Diamonds and Deshaun Watson Go Together at this Glitzy Dinner

Oh, the glitz and glamour of it all — dazzling diamonds courtesy of Italian designer Mattia Cielo, gourmet Italian fare from the rarified kitchen of Tony’s and a gathering of divas and dandies who know a thing about fine jewelry. And did we mention football?

It may sound an incongruous combination but Cielo is a huge NFL fan and on this annual “Diamond Dinner,” held Thursday at I.W. Marks Jewelers, the jewelry designer was presented a DeShaun Watson jersey and an invitation to attend Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns, both invites made by Joanna and Brad Marks, who happen to be in-laws of the Houston Texans clan. That invitation includes a pregame tour of the sidelines, always an exciting opportunity.

Cielo is noted for his contemporary designs created with the modern technology of laser cutting and soldering typical in the aviation industry. That technology creates a fluid grace to the innovative designs, many of which are favored by stars including Taylor Swift, Gal Godot, Jennifer Lopez and Demi Lovato.

The city’s recent storm challenges did not escape notice, even from the dashing European guest. “I know it has not been an easy time for your community, but we saw how you all came together like family after the hurricane,” Cielo said. “It’s a lesson we should take back to Italy.”

The dinner party was held in advance of Cielo’s personal appearance at I.W. Marks on Friday and Saturday. The menu was a nod to Cielo’s heritage as well as to the Bellaire jewelry emporium. Guests feasted on the four course meal was comprised of Cappelletti d’anitra Confit, Insalata Siciliana, Truffle Filet and Il Peccato di Chioccolato, a delightful chocolate cake adorned with edible rose-gold gems.

Who: Lynne and Joe Hudson, Bria Wall, Alicia Smith, Gary Petersen, Jyl and Keith Calcote, Melinda and Bill Kacal, Sara and Paul Doyle, Donna Vallone, Hallie Vanderhider, Houston Texans snapper Jon Weeks and wife Amanda and Houston Texans vice chairman and COO Cal McNair, whose wife, Hannah, is Joanna Marks’ identical twin sister.