TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
AuctionsDec 06, 2018
Barbara Sinatra’s Diamond Ring Sells for $1.7M at Auction
Ol’ Blue Eyes proposed to her with the 20.60-carat carat emerald-cut stone in a glass of champagne.
Frank Sinatra proposed to his wife Barbara with this 20.60-carat emerald-cut diamond ring. It garnered $1.7 million at auction Tuesday.
New York—The 20-carat diamond ring with which Ol’ Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra, proposed to his wife by presenting it in a glass of champagne went for $1.7 million at a jewelry auction Tuesday.
The 20.60-carat emerald-cut stone, flanked by two triangular-shaped diamonds, was part of a collection of Barbara Sinatra’s jewelry headlining Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels sale in New York.
The auction house said the ring sold after an “intense competition” between two telephone bidders.
Her jewelry collection was 100 percent sold Tuesday, garnering a total of $4.7 million.
Other notable jewels included a mystery-set ruby and diamond butterfly brooch from Van Cleef & Arpels that realized $567,000, going for well above its high estimate of $175,000.
Additional items from her collection will be offered in two more dedicated auctions: “Lady Blue Eyes: Property of Barbara and Frank Sinatra” today (Dec. 6) in New York and an online-only sale, open for bidding through tomorrow (Dec. 7).
Meanwhile, Tuesday’s Magnificent Jewels auction totaled $46.4 million, pushing Sotheby’s jewelry sales for 2018 past the $400-million mark.
It featured a number of other important pieces, including an F color, internally flawless 51.52-carat cushion-cut diamond set in a Harry Winston ring, the auction’s top lot at $4 million. 
At No. 2 was a 25.03-carat D color, flawless emerald-cut diamond that sold for $3.5 million. 
A number of colored gemstones appeared in the top 10 lots sold by value, including a gold ring centered on an 8.11-carat oval-shaped Burmese ruby that went for $2.8 million, a 16.46-carat Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring that garnered $1.8 million, and a 12.03-carat Colombian emerald and diamond ring that sold for $1.5 million, all three of which are seen below.
Interestingly, what didn’t sell Tuesday was a ring set with a 10.62-carat pear-shaped fancy vivid blue diamond accented by round diamonds. The second-largest vivid blue diamond to go up on the block in New York, according to Sotheby’s, was called “highly important” by the auction house and estimated to sell for between $20 million and $30 million but failed to find a buyer.
To see the full list results of Tuesday’s jewelry auction, visit Sothebys.com.
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
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.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
