High-end jewelry manufacturer Van Cleef & Arpels has been creating outstanding pieces since 1906, and some of the most famous of all are the glamorous jewels of the Duchess of Windsor. Her remarkable collection was put together over the years, as her husband, King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom, loved to pamper her with precious gifts.
Their love story was a remarkable one, that lasted for 35 years and which caused a lot of controversy in the kingdom a that time. The duchess, whose name was Wallis Simpson, had had two husbands before King Edward, which was a serious impediment in their love story from a political point of view. Consequently, the king decided to abdicate his throne after just 11 moths of reign, only to be able to marry the woman he loved.
His love lasted for three and a half decades, until his death in 1972. In all these years, the Duchess of Windsor received many proofs of his dedication (as if giving up his royal status wasn’t enough), including some truly outstanding jewels manufactured by Van Cleef & Arpels. A stunning collection of these jewels will go under the hammer in the “Eight Exceptional Jewels from a Private Collection” sale on November 23.
The event will take place at Bonhams Hong Kong and it will include a 1936 ruby and diamond strap bracelet (estimated to fetch between $454,000 and $544,000) with 107 carats of rubies; an emerald and diamond necklace/bracelet/choker combination with 22 emeralds and 412 diamonds ($1,024,000-$$1,536,000); and a gorgeous sapphire (43.16 carats) and diamond ring ($560,000-$672,000).
