A sapphire and diamond ring that iconic songwriter Irving Berlin gave his wife of 62 years will headline Doyle’s Dec. 14 Important Jewelry sale in New York.
Berlin and Ellin Mackay—a writer of short stories and novels—were married from 1926 until her death in 1988 (he passed away the following year, at the age of 101). Despite social barriers and disapproval from Mackay’s wealthy family, their romance had blossomed after Berlin dedicated a song to her. Their enduring love inspired such Berlin hits as “Always.”
The circa 1928 ring is just one of many jewels Berlin gave his wife during their marriage. With an 18.22 ct. emerald-cut sapphire and baguette and small old-mine single-cut diamonds, it’s a piece as timeless as the Berlins’ love. Doyle’s upcoming auction will also include work by prestigious makers such as Cartier, Harry Winston, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Tiffany & Co.
With a prolific career spanning over seven decades, Berlin is a major name in the Great American Songbook. Born in Russia, he immigrated to the U.S. with his family as a child. Though he had minimal formal training and couldn’t read music, Berlin composed an array of hits unparalleled even today, including “White Christmas,” “God Bless America,” “Cheek to Cheek,” “Blue Skies,” “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” American composer Jerome Kern put it best: “Irving Berlin has no place in American music. He is American music.”
(Photos courtesy of Doyle)
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