Jewels from Neile Adams McQueen Shine at Bonhams
All 13 lots belonging to the actress and first wife of Steve McQueen sold at the recent “California Jewels” sale.
The actress’ career has spanned eight decades, beginning around 1974 with performances across Broadway, television, and movies, with her final performance held in 2017.
She was a featured dancer in the original Broadway production of "Kismet” and cast by famed choreographer Bob Fosse as the dancing lead in "The Pajama Game." She caught the attention of the MGM movie studio and starred in "This Could Be the Night."
In 1956, she married Steve McQueen four months after they first met. They had two children, Terry and Chad. Steve McQueen died in 1980.
From 1974 to 2017, she performed in cabaret shows in Los Angeles, New York, Paris and London, and made an appearance at a Royal Gala at The London Palladium.
Guggenheim Films is producing a documentary film on her life, said Bonhams.
All 13 lots connected to McQueen were sold.
The “California Jewels” sale garnered a total of $2.1 million with 78 percent of lots sold.
The top lot of the 350-lot sale was a 14-karat white gold ring set with a 6.89-carat emerald-cut diamond and two tapered baguette side stones, which sold for $210,050, above its estimate of $120,000 to $180,000.
The No.2 lot was McQueen’s platinum ring set with a 3.80-carat old European-cut diamond, signed “Monture Cartier,” meaning it was created for “special clients,” said Bonhams.
“The jewel was first sought by Steve McQueen for himself, but after deciding it wasn’t right for him, Neile declared it would be perfect for her,” said the auction house.
The ring sold for $83,050, more than double its presale estimate of $25,000 to $35,000.
“The first California Jewels sale of 2024 included some extraordinary jewelry with exceptional stones and exquisite craftsmanship. We were honored to present the collection of Neile Adams McQueen, which embodied her taste and discernment as a collector and celebrates such a spectacular figure in entertainment history,” said Emily Waterfall, director of Bonhams’ jewelry department in Los Angeles.
McQueen’s platinum ring set with a 5.92-carat fancy light yellow pear-cut diamond, accented by tapered baguettes, sold for $40,960, above its estimate of $25,000 to $35,000.
The ring was a gift from Steve McQueen on their 13th wedding anniversary, said Bonhams.
Also up for auction from McQueen’s collection was a signed Raymond Yard platinum ring set with a 31.50-carat cushion-cut amethyst with half-round, single-cut, baguette and modified baguette diamond side stones.
The amethyst ring sold for $16,640, well above its $2,000 to $3,000 estimate.
McQueen’s “bombe-inspired” platinum ring set with round and baguette diamonds and rectangular and square step-cut rubies sold for $6,400, well above its estimate of $1,500 to $2,000.
Also up for auction was a station necklace with blue enamel discs accented by 12-karat gold flowers set with old mine cut diamonds on double 18-karat gold box chains, paired with matching earrings of a similar style.
The set sold for $6,400, above its estimate of $4,000 to $6,000.
Several watches from McQueen’s collection were up for sale, including an 18-karat yellow gold and diamond Cartier “Tank Américaine” watch, which sold for $16,640.
Notable pieces from the overall sale included a Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. 18-karat yellow gold and platinum ring set with a 10.80-carat rectangular cushion-cut color-change sapphire surrounded by round and marquise-shaped diamonds.
It sold for $25,600, within its $20,000 to $30,000 estimate.
Another auction highlight was an 18-karat yellow gold Hammerman Brothers link bracelet set with pavé round diamonds weighing 15.80 carats. The bracelet sold for $17,920, within its estimate of $15,000 to $25,000.
The Latest
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.