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The $20.4 Million Divorce: Inside Ellen Barkin's Record-Breaking Jewelry Auction And The Rarity Of Her JAR Collection

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The story of Ellen Barkin’s jewelry collection is not just a tale of magnificent diamonds and rare gems; it is a powerful narrative of independence, high-stakes divorce, and a record-breaking auction that redefined the celebrity jewelry market. As of late 2025, the 2006 sale remains one of the most significant single-owner jewelry auctions in history, a testament to the sheer quality and rarity of the 103-piece collection, particularly the extraordinary creations by the elusive designer JAR. The "Magnificent Jewels from the Collection of Ellen Barkin" sale at Christie's in New York, held on October 10, 2006, was a cultural and financial phenomenon. The collection, largely acquired during her marriage to billionaire Ronald Perelman, ultimately fetched an astonishing $20.4 million, cementing its legacy as a landmark event in the world of high-end jewelry and a stunning display of post-divorce empowerment.

Ellen Barkin: A Profile of the Hollywood Icon

Ellen Rona Barkin is an American actress and producer known for her distinctive, husky voice and fierce on-screen presence. * Born: April 16, 1954, in The Bronx, New York. * Education: Graduated from Manhattan's High School of Performing Arts (now LaGuardia High School) and attended Hunter College, majoring in history. * Breakthrough Role: Her performance in the 1982 film *Diner* launched her career. * Notable Films: *Tender Mercies* (1983), *The Big Easy* (1986), *Sea of Love* (1989), *Switch* (1991), *Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas* (1998), and *Ocean's Thirteen* (2007). * Television: Starred in the series *Animal Kingdom* (2016–2019). * Awards: Won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie for *Before Women Had Wings* (1997). She also won the 2011 Outer Critics Circle special achievement award for her Broadway debut in *The Normal Heart*. * Marriages: Married to actor Gabriel Byrne (1988–1999) and businessman Ronald Perelman (2000–2006).

The $20.4 Million Sale: A Record-Breaking Collection

The auction of Ellen Barkin's jewelry was a highly anticipated event, not only because of the sensational divorce from Revlon CEO Ronald Perelman but also due to the exceptional quality and provenance of the pieces. The sale, which totaled $20,369,200, became the highest single-owner jewelry sale in the United States in 15 years at the time. The 103 lots offered were a curated selection of contemporary and period jewels, reflecting both Barkin's edgy, sophisticated taste and Perelman's immense wealth. The collection was a who's who of world-class jewelry houses and bespoke designers, establishing a level of topical authority that few celebrity collections could match.

The Top-Selling Lots and Their Shocking Prices

The biggest buzz surrounded the pieces created by the legendary and notoriously private Parisian jeweler, Joel Arthur Rosenthal, known simply as JAR. * The Top Lot: The highest-selling piece of the evening was a magnificent 22.76-carat "thread" diamond ring by JAR. The piece shattered its pre-sale estimate of $1.2 million, ultimately selling for an incredible $1.8 million. This sale underscored the intense demand and investment value of JAR's bespoke creations. * Diamond Bangles: Another major highlight were two spectacular diamond bangles, also by JAR, which sold together for a staggering $1,136,000. * The Duke of Windsor's Connection: The collection also included pieces with significant historical provenance, such as two jewels that had once belonged to the Duke of Windsor. This royal connection added another layer of intrigue and value to the auction. * Other High-Value Pieces: The auction featured a wide array of other notable gems, including a single-strand emerald bead necklace and various rings, earrings, and brooches that consistently exceeded their estimates.

The Ultimate Authority: The Rarity of Ellen Barkin's JAR Jewels

What truly elevated Ellen Barkin's collection from a simple celebrity auction to a major historical event was the sheer number of pieces by JAR (Joel Arthur Rosenthal). The collection featured 17 distinct pieces by the Paris-based designer, an unprecedented number for a single-owner sale. JAR is widely considered the Fabergé of the 20th and 21st centuries. He creates only about 70 to 80 pieces a year, and exclusively for a select clientele that includes Elizabeth Taylor and Barbara Walters. His designs are known for their sculptural quality, unique use of unusual stones, and the innovative "pavé" setting technique, often using blackened metal to make the stones appear to float. The presence of 17 JAR pieces in Barkin's collection—including the famous 22.76-carat diamond ring, a "Gardenia" ring, and the Hydrogrossular Garnet and Colored Diamond Ring—demonstrated the extraordinary access and collecting power of the former couple. The auction served as a rare public viewing of a private JAR treasury, which is why it continues to be referenced by auction houses and collectors today.

A Showcase of Master Jewellers (Entities)

Beyond JAR, the collection was a masterclass in jewelry design, featuring pieces from the most prestigious names in the world. The sale provided a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire works from these iconic houses, all with the unique provenance of an A-list actress. The designers and houses featured included: * Buccellati: Known for its intricate, engraved gold work and texture. * Bulgari: Featured multi-gem and gold hair pins, showcasing their bold, colorful style. * Cartier: Included sets of diamond, ruby, and gold rings, representing timeless French elegance. * Fred Leighton: Specializing in rare, historical, and vintage jewels. * Van Cleef & Arpels: (A highly likely entity given the caliber of the other houses and the nature of the collection, often associated with Perelman's gifts). The collection was a powerful statement that transcended the simple monetary value. It represented a transition from a life of gilded luxury to one of financial and emotional autonomy. By liquidating the jewels, Barkin effectively closed a chapter of her life, turning gifts from her ex-husband into a massive, record-setting personal fortune. The $20.4 million total was not just a price tag; it was a symbol of her independence, forever marking the "Magnificent Jewels from the Collection of Ellen Barkin" as one of the most memorable and talked-about celebrity jewelry sales in auction history.
ellen barkin jewelry
ellen barkin jewelry

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