https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-a-ruby-and-diamond-flower-brooch-by-4718103/?from=salesummary&intObjectID=4718103&lid=1&ldp_breadcrumb=back
While the Christie's auction catalogue for the sale of Princess Margaret's jewels identified this as a Cartier jewel made in London in 1948, no other details of the provenance were given.
See Christie's https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-a-ruby-and-diamond-flower-brooch-by-4718103/?from=salesummary&intObjectID=4718103&lid=1&ldp_breadcrumb=back
I have checked very carefully all the sites which claim to have expert knowledge, and none, even when this particular brooch has been discussed, has identified how Princess Margaret acquired the brooch or when.
This brooch was given to Princess Margaret in September 1948 when she launched the tanker, British Mariner in Glasgow for the Anglo- Iranian Company at the Govan yard of Messers Harland and Wolff.
The launch of the tanker
Leslie Field did note that Princess Margaret was given a ruby and diamond brooch by the ship owners and builders, but did not identify the actual brooch.
The proof that this brooch was the gift for launching the British Mariner in September 1948 comes from a newspaper publication.
Princess Margaret obviously knew that she would be presented with a brooch, as when she arrived at the event she was not wearing a brooch --as can be seen from this description of her dress and jewels.
Princess Margaret continued to wear the brooch frequently, commencing in September 1948 shortly after receiving it.
At Balmoral with Donald Bradman in September 1948
1949
Princess Margaret wore the brooch for day wear, evening wear and sometimes as a hair ornament throughout her life.
When the brooch was sold at auction it was in its original Cartier red leather box, but the silver presentation box with the sketch of a tanker at sea was not included. Presumably it is still with the family, unless it was at some stage disposed of separately.
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