Pink Diamonds from Oprah Winfrey’s Collection up for Sale
October 18th, 2013 by Noam Flint
Many fashion-forward individuals like to take their style cues from big names and wear what the stars in the spotlight do. Luckily for these stylish people, several high-class auctions allow them to occasionally purchase gems and accessories that come directly from their favorite celebrities.
That’s the case with one upcoming sale conducted by H. Seigel Fine Auctions. The auction house is selling a pink diamond necklace and earrings that were designed exclusively for talk show host and lifestyle maven Oprah Winfrey. While this set is just one of the many items going on the auction block as part of the many jewelry sales taking place around the world this fall, they are likely going to be one of the most talked-about and coveted pieces.
Jewelry from Oprah
One of the biggest opportunities available to the public is the chance to own items belonging to television personality Oprah Winfrey. Her Argyle Pink Diamond Necklace and Earrings are valued at approximately $50,000 each and were worn during the final taping of Winfrey’s tremendously successful talk show.
The pink diamond pieces were designed by famed jeweler Lorraine Schwartz. After the finale initially aired on television, Schwartz took to social media to express her enthusiasm at Winfrey’s selection.
“Oprah, it was a great moment having you wear my bracelets during the finale,” she wrote on her Facebook page. “You looked beautiful and I loved the way the pink tassel diamond bracelet dangled!”
A Fraction from a $100 Million dollars collection
As can be imagined, with an estimated Net Worth of $2.9 Billion Dollars, this $50,000 dollars’ worth of jewelry takes a tiny portion of her collection.
According to the American Gem Society, even though it is said Winfrey had her ears pierced only at the age of 51 (during 2005), she has a vast collection of gems and diamonds that is estimated at approximately $100,000,000 ($100 Million Dollars).
Previous relationship with pink diamonds
This isn’t the first time Oprah Winfrey has made some of her jewelry available to the public. She previously made headlines by offering audience members a chance to own their own colored diamonds. The star recorded an episode of her talk show in Sydney, Australia, in 2010, and she presented each of the 6,000 fans in attendance with a gift certificate that could be redeemed for his or her very own version of the pink diamond necklace.
Each of those limited edition necklaces features pink diamonds from the Rio Tinto Argyle mine in Western Australia. The stones were set on a white gold chain necklace. According to The Daily Telegraph, production of the items was outsourced to Chinese jewelry manufacturer Chow Tai Fook.
A high-end auction
The upcoming auction should draw plenty of attention. Not only will it be featuring the pink diamond pieces from Winfrey’s collection, but it is also selling a diamond ring formally owned by Paloma Picasso, daughter of the famed artist. That 0.25-carat bauble is set in 18K white gold and has been signed by the younger Picasso.
“This is a major auction and we expect bidders from around the world,” said Harold Seigel, CEO and founder of H. Seigel Fine Auctions. “This stunning Paloma Picasso Tiffany Diamond Ring is sure to turn heads for both socialites and investment opportunists. And with the pink diamonds coming from the Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine in Australia, the Oprah Winfrey earrings and necklace are the perfect addition to this already spectacular online auction.”
Of course, these pieces are just some of the valuable gems going up for sale. A few other select colored diamond items will also be included in the event from H. Seigel Fine Auctions, including a 0.76-carat radiant cut pink diamond, a 0.79-carat emerald cut fancy orangey pink diamond ring, and another ring set with a fancy intense purplish pink diamond weighing 0.37 carats. There is also a pendant set with a 0.51-carat oval cut fancy pink Argyle diamond and surrounded by 1.77 carats of white diamonds.
Interested parties can bid for their favorite items online. The auction is slated to occur Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. EST.
