Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
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
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
