Cecile Zilkha's Legendary Jewelry Collection Is a Glimpse Into a Lost New York World

Maybe you never had the pleasure of seeing Cecile Zilkha at the opera The jewelry collection is defined by its historic significance and by Mrs Zilkha's legendary style.

"For me, exceptional colored gemstones are the hallmark of Mrs Zilkha's beautiful collection," says Sotheby's Frank Everett Zilkha's daughter, writer and editor Bettina Zilkha, remembers the joy jewelry brought her mother, but also the personal investment she made in each purchase.

"I remember a visit to a diamond cutter in Holland when I was about 11 years old," Zilkha recalls "She wanted to learn more about the way things were done She took her jewelry education very seriously, but never wore her jewels too seriously.

There was always a little twist-a feather brooch in her hair, or on a necklace, or pinned to her waist It was always the best, never an approximation I remember the ruby mystery set Van Cleef earrings so well, she wore them to my aunt's wedding.

Whoever buys any of these pieces should know they were a part of a good and happy life They have very positive vibes." So how does a family decide to sell pieces that hold such important memories? "Sadly none of us have this lifestyle," says Zilkha. . Source