FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
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
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary CongressThis year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksNearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse CampaignThe “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand DirectorThe precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
