Born in Poland in 1870, Helena Rubinstein later moved to Australia where the seed of her cosmetic empire was sown with a single face cream 'Crème Valaze'. At a time where career opportunities were extremely limited for women, Helena created a successful enterprise which would expand to London, Paris and New York. An accomplished business woman, philanthropist and patron of the arts, Helena Rubinstein's name has become synonymous with beauty and style.

Helena Rubinstein had a strong passion for jewellery especially pearls, the purchases of which were often inspired by heated arguments with her lovers resulting in the acquisition of what she called her 'quarrel' jewellery. For instance during her honeymoon with husband Edward Titus, Helena felt that he was being far too attentive to another woman and therefore left on the next train to Paris but not before purchasing a rather expensive pearl necklace.

In her autobiography shortly before she died Helena reflects that 'Although I no longer need the added courage that handsome jewellery once gave me (it was not easy being a hard-working woman in a man's world many years ago), I am aware that the wearing of exotic jewellery has become associated in many people's minds with the "image" of Helena Rubinstein, a mark of my identity, so to speak. And since I shall always love beautiful things, I feel I might as well enjoy wearing those I have'