Auctions

Jewels to Shine in Upcoming ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood Auction

AuctionsMar 27, 2023

Jewels to Shine in Upcoming ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood Auction

The Kruse GWS Auctions sale will include the replica “Taj Mahal” necklace Elizabeth Taylor made with Avon as well as a costume piece Marilyn Monroe wore.

20230327_1-Hollywood Auction Marilyn Monroe.jpg
This rhinestone necklace worn by Marilyn Monroe is up for auction at Kruse GWS Auctions’ upcoming “Artifacts of Hollywood” sale.
Los Angeles—Kruse GWS Auctions will showcase impressive costume jewelry from legendary stars of Hollywood’s “Golden Era” in its upcoming auction, including Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn and Ava Gardner.

“The Artifacts of Hollywood” sale is highlighting the personal collections of some of the era’s most glamorous women, as well as iconic musicians like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Janis Joplin and Whitney Houston.

The auction will feature a variety of personal memorabilia, including jewelry, clothing, purses, shoes, movie props, and more.

These are a few of the auction’s most interesting jewels.


Marilyn Monroe’s Rhinestone Choker Necklace
The 15-inch necklace, seen at the top of the article, was owned and worn by Marilyn Monroe. It’s made of silver with round- and cushion-shaped rhinestones.

It comes from the collection of her personal hairstylist, Sydney Guilaroff, who worked at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios for more than 40 years on more than 1,000 films, said the auction house.

Guilaroff was the first hairstylist to receive an on-screen credit in a film and was a confidante to many of the day’s stars, including Monroe, Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, and Hepburn.

A number of celebrity-worn jewels from his collection are heading to the upcoming auction.

In a provenance letter, the late hairstylist wrote, “Marilyn gave me this costume ‘Weiss’ multi-shaped rhinestone choker necklace around 1954. No one has worn it since Marilyn.”

Albert Weiss was a notable costume jewelry designer, getting his start at costume jewelry manufacturer Coro in the 1930s before starting his own company in 1942, which is still around today.

There were no pre-sale estimates given for any of the items up for auction.

There are other jewels said to belong to Monroe up for sale, including another rhinestone necklace and a pair of rhinestone drop earrings.


Elizabeth Taylor’s Avon “Taj Mahal” Necklace

This necklace was given to Elizabeth Taylor in the early 1990s by cosmetics company Avon just before the company announced they would be partnering on a jewelry collection.

Well known for her outstanding jewels, Taylor helped the brand create costume replicas of some of her most famous pieces.

This necklace is the prototype for the reimagining of her “Taj Mahal” diamond necklace. She wore it for an Avon photoshoot.

The real “Taj Mahal” necklace, a gold, ruby and diamond Cartier creation Richard Burton gave to Taylor when she turned 40, sold for $8.8 million in 2011 as part of Christie’s record-setting sale of Taylor’s massive jewelry collection.

Taylor’s collection became the most popular of all Avon jewelry lines, continuing to sell well on secondary websites at high markups, said the auction house.

“The collection took nearly three years, as Elizabeth Taylor scrutinized every piece to make sure it was of the best quality,” it said. “Taylor had a hand in every facet of the manufacturing process and production to create the replicas of her cherished jewelry pieces.”

The necklace is accompanied by a seven-page letter from her friend, Ken Studdy, to whom Taylor gifted the piece in 2010.

Studdy said Taylor wore the necklace many times, including to dinner with Michael Jackson.

He said, “Taylor would regularly wear this necklace in replacement of her original as her Lloyd’s of London insurance policy stipulated that the necklace could only be worn for a select number of days each year and that she had to be followed by a team of armed guards, similar to the policy for her famous Taylor-Burton Diamond.”


Greta Garbo’s 1950s Rolex ‘Precision’ Watch

The star’s 9-karat yellow gold Rolex “Precision” watch, in working condition, is up for sale.

The back of the case is engraved with her initials, “GG.”

The watch’s provenance letter is courtesy of the son of Swedish watch collector Hjalmar Mattison.

Translated from Swedish, it reads, “It is hereby certified that this Rolex watch with ‘GG’ engraving belonged to Greta Garbo. My father Hjalmar Mattison worked as an accountant for a well-known director at Dramaten who was a close friend with Garbo, and through him managed to buy Garbo’s watch in the 1980s, meaning only a few years before Garbo passed away.”


Elvis Presley’s Many Jewels

Elvis Presley has a number of jewels up for sale at the upcoming auction, including multiple rings and a necklace.

