Students of social history know that the status of high-profile romances through history can usually be charted by the jewels showered on the beloved. Think the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Britney Spears and her new husband what's-his-name.
But you don't have to be famous to view - and even own - pieces by some of the most legendary design houses in the business. This brooch by Harry Winston, and 14 other choice pieces - brooches, earrings, necklaces and other temptations - by Verdura, Cartier, Winston, Bulgari and Tiffany and Co. have been gathered from private dealers by members of the Henry B. Plant Museum Society for a silent auction and cocktail party Friday benefitting the museum, 401 W Kennedy Blvd., on the University of Tampa campus. Tickets, which may be purchased at the door of Plant Hall, are $75 and include an open bar and cocktail buffet.
"Bargain" is not usually attached to something selling for four or five figures, but it's worth noting that most of the starting bids are less than 50 percent of the jewels' retail value.
