EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
AuctionsJun 24, 2016
Joan Rivers’ Private Collection Goes for Over $2M
High points from Christie’s sale of the late comedian’s possessions include Faberge objets d’art and a Tiffany & Co. dog bowl.
This Fabergé frame was estimated to sell for between $40,000 and $60,000, but was purchased for $245,000, making it the highest-priced item of the sale.
New York--The Private Collection of Joan Rivers garnered $2.2 million at Christie’s Wednesday, and that’s not even counting the online component.
The live auction featured 217 lots, all of which sold, most within or above their estimated range.
Rivers was a Fabergé collector and the house’s objets d’art and jewelry were highlights of the live auction.
A Rococo-style jeweled gold-mounted nephrite photograph frame marked Fabergé, Moscow, circa 1898, was estimated to sell for between $40,000 and $60,000 but was purchased for $245,000, making it the highest-priced item of the sale.
A silver topped, gold-mounted star sapphire and diamond pendant brooch by Fabergé, with the workmaster’s mark of August Holstrom, St. Petersburg, 1899-1903, fell within its estimate range when it sold for $70,000.
Jewelry by Asprey, Chopard, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Cartier and David Webb showcased Rivers’ penchant for brand-name luxury, while a silver Tiffany & Co. dog bowl, engraved with the name of Rivers’ late pet Spike, gave a glimpse into the comedian’s personal life.
Rivers was a fervent dog lover and owned four at the time of her death. Some of the auction’s proceeds will go toward Guide Dogs for the Blind, as well as God’s Love We Deliver.
The auction’s most expensive item was this Fabergé gold-mounted nephrite photograph frame, which went for $245,000.
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
A Tiffany & Co. silver dog bowl, which sold for $13,750
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
A Fabergé star sapphire and diamond pendant brooch sold for $75,000
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
This silver-guilt and guilloché enamel clock and photograph frame marked Fabergé sold for $100,000.
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
A Bulgari gold coin bracelet, which sold for $12,500
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
A pair of David Webb gold ear clips went for $6,875
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
An aquamarine, sapphire and diamond brooch by Sophia D sold for $8,125.
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
An enamel, diamond and ruby flower brooch went for $23,750.
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
This diamond and gold Panthère wristwatch by Cartier sold for $12,500.
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
A diamond and gold necklace from Cartier, which went for $10,625
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
Verdura wood and gold cuff bracelets sold for $11,250.
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
A diamond and platinum flower brooch, with detachable stem by Harry Winston, sold for $75,000.
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
This Iradj Moini ruby, emerald and amethyst bead necklace sold for $20,000.
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016
More on Auctions
The Latest
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
