TrendsAug 13, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Proposes With Gigantic Oval-Cut DiamondModel Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.
AuctionsOct 22, 2020
These Jewels Gifted by Queen Victoria Are Heading to Auction
There’s a diamond, emerald and ruby locket and a 19th-century pearl and diamond brooch/pendant, both gifts to her goddaughters.
Queen Victoria gave this ruby, emerald and diamond locket to her goddaughter, Lady Victoria Scott, for her wedding in 1865. It’s heading to auction next month in the U.K., where it’s expected to sell for up to $6,600.
Cambridge, U.K.—She was a queen whose long reign still holds fascination for many, and jewels she gave as gifts are sure to generate interest when they go up for auction next month.
On Nov. 5, independent auction house Cheffins will sell pieces of jewelry Queen Victoria gave to her goddaughters.
Victoria, the last monarch of the House of Hanover, served as queen of Great Britain and Ireland from 1837 to 1901.
One of the queen’s good friends was Charlotte Anne Thynne, her Mistress of the Robes (senior lady in the queen’s household who looks after the monarch’s clothes and jewelry) from 1841 onward.
Thynne married Walter Francis Montague Douglas Scott, the fifth Duke of Buccleuch, on March 13, 1829, and the couple became close with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who regularly visited their home in Dalkeith, Scotland.
Their daughter, Victoria Alexandria Montagu Douglas Scott, was Queen Victoria’s goddaughter.
The Queen gave Lady Victoria Scott a locket set with diamonds, emeralds, and rubies when she married Schomberg Henry Kerr, ninth Marquess of Lothian, in 1865.
The piece, pictured at the top of the article, is monogrammed with “VR” on the front and has a personal engraving that reads: “To Lady Victoria Scott, on her marriage Feb y, 23 1865 from Victoria R.”
It has a pre-sale estimate of between £3,000 and £5,000 (about $3,900 to $6,600 at current exchange rates).
Queen Victoria also gave jewelry to Lady Victoria Scott’s daughter, Victoria Alexandrina Alberta Kerr, who was named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and also was one of her goddaughters.
It is seen at the bottom of the picture at right.
The piece comes in an original fitted case with an applied shield.
The shield is engraved with “To Lady Victoria Alexandrina Alberta Kerr from her Godmother VICTORIA R 11 December 1876.” There is also a cased portrait miniature of Victoria Kerr, and accompanying letters from her mother and Queen Victoria.
Also available in the sale is a portrait miniature of Charlotte Thynne, Duchess of Buccleuch, attributed to painter Robert Thorburn, estimated to garner between £600 and £800 (about $800 to $1,100).
The Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch eventually sponsored Thorburn, who moved to London in 1836 at age 15 to study at the Royal Academy.
He quickly became a favorite of the queen, who commissioned him to do many miniatures.
“Any jewelry with royal connections is always an exciting find when it surfaces on the art market, and these pieces come with cast-iron provenance from direct descent of the family,” said Steven Collins, head of Jewellery, Silver and Watches at Cheffins.
“Never before seen on the open market, these items are historically important, demonstrating Queen Victoria’s love for her two goddaughters and her close friendship with the Buccleuch family back in 19th century.”
The pieces will be featured in a sale called “Carats and Clarets – The Jewellery, Silver, Watches and Wine Sale” at Cheffins in Cambridge, U.K.
To view the full catalog, visit Cheffins.co.uk.
“Any jewelry with royal connections is always an exciting find when it surfaces on the art market, and these pieces come with cast-iron provenance from direct descent of the family,” said Steven Collins, head of Jewellery, Silver and Watches at Cheffins.
“Never before seen on the open market, these items are historically important, demonstrating Queen Victoria’s love for her two goddaughters and her close friendship with the Buccleuch family back in 19th century.”
The pieces will be featured in a sale called “Carats and Clarets – The Jewellery, Silver, Watches and Wine Sale” at Cheffins in Cambridge, U.K.
To view the full catalog, visit Cheffins.co.uk.
More on Auctions
The Latest
SourcingAug 13, 2025
ICA Names 2025 Board of DirectorsThe board elected 9 new directors at its recent ICA Congress in Brazil.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Colorado Jeweler, Whiskey Maker Collab on Ring GiveawayThree winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
SurveysAug 13, 2025
These Are The 25 Hottest Retailers, Says NRFJD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.
Weekly QuizAug 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
Columbia Gem House Launches Winza Sapphires, RubiesThe new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.
SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50MAcquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
Policies & IssuesAug 12, 2025
Higher Tariff on Chinese Imports Paused for 90 Days, Trump SaysPresident Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.
CollectionsAug 12, 2025
Jacquie Aiche’s New Collection Harnesses the Energy of the ThunderbirdThe “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.
ColumnistsAug 12, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Take a Better HeadshotColumnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.
CrimeAug 11, 2025
Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Death of Colorado JewelerPeter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.
IndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge JewelerThe retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2025
Bethenny Frankel to Give Keynote at CBG’s Experience ShowThe Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.
EditorsAug 11, 2025
The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple YearsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales RiseThe company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.
Events & AwardsAug 08, 2025
GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope Celebrates 10 Years of FundraisingThe organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel BangleThe brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony BennettThe first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown GemstonesThe catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird CharmsThe company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ CollectionDesigner Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami JewelerOmar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.
