Barbara Walters' home decor, jewelry and more up for auction in New York City
MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) -- A major auction is underway in New York City and giving the public an opportunity to take home something that was once owned by the late great newswoman Barbara Walters.
Decor from her Upper East Side apartment, her jewelry, dresses, purses and other personal items are up for bidding.
The estate auction is being produced by Bonhams, along with Walters' daughter, Jaqueline Danforth, and they are calling it "Barbara Walters: American Icon."
Walters fought for interviews with Fidel Castro, Monica Lewinsky, every president from Richard Nixon to Barack Obama and all first ladies. She shattered glass ceilings for herself and others who have followed in her footsteps.
Now, the things that she owned, cherished, and touched are up for auction.
Jewelry expert Caroline Morrissey showed off some of Walters' jewels that are up for auction, including earrings, a 13-carat engagement ring and more.
Also up for bidding is Walters' dining room table, with service for 12 complete with Baccarat glasses and Oscar de la Renta upholstered chairs, starting at $500.
The star of the show might just be a rare painting by John Singer Sargent. Walters spent a lot of time in the American wing at the Met and was a great admirer of his paintings -- and the painting up for auction was one of her most prized possessions.
While the painting might be the most spectacular, her father's pocket watch might be the most personal.
Also on display is a party favor from Margaret Thatcher's birthday party, a ruby and diamond brooch she wore in a picture with Audrey Hepburn as well as gifts from foreign dignitaries.
The collection is open to the public this week.
Head there to see the somewhat regular (pillows with her pictures) - to the spectacular pieces, some starting at $50. All proceeds will go to some of Walters' favorite charities.
Walters died at the age of 93 last December.
In a career that spanned five decades, Walters won 12 Emmy awards, 11 of those while at ABC News.
Click here to learn more about the auction.
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