AuctionsMar 03, 2022
Michael Caine’s Rolex Sells for $133K at AuctionAuctionsApr 12, 2022
Betty White’s Wedding Ring Can Be Yours
Julien’s Auctions is holding a sale of the late legend’s personal possessions this fall, including a few pieces of fine jewelry.
Betty White’s gold and diamond wedding ring from her marriage to Allen Ludden is among the more than 1,500 lots featured in the upcoming auction “Property From the Life and Career of Betty White.” The ring is estimated to sell for $600 to $800. (Photo credit: Julien’s Auctions)
Los Angeles—Betty White’s wedding ring and a necklace she wore on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” are among the lots in a massive auction of the late legend’s personal possessions set to take place this fall.
On Sept. 23-25, Julien’s Auctions will host “Property from the Life and Career of Betty White” in Beverly Hills, California, a sale of more than 1,500 lots from White, who died at 99 on Dec. 31, just weeks shy of her 100th birthday.
Born in Oak Park, Illinois on Jan. 17, 1922, White broke into TV in the medium’s early days, co-hosting “Hollywood on Television With Al Jarvis” beginning in 1949.
It was the start of a career that would span a record-setting eight decades, with White starring in two critically acclaimed sitcoms—“The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “The Golden Girls”—and winning five Primetime Emmy Awards, two Daytime Emmys, two Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, and a SAG Lifetime Achievement Award.
Julien’s sale from White’s estate includes numerous lots of TV memorabilia—autographed scripts, dresses she wore to various awards shows, her director’s chair from “The Golden Girls” set, etc.—and a few pieces of jewelry that were undoubtedly dear to White.
There is the gold and diamond wedding band she wore throughout her marriage to her beloved third husband Allen Ludden, whom she met as a celebrity guest on the game show he hosted, “Password.”
The ring, pictured above, is estimated to sell for $600-$800.
Also up for sale is Ludden’s matching wedding band, which is gold and engraved with their wedding date, “6-14-63,” and the words “I really do.” Ludden’s band is also estimated at $600 to $800.
One of the highest valued lots in the auction is a vintage gold Van Cleef & Arpels flower brooch set with brilliant-cut diamonds and sapphires.
Believed to be a gift from Ludden, who died in 1981, White was photographed wearing the pin on numerous occasions beginning in 2010, Julien’s said. It is estimated to sell for $14,000-$16,000.
Stay Golden: See Some of the Items Up for Auction
On Sept. 23-25, Julien’s Auctions will host “Property from the Life and Career of Betty White” in Beverly Hills, California, a sale of more than 1,500 lots from White, who died at 99 on Dec. 31, just weeks shy of her 100th birthday.
Born in Oak Park, Illinois on Jan. 17, 1922, White broke into TV in the medium’s early days, co-hosting “Hollywood on Television With Al Jarvis” beginning in 1949.
It was the start of a career that would span a record-setting eight decades, with White starring in two critically acclaimed sitcoms—“The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “The Golden Girls”—and winning five Primetime Emmy Awards, two Daytime Emmys, two Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, and a SAG Lifetime Achievement Award.
Julien’s sale from White’s estate includes numerous lots of TV memorabilia—autographed scripts, dresses she wore to various awards shows, her director’s chair from “The Golden Girls” set, etc.—and a few pieces of jewelry that were undoubtedly dear to White.
There is the gold and diamond wedding band she wore throughout her marriage to her beloved third husband Allen Ludden, whom she met as a celebrity guest on the game show he hosted, “Password.”
The ring, pictured above, is estimated to sell for $600-$800.
Also up for sale is Ludden’s matching wedding band, which is gold and engraved with their wedding date, “6-14-63,” and the words “I really do.” Ludden’s band is also estimated at $600 to $800.
One of the highest valued lots in the auction is a vintage gold Van Cleef & Arpels flower brooch set with brilliant-cut diamonds and sapphires.
Believed to be a gift from Ludden, who died in 1981, White was photographed wearing the pin on numerous occasions beginning in 2010, Julien’s said. It is estimated to sell for $14,000-$16,000.
