Brad and Joanna Marks, Owners of I W Marks, Host Guests at a Private Dinner to Showcase Suzanne Kalan’s Newest Collection of Fine Jewels
Houston, TX, October, 2019 – Hosted at the Iconic Tony’s Restaurant on October 19th, the Marks’ fourth-annual exclusive Diamond Dinner delighted guests with a special menu from Chef de Cuisine Austin Waiter, while attendees browsed a variety of diamond pieces by Suzanne Kalan, who flew in from Los Angeles to be there for the evening.
The private evening began with a cocktail hour in which guests could speak to Kalan and browse her newest collection. Suzanne Kalan, a designer with over 28 years of experience, is known for her 18-karat gold designs that twist the modern and the traditional. Her famous Fireworks collection received international praise for her “Vitrine” concept, which involves cutting gemstones flat on top and bottom to reveal a classic diamond panel behind the gemstone. Kalan’s jewelry has also caught the attention of many celebrities and trend-setters, such as Rihanna, Jessica Alba, Sofia Vergara, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Mindy Kaling, Jennifer Anniston and more.
Much like owner Brad Marks who grew up working at I W Marks Jewelers in Houston, TX with his father Irv, Kalan, grew up in in Lebanon with strong ties to her Armenian heritage, and spent a majority of her childhood in her family’s jewelry store. There, she cultivated her passion for design and innovative vision. Launching her line in 1988 with her diamond-setter husband, Paul, she quickly made a name for herself across the United States. When asked about what motivates her, Kalan said “I want the women who wear my designs to be able to wear them today, tomorrow, and twenty years from now.”
Suzanne Kalan has been delighting I W Marks customers since her collection was introduced to the store. Her top-selling collections made her the perfect pairing to the store’s annual Diamond Party amid the swanky ambiance of Tony’s. Following the exclusive dinner and a speech from Kalan, every woman in attendance was gifted a necklace from Kalan’s famous Fireworks collection.
October 19th’s Diamond Party was the Marks’ fourth. What began as a small event once hosted in their Bellaire store, has since grown to an exclusive event of elite customers that gather at Tony’s with a special designer appearance each year. About the party, owner Brad Marks said, “Our Diamond Party is something we and our top customers look forward to every year. It’s not often that you’re able to speak with a designer directly, so I think our customers truly appreciate the opportunity.”
About Suzanne Kalan Designs
With over 28 years of experience designing fine jewelry, Suzanne Kalan continues to create stunning collections that are both innovative and unique. Designing in 18-karat gold, Suzanne’s custom-cut colorful gemstones and dramatically placed diamonds add a modern twist to the traditional design. Her signature Fireworks collection received international praise for its breathtaking design, which marries the chaos of scattered baguette diamonds with large custom-cut gemstones. Suzanne developed the “Vitrine” concept, custom cutting gemstones flat on top and bottom in order to reveal a classic diamond panel behind the gemstone. Until today, Vitrine custom-cut continues to be an important design signature and figures prominently in the Fireworks collection, with some of the most glamorous and creative pieces showing off an explosion of scattered baguette diamonds behind large topazes and amethysts. To learn more about Suzanne Kalan Designs, visit suzannekalan.com.
About I W Marks
I W Marks is one of Houston’s oldest family-owned and operated jewelry stores selling fine jewelry, watches and accessories. The store was opened in 1978 by Diane and Irv Marks, who grew the business while supporting numerous local charities. Their son, Brad Marks, is the current owner of I W Marks Jewelers and earned a certification by The Gemological Institute of America, the world’s foremost authority in gemology, diamond grading and jewelry education.
The Bellaire store is the ultimate destination for top quality jewelry and customer service. I W Marks offers custom design, jewelry and watch repair and appraisal services. The store also features an expansive watch emporium featuring Rolex, Tudor, Zenith, Raymond Weil, Michele and other timepieces. To learn more about I W Marks, visit iwmarks.com.