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The casino reminded me so much of Monte Carlo - men in black tie and women in gorgeous evening gowns dripping with gems - that for a moment I forgot I was in the mountains of West Virginia! The interiors were
decorated by the world-famous designer Carleton Varney, owner of Dorothy Draper, the oldest interior design firm in the U.S. Mr. Varney designed the interiors of Ashford Castle in Ireland, the lobby of the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, and even designed for President Carter during his time in the White House. He’s known for his bold, vibrant and unabashed use of color that is both fanciful and comforting with a defined sense of elegance. He applied this look to the new casino and it looked fabulous!
As was fitting for the occasion, I chose an exquisite platinum, purple quahog pearl and diamond necklace designed by none other than Nicholas Varney, son of Carleton. Quahog pearls are the only natural salt water pearls of purple color and they are lovely!The evening’s soiree was a celebrity filled event. In attendance were Brooke Shields, Barbara Eden, Jennifer Garner, Ben Affleck, Jessica Simpson and even Shaq. My dinner partner was none other than the stunning Raquel Welch, who looked amazing in a fitted low-cut black gown. She is a true beauty, but even more so a lovely woman and a savvy entrepreneur. We had a wonderful time talking jewelry, fashion and men. We both agreed that whether you are wearing costume jewelry or fine gemstones, as long as it makes you feel beautiful, that is all that matters. Jewels, Hollywood stars and a little luck at the baccarat table – a magical evening indeed!
Images: The Greenbrier resort; source: greenbrierclinic.com; Nicholas Varney Purple Quahog pearl, diamond and moonstone necklace; source: nicholasvarneyjewels.com
In the Loupe is authored by CIRCA’s resident trendspotter and style maven. She’s traveled the world, dabbling in high finance, haute cuisine, and fine art at one of the world’s leading auction houses, before finding her true calling in the world of priceless gems. The result is a genuine global luxury connoisseur, with a knowledge and appreciation of beauty, quality and true style. She is one of the industry’s foremost experts on the valuation of fine gems and jewelry, and is now happy to share her discerning eye and impeccable taste to help you look and feel fabulous! Print this post
