Wallis Simpson, known as the Duchess of Windsor, gained notoriety not only for her controversial romance with King Edward VIII but also for her impeccable taste in fashion and jewelry. Revered for her iconic style and sophisticated glamour, Simpson's jewelry collection continues to captivate admirers today. In 1937, she married Prince Edward of Great Britain, solidifying their contentious union amidst Edward's abdication from the throne in 1936 to marry her, declaring her as "the woman I love."
Their romance is epitomized in various pieces crafted by Van Cleef & Arpels. Both Simpson and Edward shared a profound appreciation for jewelry, with Edward often collaborating with the Maison's designers to create bespoke pieces for Simpson. Notable among these creations are the ruby and diamond Cravate necklace (1936), the sapphire and diamond Jarretière bracelet (1936), and the Deux Plumes clip adorned with diamonds and Mystery Set rubies (1936), each exemplifying exquisite craftsmanship and symbolizing the depth of their love and devotion.
The Panther Bracelet:
Crafted by the esteemed jewelry house, Cartier, one of the standout pieces in Wallis Simpson's collection is the Panther Bracelet. This remarkable bracelet, created in Paris in 1952, features a captivating panther motif adorned with onyx, emeralds, and diamonds, exemplifying the pinnacle of luxury and artisanal skill. The finely-sculpted body of the panther is meticulously pavé-set with brilliant- and single-cut diamonds, accented by calibré-cut onyx. Each eye of the panther is adorned with a marquise-shaped emerald, adding to its allure. Symbolizing strength, grace, and independence, the Panther Bracelet became an emblem of Wallis Simpson's audacious and fearless spirit. Despite its length of 195 mm, it wears as if it were 165 mm, adding to its elegance and wearability.
The Cartier Flamingo Brooch:
Another remarkable addition to Wallis Simpson's jewelry collection is the Cartier Flamingo Brooch, a testament to exquisite artistry and design. Crafted in 1940, this stunning brooch portrays a flamboyant flamingo meticulously fashioned from diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, capturing the graceful elegance of the majestic bird. Presented to Wallis Simpson by her devoted husband, King Edward VIII, the Cartier Flamingo Brooch symbolizes the enduring love and affection between the couple.
Among the numerous iconic jewels in the Duchess of Windsor's collection, the Cartier Flamingo Brooch undoubtedly ranks among the top. Commissioned by the Duke of Windsor from Cartier-Paris in 1940, amidst the backdrop of World War II, the brooch stands as a pinnacle of creativity and ingenuity. Due to the scarcity of precious gems and metals during the war, clients were required to supply their own materials for jewelry-making. The Duke provided Cartier's Creative Director, Jeanne Toussaint, with four Art Deco line bracelets adorned with calibré-cut rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, along with a diamond necklace.
Designer Peter Lemarchand ingeniously incorporated these elements into the brooch's design, utilizing the line bracelets for the tail feathers and incorporating a hinged joint in the standing leg, providing the piece with movement and flexibility. Measuring approximately 4 inches in height, the brooch exudes a sculptural and slightly naturalistic quality, perfectly complementing the Duchess's petite frame.
Wallis Simpson Jarretière Bracelet
The diamond Jarretière Bracelet, a gift from Edward VIII, the Duke of Windsor, to his beloved wife Wallis Simpson, stands as a testament to their enduring love story. Renowned for sacrificing his throne for their union, the Duke poured his passion into designing unique jewelry pieces for his wife, each holding cherished memories for the couple.
Our take on this inspired Jarretière Bracelet, a highlight of Simpson's collection, draws inspiration from mid-19th-century style and makes a bold statement in the realm of jewelry. Featuring a broad design with a buckle slider, it showcases a delicate mordant pattern at its center. Adorned with a row of lustrous oval lab-created blue sapphires set in clusters with baguette accents, the bracelet boasts a total carat weight of 80 ct. Meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans in India, it exudes elegance and sophistication.
Since its inception, the Jarretière bracelet has emerged as an iconic symbol of style, sophistication, and romance. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or simply admire finely crafted jewelry, the Wallis Simpson inspired Jarretière bracelet is a timeless piece that epitomizes timeless elegance and will remain a coveted accessory for generations to come.
The Emerald necklace:
In 1960, the Parisian branch of Cartier created a remarkable necklace for the Duchess of Windsor, featuring five pear-shaped clusters. Each cluster showcased a central pear-shaped emerald surrounded by a radiant border of baguette and marquise diamonds, while the sides and back of the necklace consisted of semi-circular links set with circular- and square-cut diamonds. The main emerald weighed 14.61 carats, with the four accompanying pear-shaped emeralds ranging from 5.82 to 7.82 carats. Additionally, the necklace featured a stunning 48.95 carat pear-shaped emerald, acquired from Harry Winston in the same year, which could also be worn as a brooch. This exceptional stone was rumored to have once belonged to King Alfonso XIII of Spain, who sold it following his exile after the fall of the Monarchy in 1931.
Among the Duchess of Windsor's splendid jewelry collection was an extravagant Emerald Choker, radiating opulence and grandeur. Adorned with exquisite emeralds and diamonds, this lavish choker epitomized luxury and sophistication, perfectly complementing the Duchess's regal style and refined taste. Whether gracing grand soirées or intimate gatherings, the Emerald Choker added a touch of glamour and elegance to every ensemble, undoubtedly becoming a treasured asset in her jewelry repertoire.
Wallis Simpson 'Hold Tight' Ruby Bracelet:
Each jewelry piece bestowed upon Wallis Simpson by her husband, Edward VIII, held profound significance. Commissioned during a time of familial scrutiny as they pursued acceptance for their marriage, this bracelet, affectionately termed the "Hold Tight" bracelet, embodies a poignant sentiment shared by the couple. Inscribed with the words "Hold Tight," the bracelet symbolized their mutual reassurance during challenging pre-abdication times, signifying their unwavering support for one another.
Our take on the Wallis Simpson Inspired 'Hold Tight' Ruby Bracelet, is Handcrafted to perfection by our skilled artisans in India, our rendition of this iconic piece encapsulates its sentimental essence. Featuring 40 round lab-created rubies encircled by exquisite white round-cut and baguette-cut CZs, the bracelet boasts a total carat weight of approximately 74ct. Its understated yet elegant design, coupled with its rich history, renders it a truly exceptional piece of jewelry. We are confident that you will cherish adding this historical treasure to your collection.
Wallis Simpson's jewelry collection is a reflection of her timeless elegance, impeccable taste, and unwavering confidence. Each piece tells a story of love, passion, and glamour, embodying the essence of a woman who defied convention and captivated the world with her style and grace. From the iconic Panther Bracelet to the dazzling Emerald Choker, Wallis Simpson's jewelry continues to inspire awe and admiration, leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion and luxury.
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