Caroline Webster Schermerhorn Astor was part of the American high society in the 19th century. She had “old money” which meant she was respected and valued more. She was the daughter of a successful merchant and had colonial Dutch aristocracy. In 1853 she married William Astor the son of William Backhouse Astor and the grandson of John Jacob Astor. Both were very wealthy which made them the elite of the elite, which is why during changing times she decided to be the arbitrary of society and to maintain the old wealth. Her ambition to control the elite and highlight their old money and wealth made her very distinct among the rest. She wanted to be recognized as the head of the family and addressed as “Mrs. Astor” even after the death of her husband John J. Astor III in 1890. Caroline was the owner of a huge collection of jewelry and her stature as “the grande dame of American aristocratic society” was well known even after her passing.