Stay Golden: See Some of the Items Up for Auction
Allen Ludden’s wedding band, estimated to sell for $600-$800, is engraved with the date he married Betty White at the Las Vegas Convention Center, June 14, 1963. (Photo credit: Julien’s Auctions)
White’s sapphire and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels brooch, believed to be a gift from Ludden, could sell for as much as $16,000. (Photo credit: Julien’s Auctions)
White wore this necklace (sale estimate, $1,000 to $2,000) to the Primetime Emmys in 1976, where she won an Emmy for her role as Sue Ann Nivens on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” She also wore it on multiple episodes of the show, including the season 5 classic “A Girl Like Mary.” (Photo credit: Julien’s Auctions)
White was photographed wearing this delicate 14-karat gold watch early in her career. It is engraved with “T.C.W.,” the initials of her mother, Tess Curtis White. (Photo credit: Julien’s Auctions)
The auction also includes memorabilia from White’s long and storied career in entertainment. Pictured here is an original taping ticket from “The Betty White Show” (NBC, 1954) that’s estimated to sell for $500 to $1,000. (Photo credit: Julien’s Auctions)
The auction estimate for this silver Tiffany & Co. clock given to White when she was named KNX Newsradio “Woman of the Year” in 1984 is $1,000 to $2,000. (Photo credit: Julien’s Auctions)
In addition to Sue Ann Nivens, White won an Emmy for playing Rose Nylund on “The Golden Girls.” Included in the auction are a number of gifts the show’s stars four stars—White, Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty—had made for the crew, like this engraved pictured frame ($500 to $700). (Photo credit: Julien’s Auctions)
A script for part two of “The Golden Girls” series finale signed by the show’s four stars is estimated to fetch $3,000 to $5,000. Included in the lot is a copy of the part one script signed by guest star Leslie Nielsen. (Photo credit: Julien’s Auctions)
Also estimated to sell for $1,000-$2,000 is an Adams watch White was photographed wearing in the early days of her career.
The 14-karat gold timepiece is engraved with “T.C.W. 12-25-40,” the initials of her mother, Tess Curtis White.
Related stories will be right here …
The 14-karat gold timepiece is engraved with “T.C.W. 12-25-40,” the initials of her mother, Tess Curtis White.
“Property from the Life and Career of Betty White” will take place in person Sept. 23-25 at Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills and online at JuliensAuctions.com.
Special exhibitions of selected items from the auctions are scheduled for May 12 to July 4 at Museo de la Moda in Santiago, Chile; Aug. 1 to Sept. 11 at The Museum of Style Icons at Newbridge Silverware in Kildare, Ireland; and at Julien’s in Beverly Hills from Sept. 19 to 22.
The Sept. 20 exhibition at Julien’s will include a screening of the PBS documentary “Betty White: First Lady of Television.”
In addition, Julien’s is partnering with cruise line Cunard to take White’s possessions on a transatlantic trek.
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 will set sail from New York on Aug. 5 and arrive in Southampton in the U.K. on Aug. 12.
During the cruise, guests will get to view a daily rotating exhibition of White’s items and attend a Q&A with Julien’s executives Darren Julien and Martin Nolan.
More information on the auction is available on the Julien’s website.
More on Auctions
The Latest
FinancialsJan 27, 2023
Tiffany & Co. Shines for LVMH in 2022Acquired in 2021, the brand’s high jewelry sales have doubled and its new “Lock” collection was an instant hit.
MajorsJan 27, 2023
Diamond Council of America Appoints Treasurer, Board MemberExecutives from Fred Meyer Jewelers and Riddles Jewelers have filled the roles.
CollectionsJan 27, 2023
Piece of the Week: Heavenly Vices’ Lock NecklaceThe Victorian-inspired design is a functional lock and key.
Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern GradingDe Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.
Supplier BulletinJan 26, 2023
JA New York Spring Brings the Industry TogetherFor over 100 years, JA New York has played an integral role in facilitating the evolution of our industry, while also honoring past traditions.
Weekly QuizJan 26, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
TrendsJan 26, 2023
At Vicenzaoro, Paola De Luca Gazes Into Jewelry’s FutureThe trend forecaster and her guests explored unconventional jewelry designs, NFTs, AI art, and more during her Trendvision presentation.
CollectionsJan 26, 2023
NDC and Lorraine Schwartz Announce New ‘EDDI’ ClassThe Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative provides diamond credit and mentorship to young brands helmed by BIPOC designers.
Brought to you by
De Beers Institute of Diamonds Expands to Offer Education De Beers is sharing over 130 years of experience and expertise through the De Beers Institute of Diamonds with a selection of courses.
IndependentsJan 26, 2023
Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Set to Open 10th StoreIt will be located in San Antonio’s Alamo Quarry Market and will be Lee Michaels’ third location in the city.
Policies & IssuesJan 26, 2023
Diamonds Do Good Names 10 to Board of DirectorsStephanie Gottlieb, Jewelers Mutual’s Mike Alexander, and Craig Rottenberg of Long’s Jewelers are among the new board members.
WatchesJan 25, 2023
These Were 2022’s Top-Selling Watch Brands, Chrono24 SaysRolex remained No. 1 while a brand known for its pilot watches slipped into the No. 5 spot.
MajorsJan 25, 2023
John Hardy Names New CEOLuxury retail executive Frédéric Levy has taken on the role.
Events & AwardsJan 25, 2023
Couture DAC Accepting Applications for Mentorship ProgramJewelry designers have until early February to apply to take part in Couture's Diversity Action Council program.
CollectionsJan 25, 2023
Stephanie Gottlieb Announces First President, CCO HireMorgan P. Richardson joins from La Perla.
Policies & IssuesJan 25, 2023
PGI’s New Portal Wants to Teach You About PlatinumThe new portal will share information on responsible platinum sourcing and how it’s used beyond jewelry.
SourcingJan 24, 2023
Tiffany Buys 35 of the Last Diamonds Recovered From Argyle Purchased directly from Rio Tinto, the collection consists of pinks, purples and one red, none larger than 1.52 carats.
ColumnistsJan 24, 2023
On Data: Here’s How Independent Jewelers Did in 2022 Sherry Smith breaks down retailers’ performance last year, including how natural diamonds fared vs. lab-grown.
GradingJan 24, 2023
GIA and AGS Launch Diamond Light Performance Supplement ReportThe AGS Ideal Report by GIA is a digital-only addition to GIA diamond reports.
MajorsJan 24, 2023
WJA Announces New International Board MembersThe seven newcomers include executives from David Yurman, De Beers, and GIA.
EditorsJan 23, 2023
Designers to Watch in 2023: Aurelia DemarkThe designer finds the modernity in classic motifs and family heirloom jewels.
Policies & IssuesJan 23, 2023
Melanie Grant Named Executive Director of RJC She has more than 20 years’ experience in watches and jewelry, and says sustainability is the “greatest single issue” facing the industry.
Policies & IssuesJan 23, 2023
AGTA Forms Committee to Standardize Industry ‘Sustainability’ TermsIts focus are words like “sustainability,” “ethics,” and “responsible sourcing.”
IndependentsJan 23, 2023
10 Jewelry News Stories You Might Have MissedAnother “Designer to Watch” and Kim Kardashian’s auction purchase were among our most-read stories.
MajorsJan 20, 2023
Quality Gold Acquires Herco Herco President Reuven Itelman is retiring and selling the company, which will relocate to Ohio from California.
Lab-GrownJan 20, 2023
Siobhán Duffy Promoted to Chief Executive of Element Six She was previously the executive director of sales and marketing for the De Beers Group-owned company.
TrendsJan 20, 2023
Piece of the Week: Loquet London’s Lunar New Year CharmIt’s from a new collection of charms designed to go in the brand’s signature lockets.
IndependentsJan 20, 2023
Edge Retail Academy Announces Annual Award WinnerLonnie Iannazzo of Vincent Anthony Jewelers is the 2022 William (Wag) Wagner Business Excellence Award recipient.
