What do Mary Tyler Moore, Frank Sinatra, and a 133-carat Diamond Have in Common?
A look at pieces from Sotheby’s upcoming auctions featuring a 133-carat yellow diamond, diamond jewelry gifted to Barbara from Frank Sinatra, and Mary Tyler Moore’s timeless jewelry
As 2023 concludes, Sotheby’s Auction House will enchant jewelry enthusiasts with an extraordinary showcase at their upcoming Magnificent and Fine Jewels sales in New York in December. An array of remarkable diamond jewels will be up for sale, including a Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond weighing an astonishing 133.03 carats and a breathtaking necklace set with 95 pear-shaped diamonds, including two weighing over 28 carats each, both expected to sell for millions. December auction takes a glamorous turn with a spotlight on Hollywood, featuring treasures from the collections of legendary icons Mary Tyler Moore and Frank and Barbara Sinatra.
Mary Tyler Moore, a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, left an indelible mark through her iconic roles in The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Mary transformed how women were depicted in the media, inspiring generations across diverse backgrounds to aspire, persevere, and succeed independently. The jewels from her collection, including exquisite pieces from renowned houses like Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, and Tiffany and Co., reflect Moore’s understated yet timeless elegance. Sotheby’s is presenting 21 pieces from Mary Tyler Moore’s collection in both the Magnificent and Fine Jewels auctions. Proceeds from the sale will support The Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative, a non-profit organization committed to preserving and restoring vision in individuals with diabetes—an endeavor closely aligned with Moore’s philanthropic legacy, given her personal journey with Type 1 diabetes since the age of 30.
This was the ring that mary loved and wore every day, and the setting is of Mary’s design.
– Dr. S. Robert Levine
Diamond Ring from the Collection of Mary Tyler Moore
Frank Everett, Vice Chairman of Sotheby’s Jewelry, said, “Mary Tyler Moore was a true American classic, and this is reflected in every piece from her beautiful collection of jewels. Detailed, delicate, and refined, Mary’s jewels not only highlight her understated elegance, but also reveal a passionate collector who delighted in beautifully crafted objects. From sparkling old mine-cut diamonds to lustrous pearls to the rich warmth of 18K gold pieces by Van Cleef & Arpels, Mary’s jewels mirror the style of the beloved, modern characters she portrayed on screen. It is our honor and a privilege to offer these treasures from Mary’s collection, which are being sold to benefit the Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative, adding to her enduring legacy as an entertainer, philanthropist, feminist icon, and truly remarkable woman.”
“THE FIRST GIFT MARY GAVE TO ME WAS A ROYAL OAK WATCH AND THE REASON WAS THAT SHE HAD ONE – THIS WAS IT – AND SHE WANTED ME TO BE WEARING A WATCH THAT MATCHED THE WATCH THAT SHE WORE EVERYDAY. THE DIFFERENCE WAS THAT SHE HAD THIS ONE SPECIALLY FITTED WITH DIAMONDS. SHE HAD THIS DONE WITH HER JEWELER SO THAT SHE COULD MAKE HER AUDEMARS PIGUET DIFFERENT FROM ANYONE ELSE’S.
– Dr. S. Robert Levine
Gold and Diamond ‘Royal Oak’ Audemars Piguet Wristwatch from the Collection of Mary Tyler Moore
The collection, carefully curated with beautiful antique diamonds and modern jewels, unveils insights into Moore’s much-admired style. Some pieces were gifts from her husband, Dr. S. Robert Levine, adding sentimental value to the ensemble.
THIS BROOCH WAS ONE OF THE LAST GIFTS THAT I GAVE MARY. IT WAS FOR OUR 30TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. IT’S AN ESTATE PIECE BUT IT REMINDED ME OF A HORN OF PLENTY AND SO IT’S AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE MANY YEARS OF LIFE AND DEVOTION, FILLED WITH OUR LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER.
– Dr. S. Robert Levine
Cultured Pearl and Diamond Brooch from the Collection of Mary Tyler Moore
A poignant example is the Gold, Ancient Coin, Ruby, and Diamond ‘Monete’ Necklace by Bulgari, featuring an ancient Greek coin commissioned by Dr. Levine as a wedding present. They both visited the Bulgari store on 5th Avenue in New York City, selecting the Greek coin together. The couple shared a deep appreciation for ancient cultures, having journeyed to Israel and Egypt earlier that year. Notably, it was in Jerusalem where Dr. Levine proposed to Mary, and the necklace serves as a memento, commemorating their special trip and the heartfelt proposal.
Sotheby’s is also adding the magic of Barbara and Frank Sinatra‘s timeless allure to the December auction, following the success of the 2018 auction from Barbara’s personal collection, which realized nearly $5 million.
The upcoming auction includes two jewels and gifts from Frank Sinatra—an exquisite Bulgari emerald, diamond, and cultured pearl choker and an impressive 16.19-carat pear-shaped diamond ring, both estimated at $250,000 to $350,000.
France from the Collection of Barbara Sinatra
As the curtains fall on 2023, Sotheby’s invites you to witness the culmination of a year filled with unparalleled elegance and Hollywood glamour, capturing the essence of these iconic collections and the timeless allure of natural diamonds. Luxury Week sets the stage for public exhibition in New York, beginning on December 1, leading up to the Magnificent Jewels auction on December 5 and the Fine Jewels auction open for bidding from November 28 to December 7.