A notable highlight is a 14-karat yellow gold “TCB” ring.

The ring will be accompanied by the original 7.56-carat VS2 round brilliant diamond and a GIA report.

A cubic zirconia was set in the ring while the diamond was being graded and is the stone seen in the image above. The halo of round-cut diamonds and accent diamonds have a total carat weight of 2.25.

The ring was worn by Elvis, who then gave it to gospel singer J.D. Sumner on stage in 1975 during the first night of a concert in Asheville, North Carolina, according to a statement of authenticity from Sumner prior to his passing.

The ring has hit the auction block before, garnering $440,625 in a 2020 sale held by Kruse GWS Auctions.

 Related stories will be right here … 

The auction house shares a long story about its provenance that would certainly be of interest to fans of “The King.”

The ring also comes with a letter from his late wife, Priscilla Presley, and a letter and sketches from jeweler Lowell Hayes.

The auction house describes the ring as “a once-in-a-lifetime piece and a must have for the serious Elvis collector as a piece of this magnitude may not surface again for many decades. This is arguably the most significant and well documented piece of Elvis’ jewelry on the planet, as even Graceland has not had a piece of this magnitude.”

There is other Elvis memorabilia up for auction, including a guitar, a jacket, a pair of glasses, and sheet music.


Audrey Hepburn’s Earrings

Two pairs of earrings belonging to Hepburn are heading to the auction block, a pair of gold-tone screw-back pinwheel earrings and a pair of faux pearl clip-on drop earrings.

Both pairs were given to the aforementioned hairstylist Guilaroff. He was Hepburn’s hairstylist for “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” as well as other films.

Other items belonging to Hepburn up for auction include a gown and evening bags.


Ava Gardner’s Jewels

Guilaroff’s sizable collection also included jewelry belonging to actress Ava Gardner.

This pair of black and white rhinestone and faux pearl clip-on earrings were worn by Gardner in the 1980s, according to his provenance letter.

There is also a matching necklace and earrings set worn by Gardner. The gold-tone jewels are set with amber, brown, and green iridescent rhinestones.

No one has worn the jewels but Gardner, he said.


Jewelry Worn by Music Legends
In addition to silver-screen celebrities, the auction also will highlight legendary women in music, including Janis Joplin, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, and Madonna.


The auction will highlight jewels from a number of other stars, including Johnny Cash, Faye Dunaway, and Betty White.

Live bidding for the online auction begins April 8.

For more information about the auction, visit Kruse GWS Auctions’ website.

The Latest

Exterior of the Colorado Convention Center
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2023
HardRock Summit Organizers Gear Up for Third Annual Show

More than 250 gem, jewelry, and mineral companies are expected to exhibit, including the American Gem Trade Association.

Alexandra Rosier gold and opal Eternal Love Hands necklace
TrendsJun 02, 2023
Take a Peek at Couture’s Newest Design Talents

This year’s Design Atelier is full of gems.

Saboo Fine Jewels emerald and titanium earrings
CollectionsJun 02, 2023
Piece of the Week: Saboo Fine Jewels’ Emerald Earrings

They’re a testament to the power of excellent design.

LAB230043_Dossier_NJ_1872x1052_V1.jpg
Brought to you by
The Next Step for GIA Diamond Reports

The most trusted diamond report, available in print or the GIA App.

Holly Wesche, Stan Razny, Ingrid Razny, Candy Udell
IndependentsJun 02, 2023
These Are the 2023 Retailer Hall of Fame Inductees

This year’s honorees include one of Florida’s largest independent jewelers and two multi-store independents in the Chicago and New York areas.

Weekly QuizJun 02, 2023
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Jane Taylor letter pendants
TrendsJun 01, 2023
See 50+ Jewels Debuting at Couture in Las Vegas

The industry’s most influential contemporary designers are showcasing their latest jewelry designs.

35-carat lab-grown diamond created by Maitri
Lab-GrownJun 01, 2023
35-Carat Lab-Grown Diamond Going on Display in Vegas

Created by Maitri Lab-Grown Diamonds and graded by IGI, it’s slightly bigger than the record-setting lab-grown diamond GIA just examined.

Cover-WN19-Back-&-Front_V5-RGB-(1)_Community.jpg
Brought to you by
Beyond Borders: Crucial Factors in Colored Stone Origin Determination

Navigate origin determination with Continuing Education seminars offered by the GIA Alumni Collective™.

