Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
AuctionsNov 10, 2020
This Locket From Queen Victoria Sold for Well Above Its Pre-Sale Estimate
It was offered at auctioneer Cheffins alongside other items Queen Victoria gifted to her goddaughters.
This gold, diamond, emerald and ruby locket Queen Victoria gave to her goddaughter Lady Victoria Scott on occasion of her wedding in 1865 more than tripled the high end of its pre-sale estimate at auctioneer Cheffins this month.
Cambridge, U.K.—Gifts from Queen Victoria to two of her goddaughters hit the auction block this month.
Part of Cambridge, England auctioneer Cheffins’ “Jewellery, Silver and Watches” sale, the most buzzed about item was a gold locket Queen Victoria gave to her goddaughter Lady Victoria Scott.
Monogrammed with “VR” on the front and featuring a personal engraving reading, “To Lady Victoria Scott, on her marriage Feb y, 23 1865 from Victoria R.” Queen Victoria gave the locket on occasion of her goddaughter’s marriage to Schomberg Henry Kerr, 9th Marquess of Lothian.
The gold locket is set with diamonds, emeralds and rubies and was estimated to fetch between £3,000 and £5,000 (about $3,971 to $6,618 at current exchange rates).
It went for six times the low end of that estimate when it garnered £18,000, or $23,824, selling to a Chinese telephone bidder.
The pearl and diamond convertible brooch/pendant with original fitted case is engraved: “To Lady Victoria Alexandrina Alberta Kerr from her Godmother VICTORIA R 11 December 1876.”
The jewel was accompanied by a cased portrait miniature of the child and original letters from Queen Victoria and Lady Victoria Scott, as seen in the picture just above.
The lot fetched £8,000 ($10,589), double the low estimate of £4,000 ($5,294).
Other sale highlights were a portrait miniature of Charlotte Thynne, Duchess of Buccleuch, by artist, Robert Thorburn, which sold for £2400 ($3,177), though originally only estimated to earn between £600 and £800 ($794 and $1,059), and an amber snuff box that was another gift from Queen Victoria to one of her direct descendants, which sold for £3,200 ($4,235).
Cheffins Head of Jewelry, Silver and Watches, Steven Collins, said: “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.
“The result achieved for the locket gifted to Lady Victoria Scott was over and above expectations, with competitive bidding on multiple phone lines and online from interested parties from across the globe.”
Full sale results are online.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 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.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
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.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
