Sotheby's to Sell Egyptian Cinema Icon's Diamonds

RAPAPORT... Diamond jewels belonging to actress Hind Rostom, the "First Lady of Egyptian Cinema," will go under the hammer at an upcoming Sotheby's auction in Geneva.Rostom was one of the most popular movie stars during the golden age of Arab cinema, starring in more than 80 films and often heralded as the Arab world's answer to Marilyn Monroe, the auction house said Sunday. Her family will offer eight lots from her private collection at the November 10 Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale, the first time any of her pieces have been up for auction.An avid collector, Rostom sourced jewels from around the world - and created several of her own signature designs, mainly featuring diamonds and rubies. The sale includes an emerald and diamond bracelet with an openwork geometric design, valued at CHF 18,000 to CHF 25,000 ($19,475 to $27,049), and a necklace set with brilliant-cut diamonds. That piece is estimated at CHF 7,500 to CHF 8,500 ($8,115 to $9,197). Another notable item is a pair of diamond ear clips in a cluster design. The set, created by David Webb in the 1960s, has a high estimate of CHF 6,500 ($7,033)."Forever portraying powerful women, [Rostom] became a bold symbol of feminism and Arab independence," Sotheby's noted. "Having retired at the peak of her career in 1979, and famously turning down large sums to tell her life story, she has remained a glamorous enigma."Image: The diamond and emerald bracelet. (Sotheby's)