It was a love affair that intrigued and scandalised the nation, eventually leading to an abdication of the throne. Indeed, the fascination of King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson's relationship seems in no danger of diminishing as the Sotheby's auction of 'Exceptional Jewels and Precious Objects Formerly in the Collection of The Duchess of Windsor' proved last night as it collected a staggering £7.9million. Indeed, the sale was initially estimated to fetch £3million.
The auction lot comprised of twenty pieces from exquisite jewels to love trinkets, often inscribed with coded notes of Wallis Simpson and the King's clandestine love affair. The collection included eleven pieces set by French jeweller Cartier, a favourite of the late Duchess. The highlights of the auction included the sale of the famous ruby, sapphire, emerald, citrine and diamond flamingo brooch, which was estimated at £1.5million, but eventually went for £1,721,250. However, it was to be the famous panther bracelet, composed of diamond and onyx with emerald eyes that was to spark a furious bidding war, eventually going under the hammer for an eye-watering £4.5million. Indeed the piece is now the most expensive bracelet and Cartier item ever sold at auction. Rumours have already begun to circulate that its new owner may be singer Madonna, who is currently directing a film about Wallis Simpson’s extraordinary life.
The auction comes twenty-three years after Sotheby's record-breaking 'Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor' sale in Geneva, which famously saw Prince Charles go head-to-head in a bidding war with Elizabeth Taylor for the Prince of Wales diamond feather brooch.