AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxAuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for You
Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
Tech entrepreneur, philanthropist, and farmer Sandy Lerner was a cat person. Her unrivaled collection of cat artwork, objects, and jewelry will be up for sale Wednesday at Bonhams. Among them is this 18-karat gold and diamond cat brooch made in France (pre-sale estimate $5,000 to $7,000). (Photo courtesy of Bonhams)
New York—For thousands of years, people have revered cats for their beauty, enigmatic nature, and superiority to dogs.
They’re skilled hunters, social media stars, sources of healing and comfort, and (sometimes) sweet companions; many would say you haven’t lived until you’ve curled up in a bed with a purring cat.
Cats also make for beautiful jewelry, from big cats like Cartier’s iconic “Panthère” collection to personalized representations of smaller (but still fierce) house cats from independent designers like Irene Neuwirth, Francesca Villa, and Russell Jones and Judi Powers.
Many famous people are known cat lovers, but perhaps none are as dedicated to the feline form as Sandy Lerner, co-founder of Cisco Systems and founder of cosmetics brand Urban Decay.
Lerner possesses what is believed to be one of the “most significant private collections of cat-related decorative arts, books, and collectibles ever assembled,” Bonhams said, and it’s going up for auction in a series of sales this fall along with furniture and artwork from her 800-acre organic farm and estate in Virginia.
“These are objects I have personally chosen. They each had a place in my home, giving context and beauty as representatives of other lives and other times,” Lerner said in a press release from the auction house.
“They need to be rehomed, now, to others who will care for, cherish, and respect them as icons of the human achievement and—in the case of the caticons—affection that created them. May these beautiful things give you as much joy and wonder as I have found in their company.”
“The Sandy Lerner Cat Collection Part I” is scheduled for this Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Bonhams New York and will feature 66 pieces of art, decorative objects, collectibles, and jewelry depicting cats.
A lavender jade pendant depicting two cats confronting each other is expected to be the auction’s top-grossing cat jewelry lot.
The pendant comes on a necklace set with black and white diamonds and is detachable.
It’s estimated to sell for as much as $18,000.
They’re skilled hunters, social media stars, sources of healing and comfort, and (sometimes) sweet companions; many would say you haven’t lived until you’ve curled up in a bed with a purring cat.
Cats also make for beautiful jewelry, from big cats like Cartier’s iconic “Panthère” collection to personalized representations of smaller (but still fierce) house cats from independent designers like Irene Neuwirth, Francesca Villa, and Russell Jones and Judi Powers.
Many famous people are known cat lovers, but perhaps none are as dedicated to the feline form as Sandy Lerner, co-founder of Cisco Systems and founder of cosmetics brand Urban Decay.
Lerner possesses what is believed to be one of the “most significant private collections of cat-related decorative arts, books, and collectibles ever assembled,” Bonhams said, and it’s going up for auction in a series of sales this fall along with furniture and artwork from her 800-acre organic farm and estate in Virginia.
“These are objects I have personally chosen. They each had a place in my home, giving context and beauty as representatives of other lives and other times,” Lerner said in a press release from the auction house.
“They need to be rehomed, now, to others who will care for, cherish, and respect them as icons of the human achievement and—in the case of the caticons—affection that created them. May these beautiful things give you as much joy and wonder as I have found in their company.”
“The Sandy Lerner Cat Collection Part I” is scheduled for this Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Bonhams New York and will feature 66 pieces of art, decorative objects, collectibles, and jewelry depicting cats.
A lavender jade pendant depicting two cats confronting each other is expected to be the auction’s top-grossing cat jewelry lot.
The pendant comes on a necklace set with black and white diamonds and is detachable.
It’s estimated to sell for as much as $18,000.
Sandy Lerner’s lavender jade cat pendant on a long chain is expected to sell for $14,000 to $18,000. The picture on the right shows a closeup of the pendant, which features two cats. (Photos courtesy of Bonhams)
This 18-karat gold Tiffany & Co. cat pendant/pin features textured and polished gold. Its pre-sale estimate is $8,000 to $12,000.
Also by Tiffany & Co., this 18-karat gold cat brooch with green enamel eyes looks like it’s ready for some pets (pre-sale estimate $3,000 to $5,000).
There are also two pieces of cat jewelry by Tiffany & Co.
A pendant/brooch depicting a cat’s head uses textured 18-karat gold for the fur and polished gold for the eyes and nose (pre-sale estimate $8,000 to $12,000) while an 18-karat gold brooch features a stylized cat with prominent whiskers and green enamel eyes (pre-sale estimate $3,000 to $5,000).
The 18-karat gold and diamond cat brooch pictured at the top of the article has eyes of green and black enamel. It was made in France and is expected to sell for $5,000 to
$7,000.
The cats in these earrings are crafted in 18-karat white gold with sapphire eyes and collars. They are curled up around cultured pearls (pre-sale estimate $2,000 to $3,000).
A pair of 18-karat white gold and diamond earrings depicting cats wrapped around cultured pearls are estimated at $2,000 to $3,000.
An online sale, “The Sandy Lerner Cat Collection Part II,” will coincide with the live sale at Bonhams New York.
It is taking place now through Oct. 1 and includes more cat jewelry, artwork, decorative objects, and collectibles from Lerner’s collection.
Following the two cat auctions, the sale will migrate to Massachusetts, where Bonhams will present “Ayrshire Farm: The Sandy Lerner Collection Parts I & II,” a selection of furniture, decorative arts, paintings, lighting, and furnishings from her Georgian Revival-style estate in Upperville, Virginia.
The first part of the sale will be a live auction held Oct. 28 in Massachusetts while the second part will take place online from Oct. 18-29.
Bonhams’ announcement of the four-part “The Sandy Lerner Collection” sale comes less than a year after news surfaced in The Wall Street Journal that Lerner was putting 571 acres of Ayrshire Farm on the market for $19.8 million.
Lerner bought Ayrshire Farm for $7 million in 1996, leaving Silicon Valley to become a full-time organic farmer. The tech entrepreneur and feline enthusiast, now in her early 70s, told the Journal that she was selling the farm to simplify her life.
The property went under contract for the asking price the week after it was listed, and the sale closed in March, according to Washington, D.C. real estate website Urban Turf.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
