Tony Award-winning choreographer, dancer, actress, singer and muse of Bob Fosse, Ann Reinking didn’t just captivate on stage. The late Broadway star also shone in real life, thanks to a fabulous jewelry collection. Several of Reinking’s pieces are so significant that they are part of Bonhams New York Jewels’ latest sale which begins today.
With her piercing blue eyes and bubbly personality, it’s no surprise that Reinking had a penchant for sapphires and diamonds, evidenced by the 26 pieces from her collection featured in the auction. Many of these pieces are ones Reinking picked up in the 70s and 80s when she first started appearing on the red carpets of prestigious award shows. Diamonds and sapphires are a big theme at this sale, with a Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring from Bulgari and a sapphire and diamond ring from Kashmir leading the auction.
Reinking wore the Tiffany & Co. sapphire and diamond earrings and necklace featured in this auction during his 1983 Oscar presentation, as well as in publicity photos. Other notable pieces in this auction include a double row diamond necklace from Hammerman Brothers, a ruby and diamond necklace from Cartier, and a gold opal necklace.
“This is a rare opportunity to own jewelry owned and worn by the incomparable Ann Reinking, Tony Award-winning choreographer and Broadway star,” says Caroline Morrissey, Head of Jewelry at Bonhams New York. “Her pieces have the same grace, beauty and iconic style that she was known for her dancing.
It’s not just a Broadway buff or a jewelry expert who will understand the provenance of these pieces. Reinking’s influence spans stage, studio and screen. After several years of performing in ensembles on shows like “Cabaret,” “Pippin” and “Coco,” she dazzled in the lead role of Roxie Hart in Fosse’s original production of “Chicago” and returned for the 1996 revival as Roxie and as the show’s choreographer, which won her a Tony Award for her modern take on Fosse’s vision. “Chicago” is still an active production and one of Broadway’s longest-running shows.
Reinking also appeared in films such as 1979’s “All That Jazz”, a semi-autobiographical film about Bob Fosse; “Micki & Maude” from 1984, and more specifically in the original film adaptation of Anne in 1983, where she dazzled as Oliver Warbucks’ secretary, Grace Farrell. Reinking’s experience as Fosse’s muse, protege and love interest was most recently documented in FX’s “Fosse/Verndon” in 2019. The scene icon passed away in December 2020, but his legacy lives on through popularity keep on “Chicago” and now this dazzling collection of jewelry as elegant and graceful as she was.
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