Hollywood stars’ jewellery attracts top bids at Bonhams

Jewellery owned by Hollywood starlets Deborah Kerr and Vivien Leigh sold for a combined total of £65,640 at London auction house Bonhams last week. Bonhams said that the unexpectedly high prices fetched at the auction reflected the powerful connection between celebrities and jewellery.

Bonham’s auctioned off a selection of Kerr’s jewellery, most of which exceeded pre-sale estimates, on behalf of the Scottish actress’s family. Items bought included a three-stone diamond engagement ring for £33,600, a 19th century gold and turquoise snake-like chain for £5,760, a 20th century amethyst necklace for £3,160, 19th century diamond ring for £2,640, and a cultured pearl, emerald and diamond bracelet for £5,040.

There was just one item of Gone With the Wind star Vivien Leigh’s jewellery put under the gavel; an 18th century diamond, ruby and emerald ring. The ring sold for six times the pre-sale estimate, attracting a top bid of £9,000.  

Have your say

You must sign in to make a comment.