Madeleine Albright’s Jewelry, Pins a White-Glove Sale at Freeman’s | Hindman
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.

“The Private Collection of Secretary Madeleine K. Albright,” hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman auction house, took place in live and online sales May 7-8.
More than 1,000 bidders registered for the chance to own something from the private collection of the nation’s first female Secretary of State.
Albright was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in 1993 before becoming Secretary of State in 1997. She died in 2022 at the age of 84.
She often used her jewelry as a fashion statement but, more than that, as a diplomatic tool.
The most notable piece sold was Albright’s Bulgari “Fireworks” choker necklace.
It sold for $24,130, double its high estimate of $18,000.

Known for her pin collection, which she referred to as her “personal diplomatic arsenal,” Albright’s brooches were the highlight of the auction.
Her patriotic leopard brooch depicted a 14-karat rose gold leopard with pavé white and black diamond fur and marquise-cut emerald eyes holding an American flag made of sapphires, rubies, and more white diamonds.
It sold for $10,795, more than three times its high estimate.
Her collection of suffragette themed jewelry fetched $6,985, almost 10 times the pre-sale estimate of $700 to $900.
This collection included Albright’s “Jailed for Freedom” pins, which were awarded to suffragettes who were imprisoned after picketing in front of the White House in 1917.
The yellow gold corn husk pin with cultured pearl that was gifted to Albright by her former chief of staff as a 75th birthday gift also sold for more than its $500 to $700 estimate, going for $6,985.
Albright’s Art Nouveau style owl pin sold for almost 20 times its pre-sale estimate, selling for $6,033. Made of silver and enamel, the brooch is based on the designs of Czech painter Alphonse Mucha.
The jewelry box that once held the late former Secretary’s “diplomatic arsenal” also sold for a noteworthy amount of $8,890, 22 times more than the $400 to $600 estimate.
“Presenting Secretary Madeleine K. Albright’s biography of objects at auction has been a profound professional honor,” said Gretchen Hause, senior vice president and co-head of the books and manuscripts department at Freeman’s | Hindman.
“Her remarkable legacy of diplomatic service and trailblazing accomplishments are mirrored in each item of her fine collection, and the global interest it has garnered speaks volumes about her impact on the world stage.”
The Latest

The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

In addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.


The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

The trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.

Its sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.

Inspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.

The brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.

Goldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.

Longtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.

Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.

Vickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.

Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

The “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.

Diamonds and crimes (some involving diamonds) top the list of National Jeweler’s most popular stories halfway through the year.

They discovered “The Dash Diamond,” named for their dog, at the Crater of Diamonds State Park earlier this month.

The “Les Pétales” collection imagines roses caught mid-bloom as a tribute to nature’s beauty.

Luxury brands charge thousands for their shoes and handbags. Jewelers pricing diamond products should take note, Peter Smith writes.

Rotenberg was an active member of the American Gem Society and an accomplished appraiser who also worked with therapy dogs at a hospital.