Sotheby's to Sell Sinatras' 21ct. Diamond

RAPAPORT... Sotheby's New York will auction a 20.60-carat diamond ring thatFrank Sinatra gifted to his wife on their engagement in 1976. The emerald-cut diamond ring is one of several pieces ofBarbara Sinatra's jewelry that will feature at the Magnificent Jewels auctionon December 4. Frank popped the question by throwing two diamonds on their bedand telling her to pick one. Once she had made her selection, he then droppedit into her glass of champagne. The formal proposal didn't come until Barbaramade him choose which finger to put it on, according to her memoir, LadyBlue Eyes. Barbara wrote of her "romantic husband," saying Frank "wentout of his way to make me feel loved and cherished every day." The Sotheby's auction will also feature a Sinatra-owned rubyand diamond bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels with the jewelry house's unique"mystery set" style that assembles stones so that no prongs are visible. Thepiece is estimated at $150,000 to $250,000. A platinum, diamond and gold-coinnecklace by Bulgari valued at $15,000 to $20,000 will also go under the hammer. The jewels are part of a larger collection of Sinatra itemsthat includes film and entertainment memorabilia, personal accessories,letters, books and artwork. Those lots will be sold at the auction house's variousDecember sales. Image: A 20.60-carat diamond ring from the collection of Barbara Sinatra. (Sotheby's)