LOS ANGELES, CA.- Everyone from bidders to Bravo fans tuned in to Moran’s Fine Jewelry & Timepieces sale to see the diamond stud earrings once owned by The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, Erika Jayne. While they were the definite stars of the show, there was also major interest in the 170+ other diamond treasures, as well as tanzanite, sapphire, and ruby jewelry, and timepieces from makers such as Patek Philippe, Cartier, and Rolex.

The excitement was centered around lot 30, a pair of princess-cut diamond stud earrings worn by Erika Jayne. Thomas Girardi, Jayne’s estranged husband, purchased the earrings in 2007 at a retail value of $750,000. After GIA reports were done in Oct 2022, it was determined that the market value of the earrings was estimated to be $250,000-350,000. Molly Burns Keith G.J.G., Jewelry director at Moran’s, stated that, “the earrings are near colorless and have very nice clarity.” Having a combined total of more than 12-carats, these earrings brought in a solid $312,500 (including buyer’s premium).

The other Girardi-related items, lots 23-29, also achieved favorable sale results. Lot 24 was a pair of diamond stud earrings set with two round full-cut diamonds totaling approximately 3.15cts and graded G-H color and S12 clarity. Starting with an estimate of $6,000-8,000, these beauties exceeded expectations, selling for $10,000 (including buyer’s premium). Also part of this collection was a beautiful Bulgari cultured pearl and diamond necklace. This necklace, lot 29, was made with 18k white gold and set with twenty-seven cultured pearls, each gauged at 7mm alternating with a diamond topped “X” motif set with 351 round full-cut diamonds totaling approximately 7.25cts. The winning bidder purchased this lot for $8,125 (including buyer’s premium), almost doubling its $4,000-6,000 estimate.

This sale really was all about diamonds and lot 34 was another exquisite example. The platinum and 18k gold ring, set with a cushion modified brilliant-cut 6.75ct. diamond mounted in a ring with a basketweave design, hammered in $81,250 (including buyer’s premium), estimated $80,000-100,000.

In addition to diamonds, some of the other gemstones offered included emerald, amethyst, ruby, tourmaline, sapphire, and tanzanite. Lot 31 was a Tiffany & Co. tanzanite and diamond ring. The 20ct. zoisite tanzanite had a bluish violet color and was surrounded by a halo of sixteen pear shaped diamonds totaling approximately 3.75cts, with an estimate of $6,000-8,000. After much interest, the ring left the auction block for $11,250 (including buyer’s premium).

In the over 30 lots of timepieces, a Philippe and a Cartier stood out among the rest. Lot 39 was a Patek Philippe gold wristwatch from 1954. Estimated $10,000-15,000, this 18k rose gold watch with a circular silvered dial and applied pink gold baton hour markers ended with an impressive bid of $25,000 (including buyer’s premium). Then, all eyes were on lot 39, a 1970s 18k yellow gold Cartier exaggerated wristwatch. Starting with a modest estimate of $5,000-7,000, this watch almost tripled that amount, bringing in a whopping $20,000 [including buyer’s premium].


—Brenda Smith, John Moran Auctioneers