GLEN COVE, NY.- Roland Auctions NY presented an impressive collection of fine jewelry, all the property of the family of legendary American composer, conductor, pianist, and educator Leonard Bernstein, the first American-born conductor to achieve international stardom, at their recent May 2nd , 2026 Multi-Estates Auction.

As most people are aware, Bernstein is best known for composing the musical West Side Story, leading the New York Philharmonic, and bringing classical music to public television. This exquisite selection of jewels, all from Van Cleef and Arpels, Cartier, David Webb and others, were gifts from Leonard Bernstein to his beautiful wife of over 25 years, Felicia Montealegre.


Van Cleef & Arpels Pair of Diamond Ear Clips, Sold for $15,600.

The superb collection, made up most of the highest sellers in the auction, led by a pair of Van Cleef & Arpels diamond and sapphire ear clips, mounted in platinum, set with 18 pear shaped sapphires, total approximately 9.00 carats, and 44 round brilliant-cut diamonds, total approximately 6.60 carats, signed on ear clip backs VCA NY 41020. sapphires well matched and lively, in a signed box, which sold for $61,750 and a pair of Van Cleef & Arpels pace-set diamond earrings, mounted in platinum, set with approximately 84 round brilliant-cut diamonds, total approximately 5.80 carats, each earring back signed VCA NY 36858. Earrings with loop so that pendant drops can be added, that sold for $15,600.


Cartier Enamel and Gold Hoop Ear Clips. Sold for $ 4,550.

Other highly notable pieces from the family of Leonard Bernstein selling well at the auction were a Gold Rope and Tassel Necklace, 14K gold rope and tassel necklace, unmarked, tests for 14K gold. [91.1 dwt., 26" L (interior), tassels from knot: 3.25" L], selling for $14,300, a Gold Woven Bracelet, 18K gold woven or braided link bracelet, marked 18K. [57 dwt., 7.25" L]. Overall condition is good, with 2 safety mechanisms, stress crack to tongue clasp. Property from the family of Leonard Bernstein, selling for $9,750 and a Van Cleef & Arpels Gold & Turquoise Porcupine Clip, Van Cleef & Arpels 18K gold, turquoise and ruby porcupine clip, signed NY299-26 VCA FRANCE. Deposes SSM with French assay mark, going for $8,450.


Diamond and Gold Maltese Cross Brooch. Sold for $6175.

Even more jewelry highlights were an Antique Diamond & Ribbon Choker, Antique rose, table and old mine diamond and grosgrain dog collar mounted in silver-topped gold, with French assay marks and maker's mark, circa 1895, in the style Chaumet's knife edge jeweled creations, that sold for $7,150, a Diamond and Gold Maltese Cross Brooch, Verdura inspired pave-set diamond Maltese cross brooch with gold overlay, set with 120 round brilliant-cut diamonds, total approximately 4.80 carats, unmarked tests for platinum and 14K gold. Property from the family of Leonard Bernstein, selling for $6175, a Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ring, Van Cleef & Arpels diamond and platinum ring, mounted in platinum, centered by a marquise-cut diamond, approximately 1.25 carats, and 22 marquise- and 8 baguette-cut diamonds, total approximately 1.90 carats, which sold for $6,175 and a pair of Cartier Enamel and Gold Hoop Ear Clips, Cartier pair of white enamel and 18K gold spring hinged hoop ear clips, signed Cartier 18K Italy, selling for $ 4,550.


Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ring. Sold for $6,175.

In the Decorative Arts arena at Roland, a Chinese Carved Jade Covered Vase, Chinese carved jade twin handled vase and cover, late Qing Dynasty, of flattened pear shape with twin phoenix and ring handles sold for $16,900, two Large Japanese Bronze Urns, Japan, 20th century, in the Meiji style, with elaborate thunder pattern to ground, fruits to upper, the Eight Immortals mounted at center, and with fish and crustaceans to lower, assembled in three conjoined pieces, sold for $8450 and a Lalique Large "Venus" Crystal Figure, created post World War II, the large satin finish figure is of a nude Venus crouching on one knee, signed and numbered near rim, Lalique France 16/99, sold for $8,450.

For further information call 212-260-2000 or visit: www.rolandantiques.com


Van Cleef & Arpels Gold & Turquoise Porcupine Clip. Sold for $8,450.


Chinese Carved Jade Covered Vase. Sold for $16,900.