AuctionsOct 10, 2023
Barbara Walters’ Jewels Head to AuctionAuctionsNov 06, 2023
Audrey Hepburn’s ‘Roman Holiday’ Necklace Heads To Auction
The piece is estimated to sell for more than $20,000.
The pearl necklace Audrey Hepburn wore in “Roman Holiday” is going up for auction at Christie’s Geneva this month.
Geneva—Audrey Hepburn’s fine pearl collier worn in the final scene of the 1953 romantic comedy “Roman Holiday” will be up for auction at Christie’s upcoming Geneva sale.
The wide, choker-style necklace will be offered in the “Jewels Online: The Geneva Edit” sale, which started Friday and continues through Nov. 16.
It is estimated to sell for 18,000-26,000 CHF or $20,070 to $28,990.
Italian design house Fürst created the piece.
The Fürst family is Austro-Hungarian and its history in jewelry dates back to the 1850s, when Moric Fürst moved to Turin, a city in Northern Italy, to establish a business as a jeweler.
He later became a leading supplier for the Savoyard court.
Related stories will be right here …
The wide, choker-style necklace will be offered in the “Jewels Online: The Geneva Edit” sale, which started Friday and continues through Nov. 16.
It is estimated to sell for 18,000-26,000 CHF or $20,070 to $28,990.
Italian design house Fürst created the piece.
The Fürst family is Austro-Hungarian and its history in jewelry dates back to the 1850s, when Moric Fürst moved to Turin, a city in Northern Italy, to establish a business as a jeweler.
He later became a leading supplier for the Savoyard court.
Hepburn, born in 1929, had an affinity for pearls.
Throughout her life, the award-winning British actress and humanitarian wore single-strand pearl necklaces and pearl stud earrings, which became a signature part of her simple-yet-elegant style.
Her jewelry collection was the perfect embodiment of Hepburn’s well-known philosophy that, “elegance is the only beauty that never fades,” Christie’s said.
Roman Holiday, which co-starred Gregory Peck, is celebrated for its exquisite costume and jewelry designs as much as its storytelling.
Selected to enhance Hepburn’s natural charm and grace, the Fürst pearl necklace, along with other jewelry in Roman Holiday, adorned the actress with a feel of sophistication and glamour.
The piece showed the transformation her character, the young royal Princess Ann, makes from “regal opulence to carefree elegance,” Christie’s said.
Hepburn received the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film; it was her only Oscar win, though she was nominated a total of five times.
Off the screen, Hepburn served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and dedicated the latter part of her life to humanitarian work, traveling globally to advocate for children’s rights and emergency relief efforts.
She died of cancer at age 63 in 1993.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
Policies & IssuesJan 14, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief Several jewelry designers are lending a helping hand to charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
Weekly QuizJan 09, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking GemfieldsGemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJan 13, 2025
Brandee Dallow Elected President of Ethical MetalsmithsThe executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.
IndependentsJan 13, 2025
The Seven Pops Up in Palm BeachThe New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ BroochAdrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
SourcingJan 10, 2025
De Beers, GJEPC Partner to Promote Natural DiamondsThe pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.
CrimeJan 09, 2025
US Customs Seizes Counterfeit Tiffany & Co. JewelsOfficers in Champlain, New York valued the jewels, if genuine, at nearly $30,000.
CollectionsJan 09, 2025
Karma El Khalil’s New Collection is an Ode to the MoonThe “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.
Events & AwardsJan 09, 2025
Here Is the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson Educational LineupThe seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.
SourcingJan 09, 2025
Reena Ahluwalia Unveils New Works in ‘Diamond Trails’ AnthologyThe artist collaborated with industry creatives on the project, which features five fictional stories and five corresponding paintings.
IndependentsJan 09, 2025
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $26K for Children’s Hospital at Charity BallNine jewelers donated jewels for a raffle to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Virginia Commonwealth University.
WatchesJan 08, 2025
Oris Debuts Hot Pink Miss Piggy WatchMiss Piggy shared her thoughts on being fabulous, the importance of accessories, and how to be your own cheerleader.
Lab-GrownJan 08, 2025
Effy Introduces Brand Dedicated to Lab-Grown Diamonds“Promise by Effy” includes fashion jewelry and engagement rings.
IndependentsJan 08, 2025
Haltom’s Jewelers to Close After 130 YearsThe Texas-based jeweler is closing all three locations.
TrendsJan 08, 2025
Zendaya’s Engagement Ring Combines Vintage and Modern ElementsZendaya’s ring, featuring an east-west set elongated cushion-cut diamond, is said to be from British designer Jessica McCormack.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: The Hottest Digital Marketing Trends For 2025Micro-influencers, customer reviews, and shoppable videos are going to be key to getting customers’ attention, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsJan 07, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: January Is for GarnetGarnet is comprised of a group of minerals, giving those with a birthday in January options when it comes to their birthstone.
IndependentsJan 07, 2025
Edge Retail Academy Names 2024 ‘Wag’ Award Winner The annual award, created in memory of business coach William “Wag” Wagner, went to a retailer in Fairfax, Virginia.
