Jean Rice smiles as she dines at Antoine’s Restaurant adorned in jewelry from her extensive collection.
“In women, the thing that separates us from the animal kingdom is our ability to accessorize,” she says, quoting a line from the movie “Steel Magnolias.”
The words are fitting for the well-known, stylish woman who is noted about town for both her many philanthropic endeavors, and the way she is always impeccably dressed and accessorized. Jean says her love of gold and silver adornment started when her mother slipped a bracelet that included her name on her arm shortly after she was born.
“I think I inherited my love of jewelry from my mother and grandmother,” she says. “My father was an executive assistant to New Orleans Mayor Chef Morrison. He was also a close friend, who was often called upon by Mayor Morrison to host celebrities. I recall the wonderful stories my mother told about how they were involved with hosting the Duke and Duchess of Windsor when they came to Carnival.”
Later her father was appointed director of the Municipal Auditorium, where her parents were constantly seen at the best Carnival balls staged in the unique facility.
“People who remember my mother say she would always make heads turn when she walked into a ball wearing one of her beautiful evening gowns, fine jewelry and always wearing long white gloves. And many say she looked just like Joan Crawford, the famous actress of the day.” Then Jeans adds with a smile, “My grandmother was a stately German lady who carried herself with grace and good taste, and loved jewelry.”
After graduating from Louisiana State University with a degree in liberal arts, Jean married Lt. Anthony John Lanzetta, a graudate of the U.S. Naval Academy. “He gave me two wonderful daughters and some lovely jewelry,” she says. Unfortunately, he was killed when his aircraft went down just off the coast of Siberia. She came home to New Orleans to live with her mother and three years later she married Donald Rice, who also added to her special jewelry collection. “We added three sons to our family.” she proudly continues. “I was very busy with five children, yet I always found time to be involved in the community.”
Since her husband’s death in 1998, Jean has become more involved in cultural and civic endeavors. Her list of volunteer work includes, serving as president of the Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera, and holding the same title with the East Jefferson General Hospital’s Auxiliary and the Cancer Crusaders. She was named a “Woman of Fashion” and received the “Community Activist Award” by St. Elizabeth’s Guild. Currently she serves as president-elect of the Republican Women’s Club of Jefferson Parish.
And everywhere she goes you can expect Jean to be well-dressed and decked out in something she loves from her jewelry chest.
“Although I cherish the jewelry given to me by my husbands, I also love the fun and frivolity of my costume jewelry collection,” she says. Silver jewelry often takes center stage to complete her fashionable attire. “I especially like silver jewelry with a warm-colored ensemble that needs a ‘cooling off.”
She doesn’t hesitate when asked who she thinks always wear great jewelry: “Joan Ingram, my twin who also loves jewelry, Mary de La Barre and Angela Hill.”
Jean is quick to add that she loves both white and yellow gold jewelry. “It all depends on the outfit, but then again, I think combining both white and yellow gold jewelry together creates a totally different look that is often fabulous. One of the constant joys in my life is getting dressed and then picking out wonderful jewelry to complete my outfit.”
​
