Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond ‘Mystery-Set’ Flower Brooch, Estimate: $400,000 – 600,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2025.

NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s will present Color and Ingenuity: The Collection of Lucille Coleman, a remarkable assemblage of exceptional jewels from one of New York’s most beloved philanthropists. This distinguished collection is a cornerstone of the upcoming Magnificent Jewels auction, taking place live on June 17 at Christie’s Rockefeller Center in New York City.

A woman of innate elegance and unwavering generosity, Lucille Coleman was a treasured figure in New York society. Her refined taste and discerning eye are reflected throughout this extraordinary collection, which features a rare concentration of works by Van Cleef & Arpels. At its core, this collection is one of the most significant groups of ‘Mystery-Set’ jewels ever to appear at auction—an iconic innovation by the maison that exemplifies technical brilliance and timeless design.

Leading the collection is a Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Mystery-Set Brooch (Estimate: $400,000–600,000), alongside a Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ring (Estimate: $800,000–1,200,000). The Mystery Set technique—patented in 1933—is a hallmark of Van Cleef & Arpels’ craftsmanship. It involves meticulously cutting each gemstone, most often rubies, sapphires, emeralds, or diamonds, and inserting them into invisible gold rails, preserving the seamless brilliance of the design. To have nine ‘Mystery-Set’ jewels of this scale and caliber from one collector marks a rare occasion at auction.

Van Cleef & Arpels, Ruby and Diamond ‘Mystery-Set’ Flower Brooch, Estimate: $400,000 – 600,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2025.

Van Cleef & Arpels, Diamond Ring, Estimate: $800,000 – 1,200,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2025.

Mrs. Coleman dedicated her life to numerous charitable initiatives, most notably through her long-standing support of New York-Presbyterian Hospital, which honored her by naming a residential tower on 72nd Street and 1st Avenue. In tribute to Mrs. Coleman’s legacy of giving, the seller’s proceeds will go towards her chosen institutions, continuing the impact of her lifelong generosity. The auction not only celebrates an extraordinary collection of jewels but also honors the remarkable woman behind it—her grace, her vision, and her profound commitment to others.

Marc Porter, Chairman, Christie’s Americas comments: "Lucille Coleman’s lifelong passion was helping others. She was a dedicated supporter of esteemed New York City institutions, including New York-Presbyterian Medical Center, the provider of healing and strength for so many. It is our privilege to honor and continue her philanthropic legacy."

Nicolas Luchsinger, CEO of Buccellati, says: “It is a true honor to see Mrs. Coleman’s beautiful jewelry collection offered at Christie’s—a collection I had the privilege of helping to build over three decades. Mrs. Coleman often described her style as ‘classic with a twist,’ and her extraordinary collection—primarily Van Cleef & Arpels—embodies that perfectly. Earclips and brooches were among her most-worn pieces; she used to say they finished a look without ever drawing too much attention. It brings me immense joy to see this deeply personal and thoughtfully curated collection now shared with the world.”

Additional offerings from the collection will also be sold in conjunction with Important Watches, Jewels Online, and Watches Online: The New York Edit, occurring alongside Magnificent Jewels, during Luxury Week in New York. A whimsical sculpture by Fernando Botero from Mrs. Coleman’s collection of fine art will also be featured at Christie’s in our fall season of sales.

DOYLE will present works from The Estate of Lucille Coleman through a series of sales to showcase the collection’s range. Highlights will be offered in a dedicated single-owner auction, with additional works featured in category-specific sales—including Important Paintings and Asian Works of Art. The auctions will begin in September 2025 and continue through December.

Another highlights: 

© Christie's Images Ltd 2025.

© Christie's Images Ltd 2025.

© Christie's Images Ltd 2025.

© Christie's Images Ltd 2025.

© Christie's Images Ltd 2025.