AuctionsNov 09, 2023
Sotheby’s ‘Vienna 1900’ a White-Glove SaleAuctionsNov 16, 2023
Audrey Hepburn’s ‘Roman Holiday’ Choker Pulled From Auction
Worn in the film’s final scene, the piece was expected to sell for nearly $30,000.
Christie’s withdrew Audrey Hepburn’s pearl necklace worn in the final scene of “Roman Holiday” from auction. Until Tuesday, the piece was part of the “Jewels Online: The Geneva Edit” sale, which ends today.
Geneva—The fine pearl collier Audrey Hepburn wore in the 1953 romantic comedy “Roman Holiday” was withdrawn from Christie’s online jewelry auction Tuesday.
The wide, choker-style necklace was part of the “Jewels Online: The Geneva Edit” sale, which started Nov. 3 and is set to end today.
The piece, created by Italian design house Fürst, was estimated to sell for 18,000-26,000 CHF, or $20,070 to $28,990.
When National Jeweler checked in on the auction Tuesday morning, the piece had seven bids, the highest being 28,000 CHF ($31,534), above the piece’s top estimate.
National Jeweler received an email late Tuesday from an individual registered to bid on the piece stating that Christie’s had sent an email stating the item had been pulled from the sale.
Christie’s did not give a reason for the item’s withdrawal, the bidder said.
“We can confirm that lot 234 from the sale ‘Jewels Online: The Geneva Edit’ closing on 16 November has been withdrawn from sale,” Christie’s told National Jeweler via email Wednesday morning.
“We are unable to share any further information as decisions relating to sales remain confidential between Christie’s and our consignors.”
Related stories will be right here …
The wide, choker-style necklace was part of the “Jewels Online: The Geneva Edit” sale, which started Nov. 3 and is set to end today.
The piece, created by Italian design house Fürst, was estimated to sell for 18,000-26,000 CHF, or $20,070 to $28,990.
When National Jeweler checked in on the auction Tuesday morning, the piece had seven bids, the highest being 28,000 CHF ($31,534), above the piece’s top estimate.
National Jeweler received an email late Tuesday from an individual registered to bid on the piece stating that Christie’s had sent an email stating the item had been pulled from the sale.
Christie’s did not give a reason for the item’s withdrawal, the bidder said.
“We can confirm that lot 234 from the sale ‘Jewels Online: The Geneva Edit’ closing on 16 November has been withdrawn from sale,” Christie’s told National Jeweler via email Wednesday morning.
“We are unable to share any further information as decisions relating to sales remain confidential between Christie’s and our consignors.”
Another notable piece also was pulled from a jewelry auction mid-sale this month.
A 94-carat Paraíba tourmaline known as “The Blue Lagoon” was withdrawn from Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction earlier this month.
The stone was set to be the largest top-quality Paraíba tourmaline ever to come to auction, according to the auction house.
It was estimated to sell for 1.3 million-2.5 million CHF, or $1.4 million-$2.7 million.
More on Auctions
The Latest
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
