Sotheby's 1987 Duchess Of Windsor Jewelry Auction Catalog - A Must-Have!
Did a collection of jewels, once belonging to a woman who captivated the world, spark a bidding frenzy unlike any other? The 1987 Sotheby's auction of the Duchess of Windsor's jewels not only set auction records but also cemented her legacy as a style icon and a figure of enduring fascination.
Throughout their extraordinary life together, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, a couple synonymous with both romance and controversy, commissioned exquisite jewelry from the most prestigious makers of the 20th century. Her eye for design and her penchant for wearing these pieces set new trends in jewelry, making her a fashion icon of her day. The auction catalog, a meticulous record of this opulent collection, provides a glimpse into the couple's world. This hardcover catalog, meticulously documenting each piece and including the achieved prices, is a testament to the couples taste and the enduring allure of their story. The catalog was created for the sale held in Geneva and is a first edition, offering accessibility to a wide audience.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Wallis, Duchess of Windsor (ne Bessie Wallis Warfield Simpson) |
| Born | June 19, 1896, in Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Died | April 24, 1986, in Paris, France |
| Known for | Being the wife of the Duke of Windsor (formerly King Edward VIII), and for her impeccable style and extensive jewelry collection. |
| Marriages |
|
| Style and Influence | Considered a fashion icon, she influenced jewelry and fashion trends. Her taste was both daring and elegant, often incorporating bold designs and precious gemstones. |
| Jewelry Highlights |
|
| Legacy |
|
| Reference | Sotheby's Auction Results |
The auction, held in Geneva after the Duchess's death, was a spectacle of its own, a testament to the lasting power of her image and the allure of her possessions. Among the treasures that went under the hammer was the iconic Cartier diamond and onyx panther bracelet, which fetched an astonishing $1.27 million. This single piece was just a fraction of the collection, with the auction amassing a total of $50 million, equivalent to 30 million.
The auction wasn't merely a sale; it was a moment of historical significance, with each item whispering tales of love, scandal, and a life lived in the spotlight. The Cartier 20th wedding anniversary brooch, a symbol of their enduring affection, also attracted significant interest. The catalog, a rare first edition, offered an in-depth look at these pieces, making it an invaluable resource for collectors, auction enthusiasts, and those fascinated by the Duchess's life and her impact on the world of high fashion and design.
The catalog, published by Geneva in 1987, provided a thorough guide to the auction's lots, offering detailed descriptions and stunning visuals to potential buyers and enthusiasts worldwide. This catalog is more than just a price list; it is a window into a lifestyle, a document of an era and a collector's dream. The inclusion of achieved prices allows for detailed analysis of the market's reactions to each piece, providing insight into the value placed on these treasures and the enduring fascination with the Duchess.
The Cartier jewelry from the Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII collection resurfaced at auction again in November 2010, sold by Sotheby's. This auction further highlighted the enduring appeal of the Duchess's collection, demonstrating that her legacy continued to resonate with collectors and the public alike. The Cartier diamond bracelet, worn by the Duchess on her wedding day, was a particularly poignant piece. It represented not only an exquisite piece of jewelry but also a symbol of the couple's commitment and the unconventional path they had chosen. The bracelet was a tangible connection to one of the most famous love stories of the 20th century.
The auction catalogs like these are highly sought after. They offer a glimpse into a world of glamour, luxury, and high society. The catalog, complete with detailed descriptions and color photographs, is a primary source for understanding the value and provenance of each piece. The Duchess of Windsor's jewelry collection, showcased in these catalogs, has become a benchmark of elegance and style, influencing jewelry design for generations. The very existence of the catalog, the brand being Geneva and the year 1987, signifies the historical significance of the event and its enduring impact.
The auction of the jewels was a major event. The sale of the Duchess's collection was not only a financial success but also a cultural one. The proceeds from the auction were donated to the Pasteur Institute in Paris, adding a philanthropic dimension to the event and ensuring that the Duchess's legacy would continue to benefit society. This auction was held on April 2nd and 3rd, 1987. The catalog, with its beautiful color photographs of the jewels, is in very nice condition.
The Duchess of Windsor's collection extended far beyond a simple assemblage of beautiful objects. She had commissioned pieces from the top makers of the 20th century, including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Belperron. The pieces often reflected her personal style and her unique collaborations with designers. The Duchess's bold choices and her confidence in wearing them set a new standard for jewelry design. The style was characterized by striking shapes, bold color combinations, and innovative use of materials.
