Auctions

Barbara Walters’ Jewels Head to Auction

AuctionsOct 10, 2023

Barbara Walters’ Jewels Head to Auction

The Bonhams New York sale will feature a Harry Winston diamond ring and several bespoke JAR earrings.

Barbara Walters
Bonhams New York will host the “Barbara Walters: American Icon” sale on Nov. 6 in New York, featuring jewels, art, furniture, and more from the broadcast legend’s estate. (Image credit: Douglas Kirkland/Getty Images)
New York—Barbara Walters’ jewelry collection is heading to auction at Bonhams New York next month.

The auction house will host the “Barbara Walters: American Icon” sale on Nov. 6 in New York, offering various items from her $8 million estate, including jewelry, art, furniture, personal items, and more from her Upper East Side home where she lived for three decades.

Walters, who died last year, was a trailblazer for women in journalism. She was the first female co-host of a U.S. network news program on NBC’s “Today” show and the first female network news anchor on ABC Evening News.

Her list of interviewees includes every U.S. President and first lady from Richard and Pat Nixon to Barack and Michelle Obama, cultural icons like Katharine Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, and Oprah Winfrey, royalty like then Prince Charles (now King Charles III), and international political figures like Fidel Castro. 

The broadcast legend’s 120-piece collection includes “everything one could want in a jewelry collection,” said Jean Ghika, Bonhams global head of jewelry, including jewels by JAR and pieces from renowned American designers like Harry Winston, Angela Cummings, and Seaman Schepps.

“Walters clearly had a genuine love for jewelry, and it reflected a large part of her identity, acting as a form of armor and feminine adornment in a male-dominated world,” said Ghika.

“She lovingly wore all of her pieces regularly, both privately and in her professional capacity where she used the language of jewelry as a signifier. Her jewels of choice were big, bold, and audacious, which suited her personality. She wasn’t afraid to mix costume pieces with real gemstones – it wasn’t about value but the style and look, reminiscent of Coco Chanel’s ethos. For Barbara Walters, jewelry made her feel dressed.”

A star lot of the auction is Walter’s Harry Winston platinum diamond engagement ring from television producer Merv Adelson.

Barbara Walters Harry Winston diamond ring
Television producer Merv Adelson gave this 13.84-carat Harry Winston diamond engagement ring to Walters.


The pair were married in 1981, divorced by 1984, then were remarried from 1986 to 1992.

The emerald-cut diamond of D color and VVS2 clarity weighs 13.84 carats with trilliant-cut diamond side stones weighing 1.46 carats.

The ring has an auction estimate of $600,000 to $900,000.

Walters wore the ring to many events, said Bonhams, including in 1985 to honor the American GI liberators of World War II at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles.

Also up for auction is an 18-karat white gold and diamond pendant necklace weighing 1.92 carats, hand-crafted for Walters by Harry Winston.

Barbara Walters initials necklace
A pavé-set diamond monogram “BW” necklace by Harry Winston


The pavé-set diamond monogram “BW” necklace is on a cable-link chain. The auction estimate is $4,000 to $7,000.

“My mother was a devoted journalist, loyal friend, and loving mother. Our home was always filled with interesting and beautiful reminders of her incredible, diverse life," said Walters’ daughter, Jacqueline Danforth. “I know she would find comfort that these pieces she cherished so much will be enjoyed and cared for.”

Walters also owned a number of pieces by JAR, or Joel Arthur Rosenthal, who Bonhams calls “the Faberge of our time.”

Barbara Walters JAR earrings
Walters owned several bespoke pairs of JAR earrings, like this spessartite garnet, rubellite tourmaline, and diamond pair.


These bespoke JAR earrings feature alternating centers of an oval-shaped spessartite garnet and rubellite tourmaline, surrounded by garnets and tourmalines and accented by round brilliant-cut diamonds. The estimate is $200,000 to $300,000.

Barbara Walters JAR paisley earrings
These paisley design earrings by JAR were a favorite of Walters, said Bonhams.


These JAR paisley design earrings, also bespoke, were a personal favorite of Walters, said Bonhams. Set with peridot, tourmaline, sapphire, and diamonds, the pair is estimated to sell for $180,000 to $250,000.

Another pair of bespoke gold JAR earrings feature a drop-shaped motif with an oval-shaped tourmaline at the center surrounded by round-cut yellow sapphires and diamonds, weighing 2.75 carats. The estimate is $150,000 to $250,000.

