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

Gemist new retailer offering
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization Offering

Their partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Hand putting gas pump in car
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas Prices

Respondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.

Tiffany & Co. Blue Book 2026: Hidden Garden Butterfly Diamond Necklace
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue Book

Our Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The Retail Smiths partner and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance

Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.

Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Claire’s new summer campaign
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha

“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.

Police cars
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store Robbery

Officials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.

lvajws image 1.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

OAR26_NJ_bulletin_1872x1052_01.jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver Manufacturing

Sponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition

Tiffany & Co. Mother’s Day email opt out
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-Out

Some retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.

Dick Abbott
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The Edge

The Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.

The Venetia Diamond Mine in South Africa
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’

De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.

Stock image of money
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect

Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.

Gregory's Jewelers storefront
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the Torch

The owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.

Doug Hucker
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICA

The colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.

Natural Diamond Council Chief Marketing Officer Susie Dewey
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing

Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.

The Ocean Dream diamond
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’s

The largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.

Smart Age Solutions CEO and National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an Afterthought

Emmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.

Longnecker Jewelry storefront
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 Years

In honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.

Jeff Corey
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board Chair

The trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.

Fourteen August Irene mom ring
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF Says

NRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.

TwentyFour Vault Locket
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual Vault

The “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.

Hamptons Jewelry Show exhibitors Maison Mèrenor, Jochen Leën, Studio Javo
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in July

The open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.

Photos from Day’s Jewelers 2025 Mother’s Day campaign
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s Jewelers

The jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.

National Jeweler - Supplier Bulletin - April 2026 - JMSS Graphic.jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value Goods

Sponsored by Jewelers Mutual

Woman wearing Charles & Colvard lab grown diamond jewelry
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5M

The proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.

John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic pocket watch and a gold pencil case
AuctionsApr 23, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Fetches $1M

The Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.

×

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