Freeman’s Sale Led by 19 Ct. Diamond With a Racehorse Backstory

By Annie Davidson Watson | June 04, 2026

Freeman’s is bringing a Philadelphia story to New York on June 10, with an Important Jewelry auction headlined by the personal collection of Justice Sandra Schultz Newman (1938–2026), the first woman ever elected to Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Newman was a figure in Philadelphia social and cultural circles as well as a trailblazing jurist. The top lot in Freeman’s auction is her 19.12 ct. emerald-cut diamond ring (pictured), estimated at $350,000 to $450,000. Newman purchased the stone with earnings from Nihilator, her record-setting standardbred racehorse. For someone whose career was defined by breaking barriers (Newman also was the first woman to serve as assistant district attorney for Montgomery County, Pa.), buying a nearly 20 ct. diamond with racetrack winnings feels entirely in character.

nadja ring — *Nadja Buckley ring in white gold with 49.6 ct. emerald-cut aquamarine and 1.3 cts. t.w. brilliant cut diamonds, estimate $8,000–$10,000*

The late judge’s collection, assembled over decades, spans statement diamonds, colored gemstones, and signed pieces that together reflect a collector with strong instincts and range. Among her jewels on the block at Freeman’s will be the Nadja Buckley aquamarine and diamond ring pictured above; a curb-chain gold necklace holding Asscher-cut amethyst, peridot, garnet, tourmaline, citrine, and iolite stones, each accented by diamonds (estimate $20,000–$30,000); and an art deco platinum bracelet set with more than 13 cts. round brilliant, bullet-shape, transitional, baguette, and marquise-cut diamonds ($15,000 to $20,000).

Beyond the Newman lots, Freeman’s is drawing from private collections nationwide for next week’s sale. “On offer are unique pieces such as a sweet Buccellati giardinetto brooch and on-trend, signed jewelry—truly something for every level of collector,” said April Matteini, Freeman’s senior VP and head of jewelry.

diamond necklace — *Necklace in yellow and white gold with approximately 3 cts. t.w. brilliant-cut diamonds, from the estate of Sandra Schultz Newman, estimate $20,000–$30,000*

Among the Important Jewelry standouts are two Van Cleef & Arpels lots: a coral and diamond Rose de Noël brooch and earring set (estimated at $45,000 to $55,000) and Gardenia earrings with nearly 18 cts. t.w. diamonds, including 3.3 cts. t.w. yellow diamonds ($40,000 to $60,000).

Other highlights include an Oscar Heyman sapphire and diamond bracelet ($60,000–$80,000) and a Tiffany & Co. 6+ ct. diamond ring ($80,000–$120,000), as well as signed pieces from Bulgari, Cartier, and Marina B.

(Photos courtesy of Freeman’s)

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