Auctions

Lauren Bacall brings a white-glove sale for Bonhams

AuctionsAug 12, 2016

Lauren Bacall brings a white-glove sale for Bonhams

Every lot in Bonhams 700-plus piece collection from the estate of the late actress sold in New York Tuesday and Wednesday, with the top jewels including signed Schlumberger designs along with diamond and colored gemstone pieces. 


This diamond, amethyst and turquoise ring by Schlumberger was one of the top jewelry lots Wednesday, garnering $52,500 and tying with a Tiffany chain as the top jewelry lot of the sale.
New York--The celebrity status of one of Hollywood’s classic actresses, the late Lauren Bacall, brought a lot of buzz to Bonhams New York Tuesday and Wednesday. The auction house sold every one of the 740 pieces from her estate, including 30 pieces of jewelry from big names such as Tiffany, Cartier, and Chanel.

Top lots in the jewelry collection were a 14-karat gold chain necklace from Tiffany & Co. that sold for $52,500; a diamond, amethyst, and turquoise Schlumberger ring that garnered $52,500; and a signed 18-karat gold and diamond Schlumberger bracelet that went for $50,000.

A second Schlumberger 18-karat gold bracelet, a blue enamel and gold bangle, sold for $35,000, and a carved turquoise and enamel necklace garnered $35,000.

Born Betty Joan Perske in 1924 in New York, Bacall was a fashion model before she hit it big time on film. She was only 19 when she made her on-screen debut in To Have and Have Not alongside Humphrey Bogart.

The two would go on to be filmed in Key Largo, The Big Sleep and Dark Passage together as well.

They married in 1945 and had two children. They remained married until Bogart’s died of lung cancer in 1957. She later had a third child with her second husband, Jason Robards. 

Bacall, who starred in more than 30 films over the course of her career, died in August at the age of 89 and Bonhams was tapped to auction off more than 700 items from her estate.

Rounding out the top lots jewelry lots was a Mogul-inspired camel brooch for $23,750, and a pair of ear clips with suspended amethysts, sapphires and emeralds that garnered $22,500.

In addition to the jewelry, the Bacall Collection included many other items from her estate--art, English and French 18th- and 19th-century furniture, and luggage.

One notable item of interest from Tuesday’s portion of the auction was Humphrey Bogart’s brass inset black granite and wrought iron games table from the first half of the 20th century, which sold for nearly nine times its pre-sale estimate when it went for $26,250. 

On Wednesday, a piece of art from Albert Edward York, Landscape with Trees; and A Country Fence, garnered $161,000.

There was also a lot of buzz around Bacall’s Louis Vuitton luggage set--a monogrammed steamer trunk garnered $43,750, and an assembled set of four monogrammed hard-sided suitcases sold for $40,000.

All told, the 740 lots in the two-day auction totaled $3.64 million. 

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Almasika Le Cauri Endiamanté Drop Earrings
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine Power

She wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.

Graphic for Episode 6 of My Next Question featuring Michelle Orman
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken Bathrooms

Couture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.

SSEF emerald with filler
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled Emeralds

The lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Former Patek Philippe President Philippe Stern
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88

The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.

Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
James Avery Schertz Texas storefront
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail Experience

The Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.

Seattle Seahawks Championship Ring by Jason of Beverly Hills
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical Craftsmanship

The Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Marianna Smirnova
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive Director

Marianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.

NBA Larry O'Brien Trophy
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship Trophy

The New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.

Lionheart Cactus Pendant
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White Metals

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.

Oscar Heyman ruby ring
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby Prices

Its app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.

Alicia Arnold
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design Director

The manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.

Boulle family in hard hats
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas Flagship

The revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.

G Shock Coca Cola
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired Watch

The special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.

Buddha Mama earrings
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are Trending

Here are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.

Chouette Designs Margaux Ring
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of Love

Our Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.

CBG logo
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix Show

The group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.

A selection of animal jewelry
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas

From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.

Grandview Klein diamonds
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat Rough

The big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.

Marie-Laure Cérède
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation Studio

Marie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.

Smiling Rocks booth at JCK Las Vegas 2026
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas

At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.

Ilana McCabe
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good Board

Ilana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.

Azure blue diamond and 5.04-carat fancy vivid blue diamond
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’s

It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.

Saks Fifth Avenue New York City storefront
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for Reorganization

The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

Jalen Javon Davis and Leslie La Vun Jones II
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store Robbery

The men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.

Sylvie Levine wearing engagement ring
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s Ring

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.

×

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