For Immediate Release August 20, 2004

Contact: Katherine Adler [email protected] 212.636.2680

JEWELS OF STYLE: THE PERSONAL COLLECTION OF FRED LEIGHTON

An Unprecedented Sale of Rare and Historic Jewels from the Remarkable Private Collection of Fred Leighton at Christie’s New York

October 12

New York, NY – Christie’s New York is pleased to announce the exciting sale of Jewels of Style from The Personal Collection of Fred Leighton at Rockefeller Center on October 12. From his private collection, jeweler ‘extraordinaire,’ Fred Leighton, unveils his glamorous jewel treasures designed by, belonging to and worn by icons of style.

Fred Leighton is world-renowned for his travels around the world in search of rare and extraordinary jewels for his clients, which include royalty, celebrities, fashion leaders, ambassadors and heads of state. Fred Leighton’s love of jewelry and determination to seek out unique and one-of-a-kind pieces have also led to one of the world’s largest and most prestigious collections of estate and antique jewelry. Built over twenty years, the collection includes glamorous jewels from the and Art Nouveau periods to the Court Jewels of the Nineteenth century and the Maharajah’s treasures from the Golden Age of India.

This unprecedented sale comprising twenty-nine jewels from his private collection will offer jewelry collectors a rare and unique opportunity to view and own a piece of style, fashion, history and celebrity. Jewels that belonged to and were created for such doyennes of style as the Duchess of Windsor, , Coco , Gloria Swanson and Madame Grès make this extraordinary group a virtual walk down fashion history’s red carpet.

Highlights Leading the remarkable selection is the magnificent ‘Tudor Rose,’ an exquisite life-size diamond rose brooch that belonged to Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, the daughter of Napoleon’s brother Jerome (estimate: $600,000-800,000). Created in the 19th century, this intricately-crafted rose brooch was made with approximately 200 carats of old-mine diamonds mounted in silver-on-gold. This legendary jewel was acquired by in 1904, and later that same year, was sold to Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt, known as the ‘Queen’ of New York society.

Formerly in the collection of the Duchess of Windsor is a group of jewelry made of carved smoky-blue chalcedony accented by sapphires and diamonds by Suzanne Belperron, circa 1935. The carved necklace (estimate: $100,000-150,000); the pair of cuff bracelets (estimate: $70,000-100,000); and the pair of ear clips (estimate: $30,000-40,000) are excellent examples of Belperron’s innovation and artistry. This distinct and extraordinary jewelry perfectly complemented the daring, charismatic and individual personality and style of the Duchess of Windsor.

The jewelry formerly belonging to fashion diva Diana Vreeland is not only exceptional for its renowned ownership but also for its importance as a work of art. Created by the most important jewelry designers of the century, these jewelry pieces are highly coveted. By Suzanne Belperron is a bold rock crystal and diamond bangle bracelet (estimate: $150,000- 200,000). When Diana Vreeland purchased this piece in 1936, it was considered most avant garde. Designed by Coco Chanel and made by Verdura, is a pair of multi-stone and gold Maltese cross brooches (estimate: $80,000-120,000) that Ms. Vreeland purchased in Paris in 1930. These brooches became the prototypes for the well-known series of Chanel crosses. From David Webb is a suite of enamel and diamond Zebra jewelry consisting of a bangle bracelet, a pair of earrings and a ring (estimate: $50,000-70,000) and a carved coral diamond ring and pair of earrings (estimate: $25,000-35,000).

From the former collection of Gloria Swanson, one of the most famous silent movie stars and later renowned for her role as Norma Desmond in the 1950 film, “Sunset Boulevard,” is a pair of diamond ear clips by Paul Flato (estimate: $25,000-30,000). Lauren Bacall, celebrated actress of the mid-20th century and wife to Humphrey Bogart, owned the pair of amethyst, turquoise and diamond earrings by Schlumberger (estimate: $15,000-20,000).

Other 20th century highlights with Hollywood provenance are a pair of cabochon-cut ruby and diamond earrings from Lana Turner (estimate: $12,000-15,000); a set of three wedding bands (sapphire, ruby, diamond) given to Brigitte Bardot by Roger Vadim (estimate: $8,000-10,000); a gold coin belonging to Ginger Rogers (estimate: $1,500-2,000); and two pendant picture frame lockets, one of Broadway actress Ethel Merman and the other of legendary filmmaker Orson Wells (estimate: $3,000-4,000 for the two).

French legend, Madame Grès, greatly influenced the fashion world with her uncompromising style and elegant haute couture. Among her clients were the Begum Aga Khan, Marella Agnelli and Princess Ghislain de Polignac. Grès’ unwavering sense of chic is reflected in a coral bead and turquoise belt (estimate: $6,000-8,000) and a coral bead necklace (estimate: $2,000-3,000). Madame Grès was awarded the Golden Thimble, the pinnacle of fashion achievement, in 1976 so it is only fitting to offer a pair of her gold thimbles (estimate: $6,000-8,000).

A ladies wristwatch by Cartier (estimate: $10,000-12,000) is offered from the collection of Her Royal Highness Maharani Sita Devi of Baroda. Upon her marriage to the Maharaja Pratapsingh, she received the magnificent collection of the Baroda Treasury, which includes a seven-strand natural pearl necklace from the Mughal period, a diamond necklace suspending the ‘Star of the South’ and the ‘English Dresden.’

Of special interest is a pair of delicate 19th century diamond grape ear pendants (estimate: $10,000-12,000), a favorite jewelry piece of Liz Tilberis who often wore them throughout her successful years at the helm of Harper's Bazaar Magazine. Her battle with ovarian cancer was publicized widely and her book, “No Time to Die” was an inspiration to many suffering from cancer. Proceeds from the sale of this item will be donated to The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund for the Liz Tilberis Scholars Program.

Additional highlights include a pair of natural pearl drop earrings (estimate: $3,000-4,000) from opera diva, Maria Callas; a gold, enamel and diamond pendant watch belonging to Queen Maria Pia of Portugual (estimate: $20,000-25,000); and an Indian multistone and natural pearl paisley necklace given to Phyllis Astaire, wife of Fred Astaire, by Princess Shams of Iran (estimate: $20,000-25,000)

Auction: Jewels of Style from the Personal Collection of Fred Leighton October 12

Viewing: Christie’s Galleries at 20 Rockefeller Plaza October 7 - 11

### Images available on request Visit Christie’s Web site at www.christies.com