CollectionsNov 08, 2024
Piece of the Week: Larkspur & Hawk’s ‘Tapestry Lily’ Earrings These earrings use flat-backed white quartz to create a window onto an antique ribbon embroidered with a floral design.
AuctionsMar 16, 2017
Costume Jewelry Worn by Hollywood Icons Up for Auction
Actresses like Elizabeth Taylor and Vivien Leigh wore Eugene Joseff pieces in films of the 1930s, ’40s and ‘50s.
Jeweler Eugene Joseff not only created a special plating technique to reduce glare from the harsh studio lighting but also developed the business model of loaning pieces to studios, meaning he could use them again and again, Julien’s Auctions said.
Los Angeles--Julien’s Auctions is having a sale in November that’s perfect for anyone who has ever wanted to dress like a celebrity.
On Nov. 16 and 17, the auction house will feature “Joseff of Hollywood: Treasures from the Vault,” which includes more than 600 piece of costume jewelry created by Eugene Joseff, a jeweler-to the-stars from Hollywood’s golden age.
While pre-sale estimates for individual pieces are not yet available, the collection is expected to garner between $2 and $3 million.
Legendary stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich, Rita Hayworth, Vivien Leigh, Judy Garland, Olivia de Havilland and Greta Garbo wore his designs in movies in the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s.
Joseff moved to Hollywood in 1928, where he fell in with such costume designers as Walter Plunkett and Adrian and Edith Head. After working in that area for a bit, he decided to start using his metalworking skills to create historically accurate jewelry to be worn in films.
He studied museum pieces and also conducted his own detailed research to improve his craft, eventually developing a special antiqued plating technique designed to soften the glare of the harsh studio lighting and add a look of authenticity to each piece, which he would apply after casting and assembly.
With a limited budget at first, Joseff also is credited with starting the idea of renting and loaning jewelry to studios, Julien’s Auctions said.
Another necklace worn by Bette Davis
Bette Davis wore this necklace in the 1955 movie “The Virgin Queen,” in which she played Queen Elizabeth I.
Grace Kelly wore these earrings in the 1956 musical comedy “High Society.”
This necklace was made for Greta Garbo for her role in the 1936 movie “Camille,” but she refused to wear it so the piece never appeared in the film.
These gold and gem earrings were worn by Marilyn Monroe in “Gentleman Prefer Blondes.” She wore them with that well-known gold lame dress.
Monroe wore this necklace while singing “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” in the movie.
Elizabeth Taylor wore this gold serpent cuff during her role as Cleopatra in the film of the same name.
Actress Loretta Young wore this tiara in the 1938 film “Suez,” about the construction of the Suez Canal in Egypt.
Joseff started “Joseff of Hollywood” in the late 1920s.
After he died in 1948, his wife, J.C., took over the business and managed the company until her death at the age of 97 in 2010. She even earned an Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women of Motion Picture Industry.
Both were not only master jewelers, but also masters at working the social scene in Hollywood, using their personalities to network with designers and studios to ensure that Joseff’s work was sought-after for many years.
According to the auction house, Joseff supplied almost 90 percent of all jewelry worn on-screen in the 1930s and 1940s, and he is credited with making jewelry an integral part of costume design.
Well-known pieces that appeared on the big screen include a belt fitted for Taylor in “Cleopatra” (1963), an elaborate jeweled bib necklace worn by Ona Munsen in “Shanghai Gesture” (1941), and the necklace worn by Vivien Leigh and cigar case used by Clark Gable in “Gone with the Wind” (1939).
Through
Joseff’s loaning system, most of the pieces stayed in his possession, and the collection has remained in the Joseff family in its entirety since then.
Julien’s Auction said it rarely has been seen, let alone offered at auction.
Julien’s Auction said it rarely has been seen, let alone offered at auction.
More on Auctions
The Latest
Events & AwardsNov 08, 2024
AGTA Reveals Spectrum, Cutting Edge Award Winners for 2024This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards included a new category for engagement rings and a new award highlighting female designers.
FinancialsNov 08, 2024
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Fall 13%Plus, CEO Beth Gerstein shares her insight on the holiday season and the possibility of new tariffs.
