Editors

The Jewelry I’d Bid On in Christie’s Iris Apfel Auction

EditorsJan 15, 2025

The Jewelry I’d Bid On in Christie’s Iris Apfel Auction

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.

Iris Apfel
“Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfel” showcases the clothes, accessories, and interior design elements that made Apfel famous. The auction includes more than 200 lots and is scheduled for Jan. 28- Feb. 13. (Photo credit: Ruven Afanador)
New York—Christie’s is giving the public the chance to channel the aesthetic of style icon Iris Apfel in its upcoming “Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfel” auction.

The collection features more than 200 lots of fashion, accessories, and home goods from Apfel, with her jewelry grouped into 27 lots.

Apfel, who died in March 2024 at age 102, was one of the most vivacious personalities in the worlds of fashion, textiles, and interior design, explained the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which exhibited “Rara Avis: Selections from the Iris Barrel Apfel Collection” in 2005.

She was known for her eclectic aesthetic that seamlessly blended colors, textures, and patterns in a mix of high and low fashion.

The Met explained her looks as blending “Dior haute couture with flea market finds.”

As a trendsetter, Apfel was recognizable by her oversized oval glasses, blue eyeshadow, feather boas, and her large stacks of chunky bangles.

Apfel began her career as a decorator and, together with her husband Carl Apfel, they founded Old World Weavers, a renowned textile company.

She went on to work as an interior design consultant for the White House through nine presidencies.

Christie’s “Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfel” auction is a rare opportunity for fashion enthusiasts, as it offers a range of completely unique clothing items and accessories spanning eras, the auction house said.

For jewelry lovers, the sale affords an opportunity to snatch some statement pieces at (perhaps) more affordable prices than we’re accustomed to seeing at jewelry auctions.

Here are eight lots I’ll have my eye on when “Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfel” starts later this month.

Unapologetically Iris Tiered Feather Choker
The Monies goldtone and black painted tiered feathered choker seen bottom right is part of lot 211, which is estimated to sell for $400 to $600. (Photo credit: Christie’s)


A standout piece that Apfel clearly loved was her goldtone and black painted tiered feathered choker from Danish brand Monies.

Apfel can be seen wearing the statement necklace in her portrait at the top of the story.

The piece is grouped into a lot along with two other necklaces and nine bangles, estimated to fetch $400 to $600.

Unapologetically Iris Googly Eyes and Beetle Bangles
Of the 15 bracelets in lot 14, the googly eyes pieces likely were designed by Apfel for her “Rara Avis,” which means rare bird in Latin, jewelry collection while Kolos Studio likely designed the beetle bangles. (Photo credit: Christie’s)


When it comes to her jewelry, Apfel was most known for the bangles she often stacked all the way up to her elbows.

This grouping includes my personal favorite—the bangles showcasing weevil beetles encased in lucite.

The 10 pieces in various shapes, sizes, and colors likely were designed by Kolos Studio, according to Christie’s.

 Related stories will be right here … 

This lot also includes pieces Apfel designed.

The four cuffs and one bangle featuring googly eyes set in lucite come from Rara Avis, Apfel’s costume jewelry line once sold through HSN.

The 15 pieces in this lot are estimated to sell for $300 to $500.

Unapologetically Iris Popcorn Box Earrings
Apfel’s popcorn box earrings, seen top right, were designed by Deepa Gurnani and received an ACE Award in the fashion jewelry category in 2021. (Photo credit: Christie’s)


Apfel’s personal style was described as “witty and exuberantly idiosyncratic” by The Met, so in no way could we overlook her beaded popcorn box earrings.

The piece was designed by Indian jewelry and accessories brand Deepa Gurnani.

The couple behind Deepa Gurnani, Deepa Gurnani and Jay Lakhani, incorporate intricate embroidery techniques like zardozi, mirror work, and aari to create their accessories.

The popcorn box earrings were a third-place finalist in the fashion jewelry category in the Accessories Council’s Design Excellence Awards in 2021.

They are grouped into lot 216 with other beaded jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, brooches, and additional Deepa Gurnani earrings. The lot is estimated to fetch $200 to $300.

