AuctionsDec 29, 2022
Cross Worn by Princess Diana Heads to AuctionAuctionsJan 18, 2023
Jewelry Owned by André Leon Talley Up for Auction
It is part of Christie’s upcoming sale of the late fashion journalist’s estate.
This aquamarine, sapphire and diamond cross pendant is from the collection of the late André Leon Talley, a towering figure in the fashion industry. Christie’s will auction off Talley’s estate on Feb. 15 at a live sale in New York as well as in two separate sales online. (Photo credit: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2023)
New York—A pair of Chanel cuffs and a couple gemstone-laden crosses are among the pieces of jewelry included in Christie’s upcoming sale of the estate of André Leon Talley, a trailblazing figure in the fashion industry.
Talley, who died last year at 73 due to complications from a heart attack and COVID-19, was a fashion journalist who worked his way up to become the first and only Black creative director at Vogue magazine.
Born in the South in 1948, during the Jim Crow era, and raised by his grandmother, Bennie Francis Davis, Talley studied French at North Carolina Central University and went on to earn a master’s in French literature from Brown University.
After Brown, he moved to New York and started his career working for legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland at The Met’s Costume Institute before going on to report for Interview magazine, Women’s Wear Daily, The New York Times and Vogue, where he served as creative director and, later, editor-at-large.
Beginning next month, Christie’s will auction items from Talley’s estate, including a number of his signature caftans from Tom Ford, Gucci and Ralph Rucci, lots of Louis Vuitton luggage, and artwork from personal friends like Andy Warhol and Karl Lagerfeld.
Talley’s possessions are being sold on behalf of his estate to benefit his childhood church, Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist in Durham, North Carolina, and the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, one of the oldest Black Baptist churches in the country.
Given that proceeds from the auctions are being donated to two churches—which were “central institutions” in Talley’s life, Christie’s said—it is fitting two crosses are among the standout jewelry lots.
The jewel with the highest pre-sale estimate is an unsigned Chanel amethyst geode cross pendant with a gilt metal setting and chain. Christie’s estimates it will sell for between $6,000 and $8,000.
Another cross pendant set with four pear-shaped aquamarines with an estimated carat weight of 25.5-27.5 carats, 1-1.25 carats of round diamonds, and rectangular and baguette-cut sapphires has a pre-sale estimate of $3,000 to $5,000.
Talley, who died last year at 73 due to complications from a heart attack and COVID-19, was a fashion journalist who worked his way up to become the first and only Black creative director at Vogue magazine.
Born in the South in 1948, during the Jim Crow era, and raised by his grandmother, Bennie Francis Davis, Talley studied French at North Carolina Central University and went on to earn a master’s in French literature from Brown University.
After Brown, he moved to New York and started his career working for legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland at The Met’s Costume Institute before going on to report for Interview magazine, Women’s Wear Daily, The New York Times and Vogue, where he served as creative director and, later, editor-at-large.
Beginning next month, Christie’s will auction items from Talley’s estate, including a number of his signature caftans from Tom Ford, Gucci and Ralph Rucci, lots of Louis Vuitton luggage, and artwork from personal friends like Andy Warhol and Karl Lagerfeld.
Talley’s possessions are being sold on behalf of his estate to benefit his childhood church, Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist in Durham, North Carolina, and the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, one of the oldest Black Baptist churches in the country.
Given that proceeds from the auctions are being donated to two churches—which were “central institutions” in Talley’s life, Christie’s said—it is fitting two crosses are among the standout jewelry lots.
The jewel with the highest pre-sale estimate is an unsigned Chanel amethyst geode cross pendant with a gilt metal setting and chain. Christie’s estimates it will sell for between $6,000 and $8,000.
Another cross pendant set with four pear-shaped aquamarines with an estimated carat weight of 25.5-27.5 carats, 1-1.25 carats of round diamonds, and rectangular and baguette-cut sapphires has a pre-sale estimate of $3,000 to $5,000.
These costume Chanel cuffs featured Gripoix glass and beads, rhinestones and imitation pearls set in gilt metal. The pre-sale estimate is $4,000 to $6,000. (Photo credit: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2023)
A pair of Gianni Versace Intimo gilt metal and leather cuffs are being sold alongside four silk scarves; the bracelets are from the 1993 Miami collection. The lot’s pre-sale estimate is $600-$800. (Photo credit: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2023)
André Leon Talley (far left) at a 2006 protest organized by Abyssinian Baptist Church in the wake of the police shooting of Sean Bell in Queens, New York. Abyssinian Baptist is one of the two churches that will receive proceeds from Christie’s auctions of his estate. (Photo courtesy of Alexis E. Thomas)
Other highlights include a pair of costume jewelry cuffs from Chanel (pictured above) and a “The World Is Yours” watch from Jacob & Co. that’s set with colored diamonds (estimate $5,000-$7,000).
Though none of the jewelry included in the auction has a particularly high pre-sale estimate, hammer prices for collections belonging to public figures, like Talley, usually greatly exceed expectations, as the emotion involved in such sales is hard to quantify.
(See: the record-setting sale of Elizabeth Taylor’s incredible jewelry collection, the staggering sum one buyer paid to own Paul Newman’s personal Rolex Daytona or, more recently, the price paid for a simple sapphire pendant that belonged to Betty White.)
Christie’s will offer “The Collection of Andre Leon Talley” at three sales: a live auction at Christie’s New York on Feb. 15 and two online sales ending on Feb. 16 and 17.
Online bidding starts Jan. 27.
Alexis Thomas, executor of his estate, said: “I am thrilled to partner with Christie’s in the sale of the collection of my dear friend André Leon Talley. André was an intellectual and held a lifelong dedication to social justice and a pioneering vision for Black creators and luminaries.
“André saw his collection of beautiful objects, laden with fashion history, as his legacy, and it’s an honor to ensure that its sale will benefit the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem and Mount Sinai Church in Durham. As we embark on a global tour with the collection, we hope to bring the magic of André Leon Talley into the lives of those who have long admired him.”
A selection of highlights from the sales will go on tour starting this month in Palm Beach, Florida (Jan. 18-31), before traveling to Paris from Jan. 23-26.
More on Auctions
The Latest
Events & AwardsMar 24, 2026
Lisa Bayer, Illustrator and Beloved Member of the Muse Family, Dies at 64Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”
SourcingMar 24, 2026
AGTA Solidifies Tucson Dates For 2027-2029The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, WatchesFormer Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
CrimeMar 23, 2026
NYPD Looking for 3 Jewelry Store Robbery SuspectsThe group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”
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.
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This YearCouture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
