Margaret Calvin Bowles and Elizabeth Calvin Bonner were born into one of the Midwest's first families. Their father, J.M. Calvin, made his fortune in steel manufacturing in Kansas City, Missouri in the early twentieth century. Following his successes, he provided his daughters with a luxurious upbringing and quality education. Both girls traveled to New York City in the 1920s where they pursued careers in modeling and married prominent men. Throughout their lives, Margaret Calvin Bowles and Elizabeth Calvin Bonner collected beautiful jewels that enhanced their own style and grace at public and private events.

Mrs. Bowles and Mrs. Bonner's jewels adorned them throughout their lifetimes of public appearances and society events. As women who traveled in the most glamorous circles, they dressed elegantly and selected jewelry to match. This amethyst and diamond bracelet by Suzanne Belperron was first sold by Christie’s on 14 April 2003, as part of the sisters’ larger collection, to benefit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri. In addition to Lot 130, their collection showcased numerous jewels from Suzanne Belperron and René Boivin as well as examples of Belle Époque, Art Deco and Retro pieces from firms such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Seaman Schepps. The breadth of their collection, from elegant diamond and platinum garland style jewels to bold and colorful gem-set pieces, was a testament to their eye for design and workmanship.