Throughout her groundbreaking career, Barbara Walters dazzled millions of television viewers. Now you can sparkle like the late broadcaster, whose collection of high jewellery is up for auction.
From 6 November, you’ll be able to bid on glittering selections from Walters’ 120-piece treasure trove, as well as other rare pieces from her $8 million estate, through Bonhams. Titled Barbara Walters: American Icon, the event will also give collectors the chance to snap up more than 300 items, ranging from fine china to Beaux Arts-style works by artists such as John Singer Sargent and Frank W. Benson.
The auction’s leading jewellery lot is a 13.8-carat emerald-cut diamond ring by Harry Winston. And there is some sentiment attached to the bling: Walters’ late husband, Merv Adelson, gave it to her as an engagement present. The stunning offering is estimated to fetch between $600,000 and $900,000, but may leave the auction block for more.
A bespoke pair of gem-set earrings by French jeweller JAR is the runner-up, which could sell for between $200,000 and $300,000. The duo features alternating oval-shaped spessartite garnet or rubellite tourmaline gemstones in the centre, as well as round brilliant-cut diamonds. Rounding out the trio of top lots is another pair of JAR earrings in a paisley design set with peridot, sapphire, tourmaline and diamonds. According to Bonhams, they were a personal favourite of Walters, which may explain their estimate of $180,000 to $250,000.
Other jewels of note include a statement floral brooch set with square-cut rubies and round brilliant-cut diamonds, estimated to sell for between $12,000 and $18,000. Walters was photographed wearing the piece with Audrey Hepburn at the eighth annual Night of Stars fashion festival at the Waldorf Astoria in New York in 1991. A Belle Epoque diamond brooch she wore to Sir Elton John’s 60th birthday party in 2007 will also be up for grabs with an estimate between $15,000 and $20,000.
“Jewellery was incredibly special to Barbara Walters and her collection included everything you could want in a jewellery collection,” said Jean Ghika, Bonhams global head of jewellery, in a statement. Bruno Vinciguerra, the auction house’s CEO, added: “We are privileged to present her collection and recognise the immense importance of preserving her legacy.
Bonhams will present highlights from Barbara Walters: American Icon in salesrooms in Boston, Los Angeles, Paris, London and Hong Kong prior to the live auction in New York on 6 November. An online sale, Barbara Walters Online, will run from 29 October to 7 November.
