Dazzling Jewels Surprise the River Oaks Crowd in a House Party

Love, love, love! The trove of M.C.L.’s dazzling jewelry sent shock waves through midday sensibilities as supporters of TEACH succumbed to the siren call of the unmatched adornments on display in the library of one swell River Oaks home.

The shopping, socializing and ladies luncheon served to rev up support for the already sold-out “Touchdown for TEACH” dinner, scheduled for November. Completing the trio of ‘T’s, Tootsies brought in the jewels and Tony’s provided the party fare.

TEACH co-founder Susan Sarofim welcomed several dozen guests into the family’s party home where TEACH executive director Kelly Krohn encouraged the shopping. After all, M.C.L. creative force Matthew Campbell Laurenza and Tootsies were contributing a portion of the day’s sales to the non-profit that coaches teachers in conflict resolution and de-escalation.

“I categorize my jewelry as colorful and exciting,” Laurenza said. “It’s really meant to be sculptural. It allows you to express yourself.”

Call them statement pieces without statement prices. Multi-strands of oversized South Sea pearls, colorful citrines, turquoise, opals, Swarovski gemstones, sparkling strands of anodized hermatite in an array of colors — there is little understated or simple in the collection featuring luminous semi-precious stones.

While Laurenza discussed the finer points of the over-sized rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets, the Tootsies team, led by creative director Fady Armanious, encouraged acquisitions.

Who: Kristina Somerville, Mary Lu Garza, Sandy Barrett, Ileana Trevino, Lori Sarofim, Belinda Hillhouse, Jo Furr, Kelli Weinzierl, DeeDee Marsh, Danielle Ellis, Stephanie Tsuru, Donna Vallone, Dorothy Marchand, Melissa Laurenza, Suzie Johnson, Jo Lynn Falgout, Christine Falgout, and Alissa Maples.