Bonhams LA to Auction Estate of Author Jackie Collins

Los Angeles--The glamorous jewels of a best-selling romance author who penned tales including equally as glamorous characters will hit the auction block this spring.

On May 16 and 17, Bonhams Los Angeles will offer up the estate of author Jackie Collins, comprised of 1,000 lots valued at $3 million.

The British-born writer published her first novel, “The World is Full of Married Men,” in 1968, kicking off a 47-year writing career.

The book quickly became a bestseller, as did the next 31, which together sold more than 500 million copies in 40 countries worldwide, according to Bonhams.

She and her husband, gallery and nightclub owner Oscar Lerman, custom built their nearly 22,000-square-foot Beverly Hills home in the early 1990s, which then became the backdrop for her collections of fine art and sculpture, with a particular passion for Art Deco sculptures and 20th century American and British paintings.

These decorations, along with the bold fine jewelry she wore, comprise Bonhams’ upcoming auction, “Jackie Collins: A Life in Chapters.”

Collins, who is also the sister of English actress and author Joan Collins, died in September 2015 of breast cancer at the age of 77.

Jewelry highlights from the sale include a 6.04-carat diamond and platinum ring estimated to sell for as much as $150,000; an Art Deco diamond, emerald, stone and platinum necklace valued at between $40,000 and $50,000; signed pieces by Cartier and Nardi; and watches from Patek Philippe, Harry Winston, Chanel and Chopard.


Other interesting lots in the sale include a collection of bronzes by Josef Lorenzl, several works by the English painter Beryl Cook, a Tiffany Studios leaded glass and patinated bronze Spider lamp and Collins’ bespoke special edition 2002 Jaguar XKR finished in metallic gold, which is estimated at between $15,000 and $20,000.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to support the empowerment of young women in the arts and education.

“‘A Life in Chapters’ celebrates the phenomenal career and times of this stylish and glamorous woman,” Bonhams Vice President Leslie Wright said. “Jackie Collins lived the lifestyle about which she wrote, and the sale will provide an exclusive insight into the real woman behind her unforgettable characters. Her books were loved by millions of readers worldwide; this is their chance to own a piece of the magic.”