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
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in BusinessThe family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.
