Sotheby’s New York will auction a 20.60-carat diamond ring that Frank Sinatra gifted to his wife on their engagement in 1976.
The emerald-cut diamond ring is one of several pieces of Barbara Sinatra’s jewelry that will feature at the Magnificent Jewels auction on December 4. Frank popped the question by throwing two diamonds on their bed and telling her to pick one. Once she had made her selection, he then dropped it into her glass of champagne. The formal proposal didn’t come until Barbara made him choose which finger to put it on, according to her memoir, Lady Blue Eyes.
Barbara wrote of her “romantic husband,” saying Frank “went out of his way to make me feel loved and cherished every day.”
The Sotheby’s auction will also feature a Sinatra-owned ruby and diamond bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels with the jewelry house’s unique “mystery set” style that assembles stones so that no prongs are visible. The piece is estimated at $150,000 to $250,000. A platinum, diamond and gold-coin necklace by Bulgari valued at $15,000 to $20,000 will also go under the hammer.
The jewels are part of a larger collection of Sinatra items that includes film and entertainment memorabilia, personal accessories, letters, books and artwork. Those lots will be sold at the auction house’s various December sales.