Thursday, February 24, 2011

Some Royal bling

A follow up to yesterday's post on the Royal wedding, today I was struck with Wallis Simpson's jewelry.

Unfortunately, I think you could refer to Mrs. HRH Edward VIII as a bit of a tart. Why? Upon meeting Prince Edward, Simpson was already twice divorced. After the death of his father King George VI, Edward assumed the throne but was forced to abdicate his throne to marry Simpson. There were rumors about unusual methods of showing affections (ah-hem!) and once married, the couple relocated to homes in both New York City and Paris - effectively being dis-communicated from the Royal family. (tart).

But you have to admit the HRH Edward must have loved Simpson dearly, he gave up his lineage for her. Wouldn't this be an interesting love story to read about?

Pardon me if I sound like a trashy British tabloid. On to the jewels - which are all custom made by Cartier.

This Cartier onyx and diamond bracelet, was expected to fetch £1.5million at a 2010 Sotheby's auction. It was made in 1952, based on sketches of the big cats at the zoo in Vincennes, France 

Cartier brooch commissioned for the couple's 20th wedding anniversary
 
Simpson had this dazzling flamingo pin customised from several other pieces 
 
Simpson presented HRH Edward with a cigarette case showing a map of Europe and their holidays together 

The Duchess of Windsor, as she became know, wore this bracelet, featuring a single row of diamonds, supporting nine gem-set crosses engraved with inscriptions marking milestones in their relationship.



I don't have a bracelet that was inspired from a zoo animal, but my life is certainly not yet over. I think Amy needs a sapphire peacock and a onyx gorilla. Perhaps I need a pearl Shih Tzu? maybe not.

Simpson's entire set of jewels fetched nearly $12.5 million at Sotheby's New York in late 2010.

Photos and info from http://www.nbcnews.com/






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