AuctionsApr 29, 2025
‘Golconda Blue’ Diamond Pulled From AuctionAuctionsMay 05, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Heads to Auction
The turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.
This turquoise and diamond tiara by Cartier, which belonged to American-born British politician Nancy Astor, is up for auction at Bonhams “London Jewels” sale next month.
London—Nancy Astor’s turquoise and diamond tiara by Cartier is going up for auction at Bonhams.
The tiara, circa 1930, is a highlight of the “London Jewels” sale, slated for June 5 at its Bond Street location.
The sale will be the first time the “exceptionally rare” tiara, owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor (1879-1964), has appeared on the market since it was purchased by her husband Lord Astor in 1930, said Bonhams.
Born Nancy Witcher Langhorne in Danville, Virginia, the American-born British politician was the first woman to take her seat in Parliament, serving from 1919 to 1945.
She moved to England in 1905 and met American-born Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount Astor (1879-1952), on the same trip across the Atlantic from America. Her husband, the great-great-grandson of American fur magnate Jacob Astor, was also a member of Parliament and the proprietor of The Observer, a London Sunday newspaper.
The pair married in 1906 and moved into Cliveden, their estate in Buckinghamshire, England, gifted to them by Astor’s father.
Nancy Astor was a prominent hostess for the British elite while also advocating for temperance, welfare, education reform, and women’s rights in parliament.
Her turquoise and diamond tiara will be “the star of the sale,” said Jean Ghika, Bonhams global head of jewelry.
The tiara is set throughout with old brilliant, single, and rose-cut diamonds, with a principal old brilliant-cut diamond at the center and three fluted turquoise plumes set with brilliant and single-cut diamond stems. Each side of the tiara features a radiating fan-shaped turquoise panel design.
The Cartier tiara has a pre-sale estimate of £250,000 to 350,000 ($332,300 to $465,300).
Related stories will be right here …
The tiara, circa 1930, is a highlight of the “London Jewels” sale, slated for June 5 at its Bond Street location.
The sale will be the first time the “exceptionally rare” tiara, owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor (1879-1964), has appeared on the market since it was purchased by her husband Lord Astor in 1930, said Bonhams.
Born Nancy Witcher Langhorne in Danville, Virginia, the American-born British politician was the first woman to take her seat in Parliament, serving from 1919 to 1945.
She moved to England in 1905 and met American-born Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount Astor (1879-1952), on the same trip across the Atlantic from America. Her husband, the great-great-grandson of American fur magnate Jacob Astor, was also a member of Parliament and the proprietor of The Observer, a London Sunday newspaper.
The pair married in 1906 and moved into Cliveden, their estate in Buckinghamshire, England, gifted to them by Astor’s father.
Nancy Astor was a prominent hostess for the British elite while also advocating for temperance, welfare, education reform, and women’s rights in parliament.
Her turquoise and diamond tiara will be “the star of the sale,” said Jean Ghika, Bonhams global head of jewelry.
The tiara is set throughout with old brilliant, single, and rose-cut diamonds, with a principal old brilliant-cut diamond at the center and three fluted turquoise plumes set with brilliant and single-cut diamond stems. Each side of the tiara features a radiating fan-shaped turquoise panel design.
The Cartier tiara has a pre-sale estimate of £250,000 to 350,000 ($332,300 to $465,300).
“Cartier has long been recognized as the name behind some of the world’s most important jewels, and the Astor turquoise and diamond tiara dates to a period when Cartier London was at the height of their creative prowess,” said Ghika.
The design is “truly unique,” said Ghika, noting its distinctive plumes, leaves and scrolls carved in turquoise were inspired by Egyptian, Indian, and Persian motifs.
The French jeweler explored these motifs throughout the early 20th century, she said, and its Eastern-inspired jewels were “hugely fashionable.”
“With impeccable provenance and a compelling marriage of Western and Eastern influences in the design, the tiara is exceptionally rare, and we feel honoured to have the opportunity to present it for sale for the first time in nearly a century.”
The tiara, seen here in a Cartier box, is “truly unique,” said Jean Ghika, Bonhams global head of jewelry.
The tiara was first recorded in the Cartier archives in 1929 when Cartier requested that English Art Works—the workshop within the 175 New Bond Street store that served as the main atelier for Cartier London—add the carved turquoise plumes and leaves to an existing diamond bandeau in 1930.
The completed tiara is listed in Cartier’s records in November 1930, said Bonhams, and was sold a month later to Viscount Astor.
In 1931, Lady Astor notably wore the tiara to the premiere of “City Lights” at the Dominion Theatre in London.
In the early 1930s, Lady Astor loaned the tiara to her sister Phyllis Langhorne Brand for a court presentation at Buckingham Palace.
Nancy's brother-in-law, the Hon. Robert Henry Brand, commissioned Cartier to produce a similar turquoise and diamond tiara in 1935.
The tiara belonging to Lady Astor’s sister is currently on display at the V&A museum’s Cartier exhibition.
Other highlights of the upcoming sale include a toi et moi ring set with a 2.05-carat fancy pink diamond and a 1.42-carat fancy bluish-green diamond. The pre-sale estimate is £180,000 to £250,000 ($239,300 to $332,300).
A Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. diamond and gem-set leaves necklace, circa 1980, is also up for sale.
A Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. necklace featuring pavé-set diamond leaves, gold stems and bows, and a gem-set butterfly
The articulated collar features pavé-set diamond leaves entwined with gold stems, with gold bows throughout and a gem-set butterfly.
The signed piece has a pre-sale estimate of £40,000 to £60,000 ($53,200 to $79,800).
Another Cartier piece will also hit the auction block. The citrine and diamond clip brooch, circa 1930, features the oval “buckle” motif set with circular-cut citrines and old brilliant-cut diamond accents. The central pin is channel-set with calibré-cut citrines.
A Cartier “buckle” clip brooch set with diamonds and citrines
The signed piece has a pre-sale estimate of £15,000 to £20,000 ($19,900 to $26,600).
For more information on the auction, visit the Bonhams website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
