A moment to celebrate one of the greatest actresses of Italian and international cinema by presenting approximately twenty pieces of jewelry chosen, loved, and worn by Claudia Cardinale throughout her life. For an artist who saw a "profound continuity" between her own life and the characters she portrayed, these jewels represent intimate, personal, and authentic choices. A style icon and symbol of Italian glamour, Claudia Cardinale also embodied a new idea of female emancipation. It is no coincidence that a portion of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Claudia Cardinale Foundation, created with her daughter Claudia Squitieri, with the aim of supporting contemporary audiovisual creation and promoting the talent of female artists.
An indomitable character, an extraordinary career, a timeless elegance
Voted "the most beautiful Italian in Tunis" in a competition she hadn't even chosen to enter, Claudia Cardinale didn't initially plan on becoming an actress. Shy and reserved, she was admitted to the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia in Rome not only for her beauty, but above all for her temperament. Her breakthrough came with the role of Angelica in The Leopard, where she embodied the modernity that was transforming traditional Italy. Luchino Visconti asked her to play the character "like a panther": sensual, magnetic, and profoundly Mediterranean. A muse of Federico Fellini and Visconti's favorite actress, Claudia Cardinale became the symbol of Italian cinema in its golden age. Her filmography, rich in timeless classics, allowed her to build a surprisingly versatile and international career. Elegant and photogenic, she lit up the red carpets of Cannes, Venice, Berlin, and Hollywood, also becoming an ambassador of Italian style around the world during the unique era of Rome's Dolce Vita.
Bulgari and Rome: an inevitable meeting
The meeting between the Roman film star and Bvlgari, a symbol of fine jewelry in the Eternal City, was inevitable. Founded in Rome in 1884, the maison intertwined its history with that of Cinecittà and the great international stars who frequented Via Condotti: Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, and Marlene Dietrich were among the great admirers of Bvlgari style. Among the collection's highlights is an extraordinary Serpenti watch from the 1960s, crafted in enamel and sapphires, with a dial signed Vacheron Constantin. This model, a symbol of Bvlgari's creativity and boldness, is estimated between €150.000 and €250.000. Three iconic Bvlgari rings will also be auctioned:
- a 30-carat ruby ring (€80.000–€100.000),
- a “Trombino” model with emerald (€60.000–€80.000),
- a star sapphire ring (€50.000–€80.000).
Completing the selection is a refined gold fox-shaped brooch and other jewels representative of the bold and chromatic style of the Roman maison.
The Milanese elegance of Buccellati
For over a century, Buccellati has represented Milanese goldsmith excellence. Its refined workmanship, often inspired by the Renaissance, has made the brand famous worldwide. Claudia Cardinale was deeply in love with Buccellati creations, characterized by floral motifs, lace-like openwork, and striking center stones. The auction will include:
- a gold and coral rose brooch,
- a floral brooch with diamonds and pearls,
- a sunflower brooch with diamonds and sapphires,
all with estimates between 5.000 and 7.000 euros.
Also on offer will be a precious complete Buccellati parure (€15.000–€25.000) and a rare antique butterfly brooch, a tribute to one of the maison’s iconic motifs, estimated between €20.000 and €30.000.
Place Vendôme and the great French maisons
Although deeply rooted in Italian jewelry, Claudia Cardinale was also a muse to the great fashion houses of Place Vendôme. Van Cleef & Arpels created for her, in 1963, a famous headpiece worn in the film The Pink Panther. The auction will feature an elegant gold cigarette case and powder compact by Van Cleef & Arpels, estimated between €15.000 and €25.000. The sale will also include several Cartier watches, including a classic gold Tank model.
A legacy that continues
In addition to celebrating Claudia Cardinale's cinematic greatness, this sale aims to support her last great commitment: supporting young female artists through the Claudia Cardinale Foundation. As Claudia Squitieri emphasizes: "My mother is as much a part of the history of cinema as I am of my personal history. Today, I proudly bear her name and continue the work of the Foundation we created together. The sale of her jewelry will naturally contribute to supporting female artists in their creative journeys, thus perpetuating the energy Claudia instilled in the Foundation."
