The brooch had been auctioned by Sotheby's in April 1978.
https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/a-magnificent-and-historic-emerald-and-diamond-4147758-details.aspx
At the time of the 1978 auction it was purchased by Hilton Jewellers of London, who presumably sold it on to someone else.
The auction attracted the attention of the press because the brooch sold for a record 250,000 pounds, (one report says 275,000 pounds) then the highest price paid for a jewel at a UK auction.
Why the Duke sold the jewel is unknown but, at the time, there were no death duties to pay, and it may be simply that the brooch wasn't favoured by the ladies of the family,
So far I haven't spotted the brooch in any of the photos of any of the Duchesses. Hopefully someone will.
183
Responses
« Back to index | View thread »