EditorsMay 25, 2022
7 Standout Tiaras in Sotheby’s Platinum Jubilee ExhibitionAuctionsMay 26, 2022
Bonhams New York Jewels Auction Is a White Glove Sale
Jewelry and objects belonging to Bette Midler, heiress Hélène Irwin Crocker Fagan, and Lady Sylvia Ashley were among the highlights.
The top lot at the Bonhams New York Jewels sale was this Cartier emerald and diamond bracelet circa 1926, which fetched $3.2 million, far above its pre-sale estimate.
New York—Bonhams is celebrating a successful spring jewelry auction.
Taking place May 24, the New York Jewels auction was a white glove sale, meaning every lot sold.
The top lot was a Cartier emerald and diamond bracelet circa 1926, which fetched $3.2 million, blowing its pre-sale estimate out of the water.
Seen at the top of the article, the bracelet features 101 carats of emeralds. It was estimated to earn between $750,000 and $1.25 million.
It belonged to Hélène Irwin Crocker Fagan (1887-1966), an American heiress who was the daughter of sugar baron William G. Irwin. She was one of the world’s richest women in the Belle Epoque and Art Deco periods.
“We are exceptionally pleased with the success of the Cartier emerald bracelet and the New York Jewels sale overall,” Director of Jewelry for Bonhams New York Caroline Morrissey said.
“The bracelet is adorned with extremely rare Colombian emeralds, the finest of its kind, with impeccable provenance. That was a consistent theme across the sale—exceptional pieces straight from the collections of iconic women.”
The heiress’ Cartier diamond and natural pearl aigrette (seen above), circa 1914 and featuring 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, sold for $586,000, above its $450,000 high-end estimate.
Items belonging to actress and singer Bette Midler (born 1945) were another draw at the Bonhams sale.
Midler’s Tiffany & Co. yellow sapphire and diamond feather brooch, seen above, was the top lot belonging to the entertainer, though it only sold at the low end of its pre-sale estimate for about $41,000.
Her 18-karat gold and ruby Demner bracelets (above) sold for about $44,000, at the high end of their $20,000-$40,000 pre-sale estimate.
With the secondhand watch market on fire, it comes as no surprise that Midler’s Cartier La Dona watch (above) sold for roughly $20,000, though it was expected to earn only as much as $12,000.
There were also jewels from Lady Sylvia Ashley (1904–1977), who led a fascinating life. She was married five times, including to Hollywood stars Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Clark Gable.
The most expensive lot sold from the 60 pieces that belonged to her was a Bulgari ruby ring that earned $290,000.
Other highlights included two Van Cleef & Arpels desk clocks.
The VCA clock seen above, circa 1940 with emeralds, diamonds, and rubies mounted in 18-karat gold, was only expected to earn between $7,000 and $9,000. It ultimately went for nearly $85,000.
A VCA sapphire and diamond clock, meanwhile, earned more than $121,000.
The New York Jewels sale earned nearly $8.4 million in total. Full results are available online.
Related stories will be right here …
Taking place May 24, the New York Jewels auction was a white glove sale, meaning every lot sold.
The top lot was a Cartier emerald and diamond bracelet circa 1926, which fetched $3.2 million, blowing its pre-sale estimate out of the water.
Seen at the top of the article, the bracelet features 101 carats of emeralds. It was estimated to earn between $750,000 and $1.25 million.
It belonged to Hélène Irwin Crocker Fagan (1887-1966), an American heiress who was the daughter of sugar baron William G. Irwin. She was one of the world’s richest women in the Belle Epoque and Art Deco periods.
“We are exceptionally pleased with the success of the Cartier emerald bracelet and the New York Jewels sale overall,” Director of Jewelry for Bonhams New York Caroline Morrissey said.
“The bracelet is adorned with extremely rare Colombian emeralds, the finest of its kind, with impeccable provenance. That was a consistent theme across the sale—exceptional pieces straight from the collections of iconic women.”
The heiress’ Cartier diamond and natural pearl aigrette (seen above), circa 1914 and featuring 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, sold for $586,000, above its $450,000 high-end estimate.
Items belonging to actress and singer Bette Midler (born 1945) were another draw at the Bonhams sale.
Midler’s Tiffany & Co. yellow sapphire and diamond feather brooch, seen above, was the top lot belonging to the entertainer, though it only sold at the low end of its pre-sale estimate for about $41,000.
Her 18-karat gold and ruby Demner bracelets (above) sold for about $44,000, at the high end of their $20,000-$40,000 pre-sale estimate.
With the secondhand watch market on fire, it comes as no surprise that Midler’s Cartier La Dona watch (above) sold for roughly $20,000, though it was expected to earn only as much as $12,000.
There were also jewels from Lady Sylvia Ashley (1904–1977), who led a fascinating life. She was married five times, including to Hollywood stars Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Clark Gable.
The most expensive lot sold from the 60 pieces that belonged to her was a Bulgari ruby ring that earned $290,000.
Other highlights included two Van Cleef & Arpels desk clocks.
The VCA clock seen above, circa 1940 with emeralds, diamonds, and rubies mounted in 18-karat gold, was only expected to earn between $7,000 and $9,000. It ultimately went for nearly $85,000.
A VCA sapphire and diamond clock, meanwhile, earned more than $121,000.
The New York Jewels sale earned nearly $8.4 million in total. Full results are available online.
More on Auctions
The Latest
CollectionsNov 13, 2026
Maison Marcelle’s Bracelet Flows Like FabricThe “Équation” bracelet, our Piece of the Week, was built via 24 gold modules assembled into a piece that feels like fabric on the wrist.
IndependentsNov 13, 2026
Texas Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsAlter’s Gem Jewelry in Beaumont, Texas, is closing as Brian and Lori Alter retire to spend more time with family.
Events & AwardsNov 13, 2026
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Unveil Second Jewelry Designer Award Finalists Five finalists have been chosen for the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award’s second cycle.
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare DiscoveriesWith over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.
CrimeNov 12, 2026
1 of 7 Men Charged in $100M Brinks Heist to Plead GuiltyThree of the other alleged perpetrators will stand trial next March, while two remain on the lam and one was deported late last year.
Weekly QuizNov 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesNov 12, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Now Offers Certified Pre-Owned Rolex WatchesThe curated selection is available online and at its showroom in Austin, Texas.
IndependentsNov 12, 2026
Greenberg’s Jewelers Welcomes New Fourth-Generation MembersThe next generation understands what makes the 126-year-old retailer special, said CEO and Co-President Elise Greenberg.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Lab-GrownNov 10, 2026
GIA Examines Pink Lab-Grown Diamond Made to Look NaturalThe 6-carat CVD-grown pink diamond was “deliberately modified” to mimic the appearance of a natural rough diamond, the lab said.
SourcingNov 10, 2026
Botswana in Line to Take Controlling Stake in De Beers, President Says If the Global Diamond Consortium emerges as the top bidder for De Beers, Botswana’s stake will double to 30 percent, Duma Boko said Monday.
ColumnistsNov 10, 2026
Who Checks the Facts When AI Writes Your Jewelry Copy?An incorrect AI-generated ad or product description can cost your store valuable consumer trust.
Events & AwardsNov 09, 2026
Here Are the 2027 Gem Award NomineesThese nine individuals and brands are up for a Gem Award in the Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation categories.
CrimeNov 09, 2026
Jeweler Pistol-Whipped, $900K in Jewelry Stolen During Home Invasion The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.
GradingNov 09, 2026
GIA Acquires Thousands of Gem Specimens With ‘Extraordinary’ InclusionsGIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.
CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High JewelryThe “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
