PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
AuctionsDec 05, 2017
Zsa Zsa Gabor’s Diamond Rivière Necklace Sells for $1.3M
It was the No. 2 lot at Bonhams’ Fine Jewelry sale Monday, falling squarely in its estimated range.
This “over-the-top gorgeous” diamond necklace that belonged to actress Zsa Zsa Gabor sold for nearly $1.3 million at Bonhams New York Monday.
New York--She had a number of notable quotes about diamonds and her love for the sparkly stones, so it was only fitting that when a piece owned by Zsa Zsa Gabor went up for auction, it was an “over-the-top gorgeous” diamond necklace.
On Monday, Bonhams New York auctioned off a diamond rivière necklace once owned by the actress, featuring 45 graduated round brilliants totaling 66 carats and created by Harry Winston in 1964.
The necklace garnered almost $1.3 million (including the buyer’s premium) when it hit the block Monday.
Though the final sale price put it squarely within its pre-sale estimate of between $1.2 and $1.5 million, it may have surprised some, given the fact that celebrities’ jewels tend to easily top estimates at auction.
RELATED CONTENT -- Gone with the Gavel: Sotheby’s Sells Everything Vivian LeighAccording to Bonhams, the diamond rivière necklace was a “much-loved piece” in Gabor’s collection, and she was photographed wearing it frequently when she was out and about, particularly in the 1960s.
The five central diamonds weigh 8.07, 6.34, 6.33, 5.35 and 4.88 carats, and their quality ranges from F to I color, VVS2 clarity.
At some point, the necklace was sold; Bonhams said it came to them via a private client rather than Gabor’s estate.
One of three sisters born in Hungary to a Jewish family who immigrated to the United States, Gabor’s film credits include the 1952 version of “Moulin Rouge.”
In addition to acting, she was perhaps just as well known for her glamorous lifestyle and her many marriages--Gabor wed a total of nine times, including one very brief marriage that was quickly annulled (and might not have been legal in the first place).
She also was known for her love of jewelry, particularly diamonds, providing some of the most notable quotations, including “I never hated a man enough to give him his diamonds back,” and “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and dogs are a man’s best friend. Now you know which sex has more sense.”
Gabor died last year at the age of 99.
The expected top lot of Bonhams New York sale Monday--an oval-shaped 13.61-carat D color, internally flawless diamond estimated to go for between $1.4 and $1.8 million--did not sell.
The actual No. 1 lot, topping Gabor’s necklace, was a drop pendant featuring a natural pearl measuring 14.1 mm accented with a rose-cut diamond surmount set in platinum. It garnered almost $1.5 million.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
SurveysOct 07, 2024
Hill & Co.’s New ‘Business of Jewelry Report’ Is OutThe first in what is slated to be a series of in-depth reports from the consulting company, it focuses on shortening supply chains.
WatchesOct 04, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Clocks Another Acquisition—HodinkeeThe company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.
