Important jewelry is included in the auction of Barbara Walters' estate's probate estate

Barbara Walters was a revolutionary television journalist and television personality with a career spanning more than 60 years. She was one of the most recognizable people in the United States, known for her interviews with some of the most iconic names in politics and entertainment. She was also the first female co-anchor of a network news program and the first female anchor of a national evening news program.

Walters, who passed away in 2022, was also known for her style, such as her jewelry collection. Now many of her jewels will be auctioned off at a Bonhams auction titled "Barbara Walters: an American Icon" in New York on Nov. 6. Items from her $8 million Upper East Manhattan estate in New York City include a 120-piece jewelry collection that Walters wore on red carpets and while conducting her popular interviews. The sale also features a collection of over 300 lots of fine art, works of art and objets d'art. Proceeds from the sale will go to charities dear to Walters.

"Jewelry was incredibly special to Barbara Walters, and her collection included everything one could want in a jewelry collection: exceptional designs from well-known jewelry houses including JAR, as well as pieces from many American designers such as Harry Winston, Angela Cummings and Seaman Schepps," -said Jean Gica, global head of jewelry at Bonhams.

"Walters clearly had a genuine love of jewelry, and it reflected a large part of her personality, acting as a form of protection and feminine adornment in a man's world. She lovingly wore all of her jewelry regularly, both in her personal life and in the professional arena, where she used the language of jewelry as a sign. Her chosen jewelry pieces were big, bold and daring, which matched her personality. She wasn't afraid to pair costume jewelry with real gemstones - it wasn't about cost, it was about style and a look reminiscent of Coco Chanel's ethics. For Barbara Walters, jewelry gave her a sense of dressiness. "

One of the jewelry collection's top lots is a Harry Winston platinum diamond ring donated by Merv Adelson.

The design features a 13.84-carat emerald-cut diamond with a D color and VVS2 clarity, surrounded by 1.46-carat triangular diamonds. Walters wore the ring to many events, including one in 1985 honoring American liberators in World War II at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. In the photo, Walters can be seen wearing this ring while sitting next to her friend Elizabeth Taylor. Its estimated value is between $600,000 and $900,000.

Another important lot is an 18-karat white gold and diamond necklace pendant weighing 1.92 carats, made for Walters by Harry Winston.

The pendant features a diamond monogram set with diamonds and is suspended from a metal link chain. Its estimated value ranges from $4,000 to $7,000.

Walters also collected jewelry by Joel Arthur Rosenthal, better known as JAR.

• A pair of gemstone earrings with alternating oval spessartite garnets or rubellite tourmalines in the center, surrounded by garnets and tourmalines, complemented by round diamonds.

Their estimated value is between $200,000 and $300,000.

Pair of earrings JAR, France. Estimate, $180,000 to $250,000.

A pair of earrings in a cashmere ornament design set with various stones including peridot, tourmaline, sapphire and diamonds. Their estimated value ranges from $180,000 to $250,000.

Pair of earrings JAR, France. Estimate, $150,000 to $250,000.

A pair of gold and gemstone earrings with a drop motif centered by oval tourmalines set with yellow sapphires and brilliant-cut diamonds. Their estimated value ranges from $150,000 to $250,000.

Other important jewelry includes:

• A mid-twentieth-century diamond bow brooch, France, circa 1960. Its estimated value is between $15,000 and $20,000.
• A Belle Epoque diamond brooch set with old cut diamonds weighing approximately 11.00 carats. Barbara Walters has worn this brooch on many occasions, including at Sir Elton John's 60th birthday party held at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York City in 2007. Its estimated value is between $15,000 and $20,000.
• Ruby and diamond floral brooch with an estimated value of $12,000 to $18,000. The brooch is made using invisible cut square rubies and brilliant cut diamonds. It was worn at the Eighth Annual Night Star Fashion Festival at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York in 1991, where Barbara Walters is pictured next to Audrey Hepburn.
• A diamond bracelet Ostertag, France. The valuation is between $40,000 and $70,000. The bracelet has an open design and is set with old-cut diamonds.
• A diamond brooch with an estimated value of $15,000 to $20,000. 18K gold brooch set with 28 carat round diamonds.

This auction sale represents a unique opportunity for collectors and fans of Barbara Walters to acquire jewelry that was part of her illustrious and successful career. Imbued with style and elegance, these items are not only important historical artifacts, but also meaningful symbols of her personality and influence. All proceeds from the sale will go to charities that were dear to Barbara Walters, making this auction even more special and meaningful.