Diamond Rivière Necklace Formerly Owned By Zsa Zsa Gabor At Bonhams New York

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Category: Fine Jewelry, Accessories

Published on Tuesday, 14 November 2017 07:09

A magnificent diamond rivière necklace formerly owned by Zsa Zsa Gabor – the women who stated she had never met a diamond she didn't like – is up for auction at Bonham's New York this December 4, 2017.

The necklace, created by legendary American jeweler Harry Winston in 1964, features 45 graduated round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing a total of 66 carats, and is estimated at US$1,200,000-1,500,000.

Zsa Zsa Gabor was a self-confessed jewelry lover, just about every photograph taken of the actress features her wearing magnificent earrings, bracelets and necklaces, all dripping in diamonds.

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These sent the jewelry world buzzing with excitement with people asking how many carats she was wearing and the designer behind each piece. 

                  "I never hated a man enough to give him diamonds back" Zsa Zsa Gabor, 1957

Susan Abeles, Head of Jewelry for Bonhams US, said: "Zsa Zsa Gabor's life was all about 'more is more fabulous' and when it came to jewelry, it was always 'more, more, more'.  She was the definition of Old Hollywood glamor, a rare breed of fabulous, and this necklace epitomizes the starlet's personality to a tee: it's not just gorgeous, it is over-the-top gorgeous!

"This necklace is the quintessential center of any collection. Only this necklace takes the classic diamond necklace, which goes with everything, to another level of superior quality, signature and provenance; it is absolutely breathtaking. As a result, we're anticipating that there will be a lot of interest in it given the wonderful provenance of its original owner."                                                                                    

As well as her expensive jewelry habit, the Hungarian-born actress, who died in 2016 aged 99, was known for her razor-sharp wit.  She once reportedly said: "Diamonds are a girl's best friend and dogs are a man's best friend. Now you know which sex has more sense!". One of the most famous lines attributed to her came after one of her divorces when Zsa Zsa was asked whether a lady should give back the ring. Her answer? "Of course dahlink, but first, you take out all the diamonds." 

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Fortunately for Bonhams, this necklace remained a much-loved piece in her collection and the diamonds are very much in tact with the five central diamonds weighing 8.07, 6.34, 6.33, 5.35 and 4.88 carats respectively.  It was worn frequently by the actress at the many glamorous events she attended and features in numerous photographs of her from the early Sixties and throughout her public life.

The actress was cast in dozens of films over the years. One of her most famous was Moulin Rouge in which she outdazzled the rest of the cast in the sumptuous costumes designed for her by Elsa Schiaparelli.

Outside her acting career, Gabor was known for her extravagant Hollywood lifestyle, her glamorous personality, and her many marriages. In total, Gabor had nine husbands, including hotel magnate Conrad Hilton, and actor George Sanders.

The necklace will be previewed at Bonhams in New York, Geneva, Los Angeles and Bonhams Hong Kong during November and December before the auction which will take place on Monday 4 December at 3pm EST at Bonhams New York in Madison Avenue.

Bids can be placed online on Bonhams' website www.bonhams.com, via telephone, in writing, and also in person on the day of the sale.

Bonhams sells more jewelry lots each year than any other international house and has more dedicated jewelry auctions annually.

Follow Bonhams Fine Jewelry on Instagram on @BonhamsJewels.

About Bonhams

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's largest and most renowned auctioneers of fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewelry. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with sales also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of forthcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com