Steve McQueen’s Anniversary Gift for First Wife Heads to Auction

By Annie Davidson Watson | February 12, 2024

Jewelry from the personal collection of Filipino American actress and singer Neile Adams, first wife of the late movie star Steve McQueen, will be in Bonhams’ California Jewels sale on Feb. 13.

“The first California Jewels sale of 2024 includes some extraordinary jewelry with exceptional stones and exquisite craftsmanship,” said Emily Waterfall, director of the auction house’s jewelry department in Los Angeles. “We are honored to present the collection of Neile Adams McQueen, which embodies her taste and discernment as a collector and celebrates such a spectacular figure in entertainment history.”

Adams and McQueen wed just four months after meeting in 1956, and were married until 1972. A ring with a nearly 6 ct. light yellow diamond that McQueen gave Adams on their 13th wedding anniversary is one of the 13 lots from Adams in the Bonhams auction. Some of them are pictured here.

McQueen yellow diamond ring — *Ring in platinum with 5.92 ct. pear-shape brilliant-cut fancy light yellow diamond and tapered baguette diamonds, estimate $25,000–$35,000*

McQueen platinum ring — *Ring in platinum, signed “Monture Cartier,” with a 3.8 ct. old European cut diamond, estimate $25,000–$35,000*

Mcqueen set — *Necklace and earring set in 18k yellow gold and enamel with old mine cut diamonds, estimate $4,000–$6,000*

McQueen ring — *Ring in platinum with 1.8 cts. t.w. rectangular and square step-cut rubies and 2.45 cts. t.w. round and baguette diamonds, estimate $1,500–$2,500*

McQueen cross — *Pendant in 14k gold with 3.6 cts. t.w. old mine cut diamonds, estimate $2,000–$3,000*

McQueen amethyst ring — *Raymond Yard ring in platinum with a 31.5 ct. cushion-cut amethyst and 1.3 cts. t.w. half-round, single-cut, baguette, and modified baguette diamonds, estimate $2,000–$3,000*

The Feb. 13 California Jewels sale will include more than 300 lots in addition to those from Neile Adams McQueen. They include significant gemstones and top designer names. Below are a few highlights.