Auctions

Jewelry Belonging to Victoria, Lady de Rothschild, Heads to Auction

AuctionsFeb 07, 2022

Jewelry Belonging to Victoria, Lady de Rothschild, Heads to Auction

Pieces from the style icon’s personal collection will go up for sale at UK auction house Dreweatts in March.

20220207_Rothschild header.jpg
Auction house Dreweatts will hold an auction of jewelry that belonged to the late Victoria, Lady de Rothschild, next month. An auction highlight is this Boucheron pink sapphire and ruby serpent ring, expected to sell for £2,000 to £3,000 ($2,700-$4,000).
London—Jewelry from the collection of the late Victoria, Lady de Rothschild, is heading to auction next month at Dreweatts’ London showroom.

The auction is scheduled for March 8 and 9, featuring her jewelry as well as a selection of silver and tableware.

Victoria, Lady de Rothschild, was born in Daytona Beach, Florida on Sept. 17, 1949, as Victoria Lou Schott, according to her obituary in The New York Times.

Born into a wealthy family, her father, Lewis M. Schott, was a lawyer and a businessman, while her mother Marcia Lou Whitney was a descendant of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Victoria was a successful woman in her own right, earning a B.A. in economics and later studying at the Columbia University Graduate School of Business.

In 1973, she married British financier Evelyn de Rothschild, a member of the Rothschild family. They had three children together, Jessica, Anthony, and David.

In addition to being a style icon, Victoria was a philanthropist, patron of the arts, and an avid collector, particularly of art and design pieces by 20th- and 21st-century designers.

She died Jan. 18, 2021, at the age of 71.

Her style was simple and clean, said Dreweatts, and so many of her jewels are statement beads, made by modern designers and craftsmen.

 Related stories will be right here … 

“She was a true champion of modern design and supported upcoming designers and artisans, which is demonstrated by the exciting pieces offered in the sale,” said James Nicholson, deputy chairman and international head of jewelry, silver and watches at Dreweatts.

“Her impeccable taste was much celebrated and I’m sure therefore that this collection will prove to be very popular.”

20220207_1-Rothschild.jpg
This disc necklace by American jeweler Irena Borzena Ustjanowski, or “IBU,” could sell for £4,000 to £6,000 ($5,400-$8,100).

Among the highlights of the sale is a Modernist style gold-colored disc necklace by American jeweler and sculptor Irena Borzena Ustjanowski, known artistically as “IBU.” The necklace is estimated to sell for £4,000 to £6,000 ($5,400-$8,100).

A Boucheron pink sapphire and ruby ring (seen above) in the shape of a coiled serpent will also hit the auction block. Its eyes are set with cabochon emeralds and its tail is set with a black diamond.

The signed piece is estimated to sell for £2,000 to £3,000 ($2,700-$4,000).

20220207_2-Rothschild.jpg
This necklace is by contemporary British designer Jacqueline Ryan, a favorite designer of Victoria, Lady de Rothschild.

Also heading to auction is a lapis lazuli and gold-colored necklace from contemporary British designer Jacqueline Ryan.

Ryan’s nature-inspired, organic forms spoke to Rothschild’s style, said Dreweatts, making the designer a favorite of hers.

The statement necklace is expected to sell for £1,500 to £2,000 ($2,000-$2,700)

20220207_3-Rothschild.jpg
This necklace by Algerian designer Taher Chemirk is also a part of the auction of Victoria, Lady de Rothschild’s jewelry.

A necklace by Algerian designer Taher Chemirk, also in the Modernist style, also is part of the sale.

The necklace features an azurite crystal set with a pair of brilliant-cut diamonds in a bezel setting with circular panels of cornelian and banded agate.

Chemirk’s work is characterized by his simplified shapes and clean lines as well as his experimentation with new and unusual materials, said Dreweatts.

The necklace is expected to sell for £700 to £1,000 ($950-$1,300).

20220207_4-Rothschild.jpg
German designer Dorothea Prühl created this “Haken” necklace.

A gold-colored and stainless-steel necklace by German designer Dorothea Prühl is another auction highlight.

Titled “Haken,” the necklace features circular links with lightning bolt-shaped gold-colored connectors.

Similar to Rothschild’s pieces from Jacqueline Ryan, Prühl’s work is also inspired by nature. The necklace is expected to sell for £300 to £500 ($400-$675).

A collection of Rothschild’s personal items was auctioned at Christie’s in December 2021, prior to her death that January, bringing in nearly £3.8 million ($5.1 million).

The Latest

GemFair x DBL Toi et Moi Ring
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal Diamonds

The collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.

Montana sapphire
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana Sapphires

The initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.

Clientbook
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking Tool

The new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Columbia Gem House celestial shapes
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes

Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.

Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Diamond center in Saurimo, Angola
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit

Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.

Francesca’s boutique
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All Stores

The retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Thomas Davis, Monalisa DePina, Jamie Batiste, Namwezi Nicole Batumike, Lavina Hunt-Lewis
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board Members

The new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.

Tiffany & Co. Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837 Campaign
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love Stories

The jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.

DCA colored gemstone course
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone Course

The new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.

Deutsch & Deutsch jewelers team
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in Texas

Family-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.

Baume & Mercier Riviera 10812 pink watch
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & Mercier

The Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.

Martin Katz snowflake earrings
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather

Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.

Ella Blum
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand Strategy

Ella Blum was appointed to the newly created role.

National-Jeweler_1872x1502_B copy.png
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone Market

Sponsored by RapNet

Lugano Diamonds Greenwich Connecticut store
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a Buyer

Investment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.

A Diamond Is Forever book
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ Book

It explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.

Sindhu Culas
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America President

Retail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.

Taylor Burgess
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales Officer

Taylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.

My Next Question podcast with Sherry Smith and Edahn Golan
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s Next

Was 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

Jules Kim of Bijules, Sophie Howard of By Pariah, Jade Ruzzo, Joy Haugaard of Lionheart, Vanessa Fernández of Vanessa Fernández Studio, Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026

Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.

Gavel and books stock image
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store Robbery

Plus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.

Felice Korr Morris
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91

Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.

Bulgari Vimini Collection Campaign
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations

“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.

The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay California
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AI

The third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.

Hiba Husayni, Jules Kim, Johnny Nelson, Dorian Webb, Lorraine West
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

The grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy