History of Famous Jewels and Collections
[ Message Archive | History of Famous Jewels and Collections ]

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    The Arcots Archived Message

    Posted by Beth on July 29, 2018, 7:39 pm, in reply to "Whatever became of the jewels QV of the UK handed to the Hanover line?"

    Queen Charlotte's Arcot diamonds ( or the two commonly referred to as such) were not initially sold as per her will, but were retained by George IV. Eventually they came into the possession of Bridge of Rundell and Bridge, the crown jewellers.

    After Bridge's death they were eventually sold in July 1837 and were acquired by Emanuel Brothers who appear to have acted on behalf of the then Marquis of Westminster for 11 thousand pounds. At the time the Arcots were set as earrings.

    Morning Chronicle 21 July 1837




    It wasn't until 1930 that they were mounted in the celebrated Westminster tiara.



    Apparently the Arcots were detachable and could be worn as earrings or in a brooch fitting.

    The tiara with the diamonds was sold in June 1959 to defray death duties and was purchased by Harry Winston who had the two diamonds re-cut to enhance their sparkle. One was then set as a pendant to a necklace and the other was set in a ring.
    Previous Message

    Are they or have they ever been any exhibits or present info on the so called many items of jewels handed over to the Hanoverian German Princely line? Were the jewels that were left to QC daughters lost forever or could they have been the Arcot spoken of which came into the Westminster (Grosvenor) family? I believe I may have found a link to answer some of my questions. Please see link below.

    http://famousdiamonds.tripod.com/arcotsdiamonds.html

    Regards,

    Dave.



    Previous Message

    Intriguing!! It looks as if there is a portrait under a diamond slice, similar to Queen Charlotte's ring with the portrait of George III, but I doubt if the Queen had a bracelet portrait done in this fashion.



    In many paintings the Queen is depicted wearing a pair of pearl bracelets, most likely those given to her as a wedding gift. Each had 6 rows of pearls; one had a portrait of George III, the other a lock of his hair and cipher. https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/collection/52211/ring-with-a-miniature-of-george-iii

    I suspect that the painting posted by ErikS displays an element of artistic licence and that West has, for what ever reason, depicted the central element with the portrait, as a large oval instead of round. In some other paintings the bracelets are depicted as having fewer rows of pearls which I think is also probably artistic licence.

    Four rows of pearls with a round miniature portrait.



    But, if Queen Charlotte had a larger miniature under a diamond slice it would be a significant find!
    Edit. I noticed that in Zoffany's portrait the Queen's bracelet has an oval centre piece with the King's portrait, but the oval is not as elongated as in West's painting and of course the portrait is not covered by a slice of diamond or glass.
    Previous Message

    Does anyone know anything about Queen Charlotte's bracelet in this portrait?




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