Christie’s “Magnificent Jewels” Sale is a Winter Wonderland of Diamonds, Emeralds, and Rubies
A glamorous Bulgari ring belonging to Elizabeth Taylor is among the featured objects.
Over the next few days, a clutch of important fine jewelry auctions will premiere in New York, all curated with the most discerning jewelry collectors in mind. Featuring an abundance of one-of-a-kinds by the world’s most celebrated and coveted jewelry artists and design houses, these sales are perfectly timed for fulfilling the most specific—and extravagant—of holiday wish lists.
The auctions are part of “Luxury Week,” an annual event that affords jewelry aficionados exciting chances to acquire such rarities as a fancy vivid blue diamond ring at Bonhams, and a set of c. 1936 emerald and diamond brooches by Paul Flato that are expected to fetch $250,000-$350,000 at Sothebys.
But perhaps the most highly anticipated of these auctions is the “Magnificent Jewels” sale hosted by Christie’s on December 10 in Rockefeller Center. Showcasing more than 150 exceptional pieces with historical significance, superb gemstones, and celebrity provenance, highlights include iconic designs such as ballerina brooches and Mystery Set brooches by Van Cleef & Arpels; Belle Époque and “tutti frutti” jewels by Cartier; and a pair of Verdura Maltese cuffs.
Leading the sale is the Rockefeller Kashmir, a rare Cartier Art Deco ring set with a 17.66-carat sugarloaf cabochon sapphire and diamond ring that could fetch more than $2 million.
A jewelry collection belonging to the late Elaine Wynn, known for her transformative influence on Las Vegas’s cultural landscape and her lifelong advocacy for the arts and education, also headlines the sale with an emerald-cut diamond ring of 27.19 carats and a beyond-glamorous Bulgari statement necklace with a 23.29-ct. heart-shaped emerald centerpiece that has “holiday party” written all over it.
Jewels by JAR will make a significant appearance, with nine lots coming to market for the first time. Two pieces stand out as particularly festive options: A pair of ruby and diamond floral earrings and a set of absolutely luscious garnet “Orange Peel” brooches.
Timeless emblems of Old Hollywood elegance round out the assortment, among them a daisy-inspired Bulgari ring that belonged to Elizabeth Taylor. A 30th birthday gift from then-husband Eddie Fisher, the jewel centers a fancy vivid yellow marquise brilliant-cut diamond in a surround of white diamond petals. Another impressive celebrity guest to the Magnificent Jewels “party” at Christie’s is the 20.60-ct emerald cut diamond ring that belonged to Barbara and Frank Sinatra.
Additional highlights include a Tiffany & Co. paraiba tourmaline and diamond necklace, and a c. 1970 Van Cleef & Arpels diamond bracelet formerly in the collection of Brooke Astor.
And there is more to come when the auction closes: Christie’s “Splendor & Style: Jewelry from the Collection of a Distinguished Lady,” an online-only sale that started December 2, is accepting bids through December 12. Offered at an estimate of $2,000-$3,000, with no reserve, these JAR gardenias can easily slip into someone’s stocking—including yours. Especially if you are loving Pantone’s Color of the Year 2026!