THE DUCHESS OF WINDSOR

Duchess of Windsor

$50, 281, 887

When the jewels of the Duchess of Windsor and objects of the Duke of Windsor were offered at Sotheby’s Geneva, April 2 and 3, 1987, they broke ground in the multiple worlds of royalty, infamy and historical provenance.

The $50 million total stood as a jewellery auction record for 24 years, until the Elizabeth Taylor sale. The couple at the centre of the “romance of the century” made headlines throughout their beleaguered lives, notably for their love of fashion and jewellery, and for the tawdry origins of their romance.

Every piece was of historic importance. Many were engraved with very personal, sometimes touching and occasionally embarrassing inscriptions. The pieces were shown being worn or used by the Windsors in photographs throughout the auction catalogue. Among her favourites was the flamingo brooch by Cartier, Paris, 1940, shown here, set with diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds.

The 306- lot sale was 100 percent sold and included some of the finest work from Van Cleef, Arpels and Cartier. The top lot was a diamond ring by Harry Winston, 1950, that was sold for $3, 153, 302. The auction proceeds were designated for the Pasteur Institute for medical research.

AUTUMN BRIDE

PERCY MARKS