Marlene Dietrich’s iconic Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond bracelet stars in the collection of the late philanthropist, interior designer and granddaughter of Dwight D. Eisenhower
When asked by Architectural Digest in 1990 — the same year she was named one of the publication’s Top 100 designers — to describe her interior design style, Anne Eisenhower responded, ‘Traditional, but for today’s living: comfortable, with a “lived-in” look; uncluttered without appearing austere.’ As known for her humble character as for her undeniable glamour, the late philanthropist and designer approached all aspects of her life with that same sense of effortless grace.
She was the sort of person that when she walked into a room you noticed her, not because she was over the top, but because she sailed in and was simply an elegant presence,’ recalls Lisa Hubbard, Christie’s Jewellery Senior Advisor, who shared a decades-long friendship with Eisenhower. In addition to Anne’s ‘wicked sense of humour’, Hubbard bonded with her over a deep appreciation for jewellery. But it was only later in life that the advisor would discover her friend’s trove of treasures worn during her heyday on the New York City social scene, chockful of black-tie charity galas.
More than 30 of these jaw-dropping pieces will be featured in the Magnificent Jewels of Anne Eisenhower on 7 June during Christie’s Luxury Week in New York. Hubbard expects the public to be as awestruck as she was by the collection, which brims with ‘the big four’ — diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds — as well as exceptional historic and contemporary jewels: ‘Anne had the wherewithal to acquire incredible pieces of jewellery that once you’ve seen them, you never forget them.’
Smart, talented, and gracious,
Anne Eisenhower was the epitome of dignity,
elegance, and New York chic.
Impeccably stylish and thoroughly charming,
she led a life staying true to her values,
sparkling with creativity.
Her collection of magnificent jewels
is an extension of her exceptional taste
and sophisticated style.
She was the granddaughter
of the 34th President of the United States
and spent much of her early childhood in the White House.
An acclaimed interior designer and generous philanthropist,
Anne had a true love and appreciation for art.
Her classical interiors with their whimsical touches
reflected the woman herself,
a living embodiment of the glamor and vitality
associated with New York City.
Anne assembled the collection
that has everything to make it the best.
Impeccable quality, breadth, and unique provenance,
superb diamonds and gemstones, superior craftsmanship,
and extraordinary designs throughout.
There was a refinement as to what
and how the jewelry was collected.
Like almost every great jewelry collection,
there is an important white diamond at its core
with the big three in color gemstones,
sapphires, emeralds, and of course, rubies.
Anne was able to appreciate the artistry of jewelry.
The Marlene Dietrich Van Cleef & Arpels
Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
and the Moonlight Rose Bracelet by Tiffany & Co.
are standout examples of period jewelry.
The Marlene Dietrich Bracelet was acquired at auction in 1992.
Shortly thereafter, Anne went to Van Cleef & Arpels
to have a complimentary necklace and earrings
made to complete the look.
The Moonlight Rose Bracelet looks rather like
a scroll painting telling a story.
It made the jewelry much more
than just a decorative ornament,
but something that really was artistic
from the point of conception.
The jewels in Anne's collection are timeless.
Those who say that there is no art to jewelry
were just wrong.
