Dazzling Diamonds, a Top Chef On Call and Texans Stars Give This Intimate Dinner Real Fireworks

There were fireworks indeed at IW Marks Jewelers earlier this week when Joanna and Brad Marks invited an intimate group to the Bellaire store for a seated dinner with LA jewelry designer Suzanne Kalan and her daughter, Patile. The designer’s “Fireworks” collection of diamonds dazzled guests while Tony’s chef de cuisine Kate McLean provided culinary thrills with a stunning four-course dinner that included a literally sparkling dessert.

Four cases of jewels by Kalan beckoned, in particular the fiery collection that is comprised of diamond baguettes arranged in seemingly helter-skelter fashion that works masterfully in rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.

The jewelry designer, who began working in sterling silver and Swarovski crystals in 1980 before moving to fine jewelry, said, “It’s been fun the whole time.” And fun it should be with red carpet customers and fans including Julianne Hough, Jennifer Aniston, and Sofia Vergara.

Browsing the collections were a handful of Houston stars that included Houston Texans Brian Cushing, Vince Wilfork, and Jon Weeks, and Astros coach José Cruz Jr. Of course, Joanna’s identical twin sister, Hannah McNair, was on hand with her husband Cal McNair of the Texans’ front office.

And, yes, chef Kate was in the pop-up kitchen where she supervised the dinner that was served in a transitional dining area in the store’s watch boutique. FYI — the individual tuxedo cake desserts were topped with edible sparkles in a nod to the Diamond Dinner theme.

Taking it all in were Bria Wall, Preston Hodges, Kristina Somerville, Lynne and Joe Hudson, Devi Brown, Christian Clark and Jonathon Honefenger, Donna Vallone, Donna and Rick Wall, Melinda and Bill Kacal, Deborah and Claude Wynn, Cyndy Garza Roberts, and Thomas Roberts.