Auctions

Joan Crawford’s Raymond Yard Suite Sells for $250K

AuctionsMay 04, 2022

Joan Crawford’s Raymond Yard Suite Sells for $250K

The yellow gold and citrine suite soared past estimates at Heritage Auctions’ spring jewelry sale.

20220426_HeritageAuctions-1.jpg
This gold and citrine jewelry suite belonging to actress Joan Crawford sold for $250,000 at Heritage Auctions’ “Spring Fine Jewelry” sale. (Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions, HA.com)
Dallas—Jewelry from Hollywood legends Joan Crawford and Mitzi Gaynor stole the show at Heritage Auctions’ “Spring Fine Jewelry” sale.

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

A yellow gold and citrine suite, worn in the 1941 film “When Ladies Meet” and in a print ad for Royal Crown Cola, was among the actress’ pieces that hit the auction block.

The necklace, brooch, and bracelet were commissioned from Raymond Yard, the iconic American jeweler known for his Art Deco designs.

Crawford’s suite kept the auctioneer on his toes, with bids streaming in from phone and online buyers.

Ultimately, it sold for $250,000, flying past its estimate of $15,000 to $20,000 and making it the second highest-grossing lot in the auction.

“We knew the star-studded combination of Joan Crawford and Raymond Yard would be an attention-getter, but we were beyond thrilled with the final result,” said Jill Burgum, Heritage Auctions senior director of fine jewelry. “That was an exciting moment for the winning bidder, as well as for everyone in the auction room.”

The top lot of the auction, pictured below, was a 21.93-carat diamond and gold necklace, which sold for $300,000, exceeding its estimate of between $200,000 and $250,000.

20220426_HeritageAuctions-5.jpg
(Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions, HA.com)

A total of 15 jewels belonging to the actress, dancer, and singer Gaynor also were up for sale.

Gaynor starred in several movie musicals, including “There’s No Business Like Show Business” (1954), “Anything Goes” (1956), and “South Pacific” (1958).

A pair of Colombian emerald and diamond brooches owned by Gaynor sold for $45,000, within the estimated $40,000 to $60,000.

20220426_HeritageAuctions-2.jpg
These Colombian emerald, diamond, and platinum convertible clip brooches, previously belonging to actress Mitzi Gaynor, sold for $45,000. (Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions, HA.com)

A Balogh sailor brooch, pictured below, a nod to her role in “South Pacific,” was also up for sale.

20220426_HeritageAuctions-3.jpg
(Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions, HA.com)

The brooch, set with diamonds, sapphires, and freshwater cultured pearls sold for $6,250, within its estimated $5,000 to $7,000. 

There were also several notable jewelry lots outside of the Hollywood stars’ collections.

20220426_HeritageAuctions-4.jpg
(Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions, HA.com)

A 19.02-carat diamond and platinum ring, pictured above, belonging to artist and businesswoman Phyllis Rubin, sold for $237,500, exceeding its estimate of $150,000 to $200,000.

Items from the estate of energy titan Cary Maguire also hit the auction block, including a 105.1-carat cushion-cut tanzanite set in a pendant.

20220426_HeritageAuctions-6.jpg
(Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions, HA.com)

The pendant sold for $47,500, just below its $50,000 and $70,000 estimate.

Branded jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels, JAR, and others were also up for auction.

20220426_HeritageAuctions-7.jpg
(Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions, HA.com)

A Seaman Schepps Ceylon sapphire, diamond, and platinum bracelet, pictured above, was estimated to sell for between $80,000 and $100,000, but failed to find a buyer.

20220426_HeritageAuctions-8.jpg
(Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions, HA.com)

The Van Cleef brooch, pictured above, circa 1950, features diamonds and sapphires set in platinum and gold. It sold for $52,500, just above its $30,000-$50,000 estimate.

There were 20 pairs of earrings up for sale from designer JAR, or Joel Arthur Rosenthal.

All 20 pairs were sold for between $5,250 to $27,500.

20220426_HeritageAuctions-9.jpg
(Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions, HA.com)

The above earrings in gold and aluminum sold for $13,650, nearly double the high-end of its $5,000 to $7,000 estimate.

The auction brought in a total of nearly $5.4 million.


 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Surveillance footage of robbery
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry Store

Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.

Nephrite and Jadeite by Heinrich Fischer, Richard W. Hughes
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in English

Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

LÖF The Valentine Ring
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ Ring

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

bench jeweler 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They Deserve

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

Eggs on a shelf
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ Outlook

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Austin Butler
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand Ambassador

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

ICA Congress Brazil 2025
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

Facets-of-Fire-Difference-You-Can-See.jpg
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean More

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Bailey’s Fine Jewelry storefront
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent Jeweler

The family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Bulova 150 Art Deco Miss America Watch, 150 Art Deco Pocket Watch
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco Watches

The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

Alex Wellen
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New President

Alex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.

Jewelers of America’s new logo
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative

The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

Diamond earrings held in gloved hand
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft Recovered

The two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.

Emmanuel Raheb CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More Jewelry

The time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

Pomellato Nudo High Jewelry Campaign
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic Design

From striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.

Jamie Singleton, Bill Brace, Rebecca Wooters, Bill Luth
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid Turnaround

The jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.

Sothebys Watchcheck
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair Services

The auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.

Swarovski lab-grown diamond Galaxy earrings
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024

The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.

Branko Gems
SourcingMar 21, 2025
BrankoGems To Hold Conference in Montana

The event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.

Til Death Ring by Marrow Fine
TrendsMar 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marrow Fine’s ‘Til Death’ Ring

After the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.

Korman Fine Jewelry Austin store
IndependentsMar 20, 2025
Korman Fine Jewelry’s New Store Is Double the Size

The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.

JCK Rocks 2025
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2025
JCK Rocks to Feature Snoop Dogg, Jason Derulo

The rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.

Conversations with Chris Ploof YouTube Video Series
TechnologyMar 20, 2025
Chris Ploof, Severine Ferrari Launch YouTube Video Series

“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.

Limelight Lab Grown Diamond store in India
Lab-GrownMar 20, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond Sector

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.

Lab-grown diamond engagement ring
FinancialsMar 19, 2025
Signet Jewelers to Close Stores, Cut Staff Amid Declining Sales

The moves are part of the retailer’s new turnaround plan, “Grow Brand Love,” which also includes emphasizing brand loyalty over store banners.

Zoë Kravitz in Rush Hour Collection
CollectionsMar 19, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s New Collection Elevates Office Wear

The “Rush Hour” campaign stars Zoë Kravitz in bold, wearable pieces designed to make a statement in the workplace.

Gallet Flying Officer watch
WatchesMar 19, 2025
Breitling Acquires Another Watch Brand From the 1800s

Breitling is reviving Gallet, which was founded in 1826 and is known for making watches used in the early days of long-distance travel.

×

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