The rich and sparkling history of American glamour will be on full display  November 11 in Allen, Texas, and basking in the glow will be two of Collin County’s premier arts organizations when Dallas-based The Republic Group and Tiffany & Co. present “Support The Arts In Style,” a reception and luncheon benefitting the Chamberlain Performing Arts and Cross Timbers Youth Orchestra.

Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm, the 52-acre resort style mixed-use development at the corner of U.S. 75 and Bethany Drive in Allen, will provide the dramatic setting for the event that begins at 11:30 with a reception featuring board members of the arts organizations modeling Tiffany jewels. The reception will be followed by a noon luncheon where author John Loring will discuss his latest book, TIFFANY STYLE (Abrams, November 2008, $50).

Underwriting the event is The Republic Group, provider of personal and commercial property and casualty insurance products, which has a distinguished history of community involvement throughout the Southwest.

As Design Director for Tiffany & Co., Loring has produced a heavily-illustrated, meticulously researched 304-page volume in which he tracks the evolution of American taste as seen through the eyes of the country’s preeminent purveyor of luxuries, Tiffany & Co.

With in-depth knowledge of America’s design and social heritage as well as an insider’s grasp of Tiffany’s history, Loring has produced an informed and fascinating look at the milestone events and personalities that marked the jeweler’s rise to prominence, starting with the early acquisitions of its founder, Charles Lewis Tiffany, who built his enterprise on a solid foundation of quality, craftsmanship, and one governing principle: good design is good business. In so doing, this master merchant set Tiffany & Co. on the road to international renown.

Beginning as a ‘stationery and fancy goods’ emporium in 1837, Charles Tiffany had, by 1848, two emissaries in Paris, whose mission it was to purchase gems from aristocrats fleeing the chaos following King Louis Philippe’s abdication. These jewels of noble provenance marked the first appearance of major gemstones in the United States and established Tiffany & Co. as America’s premier jeweler. Hailed as the “King of Diamonds” by the press, Charles Tiffany went on to purchase the Spanish crown jewels, the greater part of the French crown jewels, and in 1877, a superb canary diamond discovered in South Africa. Cut to a flawless 128.51 carats, this greatest of all diamonds brought to America in the 19th century was aptly named the Tiffany Diamond, and today is ensconced on the main floor of Tiffany’s New York store.

Loring’s appearance at the luncheon is part of a promotional tour for his book in the Dallas area.

“This will truly be a one-of-a-kind event,” said Cross Timbers Youth Orchestra Executive Director Pam Wendland. “And thanks to the generosity of The Republic Group, Tiffany & Co. and Watters Creek, the real winners will be the young artists and patrons of the arts in Collin County.”

“"Chamberlain Performing Arts is honored to be associated with such quality institutions as Tiffany's, The Republic Group, and Watters Creek,” added Kathy Chamberlain. “We are appreciative of the support and recognition this will bring to both Chamberlain Performing Arts and Cross Timbers Youth Orchestra.”

In addition to Watters Creek, which is hosting the event, additional support is provided by Alford Media Services, Allen Arts Alliance, A Twist of Lime Florist, BRIO Tuscan Grille at Watters Creek, Celebrity Cafe´ & Bakery of Watters Creek, TLC Event Rentals and Metro Linen Service.

Tickets are $100 per person and are available at ctyo.org or by calling (214) 232-4545. Space is limited, so reservations will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis.