Auctions

Joan Crawford, Mitzi Gaynor Jewels Go to Auction

AuctionsApr 26, 2022

Joan Crawford, Mitzi Gaynor Jewels Go to Auction

They’re part of Heritage Auctions’ “Spring Fine Jewelry” sale.

20220426_HeritageAuctions-2.jpg
These Colombian emerald, diamond, and platinum convertible clip brooches belonged to “South Pacific” actress Mitzi Gaynor. Heritage Auctions is offering them, alongside 14 other jewels belonging to the Hollywood star, as part of its “Spring Fine Jewelry” auction. (Image courtesy of HeritageAuctions, HA.com)
Dallas—Jewelry belonging to iconic stars of Hollywood’s “Golden Age” have hit the auction block. 

Heritage Auctions’ “Spring Fine Jewelry” sale, already underway online, features jewels from the likes of Joan Crawford and Mitzi Gaynor.

Crawford appeared in dozens of films from the 1920s to the 1970s. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1946 film “Mildred Pierce.”

A suite Crawford commissioned from Raymond Yard is expected to fetch between $15,000 and $20,000 at the sale, which concludes May 2. 

Comprising a necklace, brooch, and bracelet, Crawford wore the yellow gold and citrine suite in the 1941 film “When Ladies Meet” and in a print ad for Royal Crown Cola.

20220426_HeritageAuctions-1.jpg
This gold and citrine necklace and cuff bracelet are part of a suite Raymond Yard created for actress Joan Crawford. The suite is up on the auction block now. (Image courtesy of HeritageAuctions, HA.com)

The suite is also featured in the 2007 book dedicated to the jewelry designer’s works, called “Yard: The Life and Magnificent Jewelry of Raymond C. Yard.”

There are 15 jewels that belonged to actress, dancer, and singer Mitzi Gaynor up for grabs as well.

20220426_HeritageAuctions-2.jpg
Colombian emerald, diamond, and platinum convertible clip brooches previously belonging to actress Mitzi Gaynor (Image courtesy of HeritageAuctions, HA.com)

Gaynor is best known for her roles in the movie musicals “There’s No Business Like Show Business” (1954), “Anything Goes” (1956), and “South Pacific” (1958).

Topping the Gaynor-owned lots is a pair of Colombian emerald and diamond brooches expected to sell for between $40,000 and $60,000.

A Balogh brooch depicting a sailor and rendered in diamonds, sapphires, and freshwater cultured pearls is a nod to Gaynor’s role in “South Pacific.” It is expected to fetch between $5,000 and $7,000.

20220426_HeritageAuctions-3.jpg
Balogh brooch belonging to Mitzi Gaynor (Image courtesy of HeritageAuctions, HA.com)

In addition to jewels belonging to stars of Hollywood’s Golden Era, there are several other important lots.

20220426_HeritageAuctions-4.jpg
Image courtesy of HeritageAuctions, HA.com

The above 19.02-carat diamond and platinum ring is expected to fetch between $150,000 and $200,000. It belonged to artist and self-made businesswoman Phyllis Rubin, who was known for her excellent taste, Heritage Auctions said.

That’s not the most expensive lot, however.

That honor goes to the below 21.93-carat diamond and gold necklace, which is estimated to earn between $200,000 and $250,000.

20220426_HeritageAuctions-5.jpg
Image courtesy of HeritageAuctions, HA.com

The sale also features items from the estate of Cary Maguire, who earned his fortune in the energy industry. A philanthropist, Maguire most notably supported Southern Methodist University.

The most notable lot from his estate is a 105.1-carat cushion-cut tanzanite set in a pendant. The below jewel should fetch between $50,000 and $70,000.

20220426_HeritageAuctions-6.jpg
Image courtesy of HeritageAuctions, HA.com

There is an array of branded jewelry in the sale as well.

20220426_HeritageAuctions-7.jpg
Image courtesy of HeritageAuctions, HA.com

The above Seaman Schepps Ceylon sapphire, diamond, and platinum bracelet is expected to sell for $80,000-$100,000.

20220426_HeritageAuctions-8.jpg
Image courtesy of HeritageAuctions, HA.com

The Van Cleef & Arpels brooch pictured above, circa 1950, is estimated to earn $30,000-$50,000. It features diamonds and sapphires set in platinum and gold.

Always an auction favorite, there are 20 pairs of earrings in the sale from living designer Joel Arthur Rosenthal, or JAR.

20220426_HeritageAuctions-9.jpg
Image courtesy of HeritageAuctions, HA.com

The above earrings in gold and aluminum have a pre-sale estimate of $5,000-$7,000.

Bidding for the Spring Fine Jewelry auction is already underway on the Heritage Auctions website. The sale ends on May 2. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Stock image of gavel
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRS

The couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.

People shopping in winter clothes
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in December

Consumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.

Hana Kaneko rings
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter Event

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Brian Patrick Gilbertson
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82

The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.

Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Costume Designers Guild Award By Bulgari
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild Award

The LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.

Kering logo
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco Group

The luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

For Future Reference Vintage
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’s

The company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.

Counterfeit Cartier and Audemars Piguet watches
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier Watches

In the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.

Helzberg new store concept rendering
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its Stores

Helzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.

Graphic for the 2025 Year-End Webinar
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year

Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.

Pair of Ippolita Lollatini earrings
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita

The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.

Bulgari CEO Laura Burdese
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEO

Laura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.

Harwell Godfrey Lil Buddies
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review

The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.

Audemars Piguet Grosse Pièce
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at Auction

It purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.

Diamond ring in parts
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Service

The lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.

Terry and Cindy Chandler at AGS Conclave
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and Friends

Chandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.

Rendering of Bob’s Watches JFK airport store
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK Airport

The boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat Them

Sponsored by Digital Monitoring Products

Fabergé egg pendant near gloved hand
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé Pendant

The special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.

Ashley Zhang Jewelry Snake Necklace, Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace, Vanessa Fernandez Studio Curva Wrap Hoops, Hernsdorf Tears of Aphrodite Necklace, Robinson Pelham Tsar Star Earrings, Marla Aaron Nymphenburg Lock, Lof The Valentine Ring
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week Picks

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.

Lucy Hale in Jacquie Aiche’s Love and Desire Campaign
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday Campaign

The “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.

SSEF logo
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners

Two awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.

Pandora Alexander Lacik and Berta de Pablos-Barbier
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up Early

Berta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.

JAR pendant brooch, fancy intense blue diamond
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQ

Sotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.

The Jewelry Symposium logo
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026

Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy