Jewels given to wallis simpson by duke of windsor go on sale a diamond, emerald and ruby cartier brooch which belonged to the duchess of windsor. Of course, she kept the original mounting her entire life. About the seller book of the jewels of the duchess of windsor, sothebys, april 1987. The duchess of windsor also on occasion would wear american costume designer jewelry, including miriam haskell jewelry. She is wearing her emerald bead and diamond necklacetiara by cartier, paris, as a head ornament. The duke of windsor aka edward viii and the duchess aka wallis simpson lived in villa windsor in pariss bois du boulogne, a home which is. Held over a two day period, this sale saw record prices for some of the most famous and iconic pieces of jewelry of the 20th century. Martyn gregory, who produced a bbc film about the famous collection, recalls mohamed alfayeds fascination with them. Apr 03, 2018 how the duke and duchess of windsor lived in paris. I usually admire the duchess s taste in jewelry but this is too much. Almost a year after the duchess of windsor s death, sothebys prepares to auction her jewelry by bevis hillier feb. The duchess of windsor is a sympathetic glimpse into the life of one of britains most hated women of the 20th century. Hardback book in dust jacket in very good condition but for a small taer to the front of the jacket. Windsor jewelry auction and mohamed fayeds connection.
Martyn gregory, who produced a film about the gems. British crown jewels royal crown jewels royal crowns royal tiaras royal jewelry tiaras and crowns princess crowns emerald jewelry silver jewelry. Oct 15, 2010 the duchess of windsors royal style the american socialites sparkling wit and meticulous taste wooed the king of england off his throne and inspired madonna to direct a film based on her life. A consummate writer and intimate of the duke and duchess of windsor, diana mosley was a frequent guest at their parties in paris or at the moulin in orsay, where they were neighbours. The secret life and millions of other books are available for amazon kindle. This book has many more photos of people that help bring the story of the duke and duchess to light, as well as excellent photos of the jewels that help bring the magnitude of wealth into real terms. Sep 29, 2009 wallis, the duchess of windsor 18961986, is remembered for her stylishness. Why has the story of the duke and duchess of windsor continued to resonate, so that books about their passion and their love of fashion pile up in bookstores, her jewels.
Feb 18, 2018 t his is the untold story of the duchess of windsor. Enter your mobile number or email address below and well send you a link to download the free kindle app. One of the most enchanting books i have ever purchased it is a fairytale of a jewerly catlogue. The cartier flamingo brooch was commissioned by the duke of windsor for the duchess in 1940 as a birthday gift. This book, published by sothebys back in the 80s, tells the story of the duke and duchess of windsor in the first part. Oct 15, 2010 the duchess of windsors fashion moments the way the fullofpep wallis simpson looked in london in the 30s would be right on for phoebe philos ce. The duke and duchess of windsor s story is well known he was the king who gave his throne in 1936 to marry the woman he loved. Designed by rene sim lacaze, it was a special order commissioned by the duke of windsor for the duchess s 40th birthday. How the duke and duchess of windsor lived in paris. Wallis simpson is perhaps one of the most notorious and, i. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. I have read several biographies of the duchess of windsor, but most seem to stick to the view of the era that she was some sort of monster who stole the king.
Jun 29, 20 the duchess of windsor s cartier bracelet. Book of the jewels of the duchess of windsor, sothebys. Discover the highlights from the fine jewels sale on 12 december in london, formerly the property of the duke and duchess of windsor. The story of the duke and duchess of windsor has been written about extensively in the history books. Mar 20, 2019 from brooches to bangles, the cartier panthere is a classic from a master jewelry house. This book is simply a retelling of material from all the other books i have read about the duke and duchess of windsor. It was 1957, and the duchess was wearing a dazzling necklace, composed of rows of large cabochon. Inside the duke and duchess of windsors french home. For sale on 1stdibs a beautiful hardback sale catalogue which sothebys produced for the 1987 sale of the jewelry collection of the duchess of windsor. Wallis bib necklace jewels of the duchess of windsor the duchess of windsor s cartier gold and gemset bib necklace. Such jewelry, which would never have been worn by a shrinking violet, was appropriate for a confident woman such as the duchess of windsor. The duchess of windsor, wallis simpson, owned several. Book of the jewels of the duchess of windsor sothebys geneva catalogue about this is an almost mint condition sothebys catalogue of the famous sale held in geneva in 1987 of the fabulous collection of jewels owned by the duchess of windsor.
Rivers of rubies and diamonds intertwine with each other culminating in an offcenter cascade of rubies. The untold true passion of the duchess of windsor by andrew morton digested read there is no reason to suggest she was a lesbian. The duchess of windsor was always immaculately dressed and never casual. The book took three years to write, with four researchers working on various aspects of the story and visiting archives in moscow, germany, america and britain, drawing on. It was september 1977, five years after the death of her husband, the man. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. This jeweled medallion worn by wallis simpson, duchess of windsor. The jewels of the late duchess of windsor sold for the benefit of the pasteur institue culme, john sothebys on. She filled her empty life by buying expensive clothes from the big paris fashion houses like chanel and getting the duke to buy her costly jewels from cartier. The history of the cartier panthere bracelet the duke and.
Free shipping on many items browse your favorite brands affordable prices. The jewels chart her love life with the duke of windsorfor example, the melodramatic inscription on her engagement ring, we are ours now. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. Now out of print, this book provides a most interesting historic record of the jewels given to the duchess by her besotted husband, which were sold for prices far exceeding the estimates a. Get the best deals on duchess of windsor jewelry when you shop the largest online selection at. The jewels of wallis simpson, duchess of windsor wallis simpson in blue jewels wallis simpson was an american socialite whose third marriage caused her harsh criticism in britain because her new husband was the heir to britains throne, and was forced to abdicate in order to marry her. Sothebys, september 1119, 1997 auction catalogue, three volume set in box. Condition reports and additional photographs are provided by request as a courtesy to our clients, as such any condition report is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. The duchess of windsors fashion moments harpers bazaar.
The jewels of the duchess of windsor by john culme. Sothebys is auctioning jewelry from the duke and duchess of windsor. On april 2 and 3, almost a year after the duchess of windsors death and. Buy the jewels of the duchess of windsor by culme, john, rayner, nicholas isbn. The duchess of windsor was permanently confined to her powder blue bedroom overlooking the lawns of her house in paris. Andrew morton on the duke and duchess of windsor and the. This book however is written by someone who knew her personally and views the duchess in a much kinder light. The duchess of windsor worked closely with designers to come up with stylish pieces. It is well researched, interestingly written and shockingly substantivea must for anyone studying the royals or the second world war. Prince edward gave wallis the prince of wales brooch in 1935 and it is an important piece of jewelry which bears. Simpson that ive yet read, this nonfiction piece paints a nasty picture of both the duke and duchess of windsor. Silver and amethyst belt, property of grand duchess elena vladimirovna.
The jewels of the duchess of windsor 1st edition,is a lush vicarious view of the golden age of royalty. To celebrate their 20 th anniversary, wallis simpson, who became the duchess of windsor when the couple married had cartier remount the ring into an elaborate goldandplatinum ring reflecting the lavish midcentury styles. Since almost nothing happens from the duke of windsor s death in the opening chapter in 1972 until her own in 1986, this requires much. In time, wallis simpson quickly became the talk of london due to her high society parties and lavish jewelry collection. The jewels of the duchess of windsor book by john culme. Designer costume jewelry was not only worn by royalty, but also by many of the rich and famous movie stars of the time, such as joan crawford, lucille ball, and gloria vanderbilt. April 24, 1986 this post will be about some of the items in her magnificent jewelry collection. I had no idea that anyone really had frames decorated with real gems, much less real gold purses with diamond encrusted trim and clasps. Lane met the duchess in the 1960s through harpers bazaar editor diana vreeland. It is said that during her last days, wallis simpson endured a lonely existence. The panther is crouched in a life like pose on a large.
In the wallis simpson, duchess of windsor acquired this diamond and sapphire panther pin from cartier. The illustrations are breathtaking, done by some of the worlds most famous photographers including lord snowdona marvelous addition to any collection. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. Now out of print, this book provides a most interesting historic record of the jewels given to the duchess by her besotted husband, which were sold for prices far exceeding the estimates a table of both is in the book. The jewels of the duchess of windsor were bought by her husband edward the former king edward viii or herself. The duchess of windsor jewels were unique, not only because of the. Rau also has a pair of cufflinks that belonged to the duke of windsor. On april 2 and 3, almost a year after the duchess of windsor s death and 15 years after the dukes, most of her jewels will be auctioned at sothebys in geneva.
The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely. Gorgeous photographs throughout of the jewels, and of the duke and duchess of windsor at various stages throughout their lives. Her father died shortly after her birth and she and her widowed mother were partly supported by their. Royal jewelry diamond jewelry fine jewelry antique jewelry vintage jewelry bling bling jewelry collection jewelry accessories gemstones how the queens brooches and earrings have a glittering history from an unusual heartshaped diamond worn at the royal windsor horse show to dazzling twin brooches that were a gift from her parents, her majesty. Michael bloch, its author, says she was born a man. The tragic, untold story of the duchess of windsor by hugo vickers. The duchess of windsors cartier bracelet eragem post. A story of love told in jewels is perhaps the best way to describe the 20 fabulous brooches, diamondstudded panther, cigarette boxes and golden evening bags that once belonged to mrs wallis simpson below, the duchess of windsor. After his abdication, the duke of windsor couldnt offer wallis simpson the throne, but he showered her with lavish jewels for the rest of his life. One of the main differences is that from this authors perspective, the duchess of windsor has been portrayed much too negatively by most other authors. An exacting hostess who kept a golden notepad servants called it her grumble book next to her during dinner parties to jot down the.
Empty life and living death of the queen who never was. Designed by rene sim lacaze, it was a special order commissioned by the duke of windsor for the duchesss 40th birthday. The jewels of the late duchess of windsor sold for the. The spectacular jewellery collection of wallis simpson. Nicholas rayner and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available. Book of the jewels of the duchess of windsor, sothebys, april 1987 about a beautiful hardback sale catalogue which sothebys produced for the 1987 sale of the jewelry collection of the duchess of windsor. Pearls were a favorite of the duchess, who often wore them in a single or double strand necklace, along with pearl and diamond drops. Written in her inimitable style archly intelligent, witty and perceptive. Book of the jewels of the duchess of windsor sothebys. The duke of windsor passed away in 1972, and the duchess lived on in paris as a widow. The jewels of the duchess of windsor by nicholas rayner. The narrative is drafted in such a way as to provide factual information and first hand accounts of the early years, weddings and the fateful meeting between the future king and the twice married wallis.
Possibly the greatest fine jewelry collection in the world. You love historice jewerly this is the book for you. The duchess of windsors engagement ring the adventurine. The duchess of windsors ribald sense of humor made her a perfect partner in crime for kenneth jay lane with whom she enjoyed a twodecade long friendship. Rare jewels and precious mementos that shed light on the lives of. Dec 01, 2010 duchess of windsors jewels sold for almost. An emerald bead and diamond necklace that was made for stock by cartier, paris, in 1949. These catalogs give a peek into their private livesover 3,000 lots were auctioned and photos of fine and decorative art items in numerous categories are photographed in color with descriptions. The duchess of windsor s ribald sense of humor made her a perfect partner in crime for kenneth jay lane with whom she enjoyed a twodecade long friendship.
Clean bright dust jacket is unchipped, no wear, no tears. But more than half the book was devoted to the dukes jewelry which i was not interested in. A beautiful hardback sale catalogue which sothebys produced for the 1987 sale of the jewelry collection of the duchess of windsor. Exceptional jewels and precious objects formerly in the collection of the duchess of windsor view past auction details. Feb 08, 1987 all conversation ceased at a sumptuous paris ball when the duchess of windsor made her entrance. The jewels of the late duchess of windsor sold for the benefit of the pasteur institue.
The duchess of windsors jewelry the beading gems journal. The jewels of the late duchess of windsor sold for the benefit of. Discover delightful childrens books with prime book box, a subscription that. Of the dozens of books written about wallis simpson, the duchess of windsor, the latest is surely the strangest. Duchess of windsor jewels for jewelry lovers and connoisseurs alike, the recently released jewelry tome, celebrating jewellery by sothebys jewelry specialists david bennett and daniela mascetti, is a dazzling feast f duchess of windsor jewels jewelry of the duchess of windsor see more. From book famous jewelry collectors section on the duchess of windsor. The wallis simpson jewelry collection consisted of 214 pieces. Providing you skip past the stories that have already been told many times over. Duchess of windsor jewel auction the jewellery editor. Then you can start reading kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer no kindle device required. I think that the publisher needs to state the truth.