Emily P. Wheeler Fine Jewelry Launches With Rollicking Bash At Jay Jeffers

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Although the smoke was thick in the air and spirits were down due to the devastation of the North Bay fires, the show must go on. Such was the case last week, when Mary Gonsalves Kinney and Claudia Mata Gladish hosted a lively bash in honor of their friend, jeweler Emily P. Wheeler. When Haute Living texted Kinney in the early afternoon to see if the party was still happening, her response was an immediate “yes!” It turns out that a chic soirée is just the thing people need in a time of darkness—and no one throws a better shindig than interior designer Jay Jeffers.

Hand models wear EPW's jewels — Hand models wear EPW’s jewels

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

His namesake boutique on Post Street was transformed into a festive event space with jewelry everywhere. Jeffers had the brilliant idea of showcasing Wheeler’s luxe rings on live hand models. Three models stood behind a black curtain with only their arms, from the elbow down, visible to party goers. One model typed a story on a typewriter, another plucked petals from white daisies in a ‘he loves me, he loves me not’ fashion, and the third passed out Halloween candy to passerby.

Caroline Rooney Serrano shops the collection

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Wheeler, who is a stunning and tall blonde, was radiant in a blue Off-White cold-shoulder ruffled-chiffon gown. She mingled with the crowd while offering jewelry-styling tips. Her signature piece is a gorgeous cigar ring filled with rows and rows of circular stones. She also makes statement earrings and unique rings—ideal engagement rings for women who think outside of the box. “My fine jewelry collection is comprised of pave and baguette diamond earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets in 14KT and 18KT white, yellow, and rose gold,” Wheeler told Haute Living. “Each piece is hand made in LA from the highest quality materials. The current collection is an architectural interpretation of classic looks, with an aesthetic that is unique and recognizable.”

Emily P. Wheeler's fine jewelry — Emily P. Wheeler’s fine jewelry

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Celebrity fans of the EPW fine jewelry line include Kate Walsh, Priyanka Chopra, Allison Williams, and Alexis Bledel. “Kate McKinnon wore my signet ring for the cover shoot of Elle’s July 2017 issue which was a dream!” Wheeler said. “She is smart, hilarious, and beautiful.” We asked Wheeler what obstacles she has to overcome—being a San Francisco-based jewelry designer. “I think the biggest challenge facing any designer or label is finding and connecting with their customer. San Francisco is a small city and people here are private. Word of mouth works better than traditional marketing tactics,” she said. “The San Francisco market is changing and growing quickly. There is much more fashion in the air lately, as we’re attracting more industry people and brands from New York. It’s exciting to be a part of.”

Stefanie Felser, Shawn Forbes, Jay Jeffers and Heidi Ware

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Fashion was certainly in the air at the event with a stylish group of San Franciscans showing up to meet Wheeler and check out her line. Guests included Samantha DuVall Bechtel, Randi Fisher, Emily Holt, Bahya Murad, Camilla Papale, and Yuka Uehara. Rye on the Road served punch out of a gleaming gigantic goblet and the sparkling J flowed freely. Tacolicious passed appetizers including cheesy quesadillas, vegetable empanadas, and miniature flautas with avocado sauce. A DJ played classic hits that got the crowd moving and some people even took to the dance floor. A portion of the proceeds from the jewelry sales benefitted victims of the fires—proving that the party was well worth it for everyone involved.