Joan Crawford is known for many things: the Oscar-winning actress who starred in Mildred Pierce (and other role nominees) and the Jazz Age flapper, just to name a few. But almost as iconic as the Hollywood star herself is the jewelry she wears, especially the gold jewelry set by celebrity jeweler Raymond Yard, which includes a citrine necklace and bracelet. In addition to the sheer size of the gemstones in the shard (the necklace is marked by a stunning 357.6-carat citrine and a 116-carat bracelet), their placement in the 1941 film When Ladies Meet drew attention to a Royal Crown Coke advertisement and a book published in 2007 entitled Yard: The Life and Gorgeous Jewelry of Raymond C. Yard (Most celebrity named after the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, DuPonts, known for their custom Art Deco designs for high-end American homes, among others). Earlier this week, the one-of-a-kind citrine duo sold for $250,000 at Heritage Auctions’ spring jewelry auction. Estimated between $15,000 and $20,000, well above expectations.
“We knew the stellar combination of Joan Crawford and Raymond Yard would be eye-catching, but we are very excited about the end result,” said Jill Burgum, director of jewelry at Heritage Auctions. “It was an exciting time for the winning bidder and for all bidders.”
Total auction sales were $5,357,995, with the top lot selling for a Citrine Suite of just over $300,000. The leader is a 21.93 carat diamond. Necklace in gold and brilliant cut diamond weighing 0.45 carats. There are two baguette diamonds on the chain. Another notable auction was a 19.02 carat stone that sold for $237,500. Diamond and platinum ring by businesswoman and artist Phyllis Rubin.
Above: Joan Crawford’s 357.6-carat 14k yellow gold Raymond Yard suit. Brilliant cut citrine and 116 carat necklace. Citrine bracelet, $250,000, Heritage Auctions (photo courtesy of Heritage Auctions).
Post time: Sep-21-2022