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Lot Essay
Arts patron, philanthropist and hospitality entrepreneur, Elaine Wynn (1942-2025) is remembered for her heart as much as her style. Known as one of the last doyennes of old-world glamour and the ‘Queen of Las Vegas’, Elaine transformed her adopted city with her eye for art, architecture and style. Her personal collection reflects that same instinctive sensibility, bringing together masterpieces of visual art, design, fashion and jewelry, altogether capturing the life of a woman dedicated to the enduring power of beauty.
In Las Vegas, Los Angeles and throughout America, Elaine played a vital role in advocating for education and the arts. In addition to establishing the Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation to support community organizations, her leadership roles included chairing the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Foundation, co-chairing Nevada’s Blue Ribbon Education Reform Task Force, serving as president of the State Board of Education in Nevada, and serving on the national board of Communities in Schools, supporting underserved youth across America.
In addition to supporting Las Vegas’ Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Elaine was also a major supporter of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and President Barack Obama appointed her to the board of trustees of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 2010. As one of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s greatest champions, she made indelible contributions whilst also serving as its board’s co-chair. In 2024, it was announced that Wynn would co-chair a partnership between LACMA and the proposed Las Vegas Museum of Art, filling a crucial gap in Las Vegas as the largest city in America without an art museum. For Wynn, access to education and art was always at the fore.
Elaine’s legacy is one of incomparable taste and a passion for beauty in all aspects of her life. The reputation of Elaine’s art collection precedes her and her jewelry collection is equally worthy of recognition. With jewels that speak to the taste of a woman who presented with poise and power, high-impact diamonds and bursts of color from richly saturated colored gemstones are showcased in Lots 88 through 95. Featuring jewels by notable designers including Bulgari, David Webb, Graff and Harry Winston, Christie’s is honored to present Elaine: The Collection of Elaine Wynn.
In Las Vegas, Los Angeles and throughout America, Elaine played a vital role in advocating for education and the arts. In addition to establishing the Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation to support community organizations, her leadership roles included chairing the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Foundation, co-chairing Nevada’s Blue Ribbon Education Reform Task Force, serving as president of the State Board of Education in Nevada, and serving on the national board of Communities in Schools, supporting underserved youth across America.
In addition to supporting Las Vegas’ Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Elaine was also a major supporter of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and President Barack Obama appointed her to the board of trustees of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 2010. As one of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s greatest champions, she made indelible contributions whilst also serving as its board’s co-chair. In 2024, it was announced that Wynn would co-chair a partnership between LACMA and the proposed Las Vegas Museum of Art, filling a crucial gap in Las Vegas as the largest city in America without an art museum. For Wynn, access to education and art was always at the fore.
Elaine’s legacy is one of incomparable taste and a passion for beauty in all aspects of her life. The reputation of Elaine’s art collection precedes her and her jewelry collection is equally worthy of recognition. With jewels that speak to the taste of a woman who presented with poise and power, high-impact diamonds and bursts of color from richly saturated colored gemstones are showcased in Lots 88 through 95. Featuring jewels by notable designers including Bulgari, David Webb, Graff and Harry Winston, Christie’s is honored to present Elaine: The Collection of Elaine Wynn.