Bonhams will host “The Legacy of a Stateswoman: The Personal Collection of Senator Dianne Feinstein” on Oct. 8 in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles—Jewelry that belonged to U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein will go up for auction next month.
Bonhams will offer 74 pieces of Feinstein’s jewelry, many of which she wore at high-profile events, at its auction, “The Legacy of a Stateswoman: The Personal Collection of Senator Dianne Feinstein,” which will take place Oct. 8 in Los Angeles.
Feinstein, who died last year, served as a California senator from 1992 until 2023.
She is one of the longest-serving female senators in history and renowned for her pragmatic approach, the auction house said.
Throughout her career, the American dignitary championed progressive policies that broke barriers for women, representing her country with elegance and grace, Bonhams said.
Emily Waterfall, Bonhams’ director of its jewelry department in Los Angeles, said, “Jewelry was incredibly special to Dianne Feinstein, and it's rare to find images of her without classic strands of pearls, diamond studs, and her signature senator pin. Her collection embodies refined sophistication, featuring pieces from renowned jewelry houses such as Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Buccellati, as well as some unsigned items.
“Her jewelry box is a testament to her style—elegant yet understated—ensuring that her jewels complemented rather than overshadowed her role as a leading figure in American politics.”
Leading the sale is Feinstein’s 4.14 carat diamond ring flanked by tapered baguette diamonds, estimated to sell for $45,000 to $65,000.
Senator Dianne Feinstein’s platinum diamond ring, featuring a central set 4.14-carat diamond of E color and VS2 clarity, flanked by tapered baguette diamonds
Another top lot is her 18-karat white gold and diamond necklace featuring three graduated rows of floret links adorned with approximately 25.50 carats of round diamonds. It is estimated to fetch $12,000 to $18,000.
The sale will also offer a ring featuring a central set 4.40-carat emerald-cut Colombian emerald flanked by trapezoid diamonds, estimated to sell for $10,000 to $15,000.
An 18-karat white gold and diamond necklace with approximately 25.50 carats of diamonds
A 4.40-carat emerald ring with diamonds, estimated to sell for up to $15,000
A pendant of two oval diamonds spaced by a round diamond on an 18-karat white gold collet-set diamond necklace set with round diamonds
An 18-karat white gold and diamond pendant necklace, with an estimate of $8,000 to $12,000, will also be for sale.
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An 18-karat white gold, diamond, emerald and onyx "Le Baiser du Dragon" jabot pin from Cartier, circa 2021 (est. $3,000-$5,000), will be offered, along with a Buccellati 18-karat bi-colored gold and diamond bangle (est. $2,500-$3,500).
Feinstein’s Cartier "Le Baiser du Dragon" jabot pin, circa 2001, depicts a geometric dragon set with round diamonds and an emerald eye.
A Buccellati bangle in white gold with yellow gold borders, set with floral ribbons of round diamonds
A selection of Feinstein’s jewels from Tiffany & Co. will be offered, including an 18-karat gold and sapphire berry brooch, circa 1950, estimated to sell for $3,000 to $5,000.
Also for sale is an 18-karat gold "Rose Petal" necklace and earclips set, circa 1979, attributed to Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co., as well as two Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. bead necklaces.
A Tiffany & Co. brooch with sculptural berries set with sapphires supported by a textured gold branch and leaves
A "Rose Petal" set, attributed to Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co., estimated to sell for $2,000-$3,000
Two Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. necklaces—an 18-karat gold and azure malachite necklace (left) and an 18-karat gold and freshwater cultured pearl torsade necklace (right)—are estimated to sell for $1,500-$2,500 each.
Feinstein’s daughter Katherine Feinstein, a retired judge of the San Francisco Superior Court, said, “My mother was generous in every way. She dedicated her entire career to serving the public and extended her personal kindness and generosity to relatives, friends, staff members, constituents and guests visiting her home.
Katherine said her mother would also give gifts to guests who visited their home.
“The gift was given with my mother’s heartfelt thanks for the visit and was often one of her personally sketched flower drawings. She cherished the items she collected and decorated her homes with. From her ‘trophy room’ that proudly showcased her career milestones to the curated antiques she personally researched and décor she maintained in each room.”
She continued, “She would be delighted to know that her treasured pieces will be just as cherished and cared for by those whose lives she touched, and who admired her as a pioneering woman in politics.
Along with jewelry, an array of furniture and design objects from Feinstein’s homes in San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Aspen, Colorado, as well as a collection of American art and memorabilia from her political career, will be offered at the auction.
In addition to the live sale on Oct. 8, Senator Feinstein’s collection will be offered in two online sales.
"Jewelry Online | The Personal Collection of Senator Dianne Feinstein" will take place Oct. 1-8.
Artwork from Senator Feinstein and her late husband, Richard Blum’s Indian, Himalayan, and Southeast Asian Art Collection will be offered in an online sale from Oct. 14 -24.
