Julien’s Auctions, the world-record breaking auction house to the stars, has announced that Property from JOSEFF OF HOLLYWOOD, master jeweler to the stars during the Golden Age of Hollywood, will head to the auction block this November. Screen icons, costume designers and fashionistas sought out Joseff’s dazzling and unique costume jewelry to be worn in films and at special events. Joseff’s works dazzled the red carpet, lit up the big screen and became signature pieces worn by a “Who’s Who” of Golden Hollywood. The concept of renting and loaning jewelry to Hollywood stars was original to Eugene Joseff.
Legendary stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich, Rita Hayworth, Vivien Leigh, Judy Garland, Olivia de Havilland and Greta Garbo are among the impressive list of Hollywood’s biggest stars who wore Joseff’s designs. From a belt precisely fitted for Taylor in “Cleopatra” (1963) to an elaborate jeweled bib necklace worn by Ona Munsen in “Shanghai Gesture” (1941), the custom made costume jewelry revolutionized the artistic way jewelry and accessories were presented in movies.
During the magical movie times of the 1930s and 1940s, Joseff supplied close to 90% of all jewelry worn on screen. Highlights include the necklace worn by Vivien Leigh and cigar case used by Clark Gable in “Gone With the Wind” (1939); earrings worn by Marilyn Monroe in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1953); necklaces worn by Bette Davis in “The Virgin Queen” (1955); brooch worn by Marlene Dietrich in “Shanghai Express” (1932); Loretta Young’s crown and comb from “Suez” (1938); earrings worn by Marilyn Monroe in “Some Like it Hot” (1959); necklace, earrings and ornaments worn by Greta Garbo in “Camille” (1936); Order chains worn by Katherine Hepburn in “Mary of Scotland” (1936); necklace worn by Judy Garland in the “Ziegfeld Follies” (1946); a brooch worn by Lana Turner and medallion worn by Vincent Price in “The Three Musketeers” (1948) and a necklace worn by Olivia de Havilland in “My Cousin Rachel” (1952).
Additional highlights include a necklace worn by Rosalind Russell in “A Woman of Distinction” (1950); the necklace worn by Tallulah Bankhead in “A Royal Scandal” (1945); a belt and earrings worn by Rita Hayworth in “Salome” (1953); bell earrings worn by Ona Munson in “Gone with the Wind” (1939); and hundreds of more items.