Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to Auction

John Moran Auctioneers will host “The Estate of Joanna Carson” on March 3 in Los Angeles, featuring a selection of jewelry from Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier, plus jewels from Van Cleef & Arpels, David Webb, Nardi, and more. (Image courtesy of John Moran Auctioneers)

Los Angeles—The jewelry of the multi-talented Joanna Carson, who died last year, is headed to auction in Los Angeles next month.

John Moran Auctioneers will host “The Estate of Joanna Carson” live sale on March 3 at 10 a.m. Pacific time, featuring more than 400 lots of jewelry, fine art, and furniture.

Bidding is open online now.

Her jewelry collection features pieces by Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier, plus jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels, David Webb, Nardi, and other notable designers.

Carson was a model, philanthropist, and Broadway producer, as well as the third wife of “The Tonight Show” host Johnny Carson.

Joanna Carson and her former husband Johnny Carson, host of “The Tonight Show” (Image courtesy of John Moran Auctioneers)

Her first marriage in 1960 was to professional backgammon player Tim Holland, with whom she had a son named Joe.

After their divorce, she supported herself as a fashion model in New York. She met Johnny Carson in 1971 at the 21 Club, and they married the following year.

Their divorce in 1985, and the sizable settlement she received, made headlines.

“While many remember Joanna for her high-profile marriage and divorce, those who knew her best recall a gracious, kind woman who used that chapter of her life to fuel a lifetime of giving,” said the auction house.

She helped to establish the Women’s Rape Treatment Center and supported organizations serving children with disabilities, including SHARE (Share Happily and Reap Endlessly).

Carson also worked with the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, donating nearly $200 million to charity throughout her lifetime.

Proceeds from the Estate of Joanna Carson will benefit Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the David Geffen Foundation, and the Cher Foundation.

At the upcoming auction, collectors will appreciate the selection of signed, statement jewelry, said the auction house.

This 1977 Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier diamond necklace has a pre-sale estimate of $20,000 to $30,000.

The top jewelry lot is expected to be a 1977 Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace in 18-karat gold and platinum, set with 69 graduated pear-shaped diamonds totaling approximately 24.15 carats.

It has a pre-sale estimate of $20,000 to $30,000.

Also up for sale is an 18-karat gold Cuban link necklace set with ruby and sapphire cabochons and approximately 7.20 carats of diamonds. The pre-sale estimate is $15,000 to $20,000.

A gold Cuban link station necklace set with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires

Carson had an “affinity for bold, sculptural design,” said the auction house, reflected in her collection of David Webb jewelry.

A bold 18-karat gold David Webb collar necklace is expected to sell for $15,000 to $20,000, while a 7.25-carat diamond butterfly brooch from the brand has a pre-sale estimate of $7,000 to $9,000.

There are several Van Cleef & Arpels jewels up for sale as well, including a 1971 floral brooch featuring emerald, ruby, and sapphire cabochons and approximately 10.35 carats of diamonds. 

It is expected to sell for $12,000 to $18,000.

Other highlights include an 18-karat gold, enamel, ruby and diamond cross necklace (seen in the top image) with a pre-sale estimate of $12,000–$18,000, as well as a ruby and diamond heart link necklace with a pre-sale estimate of $10,000–$15,000.