander showroom at 4400 Post Oak Parkway, a celebration seemed in order and who better  to take the lead than devoted customer Vanderhider.

In from home base in Birmingham, Alabama, Bruno welcomed guests to her spanking new digs to view the impressive collections and try on their favorite pieces. Following cocktails and the jewelry viewing, guests moved to the rear marble-clad lobby of the building with views to a garden expanse where chandeliers hung from tree branches. Guests were seated at one long dinner where Potente chef Danny Trace prepared a meal almost as exceptional as the jewelry on display and where violins provided lilting background music for the beautiful evening.

PC Seen: Amanda Boffone, Denise and Philip Bhar, Sippi Khurana, James Bruno, Elizabeth and Alan Stein,  Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin, Julie and Stephen Chen, Allison and Stephen Lewis, Hal Word, Anthony DeMarco, Carly Stewart and Rob Samuels.