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Jacqueline Kennedy’s Pearls Headline Bonhams London Luxury Sale

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Bonhams is turning the spotlight on style with its London Luxury: Handbags and Fashion sale, online now through Oct. 9. Among the lead items in this tight curation of clothing, jewelry, and handbags are two pearl pieces that once belonged to Jacqueline Kennedy.

While these pearls are simulated, they’re covetable—when Bonhams offered other simulated pearl jewelry of Kennedy’s in 2010, demand far exceeded expectations. Kennedy famously said pearls were “always appropriate,” and they became central to her public image. According to Bonhams, the former first lady preferred the luster of simulated pearls.

jackie kennedy earrings
Jacqueline Kennedy’s earclips with simulated diamond–set chains and simulated pearl drops, estimate $13,000–$20,000

Bonhams’ Kennedy pearls—a single-strand necklace with a diamond-set sterling silver clasp (pictured at top) and a pair of pearl and diamond drop earrings—are each accompanied by their original presentation box and carrying pouch, along with photographs of Kennedy wearing the pieces in the 1950s.

The sale extends well beyond Kennedy’s jewelry, to other lots related to celebrity, philanthropy, and haute design—such as a Louis Vuitton vanity case designed by actress Sharon Stone to benefit amfAR (the American Foundation for AIDS Research, founded by Elizabeth Taylor).

louis vuitton vanity case
Louis Vuitton amfAR One vanity case designed by Sharon Stone (circa 2000), estimate $11,000–$13,000

The Bonhams auction also features playful yet iconic pieces by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, including a classic Chanel flap bag that incorporates the look of a menu from the Parisian brasseries that Coco Chanel loved, as well as a capsule of rare clothing and accessories presented in collaboration with rental platform My Wardrobe HQ, a U.K. leader in sustainable luxury fashion.

chanel bag
Chanel Brasserie Gabrielle clutch bag, with camellia motif in center, from autumn/winter 2015 collection, estimate $6,700–$11,000

“The sale brings together unique fashion pieces of artistry and modern cultural narrative, offering collectors the rare opportunity to acquire luxury pieces of modern historical resonance and timeless style,” said Meg Randell, Bonhams’ head of designer handbags and fashion for the U.K. and Europe, in a statement.

Top: Jacqueline Kennedy’s single-strand choker necklace with simulated pearls and simulated diamond–set sterling silver clasp, estimate $6,700–$11,000 (photos courtesy of Bonhams London)

Follow me on Instagram: @anniedavidsonwatson

By: Annie Davidson Watson

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