The Cartier flamingo brooch, commissioned by the Duke for the Duchess in 1940 as a birthday gift, is another example of their commitment to art. The piece exemplifies their shared appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship. The duke worked closely with Cartier jewelry designer Jeanne Toussaint to bring his vision to life. The result was a collection of exceptional jewelry that blended artistic expression with personal significance. This collaboration and the creation of these remarkable pieces show the high regard and intimate understanding that they had for each other, cementing their role as tastemakers.
The collection, containing over 330 lots illustrated in full color, described in detail, offered a comprehensive overview of the Duchess's jewelry collection. The auction included items from various time periods and styles, which showed the breadth of her taste and interests. Her choices were very influential, as the items were sought after by collectors around the world.
Among the highlights of the auction was the sale of a Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond necklace, which fetched an astounding $2,603,308. The sale of the necklace was a highlight of the event, reflecting the beauty and value of the piece. The auctions success was a clear demonstration of the appeal of the Duchess's style and her legacy. The sale showed that her collection would continue to be valued for decades to come.
The auction catalogs, which were offered for sale, give a sense of the context surrounding each piece and offer insights into the design and provenance of the items. They reveal the stories behind each piece, as well as the social context of their creation. The catalog provides a full history of the auction, allowing buyers to understand the objects fully.
The Duke and Duchess's love story had all the ingredients of a romantic drama, complete with societal disapproval, personal sacrifice, and a deep bond. The Duke, formerly King Edward VIII, gave up the throne for Wallis Simpson, solidifying their relationship. The couple's romance drew worldwide attention. Their story continues to be a reference point for the history of romance and love.
In the spring and summer of 1944, the Duchess of Windsor was unwell for several months. Later, she was admitted to the Roosevelt Hospital in New York, where she had an operation for appendicitis, complicated by issues that appeared on August 31st. The details of the Duchess's health and well-being highlight the human side of this famous couple, and show the trials that she faced.
The jewels the Duchess owned were not just beautiful objects, but they were also reflections of her life, love, and personality. The panther bracelet, the flamingo brooch, and the other pieces in her collection captured the essence of her elegance and taste. Her collection was an expression of her character. Her jewelry designs continue to inspire designers and collectors.
The auction of the Duchess of Windsor's jewels was a historic event, not just for the prices they fetched, but also for the legacy it created. The auction provided a tangible link to a significant moment in history, as her story continues to live on. The sale provided a testament to her lasting influence on style and culture. In November 2010, Sotheby's held another auction featuring items that previously belonged to the Duchess and King Edward VIII, reinforcing the continuous fascination of the public.
The auction, held over two days in Geneva, was a landmark event in the jewelry world. The sale offered a mix of pieces, which included a variety of styles, designers, and time periods. The auction presented a panorama of design trends. The event showed the global fascination with the Duchess of Windsor, with buyers from around the world.
The auction catalog, a testament to the Duchess's style and taste, offers a unique perspective on her life and her connection to the world of jewelry. The catalog, filled with color photos and detailed descriptions, provides a glimpse into the history and allure of the items and is a great item for collectors. It is a window into the life and times of the Duchess of Windsor.
The sale of the Duchess of Windsor's jewelry collection was a major event. The auction demonstrated the Duchess's profound effect on the world. The jewelry designs that she wore have influenced fashion for many years. The auction proceeds were donated to the Pasteur Institute in Paris, further highlighting the impact of the event.
The collection included over 16 pieces by Belperron, with most remaining unidentified. The auction gave an opportunity to see the range and extent of the pieces. The collection of jewelry was the largest sale in history, which cemented the importance of the event. The pieces went on sale at auction, and the event had an indelible effect on the world of jewelry.
The auction catalog also captured the historical setting in which the Duchess's collection was created, illustrating the significance of the pieces. The footnotes of the catalog add information. The catalog continues to inspire readers and collectors.
The story of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, one of the most melodramatic love stories of the 20th century, continues to capture imaginations. Her style was a source of inspiration, and her jewelry collection symbolized her remarkable life. This auction cemented the legacy of the Duchess of Windsor as a style icon and a significant figure in history. The catalog, a tangible symbol of the event, continues to fascinate collectors and historians alike.
