IndependentsSep 08, 2025
Take a Look Inside the New Korman Store in AustinThe Texas-based jeweler has also undergone a brand refresh, debuting a new website and logo.
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
MajorsSep 08, 2025
MJSA Is Officially Now Under JA’s UmbrellaThe two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.
Events & AwardsSep 08, 2025
27 Can’t-Miss Converge Sessions, Events From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
ColumnistsSep 05, 2025
Peter Smith: A Lasting Lesson From Maurice Tempelsman Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.
Weekly QuizSep 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsSep 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jamie Turner’s ‘Victoria’ Necklace The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.
Policies & IssuesSep 05, 2025
Trump Takes Tariffs Case to the Supreme Court Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
WatchesSep 05, 2025
Patrick Mahomes Is the New Hublot Brand AmbassadorThe Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.
SourcingSep 04, 2025
Lucara Unveils Unusual 37-Carat Pink DiamondThe Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.
WatchesSep 04, 2025
Breitling Takes Its NFL Game to the Next Level Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
The NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Returns in NovemberNYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé SaleU.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
These Are the Nearly 300 Claire’s Stores Set to CloseA new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
Stuller Releases 2 New Catalogs The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”
TrendsSep 03, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Perfect BirthstoneSapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 SalesThe retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps DownNiccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in JapanThe three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ CollabThe collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff ImpactCEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and CoachingSponsored by Clientbook
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales SlumpPresident Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry BuyerFormer Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.
