There are many striking antique Jewels coming up for Auction this month, with Dame Barbara Cartland’s Diamond and Pearl Necklace and Jewels from a Lady of Title are going on Auction at the Sotheby’s ‘Fine Jewelry’ Sale in London this week!
Diamond, Imitation Pearl and Paste Necklace
Estimate: 10,000 – 15,000 GBP
Formerly in the Collection of Dame Barbara Cartland
A Diamond, Imitation Pearl and Paste Necklace designed as a graduated fringe of stylised heart-shaped motifs, within foliate and festoon surrounds, set throughout with rose- and brilliant-cut diamonds, suspended beneath a paste riviere, issuing imitation pearl drops.
Dame Barbara Cartland (1901–2000) was one of the most prolific and recognisable writers of the 20th century, famed not only for her astonishing literary output of over 700 novels which were translated into more than 30 languages but also for her flamboyant style and unwavering belief in romance, beauty, and compassion. Her writing career began in 1925 with the publication of Jig-saw, and over the following decades she became synonymous with the modern romantic novel garnering millions of readers around the world.
Beyond her literary achievements, Dame Barbara devoted much of her life to philanthropy, supporting numerous causes including St John Ambulance, the RSPCA, and campaigns to improve the welfare of the elderly and the poor. In recognition of her contributions to British culture and charitable work, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1991.
In 1995 she sold a collection of jewellery at Sotheby’s, including this necklace and said “My jewellery has bought me a great deal of happiness and love…I am sure it will bring the same to anyone who wears it.”
Estimate: 10,000 – 12,000 GBP
Estimate: 6,000 – 8,000 GBP
Formerly in the collection of Lady Emma Hamilton
A Banded Agate Parure, the necklace composed of a series of oval and circular vari-sized banded agate cabochons within seed pearl and ropetwist borders, between fine trace-link chain swags, suspending four similarly-set pendants, with matching pendent earrings later converted to hat/hair pins, and pair of matching bracelets.
Lady Emma Hamilton (1765-1815)
Given by Lady Hamilton to Mrs H Cadogan, wife of the British Consul at Calais
Purchased in 1821 from Mrs H Cadogan by Mrs Roberts, remaining in the family until it was sold at Bonhams, London in 2005.
Accompanied by a copy of the ‘Special Nelson Supplement’ in The Standard Newspaper, dated 21st October 1905, marking the centenary of The Battle of Trafalgar, in which the article ‘Nelson’s Legacy to The Nation – Last Days of Lady Hamilton – Friends in Adversity’, details the provenance of the demi-parure, alongside a sketch of the necklace, bracelet and earrings/hat pins. The centenary supplement includes additional articles marking the 100 years since the battle such as ‘If Trafalgar Had Been Lost’ and ‘How England Heard The Tale’.
Lady Emma Hamilton became friends with the Queen of Naples whilst living in the region with her husband, Lord William Hamilton, prior to meeting Nelson in around 1787, leading to their notorious affair which lasted until his death at Trafalgar in 1805.
By family repute, the necklace, bracelets and pendent earrings were presented to Lady Hamilton by the Queen of Naples. She in turn gave it to Mrs H Cadogen, wife of the British Consul at Calais. It was purchased in 1821 from Mrs Cadogen by Mrs Roberts, remaining in the family until it was sold at Bonhams in 2005. It has since remained in the same collection for the last 20 years. Accompanied by several handwritten notes supporting the succession from Lady Hamilton to Mrs Cadogen and, in turn, to Mrs Roberts.
80,000 – 120,000 GBP
From the Devereux Family
A Sapphire and Diamond Ring, the cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 21.47 carats, the shoulders set with old brilliant-cut diamonds, circa 1930.
Given to the Hon. Mrs Robert Devereux (1901-1978) by her husband, the Hon. Robert Devereux (1894-1934), the son and heir of Robert Charles Devereux, 17th Viscount Hereford (1865-1952), thence by descent via her daughter, the Hon.Bridget Gaussen, nee Devereux (1931-2024).
Belonging to the Hon. Mrs Robert Devereux (1901-1978), this sapphire and diamond ring was a gift from her husband, the Hon. Robert Devereux (1894-1934), to mark the birth of their son, Robert Milo Devereux, in November-December1932. The Hon. Mrs Robert Devereux gifted the ring to her daughter, Hon. Bridget Gaussen, nee Devereux (1931-2024), thence by family descent.
Audrey Meakin married the Hon Robert Devereux, son and heir of Robert, 17th Viscount Hereford in December 1923, moving to Hampton Court in Herefordshire. She can be seen wearing her sapphire and diamond ring when photographed with her young son in The Sketch in late 1932 / early 1933. Well-known for her sense of style and carefully curated jewellery collection, the Hon Mrs Devereux can also be seen wearing the ring alongside other notable jewels in various photographs from the period, including in Tatler with her two children on 2 October 1935, wearing the ring alongside two long strands of pearls.
Estimate: 18,000 – 28,000 GBP
Property of a Lady of Title
Gem-set and Diamond Double Clip Brooch
Estimate: 10,000 – 15,000 GBP
Property of a Lady of Title
Estimate: 6,000 – 8,000 GBP
Property of a Lady of Title
Estimate: 6,000 – 8,000 GBP
Property of a Lady of Title
Estimate: 8,000 – 12,000 GBP
Property of a Lady of Title
Estimate: 3,000 – 5,000 GBP
Property of a Lady of Title
Opal and Diamond Clover Brooch
Estimate: 3,000 – 5,000 GBP
Property of a Lady of Title
Enamel, Pearl and Diamond Brooch
Estimate: 2,000 – 4,000 GBP
Property of a Lady of Title
Lacloche Frères Sapphire and Diamond Cufflinks
Estimate: 5,000 – 7,000 GBP
Property of a Lady of Title
Lacloche Frères Diamond Feather Brooch
Estimate: 8,000 – 12,000 GBP
Property of a Lady of Title
Estimate: 10,000 – 15,000 GBP
Property of a Lady of Title
Estimate: 2,600 – 3,500 GBP
Property of a Lady of Title
Estimate: 2,000 – 3,000 GBP
Property of a Lady of Title
Estimate: 1,500 – 2,600 GBP
Property of a Lady of Title
Mabé Pearl, Sapphire and Diamond Earrings
Estimate: 2,000 – 3,000 GBP
Property of a Lady of Title
Estimate: 5,000 – 7,000 GBP
Property of a Lady of Title
Estimate: 2,000 – 3,000 GBP
Property of a Lady of Title
