- Re: Countess Mona Bismarck Archived Message
Posted by Beth
on July 15, 2018, 3:32 pm, in reply to "Re: Countess Mona Bismarck"
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What a great topic MarcA! This collection was totally unknown to me. I hope we can all pool some knowledge. I wish I could see the catalogue with her jewels which were sold in 1986. I see that she donated what is now referred to as the Bismarck sapphire to the Smithsonian in 1961. The Cartier necklace was made in 1935 using a sapphire which she and her then husband purchased on their honeymoon. The sapphire is a staggering 98.57 carats.  See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bismarck_Sapphire_Necklace  This eye catching Jadeite Cartier brooch was auctioned last year. http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2017/magnificent-jewels-and-noble-jewels-eve-ge1709/lot.362.html I think that the photo below does greater justice to the sapphire. Photo by Dane Penland. Photo credit: Famous Diamonds. I found the photo here https://eragem.com/news/mona-strader-bismarcks-signature-necklace-the-bismarck-sapphire/ which has some information about Mona Bismarck and this gem.. I see it mentions that she had South Sea pearls -- I must have a hunt for those.
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