A 1949 Cartier Panther brooch is one of many objects which will be on view during Cartier in America at the Legion of Honor.

Photos courtesy of the Fine Arts Museums

What better antidote to a cold, gray winter’s eve than some shimmering, hot gemstones?

Fine jewelry fans are abuzz over the soon-to-open Cartier and America exhibition at the Fine Arts Museums’ Legion of Honor.

SFMOMA's Modern Art Council (MAC) celebrates its 75th anniversary

Photos by Catherine Bigelow

The Modern Art Council (MAC) of SFMOMA kicked-off its 75th anniversary yesterday with its 75th Holiday Luncheon at the museum.

Formerly known as the Women’s Board of the San Francisco Museum of Art, the MAC auxiliary serves as the museum’s fundraising arm and organizer of its many educational programs.

John Carrabino, actress Maria Bello and event co-chairwoman Vanessa Getty at the Chanel re-opening

Photos by Catherine Bigelow

There are store openings. Then there are Chanel boutique openings. And over on Maiden Lane recently, it was wall-to-wall fabulousness at the re-opening of Chanel.

If we actually could have seen those walls (or the shelves, stairs and vitrines) amid the crush of well-dressed revelers, we’re sure they’re smashing. The boutique’s up-do was created by architect-designer Peter Marino who handles the signature looks of Chanel boutiques worldwide.

NCCC 35th Anniversary Honorees Dr. Alice Whittemore and Hilary and Geoff Callan

Photos by Catherine Bigelow

There was big news afoot on Nov. 4 at the Northern California Cancer Center’s 35 Years: The Legacy Anniversary awards dinner.

NCCC CEO Sally Glaser announced that in early 2010 the center will change its name to the Cancer Prevention Institute of California.

Filmmaker George Lucas and Tosca Cafe owner Jeannette Etheredge

Photos by Catherine Bigelow

Tosca Cafe, the most jaunty of the city’s gin joints, is also well-known as a destination for the celebrity set.

But last night in North Beach when Jeannette Etheredge celebrated the 90th anniversary of her beloved bar, the place was jammed with that most local of breed: San Franciscans.

Generations, in fact, gathered to raise a glass to this historic watering hole -- from cops, politicians, artists, ribald raconteurs to ballet dancers, theater folks, ink-stained wretches and the jet set.

Director Jerry Bruckheimer and his wife, National Trust Trustee Linda Bruckheimer at the Old Mint

Photos by Catherine Bigelow

Last month at the Old Mint on Fifth and Mission streets, guests gathered in support this 1870’s-era building and its historic marble halls.

Billed as, Sip Some Wine & Walk Through Time the reception was also a benefit for the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein with Hope Gala co-chairs Paul Holm, Jr. and Suzanne Baird

Photos by Catherine Bigelow

Sen. Dianne Feinstein was honored Oct. 24 at the Edgewood Center for Children and Families Hope Ball.

And as she stood at the podium of the ballroom at the Fairmont Hotel in front of the sold-out crowd, she sounded positively gubernatorial.

This was prior to last week’s AP report titled, Feinstein Still Pondering Run for Governor.

Former Mayor Willie Brown and WLB Institute Executive Director Eleanor Johns

Photos by Catherine Bigelow

In my book, the concept of “breakfast” consists of a weekend day, an hour with double digits and beverages which contain both tomato juice and vodka.

There are very few people for whom I will break my fast -- fully showered and dressed -- at the ungodly hour of 8 a.m. Except for my mother; Daniel Lurie’s Tipping Point Breakfast and, of course, former Mayor Willie Brown.