There are many spectacular Royal and Noble Jewels on Auction this autumn, and we are continuing by looking over the splendid Royal and Noble Jewels on Auction at the Bonhams London Jewels Sale today!
Bonhams London Jewels | 21 September 2023
Turquoise and Gem-Set Serpent Bangle
Estimate: £6,000 – £8,000
Presented to Matilda, Lady Slade by Queen Federica of Hanover
A Turquoise and Gem-Set Serpent Bangle, circa 1837, the body and head of the serpent set with turquoise cabochon ‘scales’, the head forming the clasp accented by a central old brilliant-cut diamond within a surround of seed and half pearls, the nostrils set with rose-cut diamonds and the eyes set with circular ruby cabochons, closed-back settings throughout, mounted in silver and gold, the silver interior engraved with the dedication, Presented to “Matilda” Lady Slade by “Federica” Queen of Hanover. 1837.
Diamond Fringe Necklace
Estimate: £10,000 – £15,000
Belonged to Lady E. M. Jenkins
A Diamond Fringe Necklace, circa 1890, the articulated chain, suspending an articulated knifewire fringe set with cushion-shaped and rose-cut diamonds with scrolling motifs, to a cable-link back chain. The outer lid of fitted case is embossed:
Presented to Lady E. M. Jenkins on the occasion of the launch of The Turbine Steamer “HEMIDONAX” at Birkenhead, 28th July 1953.
Lady E. M. Jenkins may be the wife of Sir Evan Meredith Jenkins, the last Governor of the Punjab during the British Raj.
Diamond and Pearl Tiara
Estimate: £15,000 – £25,000
A Diamond and Pearl Tiara, circa 1900, composed of scrolling foliate motifs, set throughout with old brilliant and rose-cut diamonds, accented by eleven pearls, graduating in size towards the centre, issuing knifewires terminating with old brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in gold and platinum.
Fabergé Chalcedony And Diamond Brooch
Estimate: £6,000 – £8,000
From the collection of Countess Olsoufieff, née Princess Abamelir Lazerew
A Fabergé Chalcedony And Diamond Brooch, circa 1900, the oval blue chalcedony cabochon within a rose-cut diamond ribbon bow surround. according to the vendor, this brooch originally belonged to Countess Olsoufieff, née Princess Abamelir Lazerew, thence by descent.
Diamond Tiara
Estimate: £14,000 – £18,000
A Diamond Tiara of undulating V-shaped form, with pierced and openwork palmette and scroll motifs, millegrain-set throughout with brilliant, old brilliant and single-cut diamonds, accented by fourteen larger cushion-shaped and old brilliant-cut diamonds and a central cushion-shaped diamond finial.
Art Deco Diamond Bandeau
Estimate: £20,000 – £30,000
An Art Deco Diamond Bandeau, circa 1920, of openwork Greek Key design, set throughout with cushion-shaped, old brilliant and rose-cut diamonds, delicate millegrain detail throughout.
Chaumet Diamond Necklace Tiara
Estimate: £120,000 – £150,000
Made for Archduchess Maria Dorothea of Austria, Duchess of Orleans
A Chaumet Diamond Necklace Tiara, circa 1900, the chain designed as a ribbon of old brilliant and rose-cut diamonds, suspending a fringe of seven drops pavé-set with old brilliant and table-cut, cushion and pear-shaped diamonds, each with a delicate rose-cut diamond laurel-leaf surmount, the stem punctuating a loop of the ribbon, connected by duos of pear-shaped diamonds, mounted in silver and gold.
Chaumet conceived the design of this jewel in 1896 when the firm was commissioned to make a tiara for the Archduchess Maria Dorothea of Austria (1867-1932) for her wedding to Philippe, Duke of Orleans. This first version, worn by the Archduchess in the two black and white photographs, is noted as having ‘inverted arches interspersed with laurel-leaf elements supporting large diamonds in tapered openwork mounts’ and was convertible to a necklace. Such was the design’s popularity that several slightly different versions were made. This lot is one such version and a rare survivor.
For another version, the Keroüartz tiara, set with baroque pearl drops, that would have also had interchangeable diamond drops, see exhibition catalogue “Chaumet In Majesty, Jewels of Sovereigns since 1780”, Monaco, 2019, pp 164-5.
