Jewelry at the Tony Awards

The Tony Awards were conceived by members of the American Theatre Wing, a group originally founded by seven women at the beginning of World War I. Their goal -- to help in war relief. Their target -- members of the theatrical world, who they felt could get the word out.

The group's efforts during that war were successful, with nearly 2-million articles of clothing sewn, the opening of a Broadway canteen for servicemen and a drive to sell Liberty Bonds. Entertainers also traveled to perform for troops. (More About the ATW's History)

The ATW established the Tony Awards in 1947 to "celebrate excellence in the theatre," and the name, Tony, honors actress, director, producer and ATW leader Antoinette Perry, who passed away shortly before the first awards. Today, the Tony remains the most coveted award for members of the American theatre, and the event is always a good place to see jewelry of all types.