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

Bulgari’s expanded factory in Valenza, Italy
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in Italy

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Jason McNary accepting FGI Fine Jewelry Rising Star award for Paola Sasplugas
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ Award

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

Carmelo Anthony and Jaylen Brown David Yurman campaign
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen Brown

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

gia1d100 btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine Jewelry

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of Mouth

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

Avi Levy
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth Officer

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

gia-topimage 0325.jpg
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Get online education from GIA experts.

Scottsdale Fine Jewelers store exterior
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow Independent

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Cartier Exhibition Installation at Victoria & Albert Museum
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Bill and Birdie Levine of Van Cott Jewelers
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 Years

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

IJO Director Samantha Larson
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise Strategy

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.

Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host Convention

The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

Daymond John
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Dukachi Easter Bread Pendant
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ Pendant

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

Bremer Jewelry
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated Store

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

Tiffany & Co. Strong Like Mom campaign
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day Campaign

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

Athena Calderone x John Hardy Collection
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired Collection

Interior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs Impact

During a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.

Natural Diamond Council Diamond Learning Center Graphic
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning Center

The free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.

Jewelers of America logo
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from Members

The feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.

Technology Therapy Group logo
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry Retailers

The online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.

Catbird Chicago
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to Chicago

The opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.

Foundrae United in Love Campaign
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through Love

The “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.

Robert and Rose-Marie Goodman outside Robert Goodman Jewelers
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-Up

Robert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.

Womens Jewelry Association WJA logo
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter President

The announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.

Stock image of shipping containers
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now

Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.

×

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