All lots found buyers at John Moran Auctioneers’ recent “The Estate of Joanna Carson” sale, including the Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier diamond necklace seen here. (Image courtesy of John Moran Auctioneers)
Los Angeles—More than 400 lots belonging to the late Joanna Carson were all sold at John Moran Auctioneers’ recent “The Estate of Joanna Carson” sale, with her jewelry collection leading the white-glove sale.
The sale of jewelry, fine art, and furniture, held March 3 in Los Angeles, drew in thousands of domestic and international bidders, garnering more than $1.7 million and a 100 percent sell-through rate.
Joanna Carson and her former husband Johnny Carson, host of “The Tonight Show” from 1962 to 1992 (Image courtesy of John Moran Auctioneers)
Carson was a model, philanthropist, and Broadway producer, as well as the third wife of “The Tonight Show” host Johnny Carson.
“The jewelry offerings attracted strong interest, with competitive bidding for pieces by top makers,” said the auction house.
Her jewelry collection featured pieces by Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier, plus jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels, David Webb, Nardi, and other notable designers.
This 1977 Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier diamond necklace had a pre-sale estimate of $20,000 to $30,000.
The top jewelry lot, and the No. 2 lot overall, was a 1977 Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace in 18-karat gold and platinum, set with 69 graduated pear-shaped diamonds totaling approximately 22.15 carats.
It sold for $53,975, well above its pre-sale estimate of $20,000 to $30,000.
Van Cleef & Arpels jewels performed “exceptionally well,” said the auction house.
A 1971 Van Cleef & Arpels floral brooch
A 1971 floral brooch featuring emerald, ruby, and sapphire cabochons and approximately 10.35 carats of diamonds, sold for $47,625, above its estimate of $12,000 to $18,000.
A Van Cleef & Arpels turquoise and diamond ring
An 18-karat gold turquoise and diamond ring by Van Cleef & Arpels sold for $26,670, above its $7,000 to $10,000 estimate.
David Webb jewelry was also popular with bidders.
An 18-karat gold David Webb collar necklace
A David Webb diamond butterfly brooch
A bold 18-karat gold David Webb collar necklace sold for $34,925, above its $15,000 to $20,000 estimate.
A 7.25-carat David Webb diamond butterfly brooch sold for $19,800, above its pre-sale estimate of $7,000 to $9,000.
Other highlights included an 18-karat gold coral and diamond bracelet, which sold for $28,575, well above its $5,000 to $7,000 estimate.
An 18-karat gold coral and diamond bracelet
An 18-karat gold Cuban link necklace set with ruby and sapphire cabochons and approximately 7.20 carats of diamonds sold for $25,400, above its pre-sale estimate of $15,000 to $20,000.
A gold Cuban link station necklace set with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires
An 18-karat gold, enamel, ruby and diamond cross necklace sold for $21,590, with a pre-sale estimate of $12,000 to $18,000.
A diamond compact also made the highlights. The 18-karat bi-color gold, enamel, and diamond compact has an owl-like face created with textured enamel accents. Made in Italy and signed “Modele FC Depose,” it came with its original ostrich feather puff.
It sold for $21,120, above its $12,000 to $18,00 estimate.
This 18-karat gold, enamel, and diamond compact was made In Italy and signed “Modele FC Depose.”
A ruby and diamond heart link necklace sold for $16,510, against a pre-sale estimate of $10,000 to $15,000.
A ruby and diamond heart-link necklace
Proceeds from the Estate of Joanna Carson will benefit Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the David Geffen Foundation, and the Cher Foundation.
“While many remember Joanna for her high-profile marriage and divorce, those who knew her best recall a gracious, kind woman who used that chapter of her life to fuel a lifetime of giving,” said the auction house.
