MajorsMay 28, 2025
Graff Unveils New Las Vegas FlagshipThe 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.
AuctionsNov 28, 2016
Christie’s To Sell Jewels of Socialite Betsy Bloomingdale
Jewelry from the woman who married the department store heir will be featured in the Magnificent Jewels sale scheduled for Dec. 7 in New York.
This Harry Winston graduated pear, circular and marquise-cut diamond cluster necklace, with the largest 12 pear-shaped diamonds weighing 4.10 to 2.17 carats, could sell for up to $600,000 at Christie’s New York next month.
New York--She was an iconic American socialite who epitomized the style of post-war United States, and now, the very jewelry she wore while entertaining is headed to the auction block.
On Dec. 7, Christie’s New York will offer the jewelry of Betsy Bloomingdale, philanthropist and wife of Alfred Bloomingdale, the heir to the Bloomingdale’s department store fortune, at its Magnificent Jewels sale.
California-born Betty Lee Newling, who was known as Betsy, married Bloomingdale in 1946 and had three children with him.
Together, the Bloomingdales became influential figures in business, politics, culture and fashion, Christie’s said. They had homes in Los Angeles, New York and Washington, and counted some of the country’s most notable families--Forbes, Paley and Reagan, for example--as part of their inner circle.
Betsy Bloomingdale, specifically, was a world traveler and socialite, known for throwing lavish dinner parties and wearing the most fashionable haute couture and fine jewels from names such as Harry Winston while entertaining.
She died this summer at the age of 93.
Among the lots of her jewelry include a number of Harry Winston pieces, including a ring with a 29.01-carat pear brilliant-cut diamond flanked on either side by three tapered baguette-cut diamonds, expected to sell for between $1.3 million and $1.8 million; and a diamond cluster necklace with the largest 12 pear-shaped diamonds weighing 4.10 to 2.17 carats, predicted to sell for up to $600,000.
There’s also a diamond brooch with a detachable waterfall of pear-shaped diamonds, suspended from scrolling pear-shaped, marquise and baguette-cut diamond surmount, that could sell for between $100,000 and $150,000.
This Harry Winston diamond cluster brooch features a suspending detachable waterfall spray of pear-shaped diamonds, the largest five weighing approximately 3.91, 3.19, 2.99, 2.78 and 2.66 carats, attached to a scrolling pear-shaped, marquise and baguette-cut diamond surmount. It is expected to sell for between $100,000 and $150,000.
With this pair of diamond ear pendants by Harry Winston, each features a suspended cluster of marquise and pear-shaped diamonds attached to a circular and pear-shaped diamond surmount. The pair could sell for up to $400,000 at Christie’s.
A Harry Winton diamond ring set with a pear brilliant-cut diamond, weighing approximately 29.01 carats, flanked on either side by three tapered baguette-cut diamonds is expected to sell in the range of $1.3 million and $1.5 million.
The Magnificent Jewels sale will close the celebration of Christie’s 250th anniversary year, reoffering an assortment of jewels from historic sales.
This will include a pair of mystery-set sapphire and diamond ear pendants by Van Cleef & Arpels that could sell for between $220,000 and $300,000. Formerly from the Collection of Elizabeth Taylor, the ear pendants originally sold at Christie’s New York in 2011.
Other notable signed jewels include a pair of JAR carved quartz and diamond brooches mounted in 18-karat black gold from the Collection of Robert and Sylvia Olnick ($30,000 to $50,000) and a stunning bib multi-gem and diamond necklace by Oscar Heyman & Brothers from a prominent Rancho Santa Fe collection ($40,000 to $60,000).
There also will be some notable stones in the auction.
A Superb Collection of Important Gemstones from a private collection includes The Burma Blue, a cushion-cut
Burmese sapphire ring of 75.41 carats that could sell for up to $5 million, and The Mandalay Blue, another cushion-cut Burmese sapphire ring of 31.38 carats that could garner between $700,000 and $1 million.
For a full list of lots included in the sale, visit Christies.com.
For a full list of lots included in the sale, visit Christies.com.
More on Auctions
The Latest
CrimeMay 28, 2025
8 Convicted in Kim Kardashian Jewelry Heist TrialAging and with myriad health issues, none will serve time for their roles in robbing the billionaire celebrity at gunpoint in 2016.
CollectionsMay 28, 2025
NY Liberty’s 2024 Championship Rings Honor Historic WinThe WNBA team received rings imbued with meaning, from leaf motifs and its Liberty torch to the number of diamonds used.
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Andrew Rickard Named JBT PresidentA longtime executive at RDI Diamonds, Rickard has served on the JBT board for the past five years.
Weekly QuizMay 22, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 27, 2025
MJSA to Become Part of Jewelers of America The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
TrendsMay 27, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Candy-Colored GemstonesGet a taste of the delicious candy-like gemstones in this Amanda’s Style File.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeMay 23, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ RingFrom Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.
GradingMay 23, 2025
GIA Updates Pearl Classification SystemThe lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the SpotlightSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
CrimeMay 22, 2025
NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO ShowDavid Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14% The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 YearsThe family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce JudgesThe nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s GuideThis year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ CollectionThe jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.
MajorsMay 21, 2025
Beyoncé Dons Brilliant Earth Necklace During Cowboy Carter TourThe bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.
SourcingMay 21, 2025
Gem Legacy Expands Advisory CouncilThe nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, PresidentCurrent Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from NasdaqThe company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through ChangeCommunicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 YearsThe “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Tanishq Opens Seventh U.S. StoreTanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.
FinancialsMay 19, 2025
Jewelry Sales a Standout for Richemont in 2024Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.
