Bonhams achieves exceptional results for the Estate of Diahann Carroll
On March 10, Bonhams dedicated sale of the Estate of Diahann Carroll, realized $396,176 with 94% sold by lot and 97% sold by value. The collection came from her home in Los Angeles, which included 155 memorabilia items, furniture, personal items, photos, clothing, handbags, and jewelry. The top lot of the sale was her elegant diamond and cultured pearl ‘toi et moi’ ring, which achieved $56,325.
Emily Waterfall, Head of Jewelry, Los Angeles, commented: “This sale truly surpassed our expectations, which offered a glimpse into her iconic lifestyle. The incredible enthusiasm and excitement with which her collection was received is a testament to the lasting legacy of the beloved, Diahann Carroll.”
Additional highlights in the sale included:
A Steinway ebonized baby grand piano, 20th century, sold for $45,075 (estimate: $4,000-6,000)
A working script for the pilot episode of Julia, NBC, 1968-71, sold for $27,575 (estimate: $3,000-5,000)
A Claudine working script, Twentieth Century-Fox, 1974, sold $22,575 (estimate: $1,800-2,200)
A gold “Cancer” zodiac medallion, Tiffany & Co., circa 1970, sold for $21,325 (estimate: $5,000-7,000)
Diahann Carroll was an award-winning entertainer and courageous trailblazer who broke through the color barrier of the entertainment world. As a captivating singer and actress, she gained recognition through her work in some of the earliest major studio films to feature black casts and went on to win a Tony Award, an Academy Award® nomination, and make television history with her roles on Julia and Dynasty.
Diahann Carroll passed away in Los Angeles on October 4, 2019 at the age of 84 following a long battle with breast cancer. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993. A survivor, she worked tirelessly to raise awareness around the disease, its diagnosis, and treatment. She was a founding member of the Celebrity Action Council, a volunteer group that served the women’s outreach of the Los Angeles Mission.
