A Romanov Princess's Jewelry Collection For Sale at Sotheby's

She was born Countess Natalia Pavlovna von Hohenfelsen in 1905, and was the daughter of Grand Duke Paul Alexandrovich, uncle of the last Russian Czar, Nicholas II. She escaped Russian with her mother and sister and lived in exile in Paris during the 1920s. Did they manage to escape with any of their jewelry?

There is no evidence of that, but Princess Natalie made up for lost treasures. She moved to London and modeled for Steichen and Horst and Beaton, and while there she met Broadway John C. “Jack” Wilson, business partner of Noel Coward, Alfred Lunt, and Lynn Fontanne. Wilson and Natalie were married in 1937 at his home in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Princess Natalie Paley was undoubtedly one of the 20th Century’s most stylish women.

“Princess Natalie Paley,” says Sotheby's Frank Everett, “was undoubtedly one of the 20^th Century’s most stylish women, as well as very close friend of Fulco di Verdura.” T&C can exclusively reveal that several pieces from her jewelry collection, including personal commissions created by Millicent Rogers and Verdura himself, will be up for auction at Sotheby's on December 10 in New York.

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Courtesy Sotheby's

An engagement photo of Natalia Pavlovna and Jack Wilson. The brooch and ring she is wearing are both in the upcoming auction.

“The Verdura pieces in this collection represent not only her fabulous mid-century style, but also their relationship as artist and patron,” says Everett of the December offerings, which include a diamond and emerald Maltese cross style brooch and an aquamarine and emerald large scale pin. “It is remarkable that any of her collection remains with her family, but especially pieces with such an important history in the world of jewelry design.”

The collection is of special interest to Ward Landrigan, COO of Verdura, who owns all of Fulco di Verdura’s archives. “Princess Paley’s remarkable life shared so many parallels with Duke Fulco di Verdura that it’s not surprising they were close friends,” says Landrigan. “Titled and talented—Natalie, Fulco, and the legendary editor Nicky de Gunzburg made their way together to the United States back in 1934. They made names for themselves first in Hollywood and then in New York. Their flair for stylish living made each of them notable in their chosen careers."

The Collection of Princess Natalie Paley

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There is a picture of Verdura, Natalie Paley, and Princess Baba de Faucigny-Lucinge arriving at the Colonial Ball in 1931. "It so much about their flair and style," says Landrigan. "Natalie Paley’s jewelry collection mirrors perfectly her inimitable style. In it you can see the milestones of Verdura’s entire career—a love of big colored stones, the signature Maltese cross, and his collaboration with Salvador Dali. ”

The collection of Princess Natalie Paley will be offered as part of Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels Sale in New York on December 10. It will be open to the public for previews from December 5 through 9.