AuctionsMay 13, 2022
Famed Watch Designer Gerald Genta’s Royal Oak Sells for $2.1MAuctionsMay 18, 2022
Jewels from Bette Midler Are Headed to Bonhams
The auction house’s upcoming sale also includes collections from American heiresses.
This Tiffany & Co. brooch with an 8.5-carat mixed-cut yellow sapphire and approximately 13.10 carats of white diamonds in 18-karat gold and platinum belonging to Bette Midler will be available at the upcoming Bonhams New York Jewels sale.
New York—Bonhams New York’s spring jewelry auction is filled with jewels with fascinating provenances.
The upcoming jewelry sale features more than a dozen pieces from multi-talented entertainer Bette Midler’s collection, to start.
Midler has four Grammy Awards, two Academy Award nominations, three Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and nine American Comedy Awards to her name.
The star of films “The Rose,” “Beaches,” and “Hocus Pocus,” she’s also one of the bestselling female singers, with 30 million album sales.
Other highlights include a diamond and yellow sapphire feather brooch from Tiffany & Co., a pair of gold bubble bracelets by Demner, and a Cartier “La Dona” gold watch.
See the Bette Midler Jewels
The upcoming jewelry sale features more than a dozen pieces from multi-talented entertainer Bette Midler’s collection, to start.
Midler has four Grammy Awards, two Academy Award nominations, three Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and nine American Comedy Awards to her name.
The star of films “The Rose,” “Beaches,” and “Hocus Pocus,” she’s also one of the bestselling female singers, with 30 million album sales.
Other highlights include a diamond and yellow sapphire feather brooch from Tiffany & Co., a pair of gold bubble bracelets by Demner, and a Cartier “La Dona” gold watch.
See the Bette Midler Jewels
Tiffany & Co. brooch with an 8.5-carat mixed-cut yellow sapphire and approximately 13.10 carats of white diamonds in 18-karat gold and platinum ($40,000-$80,000)
A pair of gold bracelets by Demner, New York, composed of 18-karat gold and ruby ($20,000-$40,000)
Cartier “La Dona” wristwatch in gold with round brilliant-cut diamonds ($8,000-$12,000)
Leading the Bonhams New York Jewels sale, meanwhile, is a 101-carat Colombian emerald Art Deco bracelet by Cartier from the collection of Hélène Irwin Crocker Fagan (1887–1966), one of the richest American heiresses during the Belle Epoque and Art Deco periods.
She was the daughter of English businessman William G. Irwin, who amassed a fortune as a sugar baron in Hawaii.
Hélène married Templeton Crocker, who was the grandson of railroad magnate Charles Crocker, in 1911. A headline announcing their nuptials in the San Francisco Call read: “Crocker-Irwin Wedding Bells Clink of Gold: Vast Fortunes to be United at Altar.”
In addition to Hélène’s emerald bracelet, a collection of cigarette cases and objects, and a pearl and diamond aigrette by Cartier circa 1914 appear at the sale.
See the Hélène Irwin Crocker Fagan Collection
A rare emerald and diamond bracelet, Cartier circa 1926. It features 101 carats of emeralds as well as diamonds mounted in platinum. ($750,00-$1.25 million)
A Cartier diamond and natural pearl aigrette, New York, circa 1914. It features an 8.25-carat old European-cut diamond and two natural pearls with an additional 5.5 carats of diamonds mounted in platinum and steel. ($250,000-$450,000)
An 18-karat gold and enamel snuff box with French assay marks ($3,000-$4,000)
Lady Sylvia Ashley led a fascinating life reflected in her 60-piece collection presented at Bonhams.
She was nicknamed “Silky,” a reference to her beginnings as a chorus girl and lingerie model.
Ashley was married five times. Her husbands were two lords, one prince and two Hollywood Actors, Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Clark Gable.
Her collection spans pieces from Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels that she wore traveling the world meeting some of its most famous people. It includes a number of objects, like a gold Cartier vanity set, gold Cartier frames, and Van Cleef & Arpels clocks.
The most overtly sentimental jewel might be a gold heart charm with a photo of Fairbanks inside and a lock of brown hair.
See the Lady Sylvia Ashley Collection
She was nicknamed “Silky,” a reference to her beginnings as a chorus girl and lingerie model.
Ashley was married five times. Her husbands were two lords, one prince and two Hollywood Actors, Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Clark Gable.
Her collection spans pieces from Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels that she wore traveling the world meeting some of its most famous people. It includes a number of objects, like a gold Cartier vanity set, gold Cartier frames, and Van Cleef & Arpels clocks.
The most overtly sentimental jewel might be a gold heart charm with a photo of Fairbanks inside and a lock of brown hair.
See the Lady Sylvia Ashley Collection
Gold locket circa 1950 in 14-karat gold with photo and hair ($500-$700)
A Van Cleef & Arpels “Inseparables” desk clock, New York, circa 1940 with emeralds, diamonds, and rubies mounted in 18-karat gold. ($7,000-$9,000)
A Cartier diamond, chalcedony, and mother-of-pearl minaudiere in 18-karat gold and platinum, France, circa 1930. ($7,000-$9,000)
More on Auctions
The Latest
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
