Some people find old love letters tucked inside used books. Others stumble across a forgotten childhood toy in a thrift store. But for one Gray’s client, nostalgia came in the form of a gold ring, one that transported her straight back to the jewelry counters of Barney’s circa 1989.

A chance encounter with an auction listing set the wheels in motion. A bidding war ensued. The stakes were high (emotionally, at least). And in the end? Well, let’s just say it was a reunion decades in the making. One of our clients, a passionate collector, sends us her story.

The white-gloved doorman greeted me as he held open the door. I suddenly found myself being transported into a world that felt like no other. The way the store was set up and curated felt as if everything was selected just for me. Mouth agape and eyes wide open, I began soaking in everything. The impeccably edited selection of curiosities, designer offerings, and shoes were a sight to behold. But the jewelry, oh the jewelry, that was something else…

The year was 1989. I was attending law school in the city and had just moved into my first apartment. Having a day to myself, I started investigating the surrounding neighborhoods to my apartment. When I suddenly found myself in Barneys. That impromptu visit would begin a love affair that would only end upon Barneys closing in February 2019 (although I did get to go again on a recent visit to Japan as they still have several stores.) 

Barneys was more than a store, it was a way of life. Although I was drawn to every inch of the store, I inevitably always found myself staring longingly at the jewelry counter. The rich orange high-karat gold and sparkling diamonds captivated me. The designs of Linda Lee Johnson were so organic, weighty, and original. I would press my nose so closely to the jewelry cases that I left a mark on them by the time I could finally pull myself away. Linda Lee Johnson was the first Jewelry designer for Barneys, and she was exclusive to them. They started carrying her jewelry in 1989 and that relationship lasted until her passing in 2018. After Barneys closed I scoured the internet for her designs. 

Recently, I don’t know how, I stumbled upon a selection of baubles and gems from an estate that was set to be auctioned at Grays Auctioneers. I began to look through their catalogue of offerings and felt the familiar headiness of discovering someone who understood my aesthetic. All of the jewelry was something I would have selected for myself. As I was scrolling, I suddenly stopped in my tracks. There, right in front of my very eyes, was a pristine Linda Lee Johnson ring (I knew right away because I had her inventory burned in my brain from years and years of coveting her designs and also by her hallmark bee insignia that she always inscribed on the underside of her jewelry.)

I never participated in an auction before but I had to try. I followed the instructions on how to register and marked the day on my calendar. When the day finally arrived, I logged into the auction and followed the prompts. There were so many beautiful jewels and baubles from this estate that I just couldn’t resist and bid on some things as I was waiting for the ring. I didn’t win any of those items, which was completely fine, as I didn’t want to get too carried away waiting for the piece de resistance. However, in retrospect, I must say wow! There were truly so many special pieces. The collection was truly a testament to an interesting life well lived. I was having so much fun and I found myself really enjoying the whole process. Finally, lot number 42! It was now time to bid on my ring. The auctioneer presented the item and my heart started racing in anticipation. I heard my bid being yelled out, fingers crossed I waited, willing the gavel to go down. Not so fast, ugh, someone yelled out a competing bid. Not to be deterred, I countered.

Please, please, please let the hammer go down….

Once, twice, sold! To me! What?! I won! And for such a great price?!

Working with Grays was such a pleasure, from the auction, to the sale, to the receipt of my ring. When the ring arrived I ripped open the box with such zeal. I literally put it on my finger without looking and haven’t taken it off since. With the ring securely ensconced on my finger, I researched the person and the estate where the ring came from. All of her jewelry was so beautiful and impeccably selected. I needed to know more about this person. She was a very philanthropic and accomplished woman with a lot of causes and interests very close to my heart. As I wear the ring, I think she and Linda Lee Johnson would be happy to see the second life the piece of jewelry has and how much I appreciate it.

I also think so fondly of Grays and how they helped to unite me with a ring that is so much more than a piece of jewelry. It’s a piece that stirs up happy memories of a young woman in her 20s discovering herself and her beloved city.

And that, dear reader, is how an auction turns into a full-circle moment. Some people come to Gray’s looking for a statement piece. Others come looking for history. And occasionally, someone walks away with a tangible reminder of who they were, who they are, and where they’ve been.

Moral of the story? Always keep an eye on the auction catalogue. You never know when your past (or present) might come knocking.