Claudia Cardinale’s Bulgari, Cartier Jewels Head to Christie’s Paris

The late actress Claudia Cardinale is inseparable from the aesthetics that defined the golden age of Italian cinema. From Federico Fellini’s 8½ (1963) to Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), she embodied a screen presence unlike any other—restless and alluring, with a sensuality that was somehow dark and luminous at the same time.

When it came to her off-camera style, Cardinale—who passed away last September at the age of 87—perfected the art of “Dolce Vita”-era glamour through self-assured, distinctive choices that included fine jewelry from design houses such as Bulgari, Buccellati, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Starting June 16, 20 pieces from her personal jewelry collection will headline the “Joaillerie Paris” online sale at Christie’s. The jewels were recently on view at Christie’s Geneva, and will later be showcased in Paris from June 19—26, the last day of the sale.

Like many of the era’s most smoldering Italian leading ladies—Anna Magnani, Gina Lollobrigida, Sophia Loren, Monica Vitti, for example—Cardinale was often photographed wearing Bulgari jewels, whether for fashion editorials or public appearances. The story of Bulgari’s rise to prominence and popularity among the most celebrated actresses of the midcentury is intimately connected to that of Cinecittà Studios, the legendary Roman backlot that became the heartbeat of world cinema after World War II. The house’s iconic Serpenti watch became a must-have after Elizabeth Taylor bought hers while filming Cleopatra at Cinecittà in 1962. The Christie’s Paris sale includes Cardinale’s own Serpenti, a 1965 model crafted in enamel and sapphires and fitted with a dial signed Vacheron Constantin, Genève. Other Bulgari pieces in the collection include three rings, each set with a substantial dome-shaped cabochon ruby, star sapphire, or emerald, and a charming fox brooch in textured gold.

Cardinale was a great admirer of Buccellati’s designs, according to Christie’s, and the Paris sale will feature floral brooches from the Italian design house, including a rose made from gold and coral, and a sunflower composed of gold, diamonds, and sapphires. The sale also features an antique butterfly brooch with wings that echo Buccellati’s lace-like openwork.

While Claudia Cardinale is best known for her work in Italian cinema, she spent much of her later life in France. For many years, she lived in the town of Nemours, located about an hour south of Paris. Proximity to the city’s Place Vendôme had its advantages: She owned a gold powder compact signed by Van Cleef & Arpels, which, in 1963 designed a hair ornament for her role as Princess Dala in The Pink Panther that is part of the Christie’s sale. And no jewelry box belonging to an actress of Cardinale’s stature would be complete without an ample selection of Cartier. Fittingly, the auction features several Cartier timepieces, including a gold Cartier Tank that serves as a glittering grand finale.

A portion of the proceeds from this sale will be donated to Fondazione Claudia Cardinale to support a program dedicated to young women working in the visual arts.