Lauren Bacall. Photo: Courtesy of Bonhams
With her sultry voice and seductive looks, Lauren Bacall was the epitome of Hollywood taste, elegance and glamor. Her beloved collection of jewelry will be offered at auction by Bonhams New York on March 31st and April 1st, 2015.
The selection of more than 30 items of the late actress’s jewelry will be part of the extensive 700-lot auction of the Lauren Bacall Collection. The sale is already being hailed as an important event by experts and collectors and will provide successful bidders with a rare opportunity to own an item that belonged to the iconic actress.
Some of the actress’ most loved items – including several pieces by legendary designer Jean Schlumberger, as well as those she wore when awarded an Academy Award for her lifetime contribution to film in 2009 – will feature as part of the sale.
The collection of jewelry, including rings, bracelets and earrings by such well-known and desired makers as Chanel, Cartier and Tiffany, reflects Bacall’s exquisite taste and remarkable life as one of the world’s most significant actresses of the stage and screen.
Lauren Bacall’s favorite pieces of jewelry were those created by the designer Jean Schlumberger (1907-1987). His clients, aside from Lauren Bacall, included Marina, Duchess of Kent, Jacqueline Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, Greta Garbo, Gloria Vanderbilt, Babe Paley and Audrey Hepburn.
The actress’s favorite city in the world was Paris. She delighted in visiting Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Chanel on most trips, but cherished her visits with Schlumberger above all, purchasing most of her exquisite pieces there.
Standout pieces in the sale include an 18 carat yellow gold and blue enamel bangle bracelet by Jean Schlumberger (estimate $20,000-$30,000); an 18 carat yellow gold, diamond, amethyst and turquoise ring designed by Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. (estimate $8,000-$12,000); and two 18K yellow gold ropework bracelets, also by Schlumberger (estimates $5,000-$7,000 and $6,000-$9,000). The actress was frequently pictured in the press wearing these two Schlumberger ropework bracelets together, layered on the same wrist.
Lauren Bacall wearing the two ropework bracelets (est. $5,000-$7,000 and $6,000-$9,000). Photo: Courtesy NBC Universal/Getty Images.
Jean Schlumberger found inspiration for his designs in nature and sea life, creating whimsical pieces in a variety of unexpectedly juxtaposed materials – gold, turquoise, amethyst and enamel to name a few. Early on, he was discovered by Elsa Schiaparelli, and was hired to design costume jewelry and buttons. After World War II, he opened a salon with NicolasBongard, and soon his designs became extremely popular with the most fashionable women in the world. In 1956, the pair were asked to join Tiffany & Co.
Other items going under the hammer include an 18 carat yellow gold, enamel, cultured pearl, and rose diamond Mogul-inspired camel brooch by British jeweler, Elizabeth Gage (estimate $5,000-$7,000). This piece, while fascinating in its own right, is accompanied by the original drawing and correspondence from the jeweler, revealing a true collaboration and friendship between the jeweler and the client.
Lauren Bacall wearing the brooch (est. $5,000 – 7,000). Photo: Courtesy of Ron Galella, Ltd. /Getty Images
The brooch seen on Lauren Bacall
Also of interest are a pair of diamond and grey South Sea cultured pearl ear pendants by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co (estimate $5,000-$7,000); and a pair of amethyst, sapphire and emerald ear clips, mounted by Schlumberger (estimate $7,000-$9,000). Gold necklaces, earrings and bracelets by contemporary American jewelers Darlene de Sedle and Amy Moss will also be featured in the sale.
Susan Abeles, Bonhams’ head of jewelry in the United States, said: “Ms. Bacall’s style was unmistakably her own – and it continues to influence design and fashion to this day. Her jewelry collection represents a woman who knew her own style – one who wore the jewelry rather than the jewelry wearing her. Pieces that might have overshadowed another woman perfectly complemented her beauty.
“The pieces offered are timeless, understated and classic in design and represent the sophistication and glamor of a true Hollywood legend. As a result, we’re anticipating great interest in the March auction.”
Highlights of The Lauren Bacall collection will travel around the world and be on pre-sale display in Miami, Tokyo, Hong Kong, London and Los Angeles in the months prior to the auction being held at Bonhams New York.
The selection of jewelry will be offered as part of the 700-piece auction of property from the Estate of Lauren Bacall. The collection includes sculpture and prints by Henry Moore, Robert Graham, Lynn Chadwick, David Hockney, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro, and English and French 18th and 19th century furniture, silver, ceramics, pewter and African Works of Art.
Many of the lots graced the Los Angeles home Bacall shared with her first husband, Humphrey Bogart, her former country house in Amagansett, and her final residence in New York’s famed The Dakota overlooking Central Park.
The Lauren Bacall Collection catalogue will be available for purchase at Bonhams galleries worldwide approximately March 1st, 2015. The catalogue will also be available for viewing online roughly one month prior to the sale. Bids can be placed online on Bonhams website, via telephone, and in writing and also in the saleroom on the day of the sale.
