Barbara Walters’ Fine Jewelry a White-Glove Sale at Bonhams
The late journalist’s antique jewelry proved to be of particular interest.

The lot expected to bring the highest total, the 13.84-carat, D-color, VVS2-clarity Harry Winston engagement ring the journalist received from third husband Merv Adelson, sold for $699,000, at the low end of its estimated range of $600,000-$900,000.
Similarly, a pair of “Gemset” earrings from renowned designer Joel Arthur Rosenthal, better known as JAR, featuring spessartite garnets and rubellites sold for $229,100 against a pre-sale estimate of $200,000 to $300,000.
According to Bonhams, Walters owned a number of JAR pieces, with the designer creating “bold and audacious designs” specifically to suit the personality of the award-winning journalist.
A buyer paid $229,100 for a pair of tourmaline, yellow sapphire and diamond earrings JAR made for Walters, near the top end of their pre-sale estimated range of $150,000 to $250,000.
Her paisley-shaped JAR earrings set with peridot, tourmaline, sapphire, and diamonds sold for $203,700, squarely in the middle of their pre-sale estimated range of $180,000 to $250,000.
While Walters’ show-stopping engagement ring and Gemset JAR earrings brought mixed results at auction, her antique pieces fared better.
A buyer paid $32,000 for the broadcaster’s diamond and gem-set Cartier Art Deco watch, nearly five times its highest pre-sale estimate, $7,000.
Walters’ circa 1910 Belle Epoque diamond bow brooch (pictured at top of article) brought in $35,840, topping its highest pre-sale estimate of $20,000.
And a buyer paid $14,080 for her custom Harry Winston “BW” diamond necklace, double its highest pre-sale estimate of $7,000.
Bonhams held the live portion of the “Barbara Walters: American Icon” sale Monday in New York, auctioning off various items from the late broadcast legend’s $8 million estate.
In addition to jewelry, the sale included furniture, artwork, and personal items from the Manhattan home Walters occupied for decades.
Walters, who died in December 2022 at age 93, was a trailblazer for women in journalism.
She was the first female co-host of NBC’s “Today” show and the first woman to anchor a network evening news program, ABC Evening News.
She also co-hosted ABC’s newsmagazine program “20/20” alongside the late Hugh Downs for two decades and was one of the creators of another show that’s still airing, the talk show “The View.”
Over the course of her career, Walters received numerous awards for her achievements, including 11 Emmy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (2000), and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2007).
She was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Hall of Fame in 1990.
The online portion of Barbara Walters: American Icon, which includes costume jewelry, is set to conclude later today.
The Latest

An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.

The jewelry and accessories retailer said its stores will remain open during the proceedings.

Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Designer Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.


She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.

Omar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.

Lilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.

The organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.

The winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.

As summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.

Moshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.

Xavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.

The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.

The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.