The top lot at Bonhams’ “London Jewels” auction on June 5 was a Cartier turquoise and diamond tiara, circa 1930, owned by Nancy Astor, Viscountess Astor. It exceeded its pre-sale estimate, selling for more than $1 million.
London—A Cartier turquoise and diamond tiara that belonged to Nancy Astor, Viscountess Astor (1879-1964) was the top lot of Bonhams’ recent “London Jewels” sale.
The Astor tiara, circa 1930, sold for £889,400 ($1.2 million), more than three times its pre-sale estimate of £250,000 to 350,000 ($332,300 to $465,300).
Nancy Astor’s tiara, a gift from her husband, had not been on the market since he purchased it nearly a decade ago.
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 was a known advocate for temperance, welfare, education reform, and women’s rights in parliament.
The tiara was a gift from her husband, American-born Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount Astor (1879-1952), whom she met in 1905 while on the same trip across the Atlantic from America. They were married in 1906.
The piece had not been on the market since Lord Astor purchased it from Cartier in 1930.
“London Jewels featured an impressive selection of jewelry, but undoubtedly, the star of the sale was the Astor turquoise and diamond tiara by Cartier, formerly in the collection of Nancy, Viscountess Astor,” said Bonhams Global Head of Jewellery Jean Ghika.
She continued, “Set throughout with old brilliant, single, and rose-cut diamonds with distinctive plumes, leaves and scrolls carved in turquoise drawn from Egyptian, Indian, and Persian motifs, 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 were at the height of their creative prowess.”
The saleroom saw bids from across the globe, Ghika added.
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Other highlights from the 104-lot auction include a trio of antique diamond-set rose brooches from the mid-19th century. The three-brooch set sold for £305,200 ($413,000), more than six times the low end of its pre-sale estimate of £50,000 to 80,000 ($67,660 to $108,250).
A 4.13-carat Colombian emerald and diamond ring achieved £229,000 ($309,860), more than seven times its pre-sale estimate of £30,000 to £50,000 ($40,640 to $67,660).
The diamond brooches, each reflecting a budding rose amongst leaves, form a floral spray, set with antique cushion and rose-cut diamonds.
A ring, circa 1930, showcasing a 4.13-carat step-cut Colombian emerald outshone its estimate of £30,000 to 50,000 ($40,590 to $67,660).
A Boodles 9.12-carat diamond ring, circa 2009, also made it in the top 10 lots. It was estimated to sell for up to £120,000 ($162,370) and achieved £203,600 ($275,490).
A necklace featuring two strands of natural saltwater pearls graduating in size towards the center and an openwork lozenge-shaped clasp with floral, foliate, and knifewire detail, set with old brilliant and rose-cut diamonds.
Also, a natural pearl and diamond necklace, sold for £178,200 ($241,120), more than double its pre-sale estimate, while a ring featuring a 2.01-carat marquise-cut fancy intense orangey pink diamond off-set with a smaller marquise-cut diamond, sold within its estimate, fetching £127,400 ($172,380).
