Deborah Kerr (1921-2007) starred in over 50 films over four decades. Some of her best-loved movies include From Here to Eternity (1953) with Burt Lancaster, The King and I (1956) with Yul Brynner and An Affair to Remember (1957) with Cary Grant. She was also a leading lady to Robert Mitchum, Clark Gable, James Mason, Stewart Granger, David Niven and Spencer Tracy.

Lots 21 to 25 in Bonhams’ Fine Jewellery Sale include beautiful items owned and worn by the much-loved British actress Deborah Kerr when she was at the height of her fame during the 1940s and 1950s, including her diamond three-stone engagement ring from her first marriage to Squadron Leader Anthony Charles Bartley. Dating from circa 1945, the year they married, Lot 21 is comprised of three brilliant-cut diamonds of yellow tint, weighing 2.32, 2.98 and 2.17 carats respectively. It is expected to fetch £20,000-25,000.

Lot 22 is a mid 19th century gold and turquoise long snake-like chain, which Deborah Kerr often used to wear around her wrist, is estimated at £2,000-2,500. The entire piece is highly articulated and set with collet mounted cabochon turquoise. It also has a detachable tied ribbon-bow pendant/brooch with a swing drop.

Lot 23 is a stunning 20th century collar necklace composed of a row of oval-cut amethysts, which graduate slightly in size from the centre towards a hexagonal-shaped amethyst clasp. Suspended from this row is a fringe of seven similarly-set amethyst drops spaced by filigree floral motifs. The whole fringe is embellished with spherical bead drops. Its estimate is £1,500-2,000.

Lot 24 features a 19th century diamond-set ring at £800-1,200 and Lot 25 is a circa 1945 cultured pearl, emerald and diamond bracelet, which is expected to fetch £4,000-6,000.

The collection, which Bonhams will sell on behalf of Deborah Kerr’s family, has been sitting in a bank vault in recent years.

Of Scottish descent and educated in Bristol, Deborah Kerr originally trained as a ballet dancer, which she gave up in favour of drama. Early in her career she acted in British theatre and read children’s stories for the BBC before performing in several distinguished wartime films. After the Second World War, she was signed by MGM and went to Hollywood. Louis B Mayer, of MGM, is reputed to have pronounced “Kerr rhymes with Star!”, not least to avoid incorrect pronunciation of her surname.

Her refined British accent and manners appealed to Hollywood audiences and she was often typecast as the quintessential “proper” English lady. All this was to change in her performance in From Here to Eternity where her character famously embraced Burt Lancaster on a Hawaiian beach as the tide crashed over them. The film earned her a second Oscar nomination and subsequently the American Film Institute named it one of the “AFIs top 100 Most Romantic Films”.

Deborah Kerr was nominated six times for an Academy Award and four times for a BAFTA, but never won. However, in 1994, she received an Honorary Academy Award in recognition of her career as an “artist of impeccable grace and beauty, a dedicated actress whose motion picture career has always stood for perfection, discipline and elegance.” She received her Oscar to a standing ovation.

The actress retired from Hollywood in 1969 and subsequently received a BAFTA special award in 1991. She was also awarded a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) in the 1997/8 New Years Honours List.

Kerr married twice, first to Anthony Charles Bartley, a squadron leader in the Royal Air Force, in 1946, and secondly to the novelist-screenwriter Peter Viertel in 1960, to whom she remained married until her death. In frail health caused by Parkinson’s disease, she died on 16 October 2007. Peter Viertel died three weeks later on 4 November 2007.

The jewellery will go on public view at Bonhams, 101 New Bond Street, London from Sunday 30 November to Wednesday 3 December inclusive. For further details please go to www.bonhams.com/jewellery.

Signing an exclusive deal with known Italian jewelry designer Roberto Faraone Mennella and business partner Amedeo Scognamiglio to create one hundred and fifty pieces, the line will fill a void in the Macy’s market between costume and fine jewelry pieces.

While we do not have photos yet from the new collection, here are a few gorgeous pieces from the Feraone Mennella website and their incredible collection.

Well, the Hello Kitty Jewelry I found both at Neiman Marcus and at J.R. Dunn (Kimora Lee Simmons!) are anything but affordable, which makes them… useless, isn’t it? Who’s stupid enough to actually spend $3,450.00 on a Hello Kitty Watch — or $1,950.00 on a ring?

OR… 30 grand on a Hello Kitty Necklace? Photos right below — pretty decadent, aye!?

There’s a kitty-face on ‘m. A KITTY-FACE! $30,000!

Anyway, if you don’t have half a brain — shopping links right here and right here!

They also have a home jewelry sale forum which is great for consultants looking to discuss their businesses etc… It’s quiet now, but I’m sure it’ll pick up soon!

Other programs that are mentioned on the site are: Angela Moore, Azante, Bella Shaye, Little Black Dress, Lokelani Designs, Park Lane, Sarah Coventry, Silpada Designs, Vantel Pearls, Yoffi, Fifth Avenue Collection, Jolica, Cabouchon, Dazel, Envy, Fantasy Fair, Valeska and Saucy Fish. That’s a serious collection!

Good luck to the new site, they have our support!

I’m not sure, but I’ll be trying to get my hands on one of their catalogues soon. As soon as I get a chance to attend one of their parties, I’m in!

I’ll keep you all posted!

When buying a diamond, consumer education is very important. The more you know, the better diamond you’ll get for your money. Consider these important points when searching to buy the perfect diamond:

1. Budget: What is your budget? You should know how much you’d like to spend and how much is the “absolute maximum” amount you can afford before you walk into any store, or begin looking to buy a diamond online. Many a shopper has been drawn into an unaffordable purchase by a sparkling diamond and a good salesperson. Determine your budget and stick to it!

2. Shop Around: Before you buy a diamond, check out several stores and online merchants. By surveying a variety of styles at each store, it will allow you to get a feel for average prices and styles, so you won’t to into sticker shock when you finally find the piece you want. The easiest way to shop around when buying a diamond is to look at online stores first. We recommend Diamond.com or BlueNile.com as good starting points in buying a diamond that is right for you or your loved one.

3. Find a Reputable Jeweler: When considering the purchase of diamond jewelry, find a reputable jeweler who will discuss warranty, care and cleaning and financing options with you.

4. Style: Find the right style jewelry that suits your taste. When buying diamonds, think about what style you like: modern, classic, floral, single stone or multi-stone. Also consider the metal: yellow gold, white gold, platinum or a combination of two. Jewelry should fit your size as well as your lifestyle – if you’re a woman who is only 5’1″, your hands may seem overwhelmed by a large carat ring, so a different size or shape stone may better suit you. If you participate in sports, you may want to consider a lower set ring (one that doesn’t protrude as high from your hand) so as not catch during activity (or consider taking it off every time you play).

5. Find the Best Quality Diamond for Your Money: Since most of us can’t afford a 5 carat diamond from Tiffany’s, Inc., we have to make the best of what we can afford. Diamond quality is determined by what is known as the “4 C’s”. (See the Wizard of Jewelry article “Determining Diamond Quality” for detailed information about the 4 C’s). Most jewelers agree that finding a good balance between the 4 C’s is the best way to buy a diamond. Ask questions about the characteristics of your potential purchase and try to find a diamond that is of good quality and a carat weight that will make you happy.

Happy Shopping!