Lauren Bacall Sale at Bonham's NY. A brief update to report that the sale of the collection of the late Lauren Bacall has been a success. More than 750 pieces, have found new homes.

The collection was comprised of art work, personal items, luggage, household items, Objects d’art, paintings, sculptures and of course jewelry, that Lauren Bacall treasured and assembled throughout her life. I will mostly comment on the jewelry sold.

One of the unique pieces, a gold Camel pin with a large natural pearl, in a Moghul style sold. This very large piece with inlaid enamel is designed in a two-dimensional style, depicting the beauty of nature, it sold for $23,750.00.

The 2 Jean Schlumberger designed gold Ropework bracelets, sold for $30,000.00 each. The before sale estimate was in the range of $5,000.00 – $7,000.00.

These bracelets are associated with images of LB wearing them side by side. A typical 60s design with interwoven ropes in different textures has a great Vintage feel. Now, they are enjoyed by someone else.

The Turquoise Amethyst rings and the blue Schlumberger Enamel bangle.

The famous blue enamel bangle designed by Schlumberger sold for a large amount. It was expected to fetch a high price. This well known design was also worn by Jackie O.

Another highlight of LB's collection was the unique Amethyst Turquoise ring by Schlumberger, characteristic of 60s “Big Jewelry” design. This ring sold for the dizzying price tag of $52,500.00, well above the estimate. I imagine it was the huge Amethyst that sent this price sky high.

Lauren Bacall's Tiffany necklace sold for $52,500.00. Other gold jewelry items sold for over $50,000.00. Some of her smaller jewelry pieces had significant personal meaning. She received them at special events in her life.

Some of the other items from the sale with personal significance include a specially treasured Bronze sculpture of Humphrey Bogart, it also found a new admirer.

LB’s monogrammed LV luggage set sold and will be taken on another voyage.

Smaller accessories from her apartment will find their place in other homes.

Most of the paintings, furniture, and Objects d’Art on Sale, have now found new homes and will be appreciated once again in a different setting. This sale brings closure to her life and legacy, but opens up the opportunity for others to cherish her treasures. I hope that we will be able to see them again. They will obtain new meaning, with just a memory of stardust to linger on.

Lb with a pensive look, in the background drawings by Henry Moore, may be studies for his sculptures.

Lauren Bacall’s beloved things are now dispersed, others, with more personal meaning remain in the hands of her family. Her empty apartment in the famous Dakota Building in Manhattan is for sale, welcoming another family. A fitting, yet melancholy end to a great life.

Estate Sales with collections that a person assembled and valued, large or small, with a famous name, or someone who lived in my own neighborhood, are emotional affairs.

From my own experience, I can say that the melancholy only lasts until the sale is over. Then the feeling of joy and gratitude prevails.

I have been able to capture a piece of this person’s life. An object that they have cherished is now in my hands. A symbol that creates a powerful connection. The object is elevated to transcend the pure object, it embodies a continuity of thought that enriches our existence across time.

Enjoy,

Jasmin

photo credit: exhibit photos: Bonham Auctioneers, Gold bracelets: Nils Jorgensen/REX;

others: photographer unknown