Barbara Walters JAR drop earrings
This pair of bespoke JAR earrings features tourmaline, yellow sapphires, and diamonds.


Other auction highlights include a Belle Époque diamond bow brooch set with old-cut diamonds weighing approximately 11 carats. It has an estimate of $15,000 to $20,000.


Walters wore this piece to several occasions, including to Sir Elton John’s 60th birthday party held at Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York in 2007. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Another highlight is a ruby and diamond floral brooch set with invisibly set square-cut rubies and round brilliant-cut diamonds. It has an estimate of $12,000 to $18,000.

Barbara Walters diamond and ruby brooch
A diamond and ruby floral brooch


She wore this jewel to the Eighth Annual Night of Stars Fashion Festival at the Waldorf Astoria in New York in 1991.

Barbara Walters Ostertag diamond bracelet
This diamond bracelet has an auction estimate of $40,000 to $70,000.


This Ostertag diamond bracelet has an openwork design, set with old-cut diamonds. The estimate is $40,000 to $70,000.

"Barbara Walters was a remarkable woman who conquered many milestones throughout her illustrious life,” said Bruno Vinciguerra, CEO of Bonhams and the Bonhams Network. 

“We are privileged to present her collection and recognize the immense importance of preserving her legacy, ensuring that her achievements continue to inspire and captivate generations to come.”

Walters received numerous awards for her achievements, including 11 Emmy Awards, an induction into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Hall of Fame (1990), a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (2000), and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2007).

The Latest

Stock image of people shopping in a mall
SurveysApr 03, 2025
2025 Retail Sales to Grow More Slowly Amid ‘Uncertainty,’ Says NRF

The National Retail Federation expects retail sales growth to return to pre-pandemic levels as consumers continue to face inflation.

Tallulah Willis’ Engagement Ring
TrendsApr 03, 2025
Tallulah Willis Imbues Antique Engagement Ring With Magic

The 4-carat, old mine brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring was co-designed by Willis and New York City-based brand Karina Noel.

158.2-carat yellow diamond from Diavik
SourcingApr 03, 2025
Canadian Mine Produces 158-Carat Yellow Diamond

Rio Tinto unearthed the diamond at its Diavik mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.

bench jeweler 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They Deserve

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

Buccellati Naturalia exhibition
CollectionsApr 03, 2025
Buccellati to Open Immersive Exhibition in Milan

The multisensory experience, open April 8-13, will feature the brand’s silver creations among dream-like scenes of natural landscapes.

Weekly QuizApr 03, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jewelers of America logo
Policies & IssuesApr 03, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on Tariffs

The virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.

Bea Bongiasca Animali Tarallo Collection Royal Blue Tang Fish “Dory”
CollectionsApr 02, 2025
Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Tarallo’ Collection Expansion Is a Zoo

The pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.

Facets-of-Fire-Difference-You-Can-See.jpg
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean More

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Neiman Marcus Downtown Dallas store
MajorsApr 02, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Will Remain Open, For Now

Parent company Saks Global said the iconic location will be open through the holiday season as it decides what to do with the space.

Natural color diamonds on display at Smithsonian National Museum of History
SourcingApr 02, 2025
Winston’s Collection of Natural Color Diamonds Now on Display in D.C.

Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, donated the diamonds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

Punchmark
Events & AwardsApr 02, 2025
Punchmark to Host Client Workshop

The educational event will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, this May.

Bergman Jewelers family
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 Years

The independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.

QVC Group Inc. logo
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.

The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.

Coconut Grove Jewelry & Watch Show
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in Florida

The debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.

The Jewelry Symposium (TJS)
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor Shortage

The roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.

Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann Collection Bracelets
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry Collection

The “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.

Graphic for What Do We Mean When We Say “Recycled” Gold webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?

Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.

Mindi Mond Clarity Earrings
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in Diamonds

Diamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.

Lashbrook ring
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With Acquisition

The Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.

Bulgari and LVMH Watches CEO Jean-Christophe Babin
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH Watches

The longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.

Surveillance footage of robbery
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry Store

Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.

Nephrite and Jadeite by Heinrich Fischer, Richard W. Hughes
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in English

Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

LÖF The Valentine Ring
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ Ring

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

Eggs on a shelf
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ Outlook

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

Austin Butler
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand Ambassador

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

ICA Congress Brazil 2025
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

Bailey’s Fine Jewelry storefront
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent Jeweler

The family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.

×

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