Marlene Dietrich’s Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Going Up for Auction
Expected to earn up to $4.5 million, the “Jarretière” bracelet is the star of Christie’s “The Magnificent Jewels of Anne Eisenhower” sale.
“The Magnificent Jewels of Anne Eisenhower” will eventually go up for sale at Christie’s in New York City on June 7, after making stops in Paris, Geneva, and Hong Kong.
A member of one of America’s preeminent families, Eisenhower (1949-2022) was the granddaughter of the 34th president of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Eisenhower made her career as an interior designer and was named one of Architectural Digest’s Top 100 designers in 1990. She used her discerning eye for design to amass an impressive collection of fine jewelry.
Eisenhower was also a philanthropist, serving on the board of the Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education in The Bronx, New York, for 25 years, according to her obituary.
She gave her support to other organizations like the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Gettysburg Foundation.
Now, Christie’s is bringing Eisenhower’s jewelry collection to the public.
“Christie’s is truly honored to be entrusted with the ‘Magnificent Jewels of Anne Eisenhower,’ a woman who led an extraordinary life of taste, style, and philanthropy, while remaining true to her values,” Christie’s Americas Head of Jewelry Department Daphne Lingon said.
“From exquisite designs by Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels to important gemstones, this auction presents a unique opportunity for collectors to obtain a jewel that was thoughtfully acquired over a 40-year period by a true tastemaker.”
SEE: The Magnificent Jewels of Anne Eisenhower
Considered the most important piece of the collection is the “Jarretière” ruby and diamond bracelet.
Actress Marlene Dietrich bought the bracelet in 1937 from Van Cleef & Arpels and wore it in the 1950 Alfred Hitchcock film “Stage Fright.”
Other highlights are the rare Art Deco diamond and multi-gem “Moonlight Rose” bracelet by Tiffany & Co. ($500,000-$700,0000); a Cartier Art Deco diamond bangle bracelet ($150,000-$250,000); and a D-color diamond ring weighing 20.54 carats ($1.2 million-$1.8 million).
“From Marlene Dietrich to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Anne Eisenhower Collection traces the history of the last century through a single collector’s brilliant passion for fine jewels,” said Chairman of Christie’s Americas Marc Porter.
“Anne Eisenhower had a keen eye for the finest examples of the jeweler’s art, and her collection tells fascinating and interwoven stories of patrons and collectors. Christie’s looks forward to sharing the experience of these superb objects as they go on a global tour, culminating at our Rockefeller galleries in June.”
In addition to the June 7 sale, more items from Eisenhower’s estate will be included in Christie’s “Jewels Online” auction, which opens for bidding on May 30 and closes June 8.
The Eisenhower collection highlights will be in Los Angeles on March 23, Paris from April 20-25, Geneva from May 14-17, and Hong Kong from May 24-27, before finally landing in New York from June 2-6 in the run-up to the June 7 auction.
More information is available on the Christie’s website.
The Latest
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.