This white enamel and gem cuff bangle by Verdura is a highlight from the collection of internationally bestselling author Barbara Taylor Bradford that will go up for auction this week.
London—A best-selling author’s jewels, as well as watches from her husband’s collection, will go under the hammer at Bonhams London soon.
Collected over Barbara Taylor Bradford and Robert Bradford’s 55-year marriage, 10 pieces of jewelry belonging to the writer will appear at the London Jewels auction on Dec. 4, followed by five timepieces from her husband’s collection in the Fine Wristwatches sale in London on Dec. 11.
Taylor Bradford has written more than 34 novels that have been published in 40 languages and sold 90 million copies to date. Her late husband Robert Bradford took care of her literary and business interests. He also produced nine of her books as television mini-series or movies.
Robert Bradford and Barbara Taylor BradfordAfter the publication of worldwide bestseller “A Woman of Substance” in 1979, he supervised the 1985 TV mini-series adaptation of the book. It was broadcast around the world, nominated for two Emmys and watched by 13.8 million people in the U.K.
Their marriage was widely covered in the media because of their strong partnership.
“During our wonderful marriage, he simply could not resist buying me fine jewelry,” she told Bonhams. “And I was given a lot as we were married for a long time. Every birthday, wedding anniversary, Christmas, new book publication, and even while on holiday, Bob would often surprise me with a fabulous piece.”
Taylor Bradford began collecting jewelry as the couple travelled between New York, Los Angeles and Europe.
Notable pieces in the writer’s collection come from some of the top jewelry houses, like Verdura, Tiffany and David Morris, and watchmakers like Rolex, Patek Philippe and Omega.
One of the most valuable jewels in the collection being offered at Bonhams is a fancy yellow radiant-cut 11.30-carat diamond ring, pictured above. With VS1 clarity and potential to be internally flawless, it has a pre-sale estimate of between $45,000 and $58,000.
Another notable piece is a white enamel and gem-set cuff bangle by Verdura, estimated at between $26,000 and $39,000. The limited-edition piece was featured in “The Power of Style: Verdura at 75” exhibition in New York in 2014.
See the gallery below for more highlights.
A ruby and diamond cuff, estimated at $5,200 to $7,700
A diamond star collar with a pair of pave diamond earclips (not pictured); the set is estimated to sell between $3,900 and $6,400
A chalcedony and diamond bead necklace by Verdura, estimated at $5,200 to $7,700
A citrine and diamond “Bird on a Rock” brooch by Schlumberger for Tiffany, estimated at $10,000 to $15,000
The five timepieces belonging to Bradford featured in the Dec. 11 sale include an 18-karat rose gold Patek Philippe Nautilus, Ref. 5711, estimated
to sell for between $23,000 and $28,000; an 18-karat gold Rolex Daytona Zenith, Ref. 16528, estimated at $19,000 to $25,000; and a stainless steel and gold Patek Philippe Neptune, Ref. 5080/1, estimated at $1,900 to $2,500.
There also will be a stainless-steel Omega Seamaster Co-Axial Aqua Terra, estimated to sell between $1,200 and $1,900; and an 18-karat gold rectangular Patek Philippe Gondolo, Ref. 5111, estimated at $5,000 to $7,000. Both are pictured below.
As an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust in the U.K., Barbara will give a donation to the charity following the jewelry auction.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.
