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Lady Anne Cavendish-Bentinck
Posted by Janet on July 11, 2020, 10:15 am
The Portland jewels have often attracted attention, after the sale of many impressive items at Christies in 2010 and then the tragic theft of the Portland diamond tiara and stomacher in 2018.
On Amazon a vintage picture of Lady Anne Cavendish Bentinck, heiress of the Portland wealth appears. She is wearing an impressive necklace and brooch, neither of which match with the Portland items auctioned. It is entirely possible that these items are still owned by the descendants of the Portland family, after all they did not auction everything in 2010, they kept arguably the most impressive items, the Diamond tiara and stomacher, unknowing of course they would be stolen.
I suspect that William Parente, nephew and heir of Lady Anne Cavendish Bentinck, may have inherited a considerable quantity of jewellery. But following the Portland jewels in the press is another thing which I have never completed. I'll try to do a post with the few images I have later.
One jewel which wasn't sold, yet has historic connections, is a pearl necklace and drop pearl pendant which Winifred, Duchess of Portland was given on her marriage.
Numerous press reports stated that it was a Portland family heirloom which had formerly belonged to Queen Mary, wife of William.
Winnifred, Duchess of Portland was photographed or painting wearing pearls so often, but I have no idea whether one of the shorter strands may have been Queen Mary's pearls.
Another question which occurred to me is whether these pearls may even have been inherited by Lady Anne, as it is possible that they were entailed to the heirs of the first Earl of Portland and may have reverted to the subsequent Earl after the death of the 7th Duke.
When I looked at the wedding gifts given to Winnifred, Duchess of Portland, I was surprised by how little jewellery she received. Below are some descriptions.
Another list of wedding gifts mentions a pearl brooch given by the Duke. It is tempting to think this might be the large pearl brooch which was sold in 2010, as Winnifred, Duchess of Portland was seen to wear it frequently. Unfortunately, I don't have a sketch or clearer description which might confirm that.
Below we can see the Duchess wearing the brooch which was sold in 2010.
I also saw an interesting report that the Duke was in the habit of giving his wife, Winnifred, diamond horses when his horses won. I have no idea whether they were meant to be pendants, charms or free standing ornaments.