Unapologetically Iris Designer Costume Heart and Frog Brooches
The Christian LaCroix heart brooch, seen top right, and Kenneth Lane frog brooches, middle right, are included in a group of designer costume accessories estimated to fetch $400 to $600. (Photo credit: Christie’s)


No outfit is complete without a brooch and luckily, lot 208 contains multiple.

Two matching Kenneth Lane brooches take the form of frogs likely made from gold-plated metal with green cabochon glass eyes.

Also in this lot is a Christian LaCroix brooch centering on a heart-shaped stone that may be made of resin, surrounded by a branch design in an antiqued gold tone. The piece has some movement with what is likely a faux glass pearl drop.

These pieces are grouped into a lot with other designer costume accessories, including a belt, necklace, and another brooch with a pre-sale estimate of $400 to $600.

Unapologetically Iris Animal-Shaped Pendants
Lot 120 is comprised of animal pendants possibly from China with either stone or resin inlays. (Photo credit: Christie’s)


Who can ever have enough animal jewelry?

Of these five pendants, it was the turtle who caught my eye. It features a yellow jasper shell held by its silver metal body.

The piece, along with the four others in the lot, is possibly from China and was made in either the 20th or 21st century, according to Christie’s.

Altogether, this lot is estimated to fetch $200 to $300.

“Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfel,” which is an online-only sale, will be open for bidding from Jan. 28 to Feb. 13.

The full collection is available to preview on Christie’s website and at Christie’s New York from Feb. 8-11. 

Select pieces can be viewed in person at Christie’s Miami from Jan. 24-25 and in Palm Beach at The Colony Hotel from Jan 29-31.
 

The Latest

Jemma Wynne Forme Toggle Necklace
CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ Necklace

Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

September Hong Kong jewelry show
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong Show

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

Bulgari Celestial Mosaic spinel necklace
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’

Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Mark and Candy Udell
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.

Weekly QuizJul 25, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
De Beers marine mining vessel the SS Nujoma
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2

While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

Francesca Villa Fantasia Collection The Crab Pendant, The Mermaid Pendant, Keep Dancing Seahorse Pendant, Keep Dancing Ladybug Pendant, Secret Dreams Pendant, The Puffer Fish Takes Flight Pendant
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio Characters

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

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

Breitling’s special Eagles Super Bowl watch on gold bracelet
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.

Stock image of crime scene tape
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California

JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.

Silvia Furmanovich Kasmir Collection Carnelian Bracelet and Sketch
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern India

The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

Bench jeweler holding a bracelet and a tool
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
Montreal’s Ecksand Eyes Move to SoHo

Creative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.

LAFD Fire Station 44 and Fire Station 16
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
IJO Raises Nearly $37K for LA Fire Relief

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

A Vanitas by Hannah Martin and Guy Berryman Sothebys
CollectionsJul 22, 2025
Jewelry With a Rock ‘n’ Roll Aesthetic Heads to Sotheby’s London

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.

Cover of the book “Flawless: Inside the Largest Diamond Heist in History”
SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to Netflix

“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.

Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsJul 22, 2025
The Gifting Gap: How to Market Jewelry Beyond the Holidays

Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.

NY Now
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2025
NY Now’s Summer Market Returns in August

The wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.

Jeweler setting a diamond into a ring
MajorsJul 21, 2025
Rio Grande Expands Personalization Offerings

As demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.

National Associate of Jewelry Appraisers Logo
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go Virtual

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.

Jacquie Aiche graduated turquoise beaded necklace
TrendsJul 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Graduated With Honors

Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.

24th Gem Awards Show Logo
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

Lewis Heyman
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement Plans

He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.

CCWW Designs Multiple Shell Charm Necklace
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm Necklace

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.

The Plumb Club board members
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board Members

The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.

Jewelry industry veterans Brad Campbell and John Liebler
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team

Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.

Silver, Gold, and Bronze Medals for Italy Olympic Winter Games
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes Unity

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.

vimeo screenshot.png
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up!

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

×

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