Los Angeles – Bonhams presented The Legacy of a Stateswoman: The Personal Collection of Senator Dianne Feinstein on October 8, which achieved magnificent results for the 74-lot jewelry collection worn by Dianne Feinstein throughout her political career and personal life. The jewelry collection sold for 3.5 times its estimated value, achieving a total of over half a million dollars. One of the top lots was a platinum and diamond ring. The design features a central set round diamond of E color, VS2 clarity, weighing 4.14 carats, flanked by tapered baguette diamonds. The ring doubled its estimate selling for US$108,450 with an original estimate of US$45,000-65,000.

The Legacy of a Stateswoman: The Personal Collection of Senator Dianne Feinstein sale included 278 lots including an array of furniture and design objects from her three homes, as well as a stunning collection of American art, significant Asian objects, in addition to memorabilia from her illustrious political career. Overall, the sale totalled $1,850,000 with a 99% sell through rate. The auction set new records for Bonhams, boasting the highest number of registrations for a U.S. sale ever and for a global sale in the past 15 years.

Emily Waterfall, Director of Jewelry Department in Los Angeles, commented:"Jewelry was incredibly special to Dianne Feinstein, and it's rare to find images of her without classic strands of pearls, diamond studs, and her signature senator pin. Her collection embodied refined sophistication, featuring pieces from renowned jewelry houses such as Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Buccellati, as well as some unsigned items that all saw fierce bidding. Her jewelry box was a testament to her style—elegant yet understated—ensuring that her jewels complemented rather than overshadowed her role as a leading figure in American politics. It was a pleasure to see the sale deliver such strong results, we were able to honor her legacy through the appreciation of these exceptional items that hold significant cultural and artistic value".

Other notable lots include:

• An 18K white gold and diamond necklace. Designed as three graduated rows of floret links set with numerous round diamonds, weighing approximately 25.50 carats total. The necklace sold for double its estimate to achieve US$25,600 against an estimate of US$12,000-18,000.

• An emerald and diamond ring. Set with a central, emerald-cut emerald of Colombia origin, weighing approximately 4.40 carats, flanked by trapezoid diamonds. The ring sold for over double its estimate to achieve US$25,600 against an estimate of US$10,000-15,000.

Other jewelry highlights included:

• A Cartier 18K white gold, diamond, emerald and onyx Le Baiser du Dragon jabot pin, circa 2001. Designed as a geometric dragon set with round diamonds, the eye accented by a round emerald, the end of the stick pin composed of carved onyx accented by round diamonds. The pin sold for four times its estimate to achieve US$12,800 against an estimate of US$3,000-5,000.

• A Buccellati 18K bi-colored gold and diamond bangle. Designed in white gold with yellow gold borders, set with floral ribbons of round brilliant-cut diamonds. The bangle sold for seven times its estimate to achieve US$17,920 against an estimate of US$2,500-3,500.

• Attributed to Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. 18K gold rose petal set, circa 1979. Comprising of a necklace and pair of matching earclips designed as gold sculptural rose petals. The set sold for over five times its estimate to achieve US$10,880 against an estimate of US$2,000-3,000.

• A Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co., 18K gold and Azure Malachite necklace. Composed of blue-green hue Azure Malachite beads, completed by a gold clasp. The necklace sold for over four times its estimate to achieve US$6,400 against an estimate of US$1,500-2,500.

• A Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co., 18K gold and freshwater cultured pearl torsade necklace. Composed of eight strands of freshwater pearls, the high luster necklace sold for over four times its estimate to achieve US$6,400 against an estimate of US$1,500-2,500.

10 October 2024