ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
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
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
