1959 Teenage Fashion Model Barbie With Glasses - Photo Mattel
A uniquely customized Barbie doll with a one-carat pink diamond necklace is going on the auction block at the famed Christie’s auction house in New York City. Estimated price for the collectible doll calls for the price range of $300,000 to $500,000.
Money generated by the Oct. 20 auction will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Jeweler Stefano Canturi planned the auction to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. He also designed the necklace on the doll, which features an emerald-cut diamond set in a geometric pattern.
“I wanted the jewelry design to pay homage to Barbie’s modern yet timeless style over the ages,” Canturi said.
Along with the necklace, the Barbie doll is wearing a black strapless dress and stiletto heals.
Toy company Mattel launched Barbie in 1959. The company estimates that around the world there are more than 100,000 dedicated Barbie collectors. About 90 percent of the collectors are women and their average age is 40. They purchase more than 20 dolls each year.
Vintage Barbie dolls are some of the most collected and valuable today. The original doll sold for $3 in 1959, but in October 2004, a mint condition Barbie from 1959 in the box sold for $3,552.50 on eBay.
The highest priced Barbie ever sold at auction was for $17,091 at Christie’s London in 2006.