The contents of the late philanthropist Brooke Astor's two homes sold for $18.8 million, nearly twice the high estimate for the sale, at Sotheby's this week.

Some 901 objects, including European and Asian furnishings, Old Masters, Qing Dynasty paintings, tea sets, silverware, jewelry, a porcelain menagerie, along with more than 100 dog paintings, were sold to benefit various charities and non-profits.

Astor's emerald engagement ring brought more than $1.2 million.

In March, a settlement was made over Astor's estate that freed up $100 million for her charities. Her son, Anthony Marshall, was convicted of taking advantage of her dementia and changing her will before she died at age 105 in 2007.