Sotheby's. Property from the Estate of Brooke Astor. New York, 24 sept. 2012
A platinum, emerald and diamond ring
Lot 898. A platinum, 22.84 carats Colombian emerald and diamond ring. Estimate 100,000 — 150,000 USD. Lot sold 1,202,500 USD. Photo: Sotheby's 2012
Accompanied by AGL report no.CS 47619 stating that the emerald is of Colombian origin, clarity enhancement: insignificant, type: Canada Balsam.
This elegant emerald and diamond ring was presented by Vincent Astor to the soon-to-be Mrs. Astor upon their engagement in 1953. Cecil Beaton, a friend of Mrs. Astor, was called upon to take portraits on the evening that she and Vincent held a party at the St. Regis to celebrate their marriage. Mrs. Astor wore a flowing Balmain ball gown made of various shades of blue and green satin. In her 1980 autobiography Mrs. Astor wrote that her emerald and diamond engagement ring was one of the jewels she chose to wear that evening "to complete the color scheme."