For a recent gathering of about 25 interested parties at the Plaza hotel, the answer to this question was “no.” There to attend Beaumont Etiquette’s Duchess Effect class, which follows the training Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle took when they joined the British royal family upon their marriages to Prince William and Prince Harry, respectively. The two-and-a-half-hour intensive course covers a range of topics including: dining etiquette, social graces, and matters related to fashion and style.
Headed by Beaumont Etiquette founder and head coach Myka Meier, who regularly conducts clinics and private sessions on the topics of social graces and etiquette, as well as corporate training and brand development, this edition of the Duchess Effect featured guest speaker Helena Krodel.
A longtime and beloved member of the jewelry community, Krodel lent her expertise to the event to speak about royal jewelry, including information and inspiration from Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, the Duchess of Cambridge, and the Duchess of Sussex.
She also addressed the key elements of proper jewelry etiquette, the nuances of which the JCK audience no doubt has some familiarity. And, since she is a partner at David Alan jewelry, she also brought along a number of visual aids: diamond and colored gemstone jewels (pictured at top and below) for guests to try on and enjoy, taking “playing princess” to a whole new level.
Krodel’s Tips
Never Ask the Price
“When admiring someone’s jewelry, always reference the beauty, the style, or the design. Do not mention $$$$.”
Never Ask the Carat Weight
“When you spot a magnificent and large diamond on someone’s hand, it can be tempting to shout, ‘How big is that diamond?!’ Please don’t.”
Accept Compliments
“If someone compliments you on your beautiful jewelry, simply thank the person and share one short anecdote. Myka [Meier] likes to use the phrase: ‘You are so kind.’ I like to add one short personal story, such as ‘I bought it in the south of France, where I spent the summer after college graduation.’ Or, ‘My beloved grandmother passed it to me. It’s over 100 years old!’ ”
The irony of these questions being de rigueur when you run with a jewelry crowd—especially on a trade show floor or industry party where you would be remiss if you didn’t inquire on such topics—is not lost on me. But should we ever need to summon our inner duchess, well, now we’re all set.
Top: Blue topaz ring, similar to the aquamarine ring worn by Meghan Markle to the evening celebration of her wedding to Prince Harry, by David Alan (image by MorningbirdPhoto from Pixabay).
Follow me on Instagram – @aelliott718
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazineFollow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
