Madeleine K. Albright Jewelry, Pins Coming to Auction
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
Live and online sales of “The Private Collection of Secretary Madeleine K. Albright” will be hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the auction house resulting from the 2023 merger of Freeman’s and Hindman Auctions.
Offerings include a range of her personal property, including some of her distinctive pins, as well as fine and decorative arts from her Georgetown home and office.
Albright was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in 1993. In 1997, she was sworn in as the nation’s first female Secretary of State, making her the highest serving woman in the history of the United States government at the time.
In 2012, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor.
She died in 2022 at the age of 84.
As shared in her book, “Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat’s Jewel Box,” Albright deployed pins within her “personal diplomatic arsenal” throughout her career to convey foreign policy messages, as well as express her hopes, mood and sometimes a pointed message.
This rose gold, diamond, ruby and sapphire brooch designed as a leopard embracing an American flag is estimated to sell for $2,000 to $3,000.
While she donated a collection of her pins to the National Museum of American Diplomacy at the U.S. Department of State, several other signature pieces of jewelry Albright wore at celebrated events and special occasions will appear at the upcoming auction.
Her Bulgari “Fireworks” necklace is estimated to sell for up to $18,000.
Along with the hallmark pins, the sale will also feature diplomatic and political memorabilia; historical books; designer scarves, hats, and handbags; antique furniture and decorative objects; fine porcelain; silver; and books she collected during her travels around the world.
The sale highlights the collecting sensibilities of Albright, a “deeply influential national and international icon,” the auction house said.
Fiercely committed to democracy and human rights, it said, she championed America’s alliances, promoted the expansion of NATO, supported non-proliferation efforts, and supported the expansion of free trade.
“Madeleine Albright’s name and career are synonymous with reaching a pinnacle of female achievement” said Gretchen Hause, senior vice president and co-head of department for books and manuscripts.
“Presenting her biography in objects at auction is a professional and personal honor, and will no doubt excite new generations of global citizens.”
Viewings were held in Chicago earlier this month, and more will be held from May 2-6 in New York at 32 East 67 Street.
The exhibition will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
The live auction is slated to begin at 10 a.m. ET on May 7, and the online auction will begin at 10 a.m. CT on May 8.
The Latest
Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos’ secrets to success are listening to her team and leaning on data to make decisions.
He dedicated his life to researching, writing, and speaking about gemstones in the hope he could inspire others to share his passion.
The event is slated for Oct. 17-19.
This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
12 spots are available for travelers to visit Northern Tanzania and Southern Kenya from July 25 to Aug. 4.
Though they didn’t grow up together, siblings Ronald Leitzel and Tonia Leitzel Ulsh have grown together as co-owners of Mountz Jewelers.
The men allegedly posed as employees of a local energy company to gain entry to Hussein Murray’s home and then killed him in the basement.
Don't miss this one-stop-shop in October, curated with buyers’ needs in mind.
Sales slipped 4 percent in the third quarter in an environment the company described as economically and politically uncertain.
The U.S. presidential election, inflation, and the aftermath of recent hurricanes could all have an impact on spending.
The Italian brand is also releasing a coffee table book and opening its headquarters and workshop in Valenza, Italy.
The pair of brothers, each with his own strengths, takes a divide-and-conquer approach to bettering the stores they grew up working in.
The mining company is set to hand over the South African diamond mine to an affiliate of Stargems Group by the month’s end.
Three generations of the Kessler family have been a part of the Dallas-based company.
The two collaborated on a necklace and a pair of earrings that praise the beauty of Zambian emeralds.
Retailers can move jewelry care lines off countertops with the fixtures, which were designed for a “sophisticated retail environment.”
The 20th ICA Congress is slated for May 19-22 in Brasília, Brazil.
The jeweler is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a throwback campaign.
“Memorie D’Archivio” was inspired by the “Mora” and “Mosaico” collections the brand introduced in the ‘90s.
CEO William Lamb said divesting the diamond sales platform allows the company to focus on the underground expansion of Karowe.
It features 124 jewels and a variety of colored gemstones.
Ahead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
The GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Retail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
The November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.