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
TrendsNov 07, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Golden and Blue November HuesThe month’s birthstones, citrine and blue topaz, reflect the changing colors of the season.
Weekly QuizNov 07, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsNov 07, 2024
Sidney Garber Collaborates With Carey Lowell on Capsule CollectionThe “Carey Lowell x Sidney Garber” collection stems from the friendship between the jewelry designer and ceramicist.
MajorsNov 07, 2024
Ritani Debuts ‘No-Fuss’ Holiday TV CampaignThe two ads highlight diamond engagement rings and diamond studs with a straightforward approach.
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYCThis fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
Policies & IssuesNov 07, 2024
Diamonds Do Good To Distribute $250K+ In Grants Next YearIn 2025, the nonprofit plans to continue its support of longstanding partners while also allocating some funds to a new initiative.
FinancialsNov 06, 2024
Pandora Posts Double-Digit Revenue Growth in Q3The Danish jewelry company plans to open up to 150 concept stores this fiscal year.
GradingNov 06, 2024
GIA to Close Lab in Ramat Gan, IsraelThe location will close by the end of the year due to it being financially unsustainable, GIA said.
MajorsNov 06, 2024
David Yurman’s Holiday Campaign Celebrates ‘Moments of Joy’The new campaign stars Sterling K. Brown, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Winnie Harlow, Kyle Kuzma, Arizona Muse, and Iris Law.
CollectionsNov 05, 2024
Jacquie Aiche is Hosting an Online Treasure HuntOne lucky winner will receive a “Lizzie” diamond bracelet.
IndependentsNov 05, 2024
Long's Jewelers Names New Director of BuyingSamantha Larson has joined the Boston-based retailer.
Events & AwardsNov 05, 2024
JA, BIJC Now Accepting EJAP Applications for 2025The Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program will guide retail jewelry entrepreneurs through an eight-month educational curriculum.
Events & AwardsNov 05, 2024
Tiffany & Co., CDFA Announce Design Award FinalistsTen chosen designers will receive mentorship and participate in a design contest for the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award.
MajorsNov 04, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Appoints Mastercard Exec to Its BoardDana J. Lorberg brings 35 years of experience in finance, technology, and strategy to the role.
CrimeNov 04, 2024
FBI Offering $15K Reward for Info on Halloween Mask-Wearing RobbersThe suspects are said to have been involved in the armed robberies of four jewelry stores across three Midwest states.
CollectionsNov 04, 2024
John Hardy’s New Jewels Turn the Black Sands of Bali into DiamondsThe new designs blend Creative Director Reed Krakoff’s aesthetic with the brand’s Balinese roots.
IndependentsNov 04, 2024
Eiseman Jewels is Celebrating Watches All Month-LongThe Dallas-based jeweler will showcase timepieces from Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Parmigiani Fleurier, and more.
SourcingNov 01, 2024
Reena Ahluwalia Donates Diamond Painting to Benefit CJAThe artwork, titled “Pristine,” was raffled off at the Canadian Jewellers Association’s recent summit.
IndependentsNov 01, 2024
Gunderson’s Jewelers Opens New Location in NebraskaThe new store features a custom design studio and a bridal salon.
CollectionsNov 01, 2024
Piece of the Week: Sydney Evan Gets ‘Wicked’Designer Rosanne Karmes has created a collection to coincide with the release of the movie musical, which is expected to be a blockbuster.
FinancialsOct 31, 2024
Charles & Colvard Faces Possible Nasdaq DelistingThe retailer said it will file the necessary paperwork to regain compliance as soon as it is able.
ColumnistsOct 31, 2024
Peter Smith: Nervous Flyers and Emotional SellingWhether you’re calming the jittery gentleman in seat 13B or selling a diamond ring to a hesitant customer, an empathetic approach is best.
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
WJA Will Celebrate 4 Award Winners at ‘Future of Forty’ GalaThe gala includes a red carpet, music from DJ Renata, an awards program, and “mystery boxes.”
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
The Instore Show Returns To Chicago AreaThe trade show, in its third year, will take place in late September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
