The past twelve months has been an incredible year for royal auctions, with countless historic items up for sale across numerous houses. From pieces worn to the future Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding to a tragic queen’s brooch, there were many items to choose from.
Princess Margaret’s Sapphire and Emerald Ring
Fellows Auctions included one of Princess Margaret’s unique pieces of jewellery in one of their November 2024 sales. The sapphire and emerald flower ring had already been sold once; her two children sold the ring after they inherited it upon her passing in 2002. The ring was exceptionally personal, made for Margaret herself.
Fellows listed it as, ”vibrant sapphire and emerald ring was a gift to Princess Margaret from Lord Glenconner, and it bares a delicate engraving of the Princess’ royal cypher on the inside of the band – the monogram ‘M’ surmounted by Princess Margaret’s coronet.
Queen Ena of Spain’s Emerald Pendant
In May, Christie’s in Hong Kong hosted the Magnificent Jewels sale. The lots included stunning pieces from Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpels, Graff, and more. A beautiful emerald and diamond brooch that belonged to Queen Ena of Spain was sold for over £165,000.
Queen Ena was Queen Victoria’s youngest grand-daughter and was Queen of Spain from 1906 until 1931 when the Second Spanish Republic was established. Ena was a carrier for haemophilia and passed the genetic disease onto her sons, which greatly strained her marriage. She was largely unpopular with the Spanish people.
Princess Nadejda of Bulgaria’s Diamond Bandeau Tiara
In November 2024, Sotheby’s Royal and Noble Jewels auction featured over one hundred pieces that were connected to Tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria and his family. Included in the large lot was a diamond bandeau tiara that Princess Nadejda of Bulgaria wore for her 1924 wedding to the Duke of Württemberg.
The bandeau style tiara has both cushion and rose-cut diamonds set in alternating lozenge and quatrefoil designs. It was estimated to sell for £60,000 to £90,000.
Diana, Princess of Wales’s Murray Arbeid Midnight Blue Gown
In June 2024, Julien’s Auctions in the United States hosted the Princess Diana’s Elegance & A Royal Collection with over two hundred pieces connected to Diana or other members of the British Royal Family.
The late Princess of Wales’s midnight blue, tulle mermaid style gown from Murray Arbeid was included in the sale. She wore the gown twice in 1986, including to the premiere of The Phantom of the Opera, and again in 1987. The gown sold for almost double its expected sale price, fetching over £600,000.
Bridesmaid Dress from the 1947 Royal Wedding
Lady Elizabeth Lambert’s Norman Hartnell bridesmaid dress from Princess Elizabeth’s 1947 went on the auction block at Christie’s on 2 July in The Exceptional Sale. This particular sale focused on items of royal and aristocratic provenance, including items linked to the Royal Family.
Christie’s described the gown as, ”tight fitting gathered bodice in ivory tulle, swathed with a deep fichu of pearl-spotted tulle and bordered with applique white satin syringa, the neckline trimmed with an ivory satin bow, the bouffant skirt of multi-layered ivory tulle with scattered clusters of flowers in applique satin, woven by Warner & Sons, symbolic of rebirth and to repeat the effect of the Royal bridal gown”
The tulle gown and matching headpiece was expected to sell for £30,000 to £50,000, and sold for an incredible £37,800.
