New York—Jewelry and other items from the private collection of the late former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright are coming to auction next month.
Live and online sales of will be hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the auction house resulting from the 2023 merger of Freeman’s and Hindman Auctions.
Offerings include a range of her personal property, including some of her distinctive pins, as well as fine and decorative arts from her Georgetown home and office.
Albright was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in 1993. In 1997, she was sworn in as the nation’s first female Secretary of State, making her the highest serving woman in the history of the United States government at the time.
In 2012, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor.
She at the age of 84.
As shared in her book, “Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat’s Jewel Box,” Albright deployed pins within her “personal diplomatic arsenal” throughout her career to convey foreign policy messages, as well as express her hopes, mood and sometimes a pointed message.
This rose gold, diamond, ruby and sapphire brooch designed as a leopard embracing an American flag is estimated to sell for $2,000 to $3,000.
A patriotic leopard brooch mounted in 14-karat rose gold, pavé set with round brilliant cut diamonds, round mixed-cut sapphires, rubies and black diamonds, with marquise-cut emerald eyes, and stamped “14K EFFY”
While she donated to the National Museum of American Diplomacy at the U.S. Department of State, several other signature pieces of jewelry Albright wore at celebrated events and special occasions will appear at the upcoming auction.
Her Bulgari “Fireworks” necklace is estimated to sell for up to $18,000.
A white gold and diamond “Fireworks” choker necklace from Bulgari
Along with the hallmark pins, the sale will also feature diplomatic and political memorabilia; historical books; designer scarves, hats, and handbags; antique furniture and decorative objects; fine porcelain; silver; and books she collected during her travels around the world.
A pair of Albright’s Swarovski opera glasses (Est. $200-400)
The sale highlights the collecting sensibilities of Albright, a “deeply influential national and international icon,” the auction house said.
Fiercely committed to democracy and human rights, it said, she championed America’s alliances, promoted the expansion of NATO, supported non-proliferation efforts, and supported the expansion of free trade.
“Madeleine Albright’s name and career are synonymous with reaching a pinnacle of female achievement” said Gretchen Hause, senior vice president and co-head of department for books and manuscripts.
“Presenting her biography in objects at auction is a professional and personal honor, and will no doubt excite new generations of global citizens.”
Viewings were held in Chicago earlier this month, and more will be held from May 2-6 in New York at 32 East 67 Street.
The exhibition will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
The live auction is slated to begin at 10 a.m. ET on May 7, and the online auction will begin at 10 a.m. CT on May 8.