GILDED JEWELS: Keeping up with the Joneses

by Crystal Elam

Overview

Dive into the dazzling world of the Gilded Age in 'Gilded Jewels: Keeping up with the Joneses.' This opulent narrative weaves together the stories of influential individuals who shaped the New York and Newport elite societies. From the stylish Lawrence Arthur Everette, a prominent figure of high society, to the ambitious Jose Maria Mora, a whimsical photographer, these remarkable figures redefine the realms of style, art, and societal norms.

Witness the grand transformation of Mora's studio as he recruits exiled French artists to design his sets, creating a collection of breathtaking backdrops that revolutionize the photography scene. Follow the trails of Lawrence Arthur Everette, known as the 'Dandy of New York,' as his impeccable fashion sense and charismatic demeanor sweep the high society off its feet.

Experience the lavish events hosted by the Joneses, a family with an insatiable taste for the extravagant and exclusive. Their events, filled with opulent costumes, bejeweled accessories, and colorful lap dogs, become the canvas for Mora's photography and the talk of the town. Their association with exiled French royalty and renowned figures like Charles Lewis Tiffany only adds to their allure.

Experience the lavish events hosted by the Joneses, a family with an insatiable taste for the extravagant and exclusive. Their events, filled with opulent costumes, bejeweled accessories, and colorful lap dogs, become the canvas for Mora's photography and the talk of the town. Their association with exiled French royalty and renowned figures like Charles Lewis Tiffany only adds to their allure. As Estellar Leslie Travers navigates this flamboyant society, she crafts intricate, jewel-encrusted designs, further magnifying the spectacle of the Joneses' events.

The narrative doesn't shy away from the dramatic undercurrents of revenge and social mobility, highlighting Mora's triumph in turning the tables on the condescending Astor's, and Estellar's savvy negotiations with Charles Tiffany.

Prepare to immerse yourself in this splendid tale that shines a light on a time of opulence, innovation, and dynamic social shifts. 'Gilded Jewels: Keeping up with the Joneses' is more than just a historical journey; it's an exploration of art, ambition, and the audacity of a society that dared to redefine its boundaries.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940160983134
Publisher:	Crystal Athena Elam
Publication date:	07/01/2023
Series:	Gilded Jewels
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

I am a debut author whose fascination with the elegance and complexity of periods such as Marie Antoinette's reign and the era of Jane Austen, my writing seeks to transport readers to a similar time, specifically during America's Gilded Age. Yet, my stories diverge from the beaten path, offering a unique twist - an alternate historical universe where society is genuinely colorblind, and people's status is not dictated by their birth, but by their achievements.

A devoted student of historical periods, I find myself enchanted by the ornate sophistication of the eras but often disillusioned by the archaic and unjust societal norms they upheld. Hence, in my writing, I aim to paint a different picture, a world where privilege is earned, not inherited, and certainly not determined by race. A society that, in its richness and grandeur, mirrors the diversity of our modern world, an alternate reality America.

Just like Jane Austen's captivating narratives, my stories underline the unreliability of first impressions, the often-indiscernible line between good and evil, and the profound human need for authenticity. While romance features in my narratives, it does not overshadow the real-life challenges and triumphs of the characters. These are not your typical fairy tales but rather, they are stories grounded in a more relatable reality.

My debut stories are the first parts of a large book I am writing that showcases a variety of families hailing from different regions worldwide. From India to Africa to Japan, each household brings its unique traditions and cultures, contributing to the rich tapestry of this alternate society. However, my narrative focuses less on racial differences and more on socio-economic disparities, exploring a class system based more on financial status, akin to the modern world.

As a writer, I hope to offer readers a ticket to a time and place that feels both familiar and foreign, an escape into a world of elegance and intrigue, where societal norms have been rewritten, and where every character, regardless of their background, has a chance to shine.