Sotheby’s will auction the Shirley Temple diamond ring—a 9.54-carat fancy deep blue gem—at its Magnificent Jewels Sale in New York on April 19th. Experts expect this rare diamond ring to fetch between $25 million and $35 million.
The Story Behind the Shirley Temple Diamond Ring
In 1940, Shirley Temple’s father bought the diamond ring for her 12th birthday and to celebrate the premiere of her film The Blue Bird. He paid $7,210 for the cushion-cut gem, which remains in its original Art Deco setting.
Temple wore the ring throughout her life. After she passed away in 2014, a private collector acquired it from her estate. Now, the ring returns to auction, offering collectors a chance to own a piece of Hollywood history.
An Iconic Gem in Its Original Setting
The Shirley Temple blue diamond remains in its original platinum Art Deco setting, enhancing its provenance and value. In particular, collectors prize the cushion-cut stone not only for its rich colour and clarity but also for its connection to a Hollywood icon.
Read GIA’s guide on fancy colour diamonds
Sotheby’s on the Shirley Temple Diamond Ring
Frank Everett, Sales Director of Sotheby’s Jewellery Department, shared:
“The Shirley Temple diamond ring tells a personal story and represents a unique moment in film and fashion history.”
Additionally, he noted that its exceptional colour and provenance make it one of the most exciting lots in this year’s Magnificent Jewels sale.
Read GIA’s guide on fancy colour diamonds
Explore More at Icecool Diamonds
At Icecool diamonds, we proudly celebrate exceptional stories through bespoke craftsmanship. Although we don’t offer historic auction pieces , we specialise in creating one-of-a-kind jewellery tailored to your unique story. As a result, you can design a piece that reflects your milestones, style, and legacy.
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