Auctions

Madeleine K. Albright Jewelry, Pins Coming to Auction

AuctionsApr 15, 2024

Madeleine K. Albright Jewelry, Pins Coming to Auction

Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.

Madeleine K. Albright
Next month, Freeman’s | Hindman will host live and online sales of “The Private Collection of Secretary Madeleine K. Albright,” offering some of her distinctive pins, as well as fine and decorative arts.
New York—Jewelry and other items from the private collection of the late former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright are coming to auction next month.

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.

Madeleine K. Albright patriotic leopard brooch
A patriotic leopard brooch mounted in 14-karat rose gold, pavé set with round brilliant cut diamonds, round mixed-cut sapphires, rubies and black diamonds, with marquise-cut emerald eyes, and stamped “14K EFFY”


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.

Madeleine K. Albright Bulgari “Fireworks” necklace
A white gold and diamond “Fireworks” choker necklace from Bulgari


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.

Madeleine K. Albright Swarovski opera glasses
A pair of Albright’s Swarovski opera glasses (Est. $200-400)


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.

 Related stories will be right here … 
 

The Latest

Lugano Diamonds store in Greenwich, Connecticut
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal Investigation

Moti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.

Coeur Percé Scapular Necklace and Love Baby Locket
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s Day

Lichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in Zambia

The miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Stock image of a man’s hands in handcuffs
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss

Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.

Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
2025 Met Gala jewelry
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry Moments

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.

instappraise-1.png
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal Format

Sponsored by Instappraise

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Brilliant Earth three stone Sabine diamond engagement ring
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1

CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.

Exterior of Margot McKinney Beverly Hills Location
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Margot McKinney Lands in the U.S. With New Boutique

The brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.

Cathy Marsh
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales Manager

Cathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.

Pandora gold and silver charm bracelet
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for Tariffs

The company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.

Headshot of Smart Age Solutions CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and Beyond

Connecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.

Gemfields rough emeralds
SourcingMay 07, 2025
Gemfields Says Emerald Sales Improved in Latest Auction

Its commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.

Logo for “In the Loupe,” Punchmark’s podcast
TechnologyMay 07, 2025
Punchmark’s Latest Podcast Features a Very Special Guest

National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 for 2025
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2025
Here’s Who Made Jewelers of America’s New ‘20 Under 40’ List

Expanded this year to include suppliers, JA’s 2025 list honors 40 up-and-coming professionals in the jewelry industry.

Sissys Log Cabin Fort Smith Arkansas
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens New Store

Located in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.

Gunderson’s Jewelers
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Gunderson’s Jewelers to Be Featured on ‘World’s Greatest’ TV Series

The episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.

Zadok Jewelers Austin store
IndependentsMay 05, 2025
Zadok Jewelers Opens Store in Austin

The Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.

David DeCook Crater of Diamonds State Park 3.81-carat brown Duke Diamond
SourcingMay 05, 2025
Crater of Diamonds Yields 4-Carat Brown Diamond

“The Duke Diamond” is the largest diamond registered at the Arkansas park so far this year.

Kraft Mac & Cheese x Ring Concierge Forever Macaroni Necklace
TrendsMay 02, 2025
Ring Concierge, Kraft Partner on Mother’s Day Macaroni Necklace

The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.

Angely Martinez emerald Promise ring
CollectionsMay 02, 2025
Piece of the Week: Angely Martinez’s Emerald Promise Ring

Set with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.

Stuller 2025-2026 bridal catalog
MajorsMay 02, 2025
Stuller’s New Bridal Catalog Is Here

“Bridal 2025–2026” includes popular styles and a dedicated section for quick pricing references of lab-grown diamond bridal jewelry.

Americut Gems
SourcingMay 01, 2025
Tariffs & Colored Gemstones: Relying on Stock, Considering the Ripple Effect

Though currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.

Exterior of new David Yurman store in the Miami Design District
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Peek Inside David Yurman’s New Miami Flagship Store

Located in Miami’s Design District, the 4,000-square-foot store is an homage to David and Sybil Yurman’s artistic roots.

Oscar Heyman emerald and diamond necklace
TrendsMay 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: 20 Pieces of Emerald Jewelry for May

May babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.

Jewelers of America logo
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Jewelers of America Opens Applications for 2025 Scholarships

The deadline to apply for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship is June 12.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy