Broadcaster and journalist Barbara Walters had an eye for a good design. Her home on the Upper East Side, New York, was filled with the art, furniture and objects she collected on her travels, while her jewellery box brimmed with iconic designs from American jewellery houses.
Now, Walters’ estate – including a 120-piece jewellery collection she wore during many of her high-profile interviews – is heading to auction with Bonhams New York. The ’Barbara Walters: American Icon’ sale will see pieces from Seaman Schepps, Angela Cummings and Harry Winston, amongst others, going under the hammer, with net proceeds going towards philanthropist Walters’ favourite charities.
Barbara Walters New York home
Highlights include her Harry Winston platinum diamond engagement ring from Merv Adelson and a unique selection of pieces from Joel Arthur Rosenthal (known as JAR). ‘Barbara Walters really had the perfect jewellery box with a vast and eclectic collection that accommodated both her professional and private life,’ says Jean Ghika, Bonhams global head of jewellery. ‘She noticeably had more modest jewels such as her multiple clip earrings to cultured pearl necklaces that fitted into her working wardrobe. She then had exquisite bigger, bolder, colourful extroverted jewels that were worn on the red carpet. Barbara Walters clearly had a love for jewellery and used it to form part of her identity.’
Mid-Century Diamond Bow Brooch, France, Circa 1960 Estimate $15,000-20,000
Walters was undiscriminating when it came to her pieces, embracing everything from high down to costume jewellery. ‘She lovingly wore all of her pieces regularly, both privately and in her professional capacity where she used the language of jewellery as a signifier,’ Ghika adds. ‘Her jewels of choice were big, bold, and audacious, which suited her personality. She wasn’t afraid to mix costume pieces with real gemstones – it wasn’t about value but the style and look, reminiscent of Coco Chanel’s ethos. For Barbara Walters, jewellery made her feel dressed.’
Barbara Walters: American Icon is at Bonhams New York on November 6
JAR_ A Pair of Gemset Earrings, France. Estimate $150,000-250,000
Barbara Walters New York home
Barbara Walters Harry Winston platinum 13.84 carat diamond ring, estimate US$600,000-900,000
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