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Nancy Leeds wearing her emeralds [source] |
"Mrs. Leeds's Jewels Astonishing Paris"
(originally appeared in the New York Times on 23 June 2012)
PARIS, June 22 -- The society sensation of the present season here has certainly been Mrs. William B. Leeds [1], with her marvelous gowns and jewels. The latter embellishment of the youthful widow's beauty has caused the greatest astonishment in Paris society, especially when her wonderful collection of emeralds was recently increased.
To the well-known tiara and necklace of these stones she has now added a superb stomacher, bought at Cartier's for $140,000 [2]. The dazzling array of emeralds in the possession of Mrs. Leeds is now estimated by experts to be worth a good deal over a million dollars. They include many stones believed to be unique for size and perfection of quality.
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Nancy Leeds, ca. 1914 [source] |
Mrs. Leeds's apotheosis took place at a magnificent dance and cotillion just before she left Paris for London on her way back to America. It was an extremely exclusive affair, the guests not numbering more than 150. A striking feature was designed to be the cotillion favors. For the first time, hats by Rue de la Paix milliners were distributed, as well as specially prepared cameras and gold match boxes for the men.
When Mrs. Leeds, however, entered the room, almost covered with the world's finest emeralds, other guests held their breath, and from that moment everything else was thrown into the shade. The elaborate and costly gowns and jewelry of other women guests, which would otherwise have been widely discussed, passed almost unnoticed.