Bottom Line Marketing Chief Growth Officer Gus Garcia and CEO Jackie Brooks
MajorsJun 01, 2023
Bottom Line Marketing Announces Restructured Leadership, New Service Offerings

The marketing agency has integrated its first C-suite.

20230306_JohnnyCupcakes.jpg
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2023
Meet JCK’s 2023 Keynote Speaker

The jewelry trade show also will debut educational content centered around social media.

Lauren K gold and gemstone rings
TrendsMay 31, 2023
Here’s a Sneak Peek of New Jewelry to Check Out at JCK

Luxury kicks off today, with the full show in swing on Friday.

A pearl pendant and a pearl ring
CollectionsMay 31, 2023
Verragio’s Debut Fine Jewelry Collections Honor Company Heritage

One of the three new collections was inspired by the legend of a woman who traded her mansion to Cartier for two strands of natural pearls.

Rob Ballew
MajorsMay 31, 2023
Signet Jewelers Names New Head of Investor Relations

Rob Ballew will be tasked with communicating the jewelry giant’s plans and financial performance to investors.

Mobile mock-up screens of the new LUX Digital Vault app from Jewelers Mutual Group
MajorsMay 31, 2023
Jewelers Mutual Launches App for Retailers, Introduces New Brokerage

With the app, customers receive a 15-day insurance offer on new purchases while their coverage needs are being evaluated.

Rendering of Lightbox lab-grown diamond store in House of Showfields
Lab-GrownMay 30, 2023
Lightbox Is Testing Out a Trendy Concept Shop in Brooklyn

It is in House of Showfields, a bazaar-style retail space in the borough’s Williamsburg neighborhood.

Attendees at the JCK Las Vegas show
Events & AwardsMay 30, 2023
These Are the Can’t-Miss JCK Talks Education Sessions

From consumer trends to retail technology, these are the JCK Talks sessions that should be on attendees’ radar.

Georgie Gleim, Shelly Sergent, and Molly Peterson
Events & AwardsMay 30, 2023
24 Karat Club of Southern California Recognizes 3 Honorees

They will be celebrated at the annual dinner dance and gala in the fall.

Historic and modern photos of diamond grading GIA
GradingMay 26, 2023
State of the Diamond Industry: AI and the Future of Diamond Grading

Gemologists have long used machines in diamond grading but technology has made it possible for them to “learn” how to do it on their own.

Supplier Spotlight Webinar John Pollard and Garry Holloway
Recorded WebinarsMay 26, 2023
Watch: Diamond Cut Quality: The Final Frontier Part 2

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by IGI

My Next Question webinar series episode on selling lab-grown diamonds
Recorded WebinarsMay 26, 2023
Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds: What It’s Like to Sell Both

Watch retailers Jeffery Bolling and Bobby Bengivengo discuss employee training, customer education and the sticky subject of future value.

Models wearing Calvin Klein watches and jewelry
FinancialsMay 26, 2023
Movado Sales Slip in Q1 Amid Inflation Woes, Tough Comps

The company has plans to revamp the Movado brand and offer less expensive watches this year.

noamcarver-videoimage.png
Supplier BulletinMay 25, 2023
RAE Fine Jewelry Collection Debuting at JCK Luxury 2023

Sponsored by Noam Carver

Graphic of phishing scheme
TechnologyMay 25, 2023
State of Retail: Why Jewelers Need to Invest in Cybersecurity Now

As cybercrime incidents threaten the industry, jewelers need to know what they’re up against and the best ways to protect their businesses.

Louis Anthony Jewelers remodeled exterior
IndependentsMay 25, 2023
Louis Anthony Jewelers Is Remodeling and Expanding

The Pittsburgh jeweler is redoing the lighting and showcases, and adding a full hospitality bar as well as new shop-in-shops.

Yurman Family Crystalline Pass at American Museum of Natural History in New York City
SourcingMay 25, 2023
David Yurman Unveils Quartz Exhibition at AMNH

The Yurman Family Crystalline Pass is inside the museum’s brand-new Richard Gilder Center.

Stanley Zale new principal consultant Hill & Co.
MajorsMay 25, 2023
Stanley Zale Joins Hill & Co. as Principal Consultant

Zale has more than 40 years’ experience in the diamond industry, including 17 years as Stuller’s VP of diamonds and gemstones procurement.

 Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada sign
Events & AwardsMay 24, 2023
New To-Dos in Las Vegas During Jewelry Market Week 2023

The Strip is full of new restaurant and entertainment offerings.

×

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