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Geneva—The fine pearl collier Audrey Hepburn wore in the 1953 romantic comedy “Roman Holiday” was withdrawn from Christie’s online jewelry auction Tuesday.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“We can confirm that lot 234 from the sale ‘Jewels Online: The Geneva Edit’ closing on 16 November has been withdrawn from sale,” Christie’s told National Jeweler via email Wednesday morning.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“We can confirm that lot 234 from the sale ‘Jewels Online: The Geneva Edit’ closing on 16 November has been withdrawn from sale,” Christie’s told National Jeweler via email Wednesday morning.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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsOct 13, 2026
David Webb Owner Purchases Lugano JewelryThe high-end jewelry retailer was sold to private investment firm Middle West Partners and a group of longtime clients.
Lab-GrownOct 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Takes Lab-Grown Diamond Collection WholesaleThe jewelry designer has partnered with Sofer Jewelry to distribute her 85-piece lab-grown diamond collection.
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Sean DunnDunn, this year’s Single-Store Independent inductee, is passionate about innovation and telling the story of natural diamonds.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers’ New Candle Smells Like HomeThe “Island Jewel” candle honors New York City and Puerto Rico and raises money for the island’s water relief efforts.
Weekly QuizOct 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyOct 13, 2026
GemFind Is a New JA Member Benefit Partner The partnership will give JA members access to preferred pricing, exclusive benefits, technology solutions, education, and resources.
SurveysOct 09, 2026
These Will Be the 10 Busiest Days for In-Store Shopping This Holiday SeasonStores should expect to see the most customers on Nov. 27, and Christmas week is expected to be hectic too, as Dec. 25 falls on a Friday.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsOct 09, 2026
Elisa Solomon Collabs With Serendipity 3 on ‘Frozen Hot Chocolate’ CharmThe charm, our Piece of the Week, features brown diamond frozen hot chocolate topped with white diamond whipped cream and a ruby straw.
WatchesOct 09, 2026
Movado to Sell Majority Stake in Ebel for $66.5MThe watch company agreed to sell a 95 percent interest to a group comprised of F.P. Journe, Chanel, and Swiss watch exec Pierre Jacques.
Policies & IssuesOct 08, 2026
Third Wave of IEEPA Tariff Refunds Begins This round of tariff refunds is for importers that have sued over IEEPA tariffs in the Court of International Trade and won.
CollectionsOct 08, 2026
Brent Neale’s New Collection Goes ‘Back to Basics’It revisits the brand’s most requested silhouettes, from "Pillow"-set necklaces and bracelets to "Signature"-set rings and earrings.
SourcingOct 08, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair Heads Back to BrooklynThe trade-only event includes buying opportunities as well as educational sessions on artisanal mining, the new Paraíba source, and more.
Events & AwardsOct 08, 2026
Pattons Fine Jewelry Sweeps Local Design ContestAra Chanakian, a jeweler at Pattons, took home top honors in every category at Jewelers of Louisiana’s annual jewelry design competition.
AuctionsOct 08, 2026
Reba McEntire’s Jewelry, Watches Head to Julien’s AuctionsThe live charity benefit sale in Nashville will also feature gowns, boots, and other memorabilia from the country music legend.
Supplier BulletinOct 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Helps Jewelers Turn Custom Design into a Hands-On Selling ExperienceSponsored by Overnight Mountings
Policies & IssuesOct 07, 2026
The Plumb Club Amplifies Its Voice as Geopolitical Pressures MountThe supplier organization recently joined JA and JVC to have more input on political issues affecting the jewelry industry.
CollectionsOct 07, 2026
Blue Nile, Royal Asscher Collection Highlights Natural Diamond BeautyBlue Nile, a Signet Jewelers-owned brand, is now Royal Asscher’s exclusive licensed retailer in North America.
CollectionsOct 07, 2026
4 Standout Pieces in Audemars Piguet’s First High Jewelry Collection “Royal Oak” pays homage to the brand’s most popular watch model using 18-karat gold as well as diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires.
MajorsOct 07, 2026
Empire Safe & Vault Promotes Juan Morales to CEOAs part of the transition, Joseph Nicosia has stepped into the role of COO.
SourcingOct 07, 2026
AGTA Extends Deadline for 2026 Spectrum Awards EntriesParticipants now have until Oct. 14 to complete their submissions.
CrimeOct 06, 2026
6 Charged in Connection to String of New Jersey Smash-and-GrabsThe alleged thieves used crow bars and sledgehammers to smash into jewelry stores across the state.
ColumnistsOct 06, 2026
Sherry Smith: Is the Consumer Really Trading Up?Ahead of the holidays, Smith urges jewelers to take a hard look at who’s buying jewelry, what they’re purchasing, and who’s stopped buying.
SourcingOct 06, 2026
DDG Taps Influencers for ‘My Diamond Does Good’ CampaignIn the new consumer-facing campaign, four fashion and lifestyle creators share the stories behind their natural diamond pieces.
MajorsOct 06, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names COO, CMOFGI President John Orrico is also leaving the company after more than 13 years.
Events & AwardsOct 06, 2026
JIS Fall Returns to MiamiThe 2026 edition will feature presentations on alternative materials and design trends, as well as pop-up activations on the show floor.
SourcingOct 05, 2026
De Beers to Take Full Ownership of Gahcho KuéIt is the last fully operational diamond mine in Canada following the recent closures of Ekati and Diavik.
